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Francisco Javier Girón, 2nd Duke of Ahumada facts for kids

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The Duke of Ahumada

Francisco Javier Girón y Ezpeleta Duque de Ahumada.jpg
Birth name Francisco Javier Girón y Ezpeleta de las Casas y Enrile
Born (1803-03-11)March 11, 1803
Pamplona, Spain
Died December 18, 1869(1869-12-18) (aged 66)
Madrid, Spain
Allegiance  Spain
Branch Emblem of the Spanish Army.svg 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.

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.

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See also

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