There’s a town in Texas named for him, but you might not be fully aware of his story or those who fought alongside him. Captain Juan Seguin roused his childhood friends to fight with him for the independence of Texas, as the Tejano Volunteer Company. In late September 1835, the Texas Revolution was just in its beginning stages. Years of tensions had led to an insurgence from United States colonists and Tejanos, who formed armed opposition to Mexico’s centralist government.
Many people wanted to contribute to the cause, and one such example started with a meeting held near Floresville, at the Flores de Abrego Ranch. Those in attendance were young, eligible men from San Antonio de Béxar. Their leader was Juan Sequin, and his rallying cry was simple: “Texas shall be free, independent or we shall perish with glory in battle.”
Photo: @sforest via Twenty20
Then and there, the “Tejano Volunteer Company” was formed, the men committed side by side to fight for freedom as a home-grown revolutionary militia. These volunteers included sons of the families Arciniega, Curvier, Diaz, Flores, Garcia, Garza, Hernandez, Jimenez, Leal, Maldonado, Menchaca, Navarro, Rodriguez, Tarin, Veramendi and many more, who ultimately combated in all possible Texas Revolutionary battles and skirmishes, from the start in October 1835 until the end, six months later.
Photo: @tkaye67 via Twenty20
Today, a local group is working to draw attention throughout the state to this brave group of volunteers who believed with their lives Texas should be independent of Mexico. Beginning with Juan N. Seguin, the website will feature a different Tejano Volunteer Company fighter who served during the Texas Revolution. Representations of history have typically excluded Tejano soldiers, therefore, add to your knowledge of the Texas Revolution by learning of the seven Tejanos who died at the Alamo, the two Tejano signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, as well as what became of Juan Seguin after the roar of revolution was heard.
