Hello all Cantus:
I have been reading with interest most of your posts. Allow me to introduce myself.
I like to do research into Genealogy and History, for they go hand in hand. I live in the Lower Rio Grande Valley at a place called Mission, Texas, where I have done history research which has led to placing several historical markers, through the Hidalgo Co. Historical Commission.
At this time I have been gathering info on the founding of Reynosa (Old Reynosa) which was founded on March 14, 1749. The first Captain of Reynosa was Cpt. Carlos Cantu, son of Sargento Mayor Carlos Cantu and Maria De Leon Gonzalez. The main focus of this research and possible historical marker is to honor the memory of Cpt. Carlos Cantu. One of his sons, Jose Antonio Cantu was granted land Porcion #55 which is part of the land where Mission Texas was founded.
The land porciones were roughly about a mile wide and 15 miles long. At the northeast corner of Porcion #55, there is a small settlement called Cantu- You can pinpoint this settlement by going to www.mapquest.com and going to Mission, Texas 78572- Cantu is north of Mission,Tx. This would be an ideal place to put the marker, the other being downtown Mission, Tx., but first I must do more research.
These are some of the facts I have so far.
Capt.Cantu was the son of Sargento Mayor Carlos Cantu, who was the son of Jose Cantu (some old records have Joseph, others have Jussepe Cantu) Joseph Cantu and his two brothers Jeronimo, and Lorenzo seem to be (so far) to be the first Cantus in northern Mexico.
Sgto Mayor Carlos Cantu was twice brother-in-law to Gen. Alonso de Leon (who made several expeditions into what is now Texas in late 1600s) I say twice because Sgto mayor married the General's sister ,Maria De Leon, and the General married Agustina Cantu, The Sgto Mayor's sister. The Cantu's were part of most of the expeditions into Texas,with Gen Alonso De Leon.
Cpt. Carlos Cantu was probably favored to be first Cpt. of Reynosa because he was nephew to the General and for the many of his,and his father's services to the Monarchs.
If, you would like to be part of this research, and hopefully historical marker get in touch with me through this message board or at www.Missionordaz@aol.com any information will be welcome, and given proper credit.
In the following days, I will go to the settlement (it is not incorporated) of Cantu and take some pictures there and see if there are any Cantus there. It is at the intersection of 107 and Conway which is also 107 where it turns south and becomes Conway Ave.
It would be great to get your feedback and to find descendents of Cpt. Carlos Cantu, who was picked by Col.Joseph Escandon to be the first captain of the settlement of Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe de Reynosa.
Thank you and have a great day. Rigo Ordaz