The Seguin Family Historical Society

"The Original and Official Seguin Family Organization and Web Site"

A Prayer


**Alamo Movie Premier 2004**


**Seguin A Paradox**


**War Council at San Jacinto**


Please Sign the Juan Seguin U.S. Stamp Petition



A Texas Family Since 1712


Col. Juan N. Seguin



Current Up Load:


President and Family Visits Alamo Set


The Alamo, A Voyage to a Valiant Epoch
by: Elias de la Cerda Jr.


"Spirit of Juan Seguin Rides High at San Jacinto"


Please Sign the Juan Seguin U.S. Stamp Petition


Dr. Frank de la Teja Lectures in Galveson, Texas


Texas Monthly Magazine - Texas and Freemasonary


Alamo 2003 Movie Set Tour March 2, 2003



Juan Seguin High School
Formal Dedication November 10, 2002



Arlington Welcomes
The Seguin Family Historical Society
"The Reception November 9, 2002"



Juan N. Seguin Elementary School Dedication
Weatherford Independent School District



The Honorable Rick Noriega, Texas State Representative
Portrays Col. Juan N. Seguin



Own A Piece of Texas History - see how

President visits Juan N. Seguin School Houston I.S.D.

Col. Juan N. Seguin, honored in bronze

A Defender of the Alamo and Hero at San Jacinto!

The above pictures are of the "finished clay". The statue has been transformed into the final bronze. If you think these pictures of the larger than life size statue of the Colonel are a magnificent and beautiful work of art, then wait till you see the finished statue. This grandiose sculpture will be a lasting tribute to a native born Texan who fought and scarificed all so that Texas could be free and independent.


* * Juan Seguin was a Texan for All Texans * *

A trip to the monument, is in itself a lesson in Texas History.
A great place for a field trip or just a family outing.

Current uploads

Juan N. Seguin Schools 05-19-0207-22-02 pic's added

Symposium - Juan Seguin and the Tejano Company at San Jacinto ...05-21-02

Goliad Parade: Seguin - Zaragoza Primos ...05-05-02

The De Zavala and Seguin Texas Flags ...04-06-02

Erik Christianson Sculptor...03-31-02

The S. S. Juan N. Seguin...03-16-02

October 28, 2000 The Statue Dedication
*This may take a bit longer to load - worth the wait.... 03-09-02

The Key to the City

U.S. Postage Stamp

Seguin Texas Brochure

Presidents Message 2001

2001 A Message from Albert

"Juan N. Seguin Road to History"

"Crockett with Seguin Descendants"

2000 The Statue Dedication Honoring a Texas Hero - - Photo added

"Seguin Post Office Stamp"

Disclaimer

Juan Seguin Visits The George R. Brown

The Juan N. Seguin Statue Project

Erik Christianson

Honor List Update 04-06-2002


2003 Memorial Celebration Honors Texas Hero

2002 Memorial Gathering A Colossal Success!

2001Memorial Gathering Still a Big Success!

2000 The Statue Dedication Honoring a Texas Hero

1999 Memorial Gathering Another Big Success!updating

1998 Memorial Gathering A Big Success!


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Last Update: January 1, 2004

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Web Master: Albert Seguin Carvajal Gonzales

Web site address: www.seguinfamilyhistory.com

e-mail: aseguin2@aol.com

Table of Contents:
Web Page Info
Vital Information
Stephen F. Austin Letter
Casa Blanca
Personal Memoirs
The Alamo
The Runaway Scape
Battle of San Jacinto
Juan Seguin Regiment Muster Roll Company A
Juan Seguin Regiment Muster Roll Company B
Juan Seguin Regiment Muster Roll Company C
Alamo Defenders Burial Oration
Col. J. N. Seguin @ The Alamo & San Jacinto***in process not yet linked***
Senator Seguin
Address to the Texas Senate
JNS Memorial Park Plaza
Seguin Genealogy
Carvajal Genealogy
The Canary Islanders
Guillaume Seguin - The French Connection
Juan Seguin A Texas Patriot & Mason
Six Flags Over Texas
Juan N. Seguin Scholarship Recipients
J. B. Kline
Juries Anne Seguin

Index: ******March 14, 2002******

Col. Juan N. Seguin - Educational information, Awards and other Information Links

Web Page Info

Texans Since 1712:The Seguin Family Historical Society Web Page is like our Texas weather, always changing. Keep watching. The information will be in general about Col. Juan N. Seguin, The Battle of San Jacinto, Casa Blanca, Family reunion stuff and with some genealogy mixed in.
The Seguin Family Historical Society, formerly "Our Family Tree", was started in 1985 and organized in 1989 and was formally established in October 1995. The purpose of the SFHS is to continue the research into the genealogy of the Seguin and Related Families. Its' aim is to preserve and promote, not only family history, but Texas History as well. To further bring to light the contributions of a native Texas family and to encourage their descendants to reach for higher goals through education, persistence, diligence and honesty; Self confident in knowing where they came from and faithful in the knowledge of their future.


