Tejanos Unidos

S

Sabeata, Juan

Who?  Juan Sabeata was the leader of a tribe of Jumano Indians.

What?  Chief Sabeata was responsible more than any other indigenous tribal leader to encourage Spanish missionary work, exploration, and trade with the Tejas Indians.  He was an enterprising sort of man who enticed the Spanish to the “Kingdom of the Tejas” by telling tales of riches.  It may be said that he was a one-man chamber of commerce in the Tejas territory.

When?  1690s

Recommended Source:  Book by Chipman, Donald “Spanish Texas 1519-1821”

Salcedo, Manuel de (Family includes General Nemesio, Salcedo his uncle)

Who?  Manuel de Salcedo was the Spanish Governor of Texas

What?  Salcedo was the son of a politically well-connected father.  He was well-educated in Spain and had learned the art of diplomatic service from his father.  He was appointed Governor of Texas in 1808 at a time of the beginning of social unrest in New Spain.  Having traveled in the U.S. on his way to New Spain, he admired the U.S. citizens’ industrious nature.  By the same token, he thought that the Europeans ought to be more tolerant of the existing indigenous groups with whom he wished to trade with.  He attempted to work with U.S. officials and citizens as he sought peace with many other unfriendly groups raiding settlers in East Texas.  He was a very dedicated servant of the Crown who tried valiantly to identify the causes and solutions to Spain’s many problems in New Spain.  His is a very interesting, but very tragic story.  

When? Early 1808-1813

Recommended Source:  Book by Chipman, Donald, “Spanish Texas 1519-1821”

Salt War

What?  This story typifies the drastic changes that Anglos brought to the daily lives of the Spanish Mexican people of the Southwest.  After the Civil War, great numbers of Anglos moved into the recently acquired territory from Mexico.  Although the people had been freely allowed to gather salt from the vast salt resources in the San Elisario area of West Texas, an Anglo settler claimed the land as private property.  That led to serious confrontation with the Spanish Mexican population who for generations had considered the lakes public property and guaranteed to them under terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.  The conflict resulted in several deaths and years of distrust and hatred between the Spanish Mexican and Anglo communities.

When?  1872

Recommended Source:  Book by Cool, Paul, “Salt Warriors”

Sanchez, Manuela (See St. Denis, Louis)

Who?  Manuela was a step-granddaughter of Don Diego Ramon, commander of the Presidio at San Juan Bautista (close to modern-day Eagle Pass) on the Rio Grande.  She is the first real powerful Spanish female in early Texas history. 

What?  Manuela married Louis St. Denis, the French explorer and trader who is responsible for the re-settlement of Texas by the Spanish.  Although he was French, St. Denis was also an enterprising businessman who saw an opportunity in trade between the two European powers in America.  Manuela and Louis had seven children and lived in Natchitoches, Louisiana.  As the many other early Spanish European females in Texas, Manuela was not only beautiful, but was strong of body and mind.  She was able to carry on her husband’s business activities after his death in order to support her young family.  She died in 1758.

When?  1714 – 1750s

Recommended Source:  Book by Chipman and Joseph, “Explorers and Settlers of Spanish Texas”

Sanchez, Tomas

Who?  Tomás Sánchez is the founder of Laredo, Texas.

What?  Tomás Sánchez de la Barrera y Garza was granted permission by José de Escandón to form a new settlement about thirty miles upriver from Nuestra Señora de los Dolores Hacienda in what is now Zapata County. Laredo was the last town established under the authority of Escandón, who had been given responsibility for settling the province of Nuevo Santander. The main purpose of this deliberate effort was to establish settlements to discourage French incursion from the east.   Sánchez chose a site downriver from a ford later called El Paso de los Indios but known at that time as El Paso de Jacinto (after Jacinto de León of the San Juan Bautista garrison, who noted it in a report of 1745).  About eight miles downriver from Laredo was another crossing, called the Don Miguel or Garza ford (after Miguel de la Garza Falcón).  The ford upstream could be crossed by a person on horseback, while the one downstream could be forded by sheep and goats.  Tienda de Cuervo, who inspected the community in 1757, reported that Laredo was the usual crossing place for those traveling to Texas from Nuevo León and Coahuila.  Don Tomas married Catarina Uribe (also Eribe) a member of one of the original Villas del Norte families accompanying Don José de Escandón to the area.  The initial settlement at Laredo was made by Sánchez and three families from Dolores.  They soon found that lack of rain restricted farming.  The rest of the land lay too high above the river for irrigation. Thus, the raising of livestock became their principal livelihood; chiefly goats, sheep, and cattle.

