Francita Alavez facts for kids

Francita Alavez (born around 1816, died around 1906) was a brave woman known as the "Angel of Goliad." She earned this nickname for saving the lives of many Texan prisoners of war. She helped them during the terrible Goliad Massacre and at other places like Copano and Victoria, Texas. Francita spoke up for the prisoners and convinced Mexican officials to help them. Her husband, Captain Telesforo Alavez, was a Mexican leader in the Copano and Victoria areas under General Jose de Urrea.

Who Was Francita Alavez?

We don't know exactly when or where Francita was born. Even her real name is a bit of a mystery! People have called her Panchita, Francisca, Pancheta, or Francita. Her last name has also been spelled in different ways, like Alevesco, Alvárez, or Alavez.

Her Journey to Texas

In 1836, during the Texas Revolution, Francita traveled to Texas. She went with her husband, Captain Telesforo Alavez. They sailed from Matamoros, Mexico, to a port called El Cópano in Copano Bay, Texas.

The Angel of Goliad's Actions

Francita Alavez showed great kindness and courage during the Texas Revolution. She used her strong will to help prisoners.

Helping Prisoners at Copano

At El Cópano, Francita used her caring nature and strong personality. She convinced important Mexican officials to treat Texan prisoners with respect. For example, 80 soldiers from Major William Parsons Miller's group were captured. Francita influenced the Mexican soldiers to untie the men's hands. She also made sure they were given food to eat.

Saving Lives at Goliad

In La Bahia, which is now Goliad, Francita became known as the "Angel of Goliad." Thanks to her help and the brave efforts of Colonel Francisco Garay, 20 more men were saved. These men were kept alive as doctors, interpreters, or workers. Francita even went into the prison the night before the massacre. She brought several men out with her and hid them. She kept them safe until after the Goliad Massacre. She also made sure the 80 men from Miller's group were not executed.

Protecting Workers in Victoria

Later, in Victoria, her husband was in charge. Francita made sure that 26 Texan builders and workers were released. She ensured they would not be executed.

Life After the Revolution

After the Mexican army was defeated, Francita returned to Matamoros with Captain Alavez. She continued to help Texan prisoners held in Matamoros. When Captain Alavez went to Mexico City, Francita went with him. However, their relationship soon ended. She then left Mexico City and returned to Matamoros.

Francita faced hard times and was struggling. But some Texan friends who knew about her kind acts helped her. A schoolteacher named Elena O'Shea wrote in her memoirs in 1936 that Francita Alavez returned to Texas with her new friends. She then found work on a ranch there.