#underconstruction

José María Herrera (1850–1908)

José María Herrera was a Mexican-born freighter/farmer who settled in the Wilson County area of Texas. He was a pivotal figure in the Herrera family’s migration from the northern Mexican frontier of Coahuila to the cattle and farming heartland of Wilson County, Texas , where he was part of the community surrounding the historic Graytown settlement.

His life is documented through a rich trail of sacramental and civil records that trace his ancestry back to the late 1700s in the colonial towns of San Fernando (Zaragoza) and Nava.

Known for his resilience, he raised a large family across two marriages before passing away in San Antonio.

1850 - BIRTH & BAPTISM

Location - Nava, Coahuila, Mexico

José María was born on February 7, 1850, in Nava, Coahuila. He was baptized four days later at the Parish of San Andrés.

• Baptism Date: February 11, 1850
• Parents: Pedro Herrera & María del Pilar Treviño
• Maternal Grandparents: Juan Nepomuceno Treviño & Francisca de la Garza (likely Francisca Paula)
• Historical Note: At the time of his birth, Nava was a key settlement for families serving the nearby frontier outposts.

Paternal Ancestry (Herrera Line)

1877 - MARRIAGE - To Juana Godina-Trevino (1862–1894)

Location: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Graytown, Texas

In the late 1870s, José María moved north into Texas, settling in the historic Graytown community.

On October 14, 1877, José María married Juana Godina at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Graytown, the daughter of the wagoner Leonicio Godina-Colio (c. 1810 – bef. 1880)

Graytown was a vital hub for Tejano (Texan) families in the late 19th century.
Read more on Graytown

Location: Graytown, Wilson County, Texas

1880 - BIRTH - José Guadalupe Herrera-Godina

1886 - BIRTH - Jesus Herrera-Godina (1886-1961)

1891 - BIRTH - David Herrera-Godina

1892 - BIRTH - Leonardo Herrera-Godina

1893 - BIRTH - Florencia Herrera-Godina

1894 - BIRTH - Juliana Herrera-Godina

1898 - SECOND MARRIAGE - To Juliana UNKOWN

Following the death of Juana Godina in approximately 1894, José María remarried to provide stability for his large household.

• Spouse: Juliana (b. 1862 in Mexico).
• Census Status: By 1900, the family was living in Justice Precinct 1, Wilson County. José María is listed as a farmer who rented his land. While he could not read or write, the record confirms he spoke English, signifying his integration into Texas life.

1900 - U.S. CENSUS - Life in Wilson County

Location: Justice Precinct 1, Wilson, Texas

By 1900, the census records show José María as the head of a busy household, working as a farmer on rented land. Although he could not read or write, the record notes he was an English speaker.

Note: the recorder spelled the surname with only two r's. As Jose Maria could not read or write, he was unable verify the correct spelling of his name.

1908- MAR- 10 - DEATH

Location: San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

José María Herrera passed away on March 10, 1908, at the age of 58. The cause of death was recorded as tuberculosis, a common and devastating illness in the early 20th century

• Burial: San Fernando Cemetery No. 1, San Antonio, Texas.

Genealogical Summary Table

Resources/Further Reading