Patricia de la Garza De León facts for kids

Patricia de la Garza De León (1775–1849) was a very important woman in early Texas history. She was the leader of one of the first families to settle the area. Patricia raised ten children, and some of them helped shape the future of Texas. In 1824, when she was 49, she moved her whole life to help her husband, Martín De León, start De León's Colony. This was a settlement mainly for Mexican families. She used her own money and belongings to help build the colony. She also helped create a school and a church. Patricia worked hard to make sure Mexican and Spanish culture thrived in the new community. After her husband passed away, Patricia became the head of the family. There are special markers in Texas that remember her important contributions.

Patricia's Early Life

Patricia de la Garza De León was born in 1775 in Soto la Marina, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Her family was wealthy, and her father was Felipe de la Garza.

Family Life and Moving Around

In 1795, Patricia married Martín De León. They lived on his ranch in Cruillas. Martín sold wild horses, mules, and cattle. Their first child, Fernando, was born there in 1798.

In 1799, the family moved their ranching business to San Patricio County, Texas. Three more children were born there: Candelaria in 1800, Silvestre in 1802, and Guadalupe in 1804.

The Spanish government gave the family land near the Aransas River in 1805. Two more sons, Félix (born 1806) and Agapito (born 1808), were born there. In 1807, Martín De León registered the family's cattle brand. This was the very first cattle brand registered in what would become Texas!

The family moved again in 1810, south of the Nueces River. Their daughter María was born that year. Because of problems with Native American groups, the family moved north near San Antonio. Three more daughters were born there: Refugio in 1812, Agustina in 1814, and Francisca in 1818.

Starting Victoria, Texas

On April 13, 1824, the Mexican government gave Martín De León a special agreement. He was allowed to bring 41 Mexican families to settle near the Guadalupe and Lavaca rivers. Patricia, at 49 years old, moved with her four adult children and six younger children. She became her husband's partner in starting De León's Colony. She gave $9,800 from her inheritance, plus cows, horses, and mules worth $300, to help get the new settlement going.

In the new town of Victoria, Patricia made sure Mexican and Spanish traditions continued. The De León family lived in a simple log home with a dirt floor. But Patricia filled it with nice furniture brought from her family in Mexico. They had servants, and their home became a place where the community gathered. She taught her children not to use guns, so people wouldn't think they were outlaws. She sent her children and grandchildren to school in Mexico and Spain. When the town was planned, Patricia made sure land was set aside for a school and a church. She even donated $500 in gold to help build and furnish the church.

After Martín De León's Death

Martín De León passed away in 1833 from a sickness called cholera. He left behind a large amount of money and property. Their son Fernando took over his father's duties for the colony. Patricia managed the family's money and continued her work helping the community.

A Difficult Time: Exile

The De León family, like many Mexican families, did not support the government of Antonio López de Santa Anna. The idea of Texas becoming independent from Mexico was a separate issue. This created problems and divided loyalties among Mexican families living in Texas. Because of this, the new government of the Republic of Texas and its military became suspicious of them.

In July 1836, a general named Thomas Jefferson Rusk ordered Mexican families in the Victoria area to leave. This was to prevent them from helping Santa Anna. The Carbajal, Benavides, and De León families had to leave their homes and belongings. They went to New Orleans and lived in poverty. Later, they moved back with Patricia's family in Soto la Marina, Mexico. In 1837, Patricia was able to sell some land for $10,000.

Sadly, Patricia's youngest son, Agapito, was murdered in 1836. Her son Silvestre returned to Victoria in 1842 to try and get the family's property back, but he was also murdered.

Patricia returned to Texas in 1844. She found that her family's land and belongings had been given to new settlers. She had lost her important place in the community. For the rest of her life, she dedicated herself to serving the local Catholic church.

Patricia's Final Years

Patricia passed away in 1849 and is buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Victoria, Texas. Before she died, she gave the original De León family home to the Catholic Church. She also donated special items for the church's altar. Today, Saint Mary's Catholic Church stands on the site of the De León homestead.