Vital Information
Juan Nepomuceno Seguin,
Born: October 27, 1806,
Place: San Fernando de Bejar, New Spain, (San Antonio, Texas),
Died: August 27, 1889.
Father: Juan Jose Maria Erasmo de Jesus Seguin, Native Born Texan
Mother: Josefa Augustina Bercerra (Seguin)Native Born Texan
Wife: Maria Gertrudis Eusevia Flores (Seguin) Native Born Texan

The Colonel was a native born Texan as was his father and his father before him. Many events in the lives of Juan Seguin and of his father Erasmo Seguin led to the struggle for the eventual independence of our beautiful and great state of Texas as we know it today. The Seguin/Carvajal families were hard working and peaceful people. They believed in freedoms that we enjoy today and freedoms we so often take for granted. They were people who were fair minded and regarded their families, friends, and fellow countrymen in all their actions. They did not like nor tolerate injustices, yes, even back then, they fought for basic human rights for all native Texans, and citizens to be of Texas, thus they were not willing to step aside at the risk of personal ridicule, danger or threats of death. Col. Juan N. Seguin, was one of the most gallant of all heroes of the Texas war for Independence. He early sensed the threat of tyranny when the Mexican Constitution of 1824 was disregarded in which among other stipulations, granted All Citizens and Subjects of Mexico their Basic Human Rights. In 1835 Juan N. Seguin sought to convene the first revolutionary meeting in protest of the devastating demands and actions of Santa Anna's government. Juan Seguin was the first to sound the alarm of impending danger to the way of life and liberty that Texans had all enjoyed up to that point in time. He was a son, husband, father, statesman, veteran commander of many battles, he was a scholar, the savior of San Antonio Texas and namesake for the city of Seguin Texas.

Col. Juan N. Seguin was and is a legendary figure as a leader in the Texas Revolution. He was and is an unsung hero of Texas. A legendary figure who has seldom been given credit for his and his families contributions in helping in the evolution of Texas as we now know it today.


Stephen F. Austin's Letter

I have interpreted the letter, of which I have a photo copy , to the best of my ability. Some of the words were very difficult to read:

This is to certify that Juan N. Seguin of Bexar presented himself to me at the camp of the volunteer army at the Salado on the 24 of October, and offered his services as a volunteer in defense of the rights and liberties of Texas.
I gave him the appointment of Captain of a volunteer company of the native Mexicans which he raised. This company although not a full one, was very efficient in the cause - He intercepted two expresses from the interior to Gen. Cos which were of the highest importance and Capt. Seguin and his men were at all times ready and willing to go on any service they were ordered they uniformly acquinted themselves to their credit as patriots and soldiers.
I also recommend the first Lt. of said company, Salvador Flores, and Viciente Zepeda a private - The latter discoved and took there of the expresses to Cos above mentioned.
I give this certificate for the purposes which the interested parties may deem necessary.
Head Quarters before Bexar
November 24, 1835
S.F. Austin
Com. in Chief of the
volunteer army


Casa Blanca

The inscription reads as follows: "HOME OF DON ERASMO SEGUIN WHO DIED HERE IN 1857.
BY APPOINTMENT OF THE SPANISH GOVERNOR HE INDUCTED STEPHEN F. AUSTIN INTO TEXAS , 1821. TEXAS DEPUTY TO THE MEXICAN CONGRESS, 1824. ON OCTOBER 13, 1834 IN A CONVENTION IN BEXAR HE MADE THE FIRST EFFORT TO ORGANIZE A PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT IN TEXAS".

This monument was erected and dedicated in 1936 by the Centenial Commission and placed on the old San Antonio road which I understand was taken over by the rail road. The monument has since been moved to the (new) old 281 highway (business route) leading into Floresville from San Antonio 281 highway. Driving into Floresville the monument is located in on the right hand side of the two lane highway.

