Gaspar Flores de Abrego facts for kids

José Gaspar Flores de Abrego (1781–1836) was a Tejano who served as the mayor of San Antonio, Texas. He was also a land commissioner and worked with early settlers in Austin's colony.

Gaspar Flores was part of a group that disagreed with the strong rule of Mexican President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. He attended an important meeting in Bexar on November 15, 1834. This was the first revolutionary meeting held in the city by those who wanted less central control. He was one of 35 men who signed a document against Santa Anna's policies at this meeting.

Early Life and Family

José Gaspar María Flores de Abrego was born in San Antonio de Béjar. His parents were Vicente Flores and Maria Antonia de las Fuentes Fernandes. Their families were among the first settlers in Texas, coming from the Canary Islands.

He was the great-grandson of Vicente Álvarez Travieso (1731–1779), who was the first chief officer, or alguacil mayor, of San Antonio. In 1827, Gaspar Flores worked as a land commissioner for the Austin colony. In this role, he helped issue 35 official land titles to settlers.

He was elected as mayor of San Antonio several times: in 1811, 1819, 1824, 1829, and 1834.

Role in the Texas Revolution

Gaspar Flores was deeply involved in the events leading up to the Texas Revolution. He attended the first major meeting in Bexar on November 15, 1834. This meeting was a key step for those who opposed the Mexican government's central control.

In the 1830s, Flores served as the Treasury administrator. He signed the important document that was presented at the convention, showing his support for the anti-centralist movement.

Standing Up to Santa Anna

In 1835, President Santa Anna took away power from the Mexican Congress. He also took control over all state governments, including Coahuila and Texas. When Colonel Domingo Ugartechea and his troops arrived in San Antonio, Flores bravely refused to give them official Treasury documents.

Later, Santa Anna sent more troops, led by General Martin Perfecto de Cos, to take control of San Antonio. However, in December 1835, a group of Texians fought back. They pushed the Mexican forces out of San Antonio and Texas during the siege of Bexar.

After this battle, Flores helped those who had stayed in Bexar. He provided them with food, cattle, and other important supplies. In January 1836, he worked on a committee to find solutions to the conflict.

Delegates and the Alamo

In February 1836, elections were held in Texas. Each city chose four delegates to represent them at a convention on March 1st. Gaspar Flores was one of the delegates chosen from Bexar. Other important figures like José Antonio Navarro, José Francisco Ruiz, and Erasmo Seguin also ran for these positions.

A couple of weeks later, Texas received news that Santa Anna was coming to San Antonio with thousands of troops. Young men quickly joined the local militia or became messengers. After the fall of the Alamo, Flores and Seguin helped many families move to eastern Texas. They did this to keep them safe from the fighting.

Later Life and Legacy

Gaspar Flores died on September 6, 1836. This was after the battle of San Jacinto, and he had traveled a few miles east of San Felipe. He likely died from a fever that was common in the area at that time.

He was married twice. His second wife, Petra Zambrano, his son Nicholas, and his two sons-in-law received his possessions on February 11, 1837.