California and Texas Presidio Soldiers Added for Patriotic Service

In applying for DAR membership, lineage must be documented back to an ancestor who aided the cause of American independence. These efforts may come through military, civil or patriotic service.

The DAR Executive Committee has approved the addition of patriotic service for Spanish soldiers in two presidios in Texas and four presidios and one mission in California!  Research Documentation has connected the collection of the royal decree funds requested by the King of Spain, Carlos III, to support the war effort to these presidio soldiers. Previously eligible service for presidio soldiers was approved in Santa Fe, New Mexico and Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico. The California Presidios are Santa Barbara, San Diego, San Francisco, Monterey and Mission San Gabriel. The Texas Presidios are Presidio La Bahia and the Cavalry Company of the Presidio San Antonio de Bexar.

This Committee Chair would like to thank many DAR members for their support in researching this service including Donna Kargo Santistevan, Donna Michelle Santistevan, Gloria Gibbel, Gayle Reizes, Robin Hurwitz, Kari Weis, Irene Hernandez Roberts, Kristine Sjostrom, Kathy Crusco, Jeannine Dobbins, and Susan Johnston. We would like to remember Ann Delano Lampman, deceased Honorary Regent of California, for her tireless efforts in records research.