Don Martín De León was the only Tejano empresario to settle a 
colony in Texas, in the days before statehood. Other empresarios, 
such as Moses Austin and Sterling C. Robertson, were Anglos who 
had been drawn to Texas by the lure of land. De León established his 
colony in southeast Texas, near the Gulf Coast, and founded the city 
of Victoria. He and his four sons governed the colony.

    Though Don Martín died in 1833, his sons actively supported the 
Texas fight for independence by giving money and goods to the 
Texas Volunteers. But the family suffered from a general prejudice 
against people of Mexican descent—they lost their land and livestock 
and had to leave Texas. They returned in the late 1840s, but they no 
longer had the immense holdings of land and cattle that Don Martín 
had accumulated.
 
    In 1972, the De León family was honored with Texas state 
historical markers on family graves in Evergreen Cemetery in 
Victoria. Finally, Martín De León and his family are recognized for 
their loyalty to Texas, their support of the Texas Revolution, and their 
contributions to the Republic of Texas.

    Martín De León is the fourth title in The Stars of Texas Series, 
aimed at fourth graders studying for the Texas history section of 
the TAKS test. The other three books in the series, Henrietta King: 
Rancher and Philanthropist, Mirabeau B. Lamar: Second President 
of Texas, and Miriam "Ma" Ferguson: First Woman Governor of
Texas have been chosen for the Accelerated Reader program, and 
Henrietta King was a Spur Award finalist. Free workbooks for all 
Stars of Texas Series books are available on-line.

_________________________________________________________

JUDY ALTER writes fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages. In 
2005, she received the Owen Wister Award for Lifetime Achievement 
from the Western Writers of America. She is director of TCU Press 
and lives in Fort Worth, Texas. PATRICK MESSERSMITH is a noted 
artist who resides in Dallas, Texas. He states, "as a native Texan, it's 
great to be a part of teaching the legacy of our state's heroes (who 
might not receive as much attention) to the younger generations."


Number Four: Stars of Texas Series


What people are saying about this book

"a fascinating story of the Tejano empresario.  The biography relates 
his successful colony, the founding of Victoria, and his family's 
suffering against anyone of Mexican descent after Texas 
Independence.  The book's format has interesting items concerning 
Texas history in the margins plus a map of empresario colonies, a 
timeline of Martín's life, a glossary and further readings and websites. 
The book is a must for those interested in Texas history during the 
early 19th century."—Karen Turner, Region XIV ESC

"The best way to build up a new generation of Texas history lovers 
is to produce books that appeal to young readers, and the good 
folks at State House Press are opening that door with a wonderful 
new series . . .'The Stars of Texas Series' is going to be something 
to watch. . . . The books are fast-paced and interesting, allowing 
the student to quickly understand the customs and life ways of 
Texas history."—Texas Illustrated Magazine

"Recommended reading for grades 4-7: Good for research and
clarity in presentation of ideas."—Carmen Antoine, Region XI 
Educational Service Center on Miriam "Ma" Ferguson: First 
Woman Governor of Texas

"A much needed text for teaching the TEKS in Texas."—Leslie 
Woolsey, Region XI Educational Service Center on Mirabeau B. 
Lamar