When?  1755

San Juan Bautista, Coahuila

What?  The town of San Juan Bautista was established on the Rio Grande in the area of what is now Eagle Pass, Texas.  With both a mission and a presidio, it was known as the “Gateway to Texas”.  All of the initial “Entradas” (entries) into Texas began in San Juan Bautista.  Close by, the crossing of the Rio Grande was also known as “El Paso de Francia” referring to the fact that Spain’s efforts to stop French intrusion into Texas also began here.

When?  1700

Recommended Source:  Book by Chipman, Donald, “Spanish Texas, 1519-1821”

Schiapapria, Juan Bautista (See Chapa, Juan Bautista) 

Seguin, Juan

Who?  Juan Seguin was a Texas-born Texas hero in the 1836 battles for Texas independence.  He is the son of Erasmo Seguin.

What?  Juan Seguin was an honorable patriot who served as a captain under General Sam Houston.  He was directed to leave the Alamo just before the famous battle to seek volunteers.   At the Battle of San Jacinto, Col. Juan Seguin who led the cavalry made up entirely of Tejanos.  It must be noticed that up to that time no one had ever seen an organized cavalry unit in action in America. Also, it was Juan Seguin’s organizing methods that the U.S. Army later copied to set up its first cavalry units.  When observing Tejanos on horseback, many admiring U.S. Army officers stated openly that they had never seen better horsemanship than that displayed by the citizen-soldier Tejanos, the true Cossacks of Texas.

After independence, he was elected Mayor of San Antonio.  However, the violence sweeping Texas against all Spanish Mexican citizens reached even this dedicated patriot.  All the Tejano heroics in the name of Texas independence were forgotten.  Juan Seguin and many leading Spanish Mexican citizens in San Antonio and other Texas towns were hounded out of Texas.  He was forced to leave San Antonio immediately by Anglo vigilantes.  He moved to Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, just across the Rio Grande from his beloved Texas.  That is where he died.  In 1968, the citizens of Seguin, Texas, exhumed his body from his grave in Nuevo Laredo and brought his bones back home to Seguin, the home of his ancestors.  The city has built a monument in his honor.

When?  1830s-1840s

Sephardic Jews

(An Article by Dr. Lino Garcia on Our Ancestors of South Texas)

What? Many of the old-line Spanish families, who settled in Northern New Spain, were sefarditas, Spanish Jews who brought their knowledge and acute system of la tienda de abarrotes (general grocery store) with them.  In my own youth, I had many encounters with long-established Brownsville families whose businesses centered on large general stores, where all commodities were sold and that were administered by all members of the family.  They were hard-working people whose motto translated to "la cama acaba," (too much bed rest hastens our demise). That philosophy was evident in their strong work ethic.

 In the area of food, many of the Tejanos’ panes de dulce are similar to pastries eaten by Jews in other parts of the world.  Pan de semita (Semitic bread) is one of them, as this pastry is eaten during Passover/Lent (Others are pan de trenzas and cuernos.)  Pan de semita was eaten in Spain during the Middle Ages and remains a very popular bread in South Texas today.  Pork lard (consumption of pork is forbidden in Judaism) is never used in pan de semita, and it is baked unleavened, yet another Jewish custom.

 Other ingredients identified in pan de semita are raisins, pecans and vegetal oil.  We know also that this type of Semitic bread is found along the Texas/Mexico border as it was brought here by the early settlers who came with Col. José de Escandón in 1749.

 Other Spanish Jewish customs prevalent among Tejanos in South Texas are the eating of cabrito (goat), as well as the slaughtering of chickens, which is done by wringing the neck or by cutting it with one knife stroke. All blood must be immediately drained from the animal, and the fowl is then placed in hot water to get rid of the remaining blood.

 Another practice traced to Jewish custom is the making of capirotada, a bread pudding that includes raw sugar, cinnamon, cheese, pecans and raisins. It, too, is eaten during Lent, but is today prepared year-round.  As a matter of note, the ingredients used for South Texas capirotada are identical to those used by Crypto-Jewish people in the New Spain of the 1640s.

 In South Texas many oral customs and traditions can be traced to the early sefardita families of the area. One very evident similarity is in the many names of people in this region, such as Adán, Israel, Josué, Raquel, Solomón, Isidro, Benjamín, José María, Isaac, Abrán, Jesús, Eleazar, Ezequiel, David, Aaron, de León, Castro, Carvajal, Elías, Isaías, Medina, Jacobo, Ruth and Sarah.  This is proof of the key sefarditas influence who first settled in South Texas.

 In addition, customs like escorting a young woman were rigidly applied.  Also, the custom of a girl’s "coming out" into society developed into the practice of the quinceañera, a South Texas institution with all of its ceremonies that also can be traced to Jewish tradition.

