YBarbo, Antonio Gil, 1729-1809

Ybarbo was the leader of a group of persons displaced by the Spanish government's decision in 1773 to withdraw from East Texas. In 1779, Ybarbo led the effort to resettle the town of Nacogdoches. Afterwards, he was appointed lieutenant governor and civil and military captain of the militia in Nacogdoches. Complaints about his performance forced his resignation. He was charged with trading in stolen goods in 1791, and although he was cleared of the charges, he was banished to Louisiana. With the consent of the Spanish authorities, he was allowed to return to Texas where he died in 1809.

From the description of Ybarbo, Antonio Gil, letter, 1791. (University of Texas Libraries). WorldCat record id: 22177075

Spanish lieutenant governor, judge of contraband, and military captain of the militia in Nacogdoches, New Spain.

From the description of Antonio Gil Y'Barbo collection, 1725-1983. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 70961871

Gil Antonio Ibarvo (also spelled YBarvo, y-Barbo, and y Barvo) was born in 1729 at Los Adaes in the province of Texas (Now Louisiana). He married Maria Padilla and began living in Lobanillo Creek in what is now Sabine County, Texas.

In 1773, Ibarvo became the leader of the displaced persons as a result of an order given by Marques de Rubi to abandon the presidios and missions of East Texas. Ibarvo helped the settlers petition to return to their land and in 1774 were permitted to move as far East as the Trinity River where they founded the town of Bucareli. In 1779, they abandoned Bucareli and with the aid of Ibarvo rebuit the town of Nacogdoches.

Ibarvo was appointed by the Spanish government as lieutenant governor and civil and military captain of militia. He was also appointed judge of contraband. In 1791, he was accused of smuggling contraband goods and trading with the Indians. He was cleared of these charges; however, Ibarvo was forced to leave Nacogdoches. He lived in Louisiana until the death of his first wife, which was closely followed by the marriage to his second wife Marie Guadalupe de Herrera in 1796. He was allowed to return to Nacogdoches and died in 1809 at his home, Rancho La Lucana. His descendants still reside in East Texas.

From the guide to the Gil Antonio Ibarvo papers MC105., n.d., (Albert and Ethel Herzstein Library, )