Alejo de Esparza facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alejo de Esparza y Ustarroz
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Coat of Arms of Esparza
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1638 Lumbier, Kingdom of Navarre |
| Died | c.1712 Buenos Aires, Viceroyalty of Peru |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Spouse | Escolástica Rodríguez y Martínez |
| Occupation | Merchant |
| Profession | Soldier |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Branch/service | Spanish Army |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Fuerte de Buenos Aires |
Alejo de Esparza (born around 1638, died in the early 1700s) was an important person from the Basque region of Spain. He was a soldier and a merchant. He became the commander of the Fort of Buenos Aires. He also helped to settle and build the city in the 1600s.
Alejo de Esparza started the Esparza family in the Río de la Plata area. His sons, Joseph de Esparza and Miguel Gerónimo de Esparza, became important government officials. This was during the time when the area was part of the Viceroyalty of Peru.
Contents
Early Life and Arrival in Buenos Aires
Where Alejo was Born
Alejo de Esparza was born in 1638. His birthplace was Lumbier, a town in Navarre, which is a region in Spain. His father was Pedro de Esparza. His mother was Colomba de Garro. Both of his parents came from well-known families. His mother's family had roots in the French Basque Country.
Journey to the New World
In January 1660, Alejo de Esparza traveled to the port of Buenos Aires. He arrived on a ship named "Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu." He had been recruited as a soldier in San Sebastián, a city in Spain.
The trip was part of a larger mission. This mission was led by Martin de Telleria. Their goal was to bring weapons and two groups of soldiers to Buenos Aires. These soldiers were needed to make the city's defenses stronger.
Family Life and Business
Marriage in Buenos Aires
Alejo de Esparza got married in Buenos Aires. His wife was Escolástica Rodríguez. She was born in the city. Her parents were Alfonso Rodríguez and Trinidad Martínez.
Their wedding took place on July 5, 1660. The ceremony was held at the La Merced church in Buenos Aires. A captain named Juan Ramírez Arellano was a witness. He was from Santiago and had also served at the fort in Buenos Aires.
A Successful Merchant
After settling in the Río de la Plata region, Alejo de Esparza became a merchant. He focused completely on his business. He grew to be one of the richest merchants in the city.
He owned a pulperia, which was a type of general store or tavern. He also had strong business connections with Cádiz, a major port city in Spain.
His Important Sons
Alejo de Esparza's family became very important. His son, Miguel Gerónimo de Esparza y Rodríguez, held important government jobs. He served as an alcalde (a type of mayor or judge) and a regidor (a council member) in Buenos Aires.
The Esparza and Garro family names were well-known in Navarre. It is thought that Alejo's family might be related to famous people like Ramón de Esparza and Pere Arnaut de Garro.
See also
In Spanish: Alejo de Esparza para niños