Note: The following information was taken from an article written In The San Antonio EXPRESS/NEWS-Sunday, March 16,1969. The article was entitled "Seguin's Mansion Now only Rubble, By Fane Burt, Staff Writer.
FLORESVILLE - Weary travelers were always welcome at the big white house on a hill overlooking the San Antonio River. Impatient teamsters slowly moving their heavily laden ox wagons from the coast toward San Antonio knew the worst part of their trip was over when the big house loomed in the distance. Hardy German immigrants, making their was to their new homes in Castroville, New Braunfels and Frederricksburg saw the stone house as a symbol of civilization in the wilderness and compared it favorably to a castle on the Rhine. For more than a century Casa Blanca, the ranch home of the Legendary Don Erasmo Seguin was a landmark on the coast. Over the years literally thousands, ranging from grimy teamsters to Stephen F. Austin, enjoyed the hospitality of Don Erasmo at the sturdy stone structure located about 33 miles south of San Antonio.
Today all that is left of Casa Blanca is a pile of stones hidden in the brush atop a hill along the old ruts where the road once ran. Somewhere nearby in a long-lost grave are the bones of Don Erasmo, the first alcalde of Bexar and one of Texas' first patriots.
Don Erasmo was born in San Ferdando - now San Antonio, on May 26, 1782, into one of the city's oldest and noblest families. His Grandfather had settled in San Antonio in 1722, only four years after the founding of the presidio of San Antonio de Valero. Christened Juan Jose Erasmo Maria de Jesus Seguin, young Erasmo grew to manhood in the fading days of Spanish America. Seguin first showed his friendship to the United States in 1813 when he intervened with the Spanish authories to save the lives of the fleeing Americans following the Battle of the Medina River. His efforts on behalf of the Americans led to his arrest and trial on a charge of treason, of which he was acquitted.
Becoming one of the leading citizens of San Antonio and the first alcalde when the Department of Bejar was organized, Don Erasmo was instrumental in securing from the Spanish government the empresario grant for Moses F. Austin. Named as commissioner to the colonist in 1821, Seguin materially aided Stephen F. Austin and others in settling the American immigrants in East Texas. It was Seguin who saved many of the colonists from economic ruin by finding a loophole in the Mexican antislaverly laws that allowed the colonists to keep their slaves.
The busy Don Erasmo also served as the Texas Deputy in the national Mexican Congress, dividing his time between the colonies in East Texas, his home and business interests in San Antonio, his ranch near present day Floresville and his trips to Mexico City for sessions of congress.
A longtime political foe of Gen Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna........ Later Don Erasmo used his influence in Mexico to secure the release of Austin, who returned to Texas convinced that the colonists must declare their independence from Mexico.
When Santa Anna sent his brother-in-law- Gen. Martin P. de Cos, to take control of Texas, one of Cos' first acts after reaching San Antonio was to remove Don Erasmo as post-master. Cos also confiscated Seguin's property in San Antonio including his saddle horse.
Knowing that war was near Don Erasmo walked the 33 miles to his ranch and quietly moved his family to East Texas.
Returning to the ranch, Don Erasmo freely gave the cattle and crops from his ranch to supply the gathering Texas army, and encouraged the other ranchers along the river also to help the Texans. He was busily engaged in this task in February, 1836, when his grandson, Blas Herrera, rode all night to San Antonio to report that Santa Anna at the head of a huge army had crossed into Texas.
As the Texans retreated eastward in front of Santa Anna's legions, Don Erasmo was along with a herd of sheep so that the Texas Army would not go hungry.
But Don Erasmo's service in the war was overshadowed by that of his son, the famed Col. Juan Nepomuceno Seguin for whom the Guadalupe County seat was name. Juan Seguin was one of Texas greatest patriots and heroes. but later became known - perhaps - unjustly as its Benedict Arnold. It was Juan Seguin who gave a military funeral and Christian burial to the charred remains of the defenders of the Alamo.
After the war Don Erasmo returned to Casa Blanca and spent the next few years trying to recoup the fortune. He happily lived the life of a country gentleman, running his ranch and being host to the travelers along the road........There at Casa Blanca he died on November 7,1857, and was buried in the family plot on the ranch.
A Texas centennial marker that stands along the business route of U.S. Hwy. 181 about three miles north of Floresville briefly tells the story of Casa Blanca. A short distance away on a farm belonging to Robert A. Wiseman Jr., a Floresville banker, are the ruins of Casa blanca and the long lost graves of Don Erasmo Seguin and several members of his family.
R. A. Wiseman Sr., also of Floresville, who owned the farm....years before selling ...his son, said that the grave's already were lost when he bought the land in 1913. He recalled that members of the Seguin family and others came looking for the graves many years ago, but were unable to find them. Some believe that the burial plot was obliterated when the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railroad tracks were laid across the property in 1885, the senior Wiseman said. Casa Blanca stood until 1942, when a windstorm finally toppeled the crumbling landmark.
note: according to one of many verbal history lessons passed down the generations, Don Erasmo's wife Dona Josefa Augustina Bercerra was also buried there on Casa Blanca. Not only were there other family members buried in that family cemetery, there were also numerious servants and their families buried there as well.


Personal Memoirs

Written in the year 1858, the following is from the Personal Memoirs of Colonel Juan N. Seguin..... HERO OF THE TEXAS REVOLUTION, ROBBED OF PROPERTY, NAME (One of the most gallant of all heroes of the Texas War for Independence was Juan Nepomuceno Seguin..... Native born Texan, Statesman, veteran commander of many battles, scholar, namesake for the city of Seguin and victim of the times. Following his legendary career as a leader in the Texas Revolution, Juan Seguin found himself slandered, robbed of property and in peril for his life by his own countrymen - forcing him to flee to a foreign county - Mexico. (The following is his story of that time, as written by his own hand).
PREFACE by Juan N. Seguin: "A native of the City of San Antonio de Bexar, I embraced the cause Texas at the report of the first cannon which foretold of her liberty; filled an honorable situation in the ranks of the conquerors of San Jacinto, and was a member of the legislative body of the Republic. I now find myself, in the very land, which in other times bestowed on me such bright and repeated evidences of trust and esteem, exposed to the attacks of scribblers and personal enemies, who, to serve, political purposes, and engender strife, falsify historical facts, which they are but imperfectly acquainted. I owe it to myself, my children and friends, to answer them with short, but true exposition of my acts, from the beginning of my public career, to the time of the return of General Woll from the Rio Grande, with the Mexican forces, amongst which I was then serving.

