José María Téllez-Girón, 7th Duke of Osuna facts for kids

José María Téllez-Girón y Benavides (born May 25, 1685, in Madrid – died May 18, 1733) was an important Spanish noble. He was the 7th Duke of Osuna, a high-ranking title. He also served as a military leader and a diplomat for Spain. He was known as a Grandee of Spain, which meant he was one of the most important nobles in the country.

Life Story of José María Téllez-Girón

José María was the second son of Gaspar Téllez-Girón, who was the 5th Duke of Osuna. His mother was Ana Antonia de Benavides Carrillo y Toledo. In 1716, his older brother passed away without any sons. This meant José María became the 7th Duke of Osuna. There was a small disagreement with his niece about who should get the title, but José María eventually became the Duke.

Military Career

José María started his military career early. In 1704, he took part in the Siege of Gibraltar alongside his brother. This was a big military event.

By 1707, he was a mariscal de campo, which is a high military rank. He played a part in the Battle of Almansa. After this battle, he brought 100 enemy flags to Madrid. King Philip V ordered these flags to be placed in the Basilica of Atocha. José María also wrote an official report about the Battle of Almansa. Later that year, on November 10, 1707, he was wounded during the Battle of Lérida.

Diplomatic Missions

José María also had an important role as a diplomat. On June 5, 1719, he was made a Lieutenant General. In 1721, he was sent to Versailles in France as a special ambassador. His job was to ask for the hand of Princess Louise Élisabeth d'Orléans in marriage for Infante Luis, who was a Spanish prince. Because of his good work, the French King Louis XV gave him a special award, the necklace of the Order of the Holy Spirit.

At the end of 1722, he led a group to bring another French princess, Philippine Élisabeth d'Orléans, to Spain. She was going to marry Infante Carlos, another Spanish prince. On January 25, 1723, he gave a special jewel from the King of Spain to the French King. The next day, he left with Princess Philippine and traveled with her to Spain. He presented her in Fuencarral on February 16.

José María also served as a captain of the 1st company of the Life Guards for King Felipe V.

Family Life

On September 21, 1721, José María married Francisca Bibiana. She was the sixth daughter of Manuel Pérez de Guzmán, the 12th Duke of Medina Sidonia.

They had two children:

• María Faustina Manuel Téllez-Girón (born 1724), who married Francisco Alfonso Pimentel y Borja.
• Pedro Téllez-Girón (1728-1787), who became the next Duke of Osuna after his father.

See also

In Spanish: José María Téllez-Girón y Benavides para niños