20 Facts About Antonio Menchaca

Jose Antonio Menchaca was an American soldier and politician who fought in the Texas Revolution and was recognized by a Joint Resolution of the Republic of Texas on December 22,1838.

Antonio Menchaca later commanded militia troops and helped defend the town from a Mexican invasion by General Adrian Woll in 1842.

Antonio Menchaca was baptized as a Roman Catholic on January 17,1800.

Antonio Menchaca was well-educated and could speak and write both Spanish and English fluently.

Alamo co-commander James Bowie held a council of war with his officers, including Antonio Menchaca, to determine what steps to take next.

Antonio Menchaca moved his family out of the town, to Seguin's isolated ranch.

Burleson insisted that Antonio Menchaca stay, as all able-bodied men were needed to fight in the Texan army.

The 14 Tejano volunteers waiting in Gonzales, including Antonio Menchaca, joined Seguin's new company.

Antonio Menchaca announced that the Convention of 1836 had declared Texas an independent nation, and read the men the Texas Declaration of Independence.

Antonio Menchaca chose to act quickly and ordered his men to cross Buffalo Bayou and move to Lynchburg.

Antonio Menchaca's troops, including those who had been standing guard, were given permission to rest.

The officer begged Antonio Menchaca to intercede for him, as a "brother Mexican".

Antonio Menchaca was put in charge of many of the prisoners taken near the lake.

Antonio Menchaca was given a military command in July 1842, leading a company to protect the frontier south of Bexar from Indian attacks.

Antonio Menchaca's company helped to defend Bexar in September 1842, when Mexican General Adrian Woll invaded the town.

Antonio Menchaca was wounded when hit by a stone that had been struck by a cannonball.

Antonio Menchaca was taken prisoner by Mexican troops and released within days after his family swore not to take up arms against Mexico again.

Antonio Menchaca served as alderman and then as mayor pro tem from July 1838 through January 1839.

Antonio Menchaca became a spokesperson for Tejanos who felt they had been treated unjustly by the Republic, and later State, of Texas after the war ended.

Antonio Menchaca frequently spoke up for Tejano veterans who thought they had been denied proper compensation for their service and was often a witness in legal proceedings.