Simón de Arocha
Encyclopedia
Simon de Arocha was a judge on the distribution of public lands and the mayor of San Antonio de Béjar (1770 and 1787). Since 1782 his family became leader of the farmers in the province.
, in October, 1731 (the Isleños
arrived to San Antonio in March this year). His parents, Francisco de Arocha and Juana Curbelo, came from La Palma
, one of the Canary Islands
, Spain
. He had fourteen brothers younger than he was. His father had important administrative positions in San Antonio. Simón de Arocha was become a judge dedicated to distributing public lands among people to the community of his hometown. He also served as mayor of San Antonio in 1770 and 1787 and as a militia commander, becoming later in a lieutenant general. Between the years of Mayor there were many changes: Thus, in year 1774, in zone from Bucareli Trinity River, escorted the also isleños Adaesaños, residing in West Texas, near Louisiana. In 1778, Arocha decided redact a census report of the province for the new commanding general, Fray John Augustine Morfi. Year four later, in 1782, Simon and his brother Juan de Arocha got a ranch north of Floresville in Texas. After that, they and their family became leaders for farmers in San Antonio. Besides this he also was instrumental in the agreement of the missions in 1787. They and his family gained city council of the City of San Antonio. However, when Simón tried get another ranch at the confluence of the rivers in San Marcos
and Guadalupe rivers
, many farmers in the province protested. The fight became reality because the next acquisition of land by Arocha left this out of work. Simon de Arocha died on July 29, 1796.
Biography
Simón de Arocha was born in San Antonio de Béjar, TexasTexas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, in October, 1731 (the Isleños
Isleños
Isleño is the Spanish word meaning "islander." The Isleños are the descendants of Canary Island immigrants to Louisiana, Cuba, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and other parts of the Americas....
arrived to San Antonio in March this year). His parents, Francisco de Arocha and Juana Curbelo, came from La Palma
La Palma
La Palma is the most north-westerly of the Canary Islands. La Palma has an area of 706 km2 making it the fifth largest of the seven main Canary Islands...
, one of the Canary Islands
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands , also known as the Canaries , is a Spanish archipelago located just off the northwest coast of mainland Africa, 100 km west of the border between Morocco and the Western Sahara. The Canaries are a Spanish autonomous community and an outermost region of the European Union...
, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
. He had fourteen brothers younger than he was. His father had important administrative positions in San Antonio. Simón de Arocha was become a judge dedicated to distributing public lands among people to the community of his hometown. He also served as mayor of San Antonio in 1770 and 1787 and as a militia commander, becoming later in a lieutenant general. Between the years of Mayor there were many changes: Thus, in year 1774, in zone from Bucareli Trinity River, escorted the also isleños Adaesaños, residing in West Texas, near Louisiana. In 1778, Arocha decided redact a census report of the province for the new commanding general, Fray John Augustine Morfi. Year four later, in 1782, Simon and his brother Juan de Arocha got a ranch north of Floresville in Texas. After that, they and their family became leaders for farmers in San Antonio. Besides this he also was instrumental in the agreement of the missions in 1787. They and his family gained city council of the City of San Antonio. However, when Simón tried get another ranch at the confluence of the rivers in San Marcos
San Marcos River
The San Marcos River rises from the San Marcos Springs, the location of Aquarena Springs, in San Marcos, Texas. The springs are home to several threatened or endangered species, including the Texas Blind Salamander, Fountain Darter, and Texas Wild Rice...
and Guadalupe rivers
Guadalupe River (Texas)
The Guadalupe River runs from Kerr County, Texas to San Antonio Bay on the Gulf of Mexico. The river is a popular destination for rafters and canoers. Larger cities along the river include New Braunfels, Kerrville, Seguin, Gonzales, Cuero, and Victoria...
, many farmers in the province protested. The fight became reality because the next acquisition of land by Arocha left this out of work. Simon de Arocha died on July 29, 1796.