I address myself to the American people; to that people impetuous, as the whirlwind, when aroused by the hypocritical clamors of designing men, but just, impartial and composed, whenever men and facts are submitted to their judgment.

I have been the object of the hatred and passionate attacks of some few disorganisers, who, for a time, ruled, as masters, over the poor and oppressed population of San Antonio. Harpy-like, ready to pounce on everything that attracted the notice of their rapacious avarice, I was an obstacle to the execution of their vile designs. They, therefore, leagued together to exasperate and ruin me; spread against me malignant calumnies, and made use of odious machinations to sully my honor, and tarnish my well earnedreputation.

A victim to the wickedness of a few men, whose imposture was favored by their origin, and recent domination over the country; a foreigner in my native land; could I be expected stoically to endure their outrages and insults? Crushed by sorrow, convinced that my death alone would satisfy my enemies, I sought for a shelter amongst those against whom I had fought; I separated from my country, parents, family, relatives and friends, and what was more, from the institutions, on behalf of which I had drawn my sword, with an earnest wish to see Texas free and happy.

In that involuntary exile, my only ambition was to devote my time, far from the tumult of war, to the support of my family, who shared in my sad condition.

Fate, however, had not exhausted its cup of bitterness. Thrown into a prison, in a foreign country, I had no alternative left, but to linger in a loathsome confinement, or to accept military service. On one hand, my wife and children, reduced to beggary and separated from me; on the other hand, to turn my arms against my own country. The alternative was sad, the struggle of feelings violent; at last the father triumphed over the citizen; I seized a sword that galled my hand. (Who amongst my readers will not understand my situation?) I served Mexico; I served her loyally and faithfully; I was compelled to fight my own countrymen, but I was never guilty of the barbarous and unworthy deeds of which I am accused by my enemies.

Ere the tomb closes over me and my cotemporaries, I wish to lay open to publicity this stormy period of my life; I do it for friends as well as for my enemies, I challenge the latter to contest, with facts, the statements I am about to make, and I leave the decision unhesitatingly to the witnesses of the events".......


The Alamo

Founded as Mission San Antonio de Valero on May 1, 1718, the Alamo was the first in a chain of missions built along the San Antonio river. As a mission its purpose was two-fold: first, to convert the Indians; and second, to hold, extend, and civilize the frontier for the Spanish empire. The present site of the Alamo was selected in 1724.
The Battle of the Alamo is what made the Alamo famous. For thirteen days some 180 plus Texian, Texan and Tejanos held off 4000 Mexican troops in a battle that can be counted as one of the most dramatic, decisive and brutal of all times. The Mexican government saw the Texas Uprising as an act of treason. The Texans were fighting for their rights yet they were Mexican citizens who had accepted the terms of colonization and had pledged themselves to the laws of Mexico, they had accepted land for allegiance. The oath of citizenship had been administered under the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and the rules had changed.
In 1821 Spain had initated a colonization policy and the new Mexican government that had won its independence from Spain after 300 years of Spanish colonialism, realized the need to occupy the vast and unoccupied terriory of Texas. They continued the colonization policy initiated by Spain in 1821 with Immigrants from the United States who gladly took the oath of loyalty to Mexico and they came in swarms like bees.
Much had changed in Mexico when in 1824 Mexico redefined her territories and created states in which Texas was the only separate territory to lose its status as an independent territory and was joined to the state of Coahuila and the Texas territory capital moved from San Antonio to Saltillo. Texas was allowed 1 representative to Coahuilas' 11. In April 1830, the Mexican government passed a law labled the Law of April 6 in which immigration from the United States was prohibited. Two Texas factions emerged. The War Party was for fighting for outright independence from Mexico and the Peace Party was for fighting in defense of the Mexican Constitution of 1824.
At the convention at San Felipe de Austin these delegates drafted THE DELARATION OF CAUSES.

THE DECLARATION OF CAUSES
"Whereas, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, and other military chieftains, have, by force of arms overthrown the federal institutions of Mexico, and dissolved the social compact which existed between Texas and the other members of the Mexican confederacy; now the good people of Texas, availing themselves of their natural rights, Solemnly Declare:
"That they have taken up arms in defence of their rights and liberties, which were threatened by the encroachments of military despots, and in defence of the republican principles of the federal constitution of Mexico, 1824.
"That Texas is no longer morally or civilly bound by the compact of union; yet, stimulated by the generosity and sympathy common to free people, they offer their support and assistance to such members of the Mexican confederacy as will take up arms against military despotism.
"That they hold it to be their right during the disorganization of the federal system, and the reign of despotism, to withdraw from the union, and to establish an independent government."
This document was created in justification of the Texan actions which were to follow. The Declaration of Causes was to convince the Federalists that the Texans only desired to preserve the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and to justify the Texan actions to the rest of the world.

THREE REVOLUTIONS
There were three revolutions that led to the independence of Texas. The Spanish revolt against French occupation of Spain in 1808 was the first, which led to the second, the Mexican revolt against Spanish occupation of Mexico in 1810 and out of the second came the third, the Texas Revolution in 1836.