 The Tejanos of South Texas have always enjoyed a strong work ethic, a love of family, strong patriotism, loyalty and strong religious faith.  Families ties extend over many generations, and a family event is always a time to celebrate.  We can clearly see the Spanish-Jewish influence on our South Texas culture, on the foods and other traditions that have played an important part in shaping the lives of today’s Tejanos.

Source:  Dr. Lino García Jr., Professor Emeritus of Spanish Literature at the University of Texas-Pan American. 

Shipwreck of the Santa Maria de Yciar, San Esteban, and Espiritu Santo

What?  Right after arriving in the new world, many of the new Spanish citizens had become very successful in making a new start.  Their strong family and business connections in Spain and Cuba was the drive behind an active passenger and cargo shipping industry.  In April of 1554, a flotilla of four ships carrying about three hundred passengers were wrecked on the Texas coast as a result of a storm.  About 200 people survived the shipwreck of three of the ships.  They were washed up against the strange and foreboding coastline.  A few of them organized and repaired a small boat that they sailed back to Veracruz with hopes of sending help to the others.  However, help never came.  The rest of the survivors decided to walk the coastline to the south hoping to reach the port of Tampico.  Unfortunately, they were followed by angry natives who killed anyone who lagged behind.  Despain, hunger, and the elements took its toll on the rest.  In the end, only one person lived to tell the story.  His name is Fray Marcos de Mena.

When?  1554

Recommended Source:  Book by Chipman, Donald, “Spanish Texas, 1519-1821”

St. Denis, Louis (See also Sanchez, Manuela)

Who?  Born in New France (Canada), St. Denis was involved in setting up French colonies at the mouth of the Mississippi River.  Oddly enough, the Frenchman was also responsible for expanding Spanish missions in East Texas to control the French from moving into Spanish Texas.  The Domingo Ramon-St. Denis expedition of 1716-1717 established the easternmost mission in Texas, San Miguel de los Adaes, whose ruins are now in present-day Louisiana.

What?  Aided by the Talon brothers who acted as guides and interpreters, St. Denis was able to re-establish French contact with the East Texas Indians.  Finding that the Spanish had been in the area years before, the Frenchman and a small group traveled to San Juan Bautista on the Rio Grande asking for food and provisions.  The unexpected visit by a Frenchman this far west stirred the emotions of the Spanish authorities.  Shortly thereafter, the Spanish began a re-entry into Texas and they never abandoned their Texas territory again.  While under house arrest in San Juan Bautista, St. Denis courted and then married Don Diego’s beautiful step-granddaughter, Manuela Sanchez Navarro.  The marriage served him well, both in becoming part of the Ramon family and possible merchant opportunities by trading between Spanish Texas and the French in Louisiana.

When?  1714 – 1720s

Recommended Source:  Book by Chipman, Donald, “Spanish Texas 1519-1821”

Somos Primos

What?  An organization dedicated to the preservation of Spanish American history and genealogy.

Recommended Source:  www.somosprimos.com

T

Talon, Pierre and Jean-Baptiste (Parents Lucien and Isabelle)

Who?  French brothers rescued by Alonso de Leon and Francisco Martinez.  Their parents were members of the LaSalle Expedition and their family consisted of eight members.  Their father disappeared into the woods while he was supposedly looking for food.  Two other siblings died of illness.  Their mother was killed by the Karankawa Indians and the boys taken as captives.  They lived with the tribe until rescued by the Spanish who rescued other French survivors and returned them to live with Viceroy Galve and his family in Mexico City.  Of note is the fact that young Pierre, as an eleven-year-old, was a witness to LaSalle’s brutal murder at the hands of his own men in 1687.

When?  1690s

Recommended Source:  Book by Chipman, Donald, “Spanish Texas, 1519-1821”

Tejano

What?  A native or inhabitant of Tejas (Texas).  Term appears to have been first used in the 1820s to refer to those Mexican citizens who had elected to move permanently to the Province of Tejas.  While most had Spanish surnames, many had non-Hispanic European names, more prominently French and Italian.  More importantly, the majority of the first settlers in Tejas had already blended with Native Americans.  It should be noted that the Mexican citizens living between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande do not become "Tejanos" until 1848, as a result of the end of the U.S.-Mexico War.

 Tejanos and Mexicanos

Tejanos and Mexicanos (Mejicanos) are one and the same family group. Tejanos are a robust blend of white Spanish European and brown Native American stock. The first Tejanos were Mexican citizens who settled the Texas Province from Monclova, Monterrey, Queretaro, Zacatecas, etc. In 1848, when the present U.S. Mexico border was drawn, it set up a permanent Mason-Dixon Line, separating families. Today, many Tejanos have extended family in northern and central Mexico. That’s the main reason why residents on both sides call this region The Borderlands.

Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin, Texas (See Tijerina, Dr. Andrés)

What?  The Tejano Genealogy Society is an organization dedicated to the preservation of the rich history that gave root to the great place we call Texas.  The group meets monthly.  They support and host several events highlighting the role of Tejano pioneers in Texas.  Visit them at: 

www.freewebs.com/nosotroslostejanos/apps/guestbook/

Tejano Monument

What?  Of all the monuments in Austin, Texas, dedicated to the heroism of Texas history figures, none of them honor Spanish Mexican heroes.  The Texas Legislature recognized the error and approved matching funds to build an appropriate monument.  The Tejano Monument, Inc. was organized to coordinate the effort.  Through grass-roots efforts, the needed private funds were collected and the venture became a reality.  In 2009, seven years after the project began; Governor Perry signed the bill authorizing its construction.  The monument, designed and developed by Armando Hinojosa, a well-known artist from Laredo, will be finished by 2011.

Tejano Monument, Inc

The Tejano Monument, Inc did the right thing for the right reason.  President: Dr. Cayetano E. Barrera; V-Presidents: Andrés Tijerina, Homero Vera, and Renato Ramirez; Secretary Treasurer, Richard P. Sanchez provided the leadership during the campaign to get the monument done.  Their combined efforts demonstrate what a group of committed individuals can do when they set their minds to complete an important task.  They embody the old Spanish adage, “Si se Puede!  Thanks to the construction of the Tejano Monument, future generations of Texans will readily see that Texas does indeed have Spanish Mexican roots.  Re-discovering this long-missing piece of Texas history cannot be over-emphasized.  There is a correlation between one’s self esteem and the level of education.  Hopefully, Spanish Mexican descendants in Texas, especially school age children, will be inspired to aspire to stay in school and graduate from high school and college.        

Teran de los Rios, Domingo

Who?  Domingo Teran de los Rios is the First Governor of Texas.

What?  Teran de los Rios was an experienced government official who had also led expeditions in exploration, Indian wars, and silver mining.  His camp in 1691 along the San Antonio River became the site of San Antonio de Padua Mission (present-day San Antonio).  Although he considerably explored Texas after Alonzo de Leon, he was not happy to be in Texas, which he considered an inferior assignment.  Although he traveled extensively from the Rio Grande to East Texas, he was not successful in re-establishing Catholic Missions in Texas during his tenure.

When?  1691

Recommended Source:  Book by Chipman, Donald, “Spanish Texas, 1519-1821”

Thonhoff, Robert H.

 Who?  Robert H Thonhoff is a retired educator, a retired Karnes County Judge, an author, historian, speaker, emcee, and community leader.

What? Mr. Thonhoff has been married since 1951 to the former Victoria Marie Balser of Coy City, Texas. After a teaching career of thirty-five years (thirty-two of them at Fashing, Texas), Robert and Victoria retired in 1988 and moved to nearby Karnes City, where they continue to reside. They have three children and five grandchildren. Over the years he has written four books on Spanish Texas history and is a five-time winner of the prestigious Presidio La Bahía Award, which is given annually by the Sons of the Republic of Texas for best works on the Spanish colonial history of Texas.  Three of his books are about Texas and the American Revolution, and one is about Texas and the Mexican Revolution. In June 2003, Eakin Press published his book entitled Camp Kenedy, Texas, which tells the story of the five military camps of Kenedy, 1918-1945.

In 2004 he wrote sesquicentennial histories for both Karnes County, Texas, and Panna Maria, Texas . Most recently, in 2006 he wrote and self-published A quadrilogy of essays about the vital contribution of Spain, including Texas, in the winning of the American Revolution, which won for him the Presidio La Bahía Award for a fifth time. In more recent years he has helped a number of authors write books about their Tejano ancestors.

In 1985 he was presented the History Medal Award of the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, which is given “for outstanding contribution to American history.” In 1981, because of his research and writing, he was made an Honorary Member of the Order of Granaderos de Gálvez.  In 1992 he was made an Honorary Member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and in April 2003 was invested as a Knight of San Jacinto.  He served as a Historical Consultant for the Tricentennial Comemoration of the Camino Real in Texas in 1991 and for the Camino Real de los Tejas National Historical Trail 1998-2006. Thonhoff was an original researcher for the Institute of Texan Cultures in 1967-1968, and, representing the German heritage of Texas, he has been an emcee in the character of “Professor Katzenjammer” at each of its Texas Folklife Festivals since 1972. After 35 consecutive years, he retired in June 2006 as Emcee and “Hung Up His Lederhosen.”  He continues as an ITC Ambassador. 

