by Jesse O. Villarreal, Sr.
 
In late 2007, after reading Robert H. Thornhoff’s publications on the American Revolution, Mr. Villarreal made an "enlightening discovery". His ancestors had contributed to the success of the American Revolution. Thereafter, Mr. Villarreal learned about his 9th generation Texan status. His ancestor, Don Francisco Hernández, came to what is now Texas in the early 1700s Spanish expeditions. Later in 1758, Don Francisco’s eldest son, Andrés held, what was to become the oldest land grant according to the General Land Office in Austin, Texas. The 18,599 acre Rancho de San Bartolo bred many head of cattle that were trailed to the Spanish forces of Col. Bernardo de Gálvez who defeated the revolutionary British forces along the Gulf Coast. This book is teeming with accounts of the harsh life in the San Antonio presidios during this period of Texas history, and contains lists of Tejanos and "ranchos" who contributed money and cattle towards the success of Col. Gálvez’ military efforts. In spite of the strife with the local tribes, the Apaches, Comanches and Carancawas, among others, the Tejano cattle drives were successful to Louisiana. Through the Tejano contribution and effort, the forces of Col. Gálvez were successful in defeating the British attempts to invade Spanish and Texas territories. Mr. Villarreal writes, "Descendants of these early Tejanos should be aware of the contributions, sacrifices and service provided by their ancestors who had a historical role in the American Revolution. I sincerely hope that others will show interest in their Tejano genealogy... for the Tejano story is not yet completed."