TEXAS EVENTS AND JUAN N. SEGUIN

1831 Anahuac Disturbances

1834, July, Juan Seguin served as "Gefe Politico" (territorial governor) of Texas from July 8, 1834 until December 31, 1834..

1834, October 13, Juan Seguin had issued a circular in which this was the date that had been set for delegates from every municipality to have met. Seguin was dissatisfied with the reactionary designs of General Santa Anna, who at the time was President of the Republic of Mexico. Seguin endeavored to overthrow the Federal System of the Mexican Republic. When the dictator Santa Ana repudiated the Mexican Constitution of 1824, thereby repudiating the rights of all Mexican citizens. Juan Seguin called the first revolutionary meeting to protest the tyranny. He also called the meeting in an effort to establish a provisional government until the settlement of the Saltillo-Montclova dispute. He issused a circular in which he urged every municipality in Texas to appoint delegates to a convention that was to meet in San Antonio on October 13, 1834, for the purpose of taking into consideration the impending dangers and for divising the means to avert these dangers. It was at this meeting that a call was issued for a Constitutional Convention to meet on November 15, 1834. However, owing to limited communications and time, and also the fact that Stephen F. Austin was in Mexico at the time, many of the Texans were afraid of causing injury to him thus failed to respond. Yet another reason that they did not go to the convention was because the Mexican government ordered Colonel Jose Maria Mendoza to march his forces from Matamoros to San Antonio and prevent the delegates from attending the meeting. Juan Seguin was reprimanded and later punished by General Cos for his part in the Convention.

1835, February, Seguin advised that he would turn over the office to Ramon Musquiz on March 1, 1835.(Chabot 123).

1835, April, Seguin was elected commander of a State Militia, (National Guard) and sent to Montclova from the District of Bejar to protect the Legislature of Coahuila and Tejas from General Cos, the centralist activities of Santa Ana and his supporters. Of the three Texas departments, (districts), Bejar, Brazos, and Nacogdoches requested help, only the Bejar Militia of twenty-five men led by Seguin responded. Col. Benjamin R. Milam and Major John K. Allen were reported to efficiently assist Seguin on their encounters with the troops of Santa Anna.

1835, September, Stephen F. Austin takes on leadership of Texas, General Cos heads for Texas from Mexico

1835, Juan Seguin is appointed Captain in the new Texas Army by Commander and Chief , Stephen F. Austin

1835, October 2, Battle of Gonzales opens firing war over a canon previously loan to Gonzales, from the Mexican Government, to protect themselves from the Indians.

1835, October, Juan Seguin continues to oppose Gen. Santa Anna.. Juan Seguin had already recruited volunteers against Mexico from the ranches of the lower San Antonio. Before the first shot of the revolution was fired on October 2, 1835. It was at this point that Seguin was convienced that the beginning of the revolution was very close.

1835, October 13, Juan Seguin reported to General Stephen F. Austin on the Salado Creek at the crossing of the Gonzales Road and joined forces with Ausin his small army. It was at this time that Juan Seguin and General Sam Houston met and became friends.

1835, October, General Cos occupies San Antonio,

1835, October 28, Battle of Concepion; Captain Seguin fought alongside Jim Bowie. The battle last only 30 minutes and the Texans occupy the mission as their camping ground.

1835, October, Juan Seguin manages foraging expeditions, influences many of Cos' soldiers to desert to the Texas cause, and gains valuable information for the Texas forces.

1835, November 24, Austin, as Commander-and-Chief of the Texas Army, "conferred the appointment" of "Captain" upon Seguin.

1835, November, Opposition to Santa Anna stated in "Declaration of Causes".

1835, Seguin fights alongside Jim Bowie at the Battle of Concepcion; then rushed to join in the Grass Fight south of San Antonio to slow down the pace of Santa Anna's invading Army. 1835, November 26, The Grass Fight.

1835, December 5, Siege of Bexar, Juan Seguin fought alongside 160 Tejano ranchers and other Texas Volunteers who were led by Placido Benavides and Juan Antoio Padilla, attack General Cos' troops in the Siege of Bexas. On the morning of the 9th the Texans observe a white flag flying from the Alamo. General Cos Surrenders and agrees to parole his army by withdrawing it south of the Rio Grande. The Siege of Bexar is crucial in the revolution for it denotes "No Turning Back" for the Texans seeking independence. It brings Santa Anna at the head of his army to retake San Antonio and Texas, and men indecisive about their future as Mexican citizens or Texans are moved irrevocably toward independence.

1835, December 20, Goliad Declaration of Independence; Jose Maria Jesus Carvajal is one of the signers of this declaration which states that Texas ought to be a "free, sovereign, and independent State," and the signers pledge their lives, fortunes and honor to sustain their cause.

1835-1836 Santa Anna puts down uprisings in the Mexican states of Yucatan and Zacatecas and advances on Texas.

1836, January, Juan Seguin, following orders reported to Travis in San Antonio. However, Travis was distrustful of Juan Seguin because of his Spanish Heritage and Seguin's friendship with James Bowie.

1836, Juan Seguins' scouts, Herrera and Cassiano alert the Texans of the arrival of elements of the Mexican Army at Laredo and Guerrero.

