Occupation Merchandiser Died Buenos Aires, Argentina Name Alejo Esparza | Religion Catholicism Profession Soldier | |
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Full Name Alejo de Esparza y Ustarroz | ||
Alejo de Esparza (born 1638) was a Basque nobleman, merchant, resident of Buenos Aires in the 17th century. He was founder of the Esparza family in the Rio de la Plata, their sons were members of government during the Viceroyalty of Peru.
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Biography
In January 1660, Esparza arrival at the port of Buenos Aires, on the ship "Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu". He had been recruited as soldier in San Sebastian, place from where the expedition led by Martin de Telleria, departed to Buenos Aires. The mission of Telleria was to bring weapons and two infantry companies to reinforce the Fort of City.
Family
Alejo was born 1638 in Lumbier, Navarre, the son of Pedro de Esparza and Colomba de Garro, daughter of a noble family of French Basque origin.
Esparza was married to Escolástica Rodríguez, native of city's and daughter of Alfonso Rodríguez and Trinidad Martínez. The wedding was held on July 5, 1660, in the parish of La Merced (Buenos Aires), attended as witness Juan Ramírez Arellano, born in Santiago, Captain of La Serena, who had also served in the fort of Buenos Aires.
Esparza was dedicated to business tasks in the Rio de la Plata, and along with his wife were the parents of Miguel Gerónimo de Esparza, Alcalde and Regidor in Buenos Aires.
Alejo de Esparza was member of a family of illustrious ancestors of Navarra, possibly descendant of Ramón de Esparza (medieval Knight, Captain and Lord of Esparza).