Juan María Osuna

Juan María Osuna (1785–1851) was an early settler of San Diego, California

Juan María Osuna was born in California 1785 to Theodoso Osuno (from Spain) and Luguarda Quisques (Indian). He was a soldier and corporal of the San Diego Company and settled in San Diego. Osuana was District elector in 1830 and took part in the Mexican Revolution of 1831.

In 1833, with five other male citizens, Osuna urged the governor to establish a pueblo (town) government for San Diego, to replace 60-some years of military rule. In 1835, this came to reality and Osuna was elected the first Alcade of San Diego pueblo. He defeated Pío Pico, who later became the last Mexican governor of Alta California. He also served as juez de pas (justice of the peace) 1839–40 and 1846.

On February 15, 1806 Osuna married Julia Lopez, who was born March 16, 1791 to Juan Francisco Lopez, of the Portolà Expedition) and María Feliciana Arballo de Gutierrez. Their daughter Felipa married Juan María Marrón, and their two sons were Leandro and Ramon.

Osuana was granted Rancho San Dieguito, 25 miles north of San Diego along the coast, during 1836–1845. He raised cattle and horses on the ranch. Osuna had a weakness in gambling and had to sell some of his land to pay off his debts. Today Rancho San Dieguito is known as Rancho Santa Fe, an exclusive residential area. Osuana's adobe, overlooking the San Dieguito River Valley, has been restored and is part of The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.

During the Mexican-American War Osuna remained loyal to Mexico. In 1846, U.S. troops occupied his San Diego home and his youngest son Santiago was killed. His last years were difficult under U.S. rule as he didn't speak English and was unfamiliar with U.S. law and customs.

Osuna died about 1851. He is buried in El Campo Santo Catholic Cemetery in Old Town San Diego. A modern headstone reads "JUAN MARIA OSUNA DIED 1851 FIRST ALCALDE OF SAN DIEGO". His wife died Decmeber 1871 and was buried next to him December 1871.

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