1836, The advance Guard of Santa Anna's troops was sighted near San Antonio which alerted the small detachment of defenders to quickly regroup on the grounds of the Alamo. Once there, the small unit of Texans immediately prepared their defense of the mission against the attacking troops of Gen. Cos that were soon to be dramatically increased by the much larger forces of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.

1836, Delegates at Washington-on-the-Brazos declare Texas independence while Texans battle Santa Anna's troops at the Alamo.

1836, February 22, Seguin along with his volunteers fall back into the Alamo as Defenders, upon Santa Anna 's army taking over San Antonio.

1836, February 23, The battle of the Alamo begins and last for 13 days. Captain Seguin defends the Alamo Mission alongside Bowie, Crocket, Travis and the men that had come to Texas seeking their wealth, land and a new start in a new land.

1836, March 5, Colonel Travis orders Juan Seguin, an expert horseman to proceed with a communication to Colonel Fannin requesting assistance from him. Seguin met with General Houston at Gonzales, who ordered Captain Salvador Flores,(Seguin's brother-in-law) with twenty five of Seguins Company to the lower ranches on the San Antonio to protect the inhabitants. The message that Travis sent from the Alamo was the most comprehensive and detail to leave the Alamo. For this important mission, Bowie had lent his fine horse to Seguin. As Seguin turned upon the Gonzales road, he was accosted by a Mexican scouting party and asked, "who goes there?" and he replied, "one good Mexican" and rode swiftly with their important message. (Seguin-Gazette). Juan Seguin delivered his message and returned to the Guadalupe where he rallied more Tejanos', then attempted to overtake Kimball's Gonzales men. Being to late to go to the Alamo with those men, they waited on the Goliad road for Fannin's three hundred men. However, their wait was in vain.

1836, March 6, in a final assault lasting only ninety minutes, the Alamo falls. Santa Anna orders the burning of the bodies of all the Texans and demands they find Juan Seguin's body, "Where is Seguin, I want Seguin!" so declares Santa Anna.

1836, The Run-Away-Scrape occurred when it was learned that the Alamo had fallen, Seguin warns Texas Citizens who are in the path of the ensuing Mexican Army. This may be one reason Juan Seguin has also been called "The Paul Revere of Texas."

1836, March, After the fall of the Alamo on March 6, 1836, Santa Anna and his victorious forces marched through Juan Seguin's ranch destroying much of the ranch and other property. This occurred while Seguin, with a small army of his native countrymen, was with General Sam Houston trying to draw Santa Ana and his forces east of all the rivers of Texas. These attempts resulted in the famous battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.

1836, March, Battle of Coleto,

1836, March 27, Massacre at Goliad, by order of Santa Anna, 342 Texans are executed at Goliad. Largely through the efforts of Senora Francisca Alvarez as many as 20 Texan soldiers are either spared or saved when she hides them. This "high bred beauty" is revered with the title "The Angel of Goliad."

1836, April 21, General Rusk and Captain Juan N. Seguin have dinner in Seguin's tent.

1836, April 21, Battle of San Jacinto, Captain Juan N. Seguin commanded the Cavalry Company of Tejano's, of the 2nd Regiment of Texas during the victory over Santa Anna's Army

1836, Juan Seguin is charged with the task to oversee the orderely evacation of the Mexican army from Texas.

1836, Captain Seguin with his army re-enters San Antonio to accept the formal surrender of the Mexican forces stationed there under the command of Lt. Francisco Castaneda, the same officer involved in the opening skirmish in the Battle of Gonzales over the return of the canon. 1836, September 17, Captain Seguin promoted to Lieutant Colonel by The President of the Republic of Texas, David G. Burnet, who expressed his "special trust in the courage, patrotism and ability of Lt. Col. Juan N. Seguin".

1837, The burning of San Antonio is order by Texas General Felix Huston who arrived in Texas after the Battle at San Jacinto. Seguin is successful in his appeal to his friend Sam Houston to rescind the order, hence earning Col. Seguin the recognition and "The Savior of San Antonio". 1839, Led a company of Tejanos in the campaign against the maurauding Indians.

1839, Senator Juan N. Seguin presented a bill that established a mail route from Austin to San Antonio.

1839, Colonel Seguin honored by the citizens of Walnut Springs who voted to change the name of their community to "Seguin" because of his service to Texas before and during it's heoic struggle for Independence.

1837-1840, Col. Seguin is elected to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Congresses of the Republic of Texas. Senator Seguin pens a Bill requiring all Laws to be written in both English and Spanish. He held high his views the Republic's law should protect all citizens and that there can be no doubt as to the rights an individual enjoys, and equally important what his responsibilities are, as a citizen of Texas.

1841 - 1842 Mayor of San Antonio.

1850's, Election Precinct Chariman.

1850's, Co-founder of the Democratic Party in Bexas County.

1852, Elected two terms as Bexar County Justice of the Peace, (his father Don Erasmo had also been elected Justice of the Peace cira 1838.)

1869, Senator, Juan N. Seguin was elected Wilson County Judge.

