González Ortega, Jesús, 1822-1881

Military and political leader. Born 1822 near Teúl, Zacatecas; died 1881 in Saltillo. Served as jefe político de Tlaltenango (1855) and Fresnillo (1857), and Diputado in the Congreso Zacatecano (1857). Governor of Zacatecas (1858). Organized troops and defended Zacatecas from attacks by conservative forces. On August 10, 1860, González Ortega defeated Miramón's forces at Silao and was named hero of the state of Zacatecas. On December 22, 1860, he won the battle of Calpulalpan, ending the Guerra de los Tres Años. González Ortega was named Ministro de Guerra by President Benito Juárez on January 1, 1861 and served until April 6, 1861. He was sworn in as president of the Supreme Court on August 20, 1861. He participated in the defense of Puebla in the spring of 1863 but, after a trip to the United States to raise support and supplies for the army, was imprisoned on January 8, 1867 on charges of having abandoned the country and his troops without permission of the government. After his release from prison on August 1, 1868, González Ortega retired to private life in Saltillo. On January 6, 1881, President Manuel González conferred upon him the rank of general.

From the description of Jesús González Ortega Collection, 1851-1881 (bulk 1860-1861). (University of Texas Libraries). WorldCat record id: 29747462

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