Francisco Yturria lived through some memorable times. I'm sure he'd be pleased to know his great grandson wrote a book on him. Consisting of the hardships and achievements in his life. The book was published in 2006 and it took his grandson, Frank, 8 years to write. His information comes from family documents, and it must be a popular read considering I have yet to get  my hands on it. 

Francisco was born in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico however this story will take place of his time in Brownsville, TX.

Brownsville in 1848. To this day you get people who believe Brownsville may not be all that safe considering our bordering neighbors. Back then Brownsville wasn't so peachy either. Yturria lived through the civil war as well as the American - Mexican war. His father was an officer in the Mexican army who fought at Palo Alto. When Francisco came to Brownsville he found himself a friend by the name of Charles Stillman. Yet another important person in Brownsville history. Yturria's business career started when he began working for Stillman as his Clerk. Through Stillman Yturria learned the ways of becoming an entrepreneur. During the Civil War Yturria partook in Cotton trade with Richard King, Mifflin Kenedy and Charles Stillman. This partnership was just the tip of the iceberg. With some questionable actions Yturria, Stillman, King and Kenedy acquired much land. Adding more land than what Yturria's wife was inherited, his wife Felicitas Trevino was daughter of a Spanish land grantee.Given the time their cotton trade wasn't as simple as it is now. Yturria registered boats in Mexico in order to by pass the union blockade. In 1864 Francisco Yturria was appointed or Knighted, if you will, as head of costumes for Mexico by Mexican Emperor Maximilian. To say his life was eventful could be viewed as an understatement.

It was a heated humidified Brownsville day Francisco Yturria looking at his reflection turned to his wife Felicitas kissed her goodbye as well as their adoptive children. Heading out the door on his way to work he grabbed the daily newspaper. "War. War. War" was all he could glimpse at as he scanned the article. Greeted by many as he stood next to his buggy preparing his horse for their voyage. This was never a surprise to him. He knew he was adored by his people. What possible reason could they have not to admire him? After all he did own much land, and he was knighted as Mexico's costumes. It was a slow day at the office. His office was co-owned between him and his best friend Charles Stillman. They both had enough money to own separate offices they just enjoyed each others presence. "What does your day look like Frank?" asked Charles "Reminiscing Charlie." responded Francisco. "That seems to be all we -," Charles was cut short by the sound of a bell indicating someone had entered their office. A fellow Brownsmen inquiring land. Francisco and Charles were widely known for their charismatic ways. Many knew of it many talked of it those said people also swore they couldn't be wooed. None of that was true after a meeting with the two gentleman. They certainly had a way with people. It was quite a necessity in their field of work. "Thank you for your business kind sir we - ," "no thank you! This means more to me than you could ever possibly ponder. The two of ya will forever be remember. I wouldn't be surprised if this here town named something after ya! A school, a library even! Thank you! Thank you!" After the townsman had left Charles and Francisco stared at each other. Motionless at first. Their eyes watering. Francisco broke the silence with his lingering laughter. Followed by Charles'. "A school!" "no. no. A library!" they mocked.
"It has been a good run though hasn't it Frank?" Charles asked as he held up one of many photos of he and Francisco. In this photo they were at Francisco's knighting ceremony "Well I would say so." Francisco replied.
From there a heartfelt conversation sparked. Charles asked Francisco if he remembered how they met. "You mean to tell me your gon' have a seat across from me and sincerely as me if I remember the encounterment of my first and might I add only friend at the time? Who is now my best friend? The man who provided a newly crossed Mexican with what was at the time a dream job? Where is this coming from Charlie? If this is your sick way of delivering bad news I wont have it, wont have it I sa-" "Oh nonsense Frank catch a breather. I was only joining you on your journey down memory lane and reminiscing as well." Silence fell upon them once again. But this one was different than before. They've had quite time before, it was never unpleasant or awkward, however it was quite because of work. This wasn't anything similar to that. This was a pleasant silence, it was peaceful. You could hear the hooves of the horses, the dry air blowing by, the clock ticking away..tick tick tick.
Their office had a black wooden antique book shelf. Although instead of holding books it held precious memories. It held newspaper clippings, and photos all framed. All in chronological order. The silence was broken. They started their journey at the beginning of it all. When Charles took on some young man to be his clerk. Continuing on to their first land purchase, Francisco's knighting. They discussed some of their rash decisions such as Charles, King, and Kenedy fledding to Mexico for Yturrias protecting after the Civil War ended, and Francisco leaving to France for two years. They talked about their family. How Francisco and his wife were unable to have children of their own so they adopted. Francisco mentioned what he witnessed as a boy growing up. He was 6 years old when Santa Anna surrender at San Jacinto he saw mayhem Matamoros underwent because of it. He witnessed the American-Mexican war.
They talked for what felt like an eternity for the both of them. Night fall was coming upon them. Francisco invited Charles over for dinner to further continue their discussion. It was always a great time when Charles invited people over his family was delighted to entertain them because of the magnificent stories they told. They were especially excited if the guest was their fathers best friend Charles Stillman.