A longtime member of the Texas State Historical Association, the oldest learned society in Texas, he was elected a Fellow in 1980, served on its Executive Committee from 1984-1988, and was elected as its President in 1994-1995.  The monumental New Handbook of Texas was published during his tenure, with he himself contributing over eighty articles.

Tienda de Cuervo, Capitán José

Who?  Capitán Tienda de Cuervo was a key player in the early settlement of Texas.

What?  After the Villas del Norte were set up in the Lower Rio Grande, the Spanish king began to receive unfavorable reports about the man responsible for the settlements, Don Jose de Escandon.  As a result, the New Spain Viceroy sent Capitán Tienda de Cuervo as the equivalent of a modern-day Inspector General.  His mission and that of his assistant was to conduct a top-to-bottom review on the progress of the Spanish colonies.  The two men travelled extensively throughout Texas and their report was equally comprehensive.  Unfortunately, the report was not complimentary to the colonizing efforts, citing its tremendous cost on the Spanish Crown.  Also, Escandón’s management style was not supported, nor was it flattering to Laredo, one of the main villas.  The report recommended the closure of several questionable settlements.  All in all, the Tienda de Cuervo report was well-received and many of its recommendations were adopted.   

Recommended Source:  Book by Chipman, Donald, “Spanish Texas, 1519-1821”

Tijerina, Dr. Andrés

Who?  Dr. Andrés Tijerina is a well-known Tejano historian.

What?  Dr. Tijerina is one of the founders of the Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin.  He is a well-known professor of history at Austin Community College.  He is the author of several books on early Texas history that are must-reads for anyone interested in early Texas history.  As a member of the Tejano Monument, Inc committee, he was also instrumental in bringing the Tejano Monument in Austin to reality.

U

Uribe, Blas Maria (See Uribe, Ignacia Gutiérrez de Lara de)

Who?  Blas Maria is the patriarch of a branch of the well-known Uribe family of South Texas.

What?  Don Blas Maria (1811-1895) is a true son of the Rio Grande.  He was born in Revilla (now Guerrero, Tamaulipas) across from modern-day Zapata, Texas, back in the days when the Rio Grande was not the political boundary that it is today.  Rather, it was a local river that was settled in the mid-1700s by the same families on both sides.  Blas Maria grew up at El Uribeño Ranch in what is now Zapata County.  He was raised under the tutelage of his widowed mother, the enterprising and business-savvy Doña Ignacia who encouraged her son to enter the transportation business.  Still a young man in his late teens, Blas Maria became a rancher, merchant, and freight boss.  His import and export station was strategically located on the Rio Grande, the mid-point on the Camino Real from Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico to the interior of Tejas.  Beginning in the 1820s, Uribe “carretas” (carts) out of Dolores and San Ygnacio, Texas were the lifeline in the Camino transporting goods to the many communities and isolated ranchos that dotted South Texas.  He became a powerful and active community leader.  He married Juliana Treviño, daughter of a prominent landowner, Don Jesus Treviño, whose house now designated a Texas historical site, still stands in San Ygnacio.  A story is told of a young Mexican officer who visited Don Blas Maria at his ranch El Uribeño.  The man was looking to build an army and needed teams of mules to carry weapons and equipment he planned to purchase.  According to Mercurio Martinez in his book, “The Kingdom of Zapata”, Blas Maria sold the customer about 40 mules.  The man’s name?  Porfirio Diaz, a man who later became President of Mexico.  As a most controversial leader, he ruled Mexico for over 30 years. 

When?  1820s – 1890s

Recommended Source:  Book by Martinez and Lott, “Kingdom of Zapata”

Uribe, Doña Ignacia Gutiérrez de Lara de

Who?  Doña Ignacia Gutiérrezde Lara de Uribe was the wife of Don José Dionisio Uribe from Revilla, Nuevo Santander.

What?  Doña Ignacia is a true pioneer woman of early Texas.  Doña Ignacia personifies the many women of her era whose roles have been largely forgotten in the settlement of Texas.  Many of their stories are waiting to be told.  Doña Ignacia’s story is one of faith, hope, and determination.  When Don José Dionisio died, she was left a widow in Revilla.  She decided to cross the Rio Grande on her own.  At the time, it must be recalled that the Rio was not the political boundary that it is today.  Rather, it was just another local river in Nuevo Santander settled on both sides by the same families.  Since Don José Dionisio owned property on the northern side of the river (now in the San Ygnacio, Texas area), she went to live there with her small children, including Blas Maria 11, to make a new beginning.  What made the trip extraordinary is that Doña Ignacia did it all on her own, with no one else’s help!  She put her two young children and her meager belongings on a raft and maneuvered the craft to the other side of the treacherous river.  Once there, she established “El Uribeño Ranch”.   Making her brave stand in the middle of the South Texas brush country, she single-handedly fought off constant Indian raids.  She endured droughts, storms, and other hardships, but she was able to survive and thrive.  Many of her descendants still live in the area, now modern-day Zapata and Webb Counties.  

