The empresario Don Martin de Leon

This book is an account of the valiant and honorary life of a Mexican of royal Spanish descent who colonizes the city of Victoria, Texas. Don Martin de Leon was the matriarch of a large family and the leader of many others. Braving the wild frontier, they set out 1824 to begin a new life. The empresario gained much wealth with numerous heads of cattle, and taming of countless wild mustangs. He was a supporter of the Texas Army and supplied them with many provisions. He was a faithful Catholic who enforced the church's laws among his settlers. With the war between Texas and Mexico, he and his family had to flee to New Orleans for safety. They were considered enemies of Mexico, their homeland, because of their support of the Texans. He died at an early age of 54 after contracting cholera, but his children continued to support his causes. There were many interesting facts about the struggles of life in those days, which included everything from the dangers of Indian attack, to procedures for curing cow hides. The family suffered injustice when they tried to reclaim their properties after the war. Because of their Mexican heritage, they were looked down on by Texans. Their loyalty to the state seemed to have been forgotten. The descendants of Don Martin de Leon lived in poverty, which was so ironic considering his status and wealth at the beginning of his life. This book reviewed the importance of the progress he made in a new frontier and how nearly 150 years after his death recognition and gratitude came too late.