Francisco Collell
Francisco Collell was a Spanish military official and politician who served as interim governor of West Florida between October 1810 and February 1811. He was also sub-lieutenant and Commandant of Galvez Town, Louisiana.
Francisco Collell | |
|---|---|
| 7th Governor of West Florida | |
| In office October 1810 – February 1811 | |
| Preceded by | Francisco de San Maxent |
| Succeeded by | Francisco de San Maxent |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Unknown |
| Died | Unknown |
| Profession | Military and Governor of Florida |
Biography
Francisco Collell joined the Spanish Army in his youth, a place where he succeeded, obtaining the Commandant title.[1]
In 1779, after being promoted to sub-lieutenant – while he retained the Commandant title – of Galvez Town, Louisiana, Collell laid out land lots and constructed houses in Galvez Town for the Spanish (Canarian) settlers.[2] He led strikes of poor people and sent medicines to cure diseases of the Canarians in Galvez Town. In addition, he tried to solve hunger, floods, and malaria epidemics in the town.[3]
Francisco Collell was appointed interim Governor of West Florida in October 1810 and he maintained the office until February 1811, when he was replaced by Francisco de San Maxent.[4]
Legacy
- Colyell, Louisiana, received its name from Francisco Collell. Probably was the mispronunciation of name which changed the spelling from "Collell" to "Colyell".[1]
References
- 150 Years - Colyell Baptist Church. Posted in July 29, 2009. Retrieved in July 15, 2014, to 1:21pm.
- Mann, Rob. Plazas and Power: Canary Islanders at Galveztown. Academia. Page 52.
- Federal Writers Project (Third Printing: 1945). Louisiana: A Guide to the State. Louisiana State University. Page 542.
- Ben Cahoon. U.S. States F-K.