1874, October 13, Recognized as a Texas Independence War Hero by the Texas Legislature and awarded a life time pension. 1889, Senator, Colonel, Judge, Citizen Juan N. Seguin succumbs to illness and dies in Nuevo Laredo Mexico, just across the border from his beloved Texas. He knew he was very ill and dying and decided to make the long journey back home to Texas from Saltillo Mexico. His son and grandchildred convinced him to rest a few days in their home in Nuevo Laredo and then continue his journey back home, home, to Texas.

The Ballet says, "My body died in Mexico but my spirit made it home to Texas."

1976, Juan Nepomuceno Seguin, remains were brought to Texas and buried in Seguin Texas, the City that bears his name.


Battle of San Jacinto
1836, April 21

The following information was quoted from the: "Personal Memoirs of JOHN N. SEGUIN, from the year 1834 to the Retreat of General Woll from The City of San Antonio 1842". Published in the year of our Lord 1842.

"At noon , General Rusk came to partake of dinner in my tent. When he had done eating he asked me if the Mexicans were not in the habit of taking a siesta at the hour. I answered in the affirmative adding, moreover, that in such cases they kept their main and advanced guards under arms with a line of sentinels. General Rusk observer that he thought so too, however the moment seemed to him favorable to attack the enemy. He added: "Do you feel like fighting?" I answered that I was always ready and willing to fight, upon which the general rose, saying: "Well, let us go!" I made my dispositions at once. The general proceeded along the line speaking to the captains, and our force was soon under arms. Generals Houston and Rusk delivered short addresses, and we formed in line of battle in front of the enemy. My company was in the left wing, under Colonel Sidney Sherman. We marched out onto the prairie and were met by a column of infantry, which we drove back briskly. Before engaging that column, we had dispersed an ambuscade that had opened fire against us within pistol shot. The entire enemy line, panic struck, took to flight. We were already on the bank of the river in pursuit of the fugitives when my attention was called to a Mexican officer who, emerging from the river where he had kept himself concealed, gave himself up and requested me to spare his life. Proteced by weeds and grass, he seemed afraid to leave his shelter because of the fire which was being maintained against the fugitives. I ordered those who were close to me to cease firing, an order which was extented along the line to a considerable distance. Then the officer who had addressed me came out, followed by Colonels Juan Maria Bringas, Juan N. Almonte, Dias, and quite a number of other officers.
On my way to the camp with the prisoners, an officer named Sanchez conducted me to a place where $25,000.00 had been concealed. I reached the camp at dark and presented my prisoners to the general, who congratulated me, and I reported to him the discovery of the money. Colonel John Forbes was at once detailed to go and bring it in.
On this great and glorious day my company was conspicuous for efficiency and gallantry yet we did not lose one single man, to the surprise of those who had witnessed our honorable and perilous situation".


Juan Seguin's Address to the Texas Senate

[February 1840]
Mr. President: With the permission of the honorable Senate, I beg leave to make a few remarks in regard to the last estimate of the honorable Secretary of the Treasury, originated in the Second Auditor's office. I wish, sir, to know upon what data the Second Auditor founded his estimate of the cost of translating and printing the Laws to be enacted by the present Congress, to the amount of $15,000. I wish to know, Mr. President, what the cost of translating the laws, enacted [sic] by the former Legislative bodies of Texas is, laws which in virtue of the existing laws upon that subject, ought to have been translated, and printed; also, what laws have been translated, and where do they exist? My constituents have, as yet, not seen a single law translated and printed; neither do we know when we shall receive them: Mr. President, the dearest rights of my constituents as Mexico-Texians are guaranteed by the Constitution and the Laws of the Republic of Texas; and at the formation of the social compact between the Mexicans and the Texians, they had rights guaranteed to them; they also contracted certain legal obligations--of all of which they are ignorant, and in consequence of their ignorance of the language in which the Laws and the Constitution of the land are written. The Mexico-Texians were among the first who sacrificed their all in our glorious Revolution, and the disasters of war weighed heavy upon them, to achieve those blessings which, it appears, are destined to be the last to enjoy, and as a representative from Bexar, I never shall cease to raise my voice in effecting the object. But, in order not to detain this honorable body, at this time any longer, I will conclude these cursory remarks, leaving my detailed observations upon the subject to a more proper occasion.
Texas State Senator, Bexar County: Honorable Juan N. Seguin

The Juan N. Seguin Memorial Park Plaza
The Juan N. Seguin Burial Site is located in the Juan N. Seguin Memorial Park Plaza in Seguin Texas. Please visit the site, it was dedicated in 1976. The Flag poles were donated and dedicated in 1995. There are future plans for the expansion and beautification of the Juan N. Seguin Memorial Park Plaza. To be included in this project is a life size statue of the Colonel on horseback and the Col. will be pointing in the direction of The San Jacinto Battlefield, the historic battle in which Texas won her freedom and independence, and became The Republic of Texas. There are also ongoing plans to brick in the area around the flag poles with monogrammed bricks to be donated by the Seguin and related families.

