Who was Gregorio Esparza
A Defender of the Alamo
Jose Gregorio Esparza (1802–1836)
Jose Maria (Gregorio) Esparza was born in San Antonio on February 25, 1802, Gregorio was a native Texan and a citizen of San Antonio de Béxar. He fought during the Siege of Bexar from December 5–9, 1835, an early campaign of the Texas Revolution. Gregorio and his family sought refuge at the Alamo Mission, where they prepared for the Battle of the Alamo from February 23 to March 6, 1836 against the Mexican Army. During the battle, he manned a cannon positioned at the southeast corner of the Alamo and eventually was killed after being shot in the chest and stabbed in the side with a sword.
Born in San Antonio de Béxar, Gregorio was a husband and father who chose to stand alongside William Barret Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett in defense of Texas independence. His sacrifice is a cornerstone of Texas history and a source of immense pride for all who carry his name.
He is recognized as the only known Alamo Defender to have received a Christian burial. After the battle, Santa Anna gave Ana two silver coins and a blanket, allowing the family to return to their home in San Antonio. The family later relocated to Atascosa County, where they established San Augustine Church, the first Catholic church in the county. Today, Gregorio’s family is officially recognized as non-combatant survivors of the Battle of the Alamo.
His son, Enrique Esparza, survived the battle as a child and later became one of the most important eyewitness accounts of the Alamo's final days — ensuring that Gregorio's story would never be forgotten.
Our organization
Why We Gather
The Gregorio Esparza Descendants Association was founded to bring together the living descendants of Gregorio Esparza — to share stories, preserve genealogical records, and celebrate the family ties that connect us across generations.
We hold regular reunions, maintain family records, and work to ensure that the history of Gregorio Esparza and his descendants is documented and accessible to all family members, researchers, and history enthusiasts
Our Organization Purpose
- To educate the public about the history and contributions of people of Mexican descent to the State of Texas.
- To promote family unity and continuing fellowship of all GREGORIO ESPARZA descendants and extended family through family events and related activities.
- To create a supportive atmosphere for members who strive to continue the legacy of the Alamo Defender Gregorio Esparza and his wife Ana along with their children.
- To publish and distribute periodic newsletters or other material of interest to the GREGORIO ESPARZA family and to the public.
- To foster continuing research, documentation, and sharing the history of the GREGORIO ESPARZA families, from early origins in Europe, through migrations, and to the present generations.
Current Officers
Jessica Pineda
Charter President
Claudette Jenks
Charter Vice President
JoAnn Cerda
Charter Co-Treasurer
OPEN
Co-Treasurer
George Benavides
Charter Genealogist / Historian
Gracie Paul
Charter Secretary
Ja'nay Settles
Communications
Bill Guzman
Outreach Coordinator Officer