When?  1822

Recommended Source:  Book by Martinez and Lott, “Kingdom of Zapata”

Uribe, Joel

Who?  Joel is an author and retired educator from Laredo, Texas.

What?  Joel is an avid historian of South Texas who writes both in English and Spanish.  Along with his brother, Jorge, Joel put together the first-ever family tree of the Blas Maria Uribe Family from Revilla (Guerrero), Nuevo Santander (Tamaulipas), and San Ygnacio, Texas.  He is the author of several books on the local Laredo-area history and its proud pioneer families.  His new book, “The Sword and the Chalice” (La Espada y el Caliz) is the story of Don Bernardo Gutiérrezde Lara (the warrior) and his brother, Jose Antonio (the priest) who are two of the first to seek independence in Texas.  Also, he has written a 5-act play on the heroic family.  In it, he describes the probable conversations Don Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara had with his immediate family trying to decide how best to get involved in seeking freedom, liberty, and independence for the Province of Tejas.  Joel and his siblings are accomplished musicians.

Uribe, Doña Maria Josefa Uribe de Gutiérrez de Lara

Who?  Doña Maria Josefa is the wife of Lt. Colonel Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara.

What?  Maria Josefa personifies the many women who sacrificed much in the name of Texas independence.  She supported her husband in his vision and quest to make Texas free.  In 1811, when Don Bernardo left Revilla to organize the Army of the North, the Spanish authorities attacked the Gutierrez de Lara rancho.  They confiscated all property owned by Don Bernardo and brutally treated his family, including Maria Josefa.  The family endured the harassment for many months.  Eventually, Maria Josefa and her two young children were secretly escorted to San Antonio to join Don Bernardo who had just been elected the first President of Texas.  Maria Josefa has the distinction of being the first Texas First Lady. 

Urrutia, Jose de

Who? Jose de Urrutia is a real trail blazer in Texas history.

What?  Although he is little known in Texas history, Urrutia is a true frontiersman.  As a Spanish soldier in early New Spain, he quickly established himself as an adept scout, guide, and interpreter.  He served as the commander of the San Antonio presidio where he established good relations with local clans.  Because of his interest in learning more about the local inhabitants, he elected to live among the indigenous people of Texas.  He travelled extensively in Texas and was familar with the native populations.  He spoke several of their dialects.  When the Spanish government decided to settle the vast open spaces of Texas, government officials in San Juan Bautista, "The Gateway to Texas" relied on Urrutia's experience with the terrain and the people.  Father Antonio Olivares used Urrutia extensively during the first organized incursions into Texas.  He is truly an unsung hero of Texas history.

V

Valenzuela, Major General Alfred

Who?  General Alfred Valenzuela is a retired General, U.S. Army

What?  Alfred Valenzuela is the type of general who literally “pulled himself up by his bootstraps”.  His story should be an inspiration to every Spanish-surnamed child living in barrios of the Southwest, especially those who feel overwhelmed by the odds against them.  General Valenzuela is the author of the book, “No Greater Love”.  In the book he describes how he was able to reach the third highest rank in the military, a rare feat for Spanish-surnamed U.S. citizens.  He also describes his role in ensuring that all soldiers who give their lives in the defense of our country are buried with the respect and dignity they have earned.  Of note is the fact that some of the soldiers that General Valenzuela has honored were foreign-born.  The book is recommended to all high school and college-age students.  His story proves the old adage, “hard work pays off”.  (All proceeds of the book sales go to The General Alfred Valenzuela Family Foundation, an educational foundation for at-risk children and families of soldiers killed in the line of duty.)    

Vela, Petra de Kenedy

Who?  Petra Vela.

What?  Petra Vela was a rancher and philanthopist in Kenedy County, Texas.

When?  1825-1894

Vergara Ancelmo (Bergara, Jose Ancelmo)

Villa de San Agustín de Laredo Genealogy Society (VSALGS)

What?  The “Villa” is an organization of dedicated descendants of the early settlers of South Texas.  They meet monthly and host a number of conferences, demonstrations, field trips, and related genealogy and historical functions.  They are based in Laredo, Texas.

Villarreal, Jose (See Martinez, Cosme)

Who?  Jose Villarreal was one of two cousins who were capturedby Indians in the early 1800s.

