Maria Juliana Josepha Lopez (1791-1871)

Wife of Founder of Pueblo de San Diego

Vital Statistics

 * Duaghter of Juan Francisco Lopez (member of the Portoloa Expedition) and Maria Feliciana Arballo de Gutierrez.
 * Born 16 Mar 1791
 * Died 22 Dec 1781 in San Diego
 * Buried next to husband in El Campo Santo Catholic Cemetery in Old Town San Diego
 * Married on 15 Feb 1806 to Juan Maria Osuna (1784-1851) in San Diego

Biography
On February 15, 1806 Osuna married María Juliana Josepha 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, daughter Luguarda married José María Alvarado, and their two sons were Leandro and Ramon.

Osuana was granted Rancho San Dieguito, 25 miles (40 km.) 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 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 December 22, 1871 and was buried next to him.

Children of Juan and Maria

 * Felipa Osuna (1816-1889) who married founder of Rancho Agua Hedionda.