Tejanos (Mexicans) who fought for Texas in the Battle of the Alamo

Remembering the Tejanos Out of the 189 defenders of the Alamo, only a few were native Texans. Defenders came from all over the country, even from as far as Europe. "The Hispanic Experience: Tejanos in the Texas Revolution“ http://www.houstonculture.org/hispanic/alamo.html

Famous Tejano patriots One man who played a very significant role in the fight for independence was Juan Nepomuceno Seguín (1806- 1890). A native of San Antonio, Seguín is probably the most famous Tejano to be involved in the War of Texas Independence. He joined the Anglo rebels and helped defeat the Mexican forces of Santa Anna. The other famous Tejano patriot was José Antonio Navarro (1795-1871), who was one of the three Tejano Mexicano signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence (the other two were José Francisco Ruiz and Lorenzo de Zavala). Navarro was elected to serve twice in the Texas Senate, and Navarro County was named in his honor. "The Hispanic Experience: Tejanos in the Texas Revolution“ http://www.houstonculture.org/hispanic/alamo.html

Tejanos who died at the Alamo Juan Abamillo was a native Tejano who had volunteered to serve in the Texas Revolution under the command of Juan Seguín. He had arrived at the Alamo on February 23, 1836 and he died there on March 6, 1836 as he fought alongside Travis, Crocket and the others. Juan Antonio Badillo was born in Texas and also served under Captain Seguín. Badillo accompanied Seguín to the Alamo in February. But when Seguín was called out to rally reinforcements, Badillo stayed at the Alamo. Carlos Espalier (1819-1836) was born in Texas and was said to be a protégé of Jim Bowie. When he died at the Alamo, he was only seventeen years old. "The Hispanic Experience: Tejanos in the Texas Revolution“ http://www.houstonculture.org/hispanic/alamo.html

Tejanos who died at the Alamo José María Esparza (1802-1836), also known as Gregorio Esparza, was born in San Antonio de Béxar. When General Santa Anna and his forces arrived in February 1836, Esparza and his family were advised to take refuge in the Alamo. Although Esparza could have left if he had desired to do so, he decided to stay, and his family remained with him. He tended a cannon during the siege and died when the Alamo fell on March 6, 1836. Antonio Fuentes (1813-1836) was born in San Antonio de Béxar, Texas. He was recruited by Juan Seguín and took part in the siege of Béxar. Fuentes had a falling out with the Seguín and Travis, but when the Mexican troops arrived in San Antonio, he stayed and fell with the other defenders. Damacio Jiménez, a native of Texas, also joined Seguín's militia. Damacio had served with Colonel Travis at Anahuac and entered the Alamo in late 1835. He died with the other defenders. "The Hispanic Experience: Tejanos in the Texas Revolution“ http://www.houstonculture.org/hispanic/alamo.html

Tejanos who died at the Alamo José Toribio Losoya (1808-1836) was one of Capt. Seguín’s company of Tejanos. In February 1836, Losoya rode to the Alamo with Seguín and was there when the fortress fall. His wife and three children sought refuge in the mission chapel and survived the siege. Andrés Nava (1810-1836) was a native of Texas who had enlisted for six months service under the command of Juan Seguín. He took part in the siege of Béxar and later died while defending the Alamo on March 6, 1836. "The Hispanic Experience: Tejanos in the Texas Revolution“ http://www.houstonculture.org/hispanic/alamo.html

Your assignment Pick one of the Tejano heroes who died defending the Alamo. Write two journal/diary entries: The first one will be from late 1835 or early 1836, describing why he chose to join the Texans in fighting against Santa Anna. The second one will be during the siege of the Alamo. Talk about how he feels about his decision, his family, Santa Anna, the Texans, etc. Due Tuesday about 15 minutes from the end of class. Each should be about one page long. Juan Abamillo Juan Antonio Badillo  Carlos Espalier  José María Esparza  Antonio Fuentes  Damacio Jiménez José Toribio Losoya  Andrés Nava