Francisco Javier Girón, 2nd Duke of Ahumada facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Ahumada
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Birth name | Francisco Javier Girón y Ezpeleta de las Casas y Enrile |
| Born | March 11, 1803 Pamplona, Spain |
| Died | December 18, 1869 (aged 66) Madrid, Spain |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Branch |  Spanish Army |
| Years of service | 1815-1869 |
| Rank | Lieutenant general |
| Commands held | Civil Guard Halberdiers Company of the Royal Guard |
| Battles | First Carlist War La Vicalvarada |
| Awards | Gentilhombres de cámara con ejercicio Order of Charles III Order of Isabella the Catholic Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand Royal and Military Order of Saint Hermenegild Order of Leopold Order of Christ |
Francisco Javier Girón, 2nd Duke of Ahumada (born March 11, 1803 – died December 18, 1869) was an important officer in the Spanish Army. He is best known for starting the Civil Guard, which is a national police force in Spain. He was also its very first leader.
Contents
Life of Francisco Javier Girón
His Family Background
Francisco Javier Girón was born into a very old and important family. This family, called the House of Girón, had been around since the 1100s. His father, Pedro Agustín Girón, was the 1st Duke of Ahumada. His family had a long history of serving in the military.
His mother was Concepción Ezpeleta Enrile. Her father, General José Manuel de Ezpeleta, 1st Count of Ezpeleta de Beire, was a very high-ranking official. He was like a governor in different parts of Spain.
Francisco Javier Girón was also related to some famous people through his family. For example, he was a descendant of Moctezuma II, a famous Aztec emperor. This shows how his family had connections across different parts of the world.
His Military Journey
Because his family was so involved in the military, Francisco Javier Girón joined the Spanish Army when he was very young, at just 12 years old.
In 1820, there was an uprising led by General Rafael del Riego. Girón did not support this uprising, so he had to leave Spain for a while. He returned in 1823 when the old system of government was brought back.
He quickly moved up in the army ranks. By 1829, he became a lieutenant colonel. In 1831, he was promoted to colonel. This was a special time because his father also became a very high-ranking general. By 1834, Girón was a brigadier.
Girón fought in many battles during the First Carlist War. This was a civil war in Spain. He fought alongside General Narváez against those who supported Carlos María Isidro de Borbón. After the war, he was recognized for his bravery and loyalty. He was promoted to field marshal.
In 1842, his father passed away. Francisco Javier then became the 2nd Duke of Ahumada.
Founding the Civil Guard
One of the most important things Francisco Javier Girón did was create the Civil Guard. In 1844, the Spanish government asked him to organize a new police force. They chose him because he was known for being very organized and hardworking.
The Duke of Ahumada worked hard to make the Civil Guard a strong and effective force. He wanted its members to be brave, disciplined, and dedicated to helping others. He believed they should always follow the rules and serve the public.
He was the leader of the Civil Guard from 1844 to 1854. He also led them again from 1856 to 1858.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1844, the Duke of Ahumada also became involved in politics. He was elected as a senator for the region of Córdoba. He served in this role at different times.
In 1846, he was promoted to Lieutenant General. He also became the Commander-General of the Halberdiers Company of the Royal Guard. This was a special group of guards for the royal family.
Francisco Javier Girón, the 2nd Duke of Ahumada, received many important awards during his long military career. He passed away in Madrid on December 18, 1869, after more than 50 years of service. His work in creating the Civil Guard left a lasting impact on Spain.
Images for kids
-
Francisco Javier Girón y Ezpeleta, 2nd Duke of Ahumada.
See also
In Spanish: Francisco Javier Girón para niños
