Henry Cisneros reading Juan Seguin's eulogy for those killed defending the Alamo during the Texas Revolution
Son of a rancher and public servant, Erasmo Seguin, who was postmaster of San Antonio de Béxar and one of the founders of its first public school.
Elected as an alderman and then mayor of San Antonio in 1833.
The next-to-last man out of the Alamo (Feb. 25) before the March 6, 1836 battle. He requested to return, but was ordered not to do so.
When Sam Houston ordered all Texans to evacuate their homes ahead of Santa Anna's armies (the "Runaway Scrape"), Seguin was given the job of protecting the evacuating women and children. This meant he and his men were the rear guard, closest to the pursuing troops, and blocked the Mexican army from crossing the Brazos.
Distinguished soldier in the Battle of San Jacinto (Texas revolutionaries vs. Mexican dictator Antonio López de Santa Anna and his troops - April 21, 1836).
The person tasked with burying the ashes of the Alamo dead in Feb. 1837. His eulogy for them can be heard above.
Elected to the Senate in the new Republic of Texas, followed by a return to his role as mayor of San Antonio. Failed in his efforts to have the laws of Texas translated to Spanish.
Subject to prejudice from newly arrived North Americans to San Antonio who resented the presence of a Tejano civic leader. Accused of being a secret agent of the Mexican government. Forced to resign his position as mayor of San Antonio, and flee to Mexico.
Forced by the Mexican military to fight against the United States in the US-Mexican war.
Eventually returned to Texas and was elected as a Justice of the Peace and judge.
To read more about Juan N. Seguin, see the historical articles written by Bill Neeley.