Seguin Genealogy
1641 - Guillaume Seguin, Gevauden,,Paris, France To: Aquascalientes, New Spain
1712 - Santigo Seguin, Tejas, New Spain, 1722 - Bartolome Seguin
1754 - Jose Santiago Seguin, San Fernando de Bexar,Tejas, New Spain
1782 - Juan Jose Maria Erasmo de Jesus Seguin, San Fernando de Bexar, Tejas, New Spain
1806 - Juan Nepomuceno Seguin, San Fernando de Bexar, Texas, New Spain
1829 - Jose Erasmo Seguin, San Antonio, Texas
1858 - Gertrudis Seguin Carvajal, San Antonio, Texas
1891 - Maria Lucrecia Seguin Carvajal Luna Ramirez, Calaveras, Wilson County Texas
1912 - Lillie Elisa Seguin Carvajal Luna Flores Gonzales, Saspamco, Wilson County, Texas
1944 - Albert Seguin Carvajal Gonzales, Houston, Harris County, Texas.

Carvajal Genealogy
1662 - Francisco Rodriguez, Teneriffe, Canary Islands, Spain
1688 - Salvador Rodriguez, Lancerota, Canary Islands, Spain
1715 - Patricio Rodriguez, One of the original 13 families to settle Texas
1750 - Salvador Rodriguez, San Fernando de Bexar, Tejas
1774 - Maria Antonia Rodriguez, Flores de Abrego, San Fernando de Bexar
1780 - Jose Antonio Francisco Carvajal, San Fernando de Bexar
1832 - Jose Antonio Carvajal, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
1868 - Adolfo G. Carvajal, Floresville, Wilson County, Texas
1891 - Maria Lucrecia Seguin Carvajal Luna Ramirez, Calaveras, Texas
1912 - Lillie Elisa Seguin Carvajal Luna Flores Gonzales, Saspamco, Wilson County, Texas
1944 - Albert Seguin Carvajal Gonzales, Houston, Harris County, Texas

The Canary Islanders

The Eighth Registered Family


Salvador Rodriguez: Son of Francisco Rodriguez, and Isabelde los Reyes, Native of Lancerota, Spanish Canary Islands, age about 42 years old, good figure, broad face, greenish eyes, thick beard, rather grey, black hair.

Maria Perez Cabrera: Wife of above, daughter of Domingo and Maria Perez, native of Lancerota, about 42 years old, good figure, long face, thin nose, light green eyes, black hair and eyebrows.

Patricio Rodriguez: Son of the above, native of Lancerota about 15 years old, medium height, slender, light grey eyes, thin face, chestnut hair and eyebrows.

It was March 9, 1731, when a group of travel-weary men, women and children arrived at the Presidio San Antonio de Bejar. They came to the northern frontier of New Spain - Tejas, to establish the first civil settlement in Tejas.

They had been traveling for almost a year. Some who had sailed with the group from the Spanish Canary Islands across the Atlantic to New Spain died of Illness, a few remained in the Southern part of New Spain, (now called Mexico), and three births were registered en route.

Those who completed the vovage and the trip to San Antonio de Bejar, contributed to the cultural heritage of Texas as we have come to know it today. They brought with them a rich Spanish culture which they adapted to their new enviroment. That culture and history are the foundations of a Hispanic heritage not only of San Antonio and Texas, but of all the Southwestern part of what is now the United States from Florida to California. Their contributions continue to influence and permeate the whole nation to this very day.

Point of Reference: Juan N. Seguin's wife, Maria Gertrudis Eusevia Flores was the daughter of Jose Antonio Flores and Maria Antonia Rodriguez who was the daugher of Salvador Rodriguez(2) son of Patricio Rodriguez, who was the son of Salvador Rodriguez(1) of the above mentioned family that traveled to New Spain from the Canary Islands.

Let me see if I can simplify this just a bit. According to the PAF relationship calculator, Albert Seguin Carvajal Gonzales is the 7th great grandson of Salvador Rodiguez(1).

Note: Part of this information was gathered from a Guide for Texas, K-12 workbook entitled "San Antonio The First Civil Settlement in Texas" produced by the "Canary Islands Descendants Association" based in San Antonio, Texas. A complete list of the original 16 families can be found in that workbook.


Six Flags Over Texas

The Spanish Province of "Tejas" was destined to greatness. It was fought for through many years of claims, squables and wars. The Spanish flag was the first of six nation banners to fly over Texas. In 1519 a Spanish naval expedition under Captain Alonzo Alvarez de Pineda sighted the Texas coast east of Galveston. He drew a fairly accurate map of the Gulf of Mexico, the first map of any part of the North American mainland.
Under this flag which flew over Texas longer than the combined years of all other flags, dedicated Catholic missionaries came to colonize and build missions. Their lasting influence remains in tangible form part of our heritage.
The following is the list of The Six Flags of Texas:
Spain:1519 - 1685 and 1690 - 1821
France:1685 - 1690
Mexico: 1821 - 1836
Republic of Texas:1836 - 1846
United States:1846 - 1861 and 1865 - present
Confederacy:1861 - 1865

Salute to the Texas Flag:
"Honor the Texas Flag;
I pledge allegiance to thee,
Texas, one and Indivisible."



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