José de Urrutia facts for kids

José de Urrutia (around 1678 to 1741) was a Basque Spanish explorer and settler. He helped explore and settle Texas. He later became the captain of the San Antonio de Béjar fort. José de Urrutia also lived with several Native American tribes for seven years. He even led their fights against their enemies, the Apaches, in East Texas. He was named the "General Captain" of all the Native American groups who were against the Apache people.

Early Life and Beginnings

José de Urrutia was born in Guipuzcoa, in the Basque Country of Spain, around the year 1678. He became a soldier, just like his brother Toribio.

Exploring Texas

José de Urrutia and his brother joined an important journey called the Domingo Teran de los Rios expedition. They moved to Texas sometime before 1691. During this time, the brothers were part of a group of soldiers stationed near the Neches River. Many of the soldiers exploring with Domingo Teran de los Rios left Texas in the winter of 1693. This was because the Native Americans in Texas were becoming more hostile.

Living with Native American Tribes

Soon after, José de Urrutia had an accident near the San Marcos River. Experts now think it might have been on the Colorado River. His injury meant he had to stay behind with Native American tribes living nearby. Three other soldiers chose to stay with him.

Urrutia lived with several Native American groups for seven years. He spent time especially with the Kanohatinos, Xarames, and Tohos tribes. He built strong connections with them. He quickly learned their languages and their ways of life. This helped him earn the respect of the tribes. He became known as "captain General" of all the groups who were against the Apaches. He led several battles against the Apache tribes.

Return to Mexico and Later Career

In 1696, José de Urrutia returned to Mexico. There, he held an important position in the Spanish military. In 1700, after a new mission called Mission San Juan Bautista was started, he continued his explorations in Texas.

After settling in San Antonio, Urrutia was made captain of the Presidio San Antonio de Bexar fort. This happened on July 23, 1733. For the next forty years, he built relationships with other Native American groups in Texas. He also connected with tribes in Coahuila and Nuevo Leon.

Urrutia continued to oppose the Apaches. In the winter of 1739, he led another war against them in San Saba. José de Urrutia passed away on July 16, 1741.

Personal Life

On January 7, 1697, José de Urrutia married Antonia Ramon. They had a daughter named Antonia. They were married in a church in Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico. After his first wife died during childbirth, Urrutia married a second time to Rosa Flores. With Rosa, he had ten children: six sons and four daughters. One of his sons, Toribio de Urrutia, also became captain of the Presidio de Bexar, following in his father's footsteps.