Musquiz, Ramon, b. 1797.

Musquiz was a Spanish-Mexican merchant and highest political leader in Bexar, responsible for the administration of the colonization laws there for early impresarios. A friend of Stephen F. Austin, he was sympathetic to the American colonists. For a short time in 1835 he served as governor of Texas. Musquiz helped develop the first department of public health west of the Mississippi River and led preventative health campaigns to curb smallpox outbreaks.

Spanish-Mexican merchant and political figure Ramón Músquiz was born to military officer Miguel Francisco Músquiz and Catarina Gonzales around 1797. Músquiz began his career as postmaster of Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico, toward the end of the Spanish Texas period, after which he opened a store in San Antonio and became involved in political affairs. From 1825 to 1827 Músquiz served as secretary to the political chief of the Department of Texas, who he replaced in 1828. He resigned in 1834, citing health reasons. During his tenure, Músquiz favored Anglo-American colonists, notably in regard to slavery, contraband trade and relations with natives. In 1835 Músquiz was elected vice governor, but never assumed office and returned to Monclova in 1836.

Source:

Teja, Jesus F. de la. "Musquiz, Ramon." Handbook of Texas Online. Accessed July 21, 2011.

Spanish-Mexican merchant and political figure Ramón Músquiz was born to military officer Miguel Francisco Músquiz and Catarina Gonzales around 1797.

Músquiz began his career as postmaster of Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico, toward the end of the Spanish Texas period, after which he opened a store in San Antonio and became involved in political affairs. From 1825 to 1827 Músquiz served as secretary to the political chief of the Department of Texas, who he replaced in 1828. He resigned in 1834, citing health reasons. During his tenure, Músquiz favored Anglo-American colonists, notably in regard to slavery, contraband trade and relations with natives. In 1835 Músquiz was elected vice governor, but never assumed office and returned to Monclova in 1836.