Their night continued on. They hurried home and enjoyed a heart warming family dinner. It was one for the books. The laughter and smiles shared that night could be heard all throughout Brownsville. It certainly seemed to echo throughout the house. Since it appeared to be a special occasion for everyone in the family the children were granted to stay up later than they ever could. It not being a school night certainly worked in their favor.
The children shared classroom stories. Their father and Charles reenacted significant PG13 events for the children. Card games were played. It what seemed to be a lovely family game night. Soon the children stopped fighting their tiredness and made their way to bed. After falling asleep once or twice downstairs the adults were able to convince them to head to their bedrooms and so they did. They tightly hugged their father. They thanked him for everything especially for being a wonderful man and a great father. It brought tears to his eyes. Not only the kind words by his remarkable children but all the events throughout the day. The reminiscing. The stillness. The sheer happiness of it all. He couldn't seem to come up with another day or another memory that made his heart tinge like this day. Nor did he want to. He sat back watching, listening, embracing the beauty of his wife's face and voice and the safe feeling he felt when he looked at Charles' smiling warm face. "You're unusually quite Francisco. Is something troubling you?" His wife asked, "no no, nothing my dear just enjoying this pleasant evening."
The night went on, this time with Francisco engaged in their conversations. None of them were aware of the time. It was unimportant. A short time later Felicita's went off to sleep. Saying goodbye to their dear friend Charles and thanking him for his appearance. Francisco walked her to their bedroom. She ended her night with a heartfelt hug and goodnight kiss. She told Francisco not to feel the need to rush to bed and to cherish his time with Charles.
And that's exactly what he did. He returned to the living room where he and Charles continued their conversation. This time trying their absolute best not to wake the whole house with their laughter. A thought ran across Francisco's mind. One that puzzled him. It puzzled him enough to completely change his facial reaction and Charles noticed. "What troubles you Franky ol' boy?" "Without thinking I was about to say 'Let me know when you have to get back Charlie I don't want to keep you too long' and an uneasy feeling is sitting with me." With a straight face as if he knew the answer to what he was about to ask he said, "Well out with it boy, you're acting like we've got all the time in the world." "That's it! That's just it! YOU DO! You do have all the time Charles. You passed away in 1875!?! How are you here?!? What sorcery is this?!!!" Charles hoped Francisco had figured it out by now it was certain now though that he hadn't. "Francisco there's a reason you can see me," and before he could go on Francisco started weeping, "no no no no no." The newspaper read June 15 1912 also remembered as the day Francisco passed away. "But my family? how?!" Francisco questioned. "They're alright Frank. I know this is upsetting. What you heard them saying were their goodbyes, their final goodbyes to your corpse." Atlas it was as clear as day. The memories, the heart filled goodbyes, the endless energy and being able to see Charles. Brownsville had lost yet another historical man on June 15 1912.
Francisco Yturria left 150,000 acres of land in Starr, Hildalgo, Williacy, Kenedy and Cameron County to his family. Lands they still own today. To say Francisco Yturria's life was eventful should be considered an understatement.