José Antonio Lacayo de Briones y Palacios facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gral. José Antonio Lacayo de Briones y Palacios
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Gral. José Antonio Lacayo de Briones y Palacios Governor of Nicaragua 1740-1745 Representation by Max Lacayo Lacayo 2013
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| Born | August 13, 1679 Viana, Navarra, Kingdom of Spain
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| Died | 1756 |
| Spouse(s) | Bárbara Rosa del Pomar y Villegas |
José Antonio Lacayo de Briones y Palacios (1679–1756) was an important Spanish leader. He served as a governor in two countries in Central America during the time when Spain ruled many parts of the world. He was the Governor of Costa Rica from 1713 to 1717. Later, he became the Governor of Nicaragua from 1740 to 1745. He was also the Commander in Chief of the Army. In this role, he made sure these countries were strong and safe from invaders.
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Who was José Antonio Lacayo de Briones?
José Antonio Lacayo de Briones y Palacios was born on August 13, 1679, in Viana, a town in Navarre, Spain. He came from a noble family. His parents were Josef Lacayo de Briones y García de Aragón and Teresa Palacios Amescua.
In 1711, he married Bárbara Rosa de Pomar y Villegas in Granada, Nicaragua. She was also from Viana. Around the year 1700, José Antonio joined the military. He traveled from Spain to Peru, then to Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. He finally settled in the city of Granada, Nicaragua. He is known as the ancestor of the Lacayo family in Nicaragua.
Family History and Roots
The Lacayo de Briones family name comes from a town called Briones in Spain. This town is near Viana, where José Antonio was born. His family had a long history of serving their region and the Spanish Crown. They often held important jobs in the military and government. This background likely helped shape José Antonio's own character and his strong leadership skills.
His ancestors were known for helping to keep order and peace. They lived in a region that often faced struggles and invasions. This history of protecting their land and traditions probably influenced José Antonio. It prepared him for the important roles he would take on in Central America.
Early Military Career
José Antonio Lacayo de Briones began his military service around 1700. He quickly rose through the ranks. When the Governor of Costa Rica passed away, José Antonio was chosen to take his place on December 11, 1712. He officially became governor on May 11, 1713.
During his time as governor, he also worked as the Treasurer for the regions of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. He faced many challenges, especially near the border of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. There were attacks from groups like the Mosquito and Zambos people, as well as English invaders and pirates. He worked hard to protect the area.
At one point, a religious leader accused José Antonio of trading illegally with the English. An investigation was started. However, the local council and clergy in Cartago supported Lacayo. They said the accusation was false. Even though he was cleared, he was ordered to leave Costa Rica for a short time. He even left disguised as a Franciscan friar to avoid trouble. But in 1720, the order was canceled. José Antonio was declared innocent and honest. He was even rewarded by the Crown for his service.
He also used his own money to build the San Francisco de Esparza convent. His property, which had been taken, was returned to him.
Leading the Army
After many years of service, José Antonio was appointed Governor of Nicaragua on November 21, 1740. This was a crucial time because Nicaragua was being attacked by the Mosquito people and English forces.
When he was on his way to León, the capital, he learned about a rebellion led by Antonio Padilla. José Antonio quickly dealt with the situation. He made it clear that everyone had to obey the Crown's representatives. He was a very active leader. He checked all the weapons and set up military bases in León and Granada to prepare for the English invaders.
The Spanish government sent a lot of help to Nicaragua. This included guns, artillery, ammunition, money, and soldiers. King Felipe V himself ordered that local militias (groups of citizens who could fight) be organized throughout the province. The King recognized José Antonio's skills by naming him Commander-in-chief of the army on May 4, 1745.
José Antonio was made Commanding General by Royal Decree on August 23, 1745. He held this important position until December 1746. These years were very important for Spain's power and influence in the region.
José Antonio Lacayo de Briones y Palacios passed away in 1756 in Granada, Nicaragua. He is remembered for his dedication to the Spanish Crown and his efforts to protect and govern the Central American provinces during a challenging period.
