Simón de Arocha

Simon de Arocha (1731–1796) was a judge on the distribution of public lands and mayor of San Antonio de Béjar (1770 and 1787). Since 1782 his family became leader of the farmers in the province.

Biography

Simón de Arocha was born in San Antonio de Béjar, Texas, in October, 1731 (the Canarian settlers arrived to San Antonio in March this year). His parents, Francisco de Arocha and Juana Curbelo, came from La Palma, one of the Canary Islands, Spain. He had fourteen brothers younger than his. His father had important administrative positions in San Antonio. Simón de Arocha was become a judge dedicated to distributing public lands among people to the community of his hometown.^[1] He also served as mayor of San Antonio in 1770 and 1787 ^[2] and as a militia commander, becoming later in a lieutenant general. Between the years of Mayor there were many changes: Thus, in 1774, in zone from Bucareli Trinity River, escorted the also isleños Adaesaños, residing in West Texas, near Louisiana. In 1778, Arocha decided redact a census report of the province for the new commanding general, Fray John Augustine Morfi. Year four later, in 1782, Simon and his brother Juan de Arocha got a ranch north of Floresville in Texas. After that, they and their family became leaders for farmers in San Antonio. Besides this he also was instrumental in the agreement of the missions in 1787. They and his family gained city council of the City of San Antonio. However, when Simón tried get another ranch at the confluence of the rivers in San Marcos and Guadalupe rivers, many farmers in the province protested. The fight became reality because the next acquisition of land by Arocha left this out of work. Simon de Arocha died on July 29, 1796.^[1]

After his death

In the early 19th century, the family of Arocha was considered insurgent for the population of the San Antonio, which caused a revolution against this family. After that, their lands were confiscated. In 1821, the grandson of Simon de Arocha confirmed the title of the donation from his grandfather.^[1]

Personal life

In 1752 De Arocha married Maria Ignacia de Urrutia and they had eight children.^[1]

References