Manuel Antonio Santiago Tarin
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Manuel Antonio Santiago Tarin (1811-1849) was a Mexican soldier. He was born in San Antonio de Béxar (now San Antonio, Texas, United States).
The son of a military officer, Vizente Tarín and his wife, Juana Isidora Leal. Tarín was baptized at a the San Antonio de Valero Mission ("the Alamo") two days after his birth.
In 1813, there was much political turmoil in the region. His father, a Spanish officer, deserted and went into exile in the Louisiana territory leaving Manuel and his mother in the care of a Catholic priest. Though his father was given a conditional pardon in 1814, he refused it and chose to remain in exile, continuing in the rebellion against the Spanish crown.
By 1830, Manuel Tarín became a soldier in the Second Flying Company of Álamo de Parras, serving first at the Alamo and then in a remote East Texas fort. The Mexican government's failed support of its frontier outposts forced its men and their families to suffer under the harshest of conditions. Tarín deserted twice, but was returned to duty both times. His unit ultimately returned to San Antonio and the Alamo.
Tarín was largely dissatisfied with the Mexican army as was demonstrated when he was apprehended with his own brother, José Vizente and other accomplices after trying to steal guns and ammunition from the Alamo stores.
By 1835, he deserted the Mexican army and enlisted in the Texas army. He fought at the siege of Béxar under the command of Stephen F. Austin. On February 22, 1836, Tarin mustered into Juan N. Seguín's company of Tejanos.
Tarín left the military in 1837. For his service as a Corporal with the Texas army, he was awarded several acres in donation land grants and bounty warrants.
He married María Luisa Cásares by 1846 and had at least two children. He died sometime after 1849.
