12/17/1778: Mexican governor born in San Antonio

[Craig Tx]

On this day in 1778, Juan Martín de Veramendi, future Mexican governor of Coahuila and Texas, was born in San Fernando de Béxar (San Antonio).

Veramendi, an early friend to Anglo-American colonists, and Juan José Erasmo Seguín met Stephen F. Austin at Natchitoches, Louisiana, in 1821 and accompanied him to Bexar. In 1822-23 Veramendi served in Bexar as collector of foreign revenue, from which office he was elected as alternate deputy of the Texas Provincial Deputation to the Mexican National Constitutional Congress. Veramendi was the first alcalde of Bexar in 1824 and 1825. He was elected vice governor of Coahuila and Texas in 1830, whereupon he moved with his family from Bexar to Saltillo. In April 1831, his daughter, Ursula María de Veramendi, married James Bowie. Bowie and Veramendi formed a partnership to establish cotton mills in Saltillo, and Veramendi began to divide his time between Texas and Coahuila. He assumed the office of governor upon the death of José María Letona in 1832 and served until 1833. His administration was favorable to the Anglo-American colonists and therefore unpopular with many Mexicans. In the summer of 1833, while at his summer home at Monclova, he died in a cholera epidemic.

[BEAVERMAN]

Thanks for keeping this up Craig!

[Craig Tx]

Not a problem!  The Texas State Historical Association sends out "On this day emails".  I just find those that might be of interest to the group.  I'm happy to share the heritage of my home.