Melchor de Mediavilla y Azcona

Melchor de Mediavilla y Azcona was the acting governor of Texas between 1727 and 1731.

Early life

Mediavilla y Azcona was born in the early eighteenth century. In 1727, he was appointed Captain of the Presidio of Bexar and acting governor of Texas, replacing the Governor Fernando Pérez de Almazán.

Under his administration, Mediavilla y Azcona promoted several foundations by Friars between the Colorado and Brazos Rivers.

On March 5, 1731 three missions were renamed in San Antonio: Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de los Hainai changed its name to Nuestra Señora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuña, San Francisco de los Neches was renamed San Francisco de la Espada, while San Jose de los Nazones was renamed San Juan Capistrano.

While Mediavilla y Azcona was governor, Inspector Pedro de Rivera y Villalón revised political management of Mediavilla and found errors in his administration. Villalón recommended to Mediavilla y Azcona to hire more officials. He also indicated that Presidio de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores should be removed and the number of people who formed the garrison of Nuestra Señora del Pilar should be reduced to 60 men. These recommendations were implemented.

According to Historian Juan Augustine Morfi, Mediavilla left the government of Texas after his fight with the Viceroy, because he had rejected the recommended reforms. He ruled the province until 1731, when the Viceroy of New Spain, Juan de Acuña, marqués de Casafuerte appointed a new governor, Juan Antonio Bustillo y Ceballos.

Mediavilla never was confirmed in his position as governor. When Canarian settlers came to San Antonio on 9 March 1731, Mediavilla was still in charge of the province of Texas, but it was Juan Antonio Perez de Almazan, captain of the local prison, who welcomed them and given them accommodation in the best houses of the soldiers.