What?  Jose Villarreal and his cousin, Cosme Martinez, were both captured by Comanche Indians at their ranch in what is now Zapata County.  They were forced to go with their captors who took them north to the area now known as Austin, Texas. They were to be traded to other tribes as slaves.  However, one night they escaped and with the North Star always at their back, they made it back to the Rio Grande.  They were then reunited with their parents.  Jose Villarreal, a self-taught astronomer, is the one who put the sun dial on the Jesus Trevino Home in San Ygnacio, Texas, now designated as a historical home.

Recommended Source:  Martinez, Mercurio, “Kingdom of Zapata”.

Villarreal, Jose de Jesus (and his brother, Petronillo)

Who?  The Villarreal brothers were born and lived in Revilla, Nuevo Santander in the early 1800s.

What?  Don Jose de Jesus was a faithful friend of Don Bernardo Gutiérrezde Lara, the leader of the Tejano revolt against Spanish colonial rule in 1811.  Organizing the Army of the North, Don Bernardo led his men in a series of quick victories over the Spanish royalist forces.  After Don Bernardo’s success in taking possession of the Spanish Regional capital of San Fernando (San Antonio), in 1813, Don Bernardo sent word to his friend, Don Jose de Jesus that he wanted him escort  his family to join him in San Antonio.  This is a task that Don Bernardo would not have asked anyone else to do, but his trustworthy and intimate friend.  With the help of his brother Petronillo, Don Jose de Jesus agreed to take Doña Maria Josefa Uribe de Gutiérrezde Lara and her two young children to San Antonio.  The trip was very dangerous.  The Spanish patrols would have killed them instantly if they found out who they were.  So, they had to travel by night and used only narrow trails and pathways through the South Texas brush country to reach Don Bernardo.  After safely delivering Doña Josefa and her two children, Jose Angel and Maria Eugenia, to Don Bernardo, the two brothers returned to Revilla.  Unfortunately, the Spanish authorities had found out about the trip and were waiting for the Villarreal brothers.  They were arrested and executed for helping Don Bernardo.  Because of their valiant actions, they deserve to be honored as early Texas heroes who paid with their lives in support of Texas independence and the First Republic of Texas.  (Note: As with many other heroes in these lists, the descendants of Don Jose de Jesus still live in the Zapata, Texas area.)

When?  1813

Recommended Source:  Lopez, Jose Antonio, “The Last Knight (Don Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara Uribe, A Texas Hero)”

Villas del Norte (See Escandon, Don José de)

What?  The Villas del Norte Project was a carefully planned effort to settle Mexico’s northern territory, now known as Texas.  Although, the area between the Nueces River and Rio Grande was part of Nuevo Santander (Tamaulipas) and didn’t become part of Texas until 1848.  As the Governor of the new state of Nuevo Santander, Don Jose established over twenty separate settlements in his area of responsibility.  Many of the original villas still exist.  Among them are Laredo, Mier, Reynosa, and Camargo.  It should be noted that the Rio Grande was not a political boundary as it is today.  Rather, it was a local river in Nuevo Santander that the same families settled on both sides of the river.  Other than the San Antonio area, La Bahia, and East Texas, this was the largest effort undertaken by Spain to settle in what is now Texas.  Eventually, Escandon would lead twenty-three different settlements: Nuestra Señora de Santa Ana de Camargo (1749), Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe de Reynosa (1749), Güemes, Santo Domingo de Hoyos y Real de Borbón, Aguayo, Llera, Escandon, San Juan Bautista de Horcasitas, Altamira, San Antonio de Padilla, Santander, Santillana, Soto la Marina, San Fernando, Hacienda de Dolores, Burgos, San Lorenzo del Jaumave, Santa Barbara, Palmillas, Infantes, Roma (1765), Mier (1753), San Ygnacio (1750), Dolores (1750), and Villa del Señor San Ignacio de Loyola de Revilla. (J. M. Pena, Four Winds from Revilla).  

When?  1747-1755

When the Call Went Out to Set Texas Free (Homage to Don Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara, The President of the First Republic of Texas, 1813)

When the call went out to set Texas free,

A knight from Revilla bravely answered the plea.

September 16, 1810, was the date,

He went alone in search of his fate.

Who was this knight, so brave and bold?

Who was this man with a heart of gold?

Don Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara by name.

Son of Joseph and Maria; proud parents who felt the same.

Patriots all, from the banks of the Rio Grande.

First to lay down the Texas Independence brand.

He left behind family and friends in his town,

To meet the bold padre of great renown.

Admired by his leaders, he was loyal and just.

Here was a man whom they knew they could trust.

Like knights of ancient times, he offered his service.

