Historically Speaking: Member Spotlight: ACHC Secretary Gloria Uribe Jenks


Gloria, left, with her daughter Claudia Jenks

Gloria, left, with her daughter Claudia Jenks

Gloria serves a very important role in our Historical Commission. She readies the paperwork for meetings and stays on top of the scheduling between meetings. Additionally, Gloria participates and represents the ACHC during events, most recently the Dog Scent Trials and Halloween at the Log Cabin. No matter the weather or circumstance, she is there and we appreciate her. Gloria brings a lot of historical information to the table; her ancestry is rich in Texas and Atascosa County. When asked about her Ancestry and Family History, she replied:

“I was born in the Great State of Texas, in the Strawberry City of Poteet and raised in Pleasanton. I am very proud of my Heritage.”

Gloria comes from a pioneering family. She is a descendent of Gregorio Esparza, a Defender of the Alamo who fought for Texas independence from Mexico alongside William B. Travis and James Bowie. She is a descendant of Jose Luciano Leal and Juana Delgado, Canary Islanders who came to Texas in 1731 to found a civil government in San Antonio and established what is now San Fernando Cathedral. Gloria is also a descendant of Jose Policarpio “Uncle Polly” Rodriguez, a Tejano pioneer and well known in the San Antonio and Bandera area who served his community as a Texas Ranger, Justice of the Peace, and rancher in the 1800’s.

Like the members of her family, Gloria contributes her time regularly to the Atascosa County community. For over 40 years, she has served in numerous capacities, most recently as a member of the Atascosa County Historical Commission Secretary. She also serves as Secretary for the CLG/Restoration and Preservation Committee. Gloria serves as Vice President of the Longhorn Museum Society and as former Treasurer and current member of the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church Guadalupanas.

Gloria was former President of the Atascosa Child Care Board for 10 years and she served as a state AmeriCorps Member where she assisted low income, first generation students at Jourdanton High School as they transitioned into college. As an AmeriCorps State member she earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Gloria continues to actively volunteer in the community and her church. We are grateful for her service within her community and especially grateful for her service to our commission.

Until next time.

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING is written by Atascosa County Historical Commission Chairman, Martin Gonzales, on behalf of the Atascosa County Historical Commission. If you have history to share, you may contact him at 830-480-2741.

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