Agustín de Iturbide

Agustin I married Ana María Josefa Ramona de Huarte y Muñiz in 1805. Together, the couple was blessed with ten children.

Agustin was executed on July 19, 1824 by the firing squad. Following his execution, his body was buried. It was abandoned by the parish church of Padilla until 1833 when then President Santa Anna rehabilitated Iturbide by transferring his remains to the capital with state honors.

On October 27, 1839, his remains were placed in an urn in the Chapel of San Felipe de Jesus in Mexico City Cathedral

Agustin I was born as Agustín Cosme Damian de Iturbide y Arámburu on September 27, 1783 in Valladolid, Michoacan, to José Joaquín de Iturbide y Arreguí and María Josefa de Arámburu y Carrillo de Figueroa. He was the fifth and only male heir of the family.

Academically mediocre, Agustin studied at the Catholic seminary, Colegio de San Nicolás in Valladolid. He later enrolled at the program for secular officials.

As he entered teens, Agustin de Iturbide enrolled himself in the royalist army, as a Criollo. After serving as a second lieutenant in the provincial regiment, in 1806, he became full lieutenant.

His fame in army service grew exponentially. His daring attitude, gallant mannerism, peerless horse-riding skills and military prowess gained him recognition as ‘The Iron Dragon’ of the royalist army. He became a feared name for the Insurgents.

During the outbreak of War of Independence in 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla offered him a post with his revolutionary army, but Iturbide refused and instead vowed to serve for the Spanish cause. He continued his service in the royalist army.

During the war, he fought against the general José María Morelos from 1810 to 1816 in his native city, Valladolid. Due to his tactful approach and horse-riding skills, he successfully defended the city and forced the insurgents to withdraw. His victory earned him the position of a captain.

As a captain, Iturbide chased the rebels, finally pinning down Albino Licéaga y Rayón. His heroic skills earned him yet another promotion as a colonel in 1813. From 1813 to 1815, he became the principal military opponent of Morelos, being chiefly in charge of the military district of Guanajuato and Michoacán. His pursuit ended in 1815 when he successfully captured and executed Morelos.