Spanish Roots of America

Montiano’s Bio, by David Arias Manuel de Montiano was born on January 6, 1985 in Bilbao, Spain, the son of a distinguished family. While he was still a young man, he joined the army and for three years served in the Aragon Regiment in Spain. Later, he served in Darien, Panama.

Montiano’s Bio, by David Arias By 1719 (age 34), he was Captain of Grenadiers and fought in Oran, Africa.

(Arias) On April 29, 1737 (age 52), Montiano was named Governor of Florida. A short time after his arrival, he wrote to the Governor of Cuba, notifying him on the British intentions to invade Florida. Again and again, he requested food and other help to keep equipping the Forts of San Marcos, Appalache, Pupo and Mose. ...At the end of his term as governor, an inspection was conducted which found that Montiano had always acted honesly, rightly and honorably.

(Arias) In 1740 (age 55), Montiano resisted the siege by the British admiral, Oglethorpe, for several months. British ships blocked the entrance to St. Augustine Bay while 7 frigates with cannons and 300 men each battered San Marcos Castle. Montiano and his soldiers defended the bay entrance while the people had all taken refuge inside the castle. Oglethorpe asked Montiano to surrender and got this answer: “I will have the pleasure to meet you inside San Marcos Castle.” Upon the arrival of reinforcements from the Spanish fleet of Cuba, Oglethorpe lifted the blockade and retreated. The British had captured Fort Mose, but Montiano recovered it in June, after a battle that left 68 soldiers dead and 34 taken prisoner.

Montiano’s Bio, by David Arias The British had captured Fort Mose, but Montiano recovered it in June, after a battle that left 68 soldiers dead and 34 taken prisoner. ...He continued reinforcing the forts, mainly Fort Mose, which was defended by slave soldiers who had recovered their liberty. These men had come to the Spanish territory, were baptized and now served the king and the Church. The escape of black slaves to Florida in order to recover their freedom was a constant source of conflict between England and Spain.

Montiano’s Bio, by David Arias In 1742 (age 57), Montiano counterattacked against Oglethorpe and captured St. Simon Island. He then sent two regiments to scout the region and attack Fort Fredericka. However, due to the marshy ground, they were taken by surprise and 200 Spanish soldiers died in the Bloody Marsh Battle.

Montiano’s Bio, by David Arias Three months later, British warships once again blockaded St. Augustine, but Montiano rejected the attack.

(Arias) In 1742 (age 57), Montiano counterattacked against Oglethorpe and captured St. Simon Island. He then sent two regiments to scout the region and attack Fort Fredericka. However, due to the marshy ground, they were taken by surprise and 200 Spanish soldiers died in the Bloody Marsh Battle. Three months later, British warships once again blockaded St. Augustine, but Montiano rejected the attack. He continued reinforcing the forts, mainly Fort Mose, which was defended by slave soldiers who had recovered their liberty. These men had come to the Spanish territory, were baptized and now served the king and the Church. The escape of black slaves to Florida in order to recover their freedom was a constant source of conflict between England and Spain. For his deeds in Florida, Montiano was named Brigadier General and Marshall.

Montiano’s Bio, by David Arias ...For his deeds in Florida, Montiano was named Brigadier General and Marshall. In 1748 (age 63), he was named Governor of Panama.

(age 63), [Montiano] was named Governor of Panama. Four years later (age 67), he married Gregoria Josefa Aguilar in Havana, who later gave him a son. (Arias)

Four years later he married Gregoria Josefa Aguiar in Havana, Cuba, who later gave him a son. He remained Governor until 1758. At the end of his term as Governor, he was submitted to a residency trial, which found him an innocent and honorable person.

Montiano’s Bio, by David Arias Four years later (age 67), he married Gregoria Josefa Aguilar in Havana, who later gave him a son.

He remained Governor until 1758. At the end of his term as Governor, he was submitted to a residency trial, which found him an innocent and honorable person.

In 1759 he moved back to Spain, where he retired and settled in Madrid. He was promoted to Lieutenant General the same year. He died in that city in 1762, and was buried in the church of San Martín.

(Arias) At the end of his term as governor, an inspection was conducted which found that Montiano had always acted honesly, rightly and honorably. In 1759 (age 74), he retired to Madrid and was raised to Lieutenant General.

(Arias) Manuel de Montiano died on January 7, 1762 (age 75) in Madrid and was buried at St. Martin’s Church. He was a loyal, honest and courageous soldier. One of his descendants was Don Ignacio de Larramendi y Montiano, founder of MAPFRE Insurance Co.