Wealthy Laredo merchant and rancher, he was known as the “Merchant Prince of the Rio Grande.”  Mayor of Laredo, 1856-59; chief justice of Webb County; member of Texas house of representatives (three terms, 1879-84).  It is widely believed that he was promoted to the rank of general by the state of Texas,  for service during the Civil War but some question if this is true.  Family links:  Spouse:  Agustina Villarreal Benavides (1822 – 1908)* *Calculated relationship