They gave him a mission, most urgent and serious.

“One crucial task you must do with all speed.

To Washington you must go in our time of need.”

On the Camino Real trail, untold dangers he faced.

Fighting foes and cold weather, further and further he raced.

Afraid for his horse, whispering words hard to say:

“Alas, my companion, in Tennessee you must stay.”

Arriving on a snowy December morning undeterred,

The first cowboy in Washington, he caused quite a stir.

His trip a success, amid hoorays and loud cheers.

Back to Texas he came, with brave volunteers.

In Nacogdoches, La Bahía, Rosillo, Bexar,

and Alazan, he waved the Green Flag.

“Sound the bugle, beat the drum.

Onward men, here they come!”

A gifted leader, born and raised to command.

His sense of universal liberty knew no bounds.

At the Battle of New Orleans when General Jackson was in need,

The knight and his Tejanos fought the British, ensuring their defeat.

A leader once, a leader twice, a leader three times over.

In Texas, the U.S., and Mexico, our neighbor south of the border!

Courage throughout his life increased his fame.

A rare feat few men in history can claim.

None were braver, none more astute.

From all of us Texans he deserves our salute.

First to fight for Texas independence; first to battle tyranny.

He was a champion of freedom, justice for all, and liberty.

Some days toward evening, when it’s quiet and calm.

If you try really hard you can hear him call out.

“Sound the bugle, beat the drum,

Onward Tejanos, here they come!”

Though Don Bernardo is gone, in our hearts he must be.

Since the knight from Revilla was the first to set Texas free.

Z

Zapata, José Antonio

Who?  JoséAntonio Zapata is best remembered as the military commander of the Republic of the Rio Grande.  

What?  He was born around 1800 and it is thought he was born in Revilla (Guerrero) but that is not certain.  What is known is that he lived his entire life on the Lower Rio Grande learning to be a rancher.  Although poor, he had initiative and soon established himself as a respected member of his community.  He acquired land and vast herds of sheep and cattle.  As a result, he became one of the richest men in Northern Mexico.  He was an honorable man who greatly valued integrity.  One of the stories told about this brave man is a skirmish he was involved in with a band of renegades.  They had been stealing stock from area ranches and he wanted to put a stop to it.  Pursuing the thieves, one of them shot an arrow that struck on Don JoséAntonio’s leg and went all the way through to his saddle.  Instead of stopping to check on his wound, he broke the arrow off while his horse was still at a gallop and went after the rustler.  He dismounted and was able to kill the man in hand-to-hand combat.  When asked why he didn’t shoot the thief from a distance, he responded that he didn’t want to waste his ammunition.  Later, he became heavily involved in the political unrest in Mexico, especially after Texas declared its independence in 1836.  The area between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande was a buffer zone with both Mexico and Texas claiming it as their own.  On the Mexican side, two different powerful forces were engaged in a bitter dispute.  One side supported the central government in Mexico City, while the other supported the federalist movement who wanted the return of constitutional government in Mexico’s provinces.  As an ardent supporter of the federalists, he led several military attacks on the centralist forces.  At a convention at the Uribeño Ranch in San Ygnacio, the federalists declared the “Republic of the Rio Grande (Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas) and elected a slate of officers.  Laredo was chosen as the capital.  Unfortunately, the rebels lost their cause.  Don JoséAntonio lost his life when he refused to accept the centralists’ terms of surrender.  His is a very fascinating story.

When?  1840s

Recommended Source:  Jean Y. Fish, “JoséAntonio Zapata, A Borderland Hero”

Zermeño, William and Estella

What?  The Zermeños are descendants of the first citizens of Texas who drew their own “line in the sand” as regards the long-standing omission of pre-1836 Spanish Mexican history in mainstream Texas history books.  Zermeño descendants in Goliad (La Bahia) trace their roots to 1749; over 260 years.  Yet, until very recently, the town lacked any official mentioning or historical markers commemorating its Spanish Mexican roots.  That is a task that the Zermeños have taken head-on.  With the help of other history enthusiasts, the Zermeños have made it their mission in life to demand fairness in the telling of Texas history.   Their approach is simply to emphasize that the history of Texas does not start in 1836.  They spend countless hours in educating people about the rich pre-1836 history of Texas, including recognition of the daily lives of the Spanish Mexican pioneers who built the Goliad Presidio, its missions, and its thriving rancho communities in the general area of Goliad and Victoria.  William and Estella were instrumental in getting approval of the construction of the Tejano Monument in Austin.  They are both very active in equality and social causes that guarantee the civil rights of all Americans, especially those of Spanish Mexicans citizens who have experienced more than their share of violence and discrimination in Texas since 1836.