Veragua
DUKE OF, a title conferred on the lineal descendants of first Christopher Columbus. It was borne by Luis Columbus in 1536. From him it passed to Diego Columbus, the great-grandson of the famous discoverer. He died childless in 1578, and the male line of Columbus came to an end.
A lawsuit for the succession to the title followed, and after 30 years was settled in favor of the descendants of Isabel, sister of Luis Columbus. This line coming to an end in 1733, the title was, after more litigation, settled on the Diego Columbus who died in 1578. The descent from Christopher Columbus, was born in Madrid, Spain, in 1837. In 1893, with his wife, he visited the United States on the invitation of the government, and witnessed the opening ceremonies of the Columbian Exposition. He was everywhere received with high honors as representative of the family. a