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Life and times of Colonel Manuel Mariá Yturria by Frank Daniel Yturria

As a small boy growing up in Brownsville, Texas and spending days with my grandfather, Daniel Yturria in his office at 1253 E. Elizabeth Street and hearing him tell of family history and especially stories of his father, Francisco Yturria, I become interested in not only the history of our area but came to realize that my family was part of that history.

For me to tell the story of Manuel Maria Yturria it was necessary to briefly tell the history of Mexico from 1800 to 1860 for he served during the struggle for independence from Spain; one failed Mexican government after another; numerous rebellions; the Texas War; and the U.S.-Mexican War. These were epoch years of war and turmoil and through it all, he served his country with dedication loyalty and honor.

The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Extraordinary Times of Francisco Yturria by Frank Daniel Yturria

The Book “The Patriarch: The Remarkable Life and Extraordinary Times of Francisco Yturria" tells the story of Francisco “Don Pancho" Yturria, an authentic Texas giant and business baron who shaped South Texas.

Penned by his great grandson, Frank Yturria, and published by UTB/TSC, this book is based on never-before published family documents and stories and provides a fascinating and intimate look at one of South Texas founding fathers.

Pancho Yturria’s legacy includes a vast archive of business and personal papers that his great-grandson, Frank Yturria, has mined – along with family sources – to produce The Patriarch, a richly – detailed and often heart – stopping portrait of this singular figure in Texas history. Not only does Frank trace the birth and progress of his great grandfather’s career in commerce, he also serves up a rare, first – person witness to the Lower Rop Grande Valley’s bare – knuckle political history, its many bloody conflicts, as well as the internal narrative of the Yturria family itself, a bittersweet saga of high drama, humor, adventure and, on occasion, utter heartbreak.

"The Patriarch" is both a gripping epic and a unique look at an exceptionable man and his extraordinary times.

• Book sale profits benefit the Arnulfo. L. Oliveira Literary Society and support the development of UTB/TSC’s John H. Hunter Archives and Special Collections Room. “I want to support the Hunter Room because that’s where all the history of the area is collected, Frank Yturria stated. Yuttria further elaborated that “Brownsville has been declared the most historical city in Texas, next to San Antonio, yet we have people living in Brownsville who don’t know much at all about our rich heritage."