San Antonio Light newspaper, May 28, 1924, Wednesday.
Mauricio Garcia, Mexican patriarch who knew Santa Anna and fought against Maximilian, died at his home, 220 Ruiz street at 5:30 Monday evening. He was a picturesque character, of interest from a historical and physical standpoint. He was identified with prominent men in Mexican history from the time of Santa Anna, and he was physically strong and mentally young until the day he died.
Born in the mountains of Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1820, Garcia lived nearly all his life in the shadow of his birthplace. He spent his last two years in San Antnio, the guest of his granddaughter, Mrs. Maria G. Aubert of this city.
Like a majority of the patriarchal characters who have come from Mexico to this country, Garcia had spent his life for the most part outdoors. His granddaughter accounted for his remarkably long life in this way. He took a good bit of exercise, and spent the majority of his working hours in the open.
Great characters have been friends of Don Garcia. He knew well the famous Santa Anna, a great general when Garcia was just a little boy. He later knew the despot, Maximilian, and helped to down the French power in his county. Generals Ramon Carona, Blancarte, and Miramon, all great names in Mexican military history, were friends of his.
His acquaintanceship with famous Mexican generals was considered most peculiar, because Don Garcia detested war and never fought except when his country was in dire need. He did not advocate war. He was content to live in his simple way in the shadow of his native mountains, and to hail his friends with chivalrous greetings when they met for a cup of coffee or a cigarette, in the streets of Guadalajara.
Garcia was a trader, and had amassed quite a fortune when he at last gave up his business and his home in Mexico. He came to San Antonio to spend his last days with his only surviving relative. In her home on Ruiz street, Mrs. Aubert cared for her grandfather with the reverence inspired by his age and his simple, wholesome character.
In death the Don's features were serene, as they must have been in life. The flowers that bloomed about his still form were fully as sweet and fresh as those that bloomed in the yard in front of the house, where little children played. His going was tranquil, as his life had been, and his friends said that, he who had lived so long, knows how to die.
Garcia was well thought of in Mexican circles in San Antonio, as he had made many friends during his short period of residence here.
Another landmark passed; there are few men alive today who can hark back as he could, to the days when Texas was a wilderness, San Antonio a mission and a church.
The funeral was held from the residence at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Interment was made in San Fernando Cemetery No. 2, under the direction of Henry Guerra, funeral director.
