Nicolás Suárez Ponce de León facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nicolás Suárez Ponce de León
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| Acting Governor of La Florida | |
| In office September 21, 1631 – July 29, 1633 |
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| Preceded by | Andrés Rodríguez de Villegas |
| Succeeded by | Luis de Horruytiner |
| In office May 14, 1651 – October 19, 1651 |
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| Preceded by | Benito Ruíz de Salazar Vallecilla |
| Succeeded by | Pedro Horruytiner Benedit |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1595 Almaguer, Cauca, in modern Colombia |
| Died | 1651 St. Augustine, Florida |
| Nationality | Spanish |
Nicolás Suárez Ponce de León (born around 1590–1595, died 1651) was an important Spanish official. He worked as the main accountant (called contador) for the government's money department in Spanish Florida. He held this job from 1630 until he passed away in 1651.
He also served as a temporary leader, or acting governor, of the colony twice. The first time was from 1631 to 1633, and the second time was for a few months in 1651.
Contents
Life Story
Early Life and Family
Nicolás Suárez Ponce was born between 1590 and 1595. His birthplace was Almaguer, Cauca, which is now part of Colombia. Back then, it was a Spanish colony called the New Kingdom of Granada.
His father, Alejo Suarez de Pereda, was a captain and a chief justice in the Viceroyalty of Peru. His grandfathers were also important figures. Nicolás Ponce was a cousin to Juan Ponce de Leon, a famous explorer who discovered Florida.
Moving to Florida
In 1622, Ponce started his military career. He served in the Spanish Army in various battles against native groups. In 1631, he got married. Two years later, in 1633, he moved with his family from Seville, Spain, to St. Augustine, Florida.
St. Augustine was the capital of the Spanish province of La Florida. Ponce's job there was to be the contador, or chief accountant, for the government's money.
Serving as Acting Governor
On September 21, 1631, the current governor, Andres Rodriguez Villegas, died. Because of this, Nicolás Ponce and another official, Sergeant Major Eugenio de Espinosa, were chosen to be temporary co-governors of La Florida.
They served together until July 29, 1633. At that time, a new permanent governor, Luis de Horruytiner, took over.
Royal Accountant Duties
In 1637, Ponce used his power as the royal accountant. He had the treasurer, Francisco Menéndez Márquez, put in prison. The treasurer was accused of spending money that was meant for the situado. The situado was a yearly payment or subsidy that the King sent to the colony.
Second Term and Death
On May 14, 1651, another governor, Benito Ruíz de Salazar Vallecilla, passed away. Nicolás Ponce de León was again chosen to be the temporary governor of Florida. He served in this role until he himself died on October 19, 1651. He was buried in the cemetery in St. Augustine.
His son, Nicolás Ponce de León II, also became an acting governor of Florida later on.
Family Life
Nicolás Ponce de León married Estefania Mendoza de Avila. They got married in Seville, Spain, sometime between 1625 and 1629. Estefania was from Madrid.
They had three children together. Their first daughter, Isabel, was born in 1630. Their second daughter, Estefania, was born in late 1630 or early 1631. Their son, Manuel Ponce de León y de Avila Mendoza, was born in 1637.
See also
In Spanish: Nicolás Suárez Ponce de León para niños
