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Manuel Casildo González de Gregorio
(~1756–1831)

Biographical

Knight of the Order of Charles III 1794 [Spain]

Deputy to the Cortes 1820, 1822–23
Alcalde of the Santa Hermandad of Soria 1785
Perpetual regidor of Soria

Manuel was a prominent figure in Soria's social and political life, especially during the tumultuous period of the Napoleonic invasion and the Spanish War of Independence. He was an active member of the Junta de Gobierno, established in June 1808, which was tasked with maintaining public order and security during the crisis. In addition to his involvement in local governance, he served as president of the Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País in Soria and as Superintendent of Post and Mail. Manuel played a significant role in the political landscape of the region, being considered one of the most influential figures in the local socio-political sphere, particularly noted for his support of the establishment of the Diputación. His patriotic stance earned him widespread respect. However, his career took a sharp turn in 1823, when the liberal triennium ended and King Ferdinand VII regained power. Manuel was declared guilty of high treason for his role as a deputy during the 1822–23 period and for his involvement in relocating the Cortes from Madrid to Seville and Cádiz. Despite the political upheavals, he continued to be a key figure in regional matters, especially in 1821 when he fought against the creation of the new province of Logroño, which would have taken almost a third of Soria's territory. He also strongly opposed the idea of transferring the provincial capital to Burgo de Osma. In the 1810 tax register, Manuel was listed as one of the top ten taxpayers in Soria. During the War of Independence, he served in the Soria town council and was appointed acting Corregidor in March 1809 and later Corregidor in 1811. His political career ended on a sad note, as he faced disgrace and political marginalisation following the restoration of the absolute monarchy under Ferdinand VII.

Place of birth: Soria
Place of baptism: Church of Nuestra Señora del Espino, Soria
Place of first marriage: Church of Nuestra Señora del Espino, Soria
Place of death: Almarza
Place of burial: Convent del Carmen, Soria

Son of Juan González de Gregorio and Luisa González, he was married firstly to María Ramona Nieto (†1805) in 1784 (with issue), and secondly to Cecilia López de Lerena (with issue, including Leonarda).

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