QUINTERO, Joseph A., soldier, attorney, journalist. Born, Havana, Cuba,
May 6, 1829; son of Antonio Quintero, a Cuban tobacco planter, and Anna
Woodville, a native of England. At age 12 entered Harvard College, Cambridge,
Mass.; completed studies there. Returned to Cuba, ca. 1848, and graduated
in law in Havana. Through his interest in Cuban independence, entered journalism
and wrote passionately for that cause. Three times arrested by Spanish
authorities for published opinions. During ill-fared expedition of Narciso
Lopez (q.v.), confined to Moro Castle and condemned to death after trial
by court martial. Escaped from Cuba and briefly visited New Orleans. Removed
to Texas; became editor of the San Antonio
Ranchero. Again in New
Orleans in 1857, but in 1859 was editing a Spanish illustrated paper published
by Frank Leslie in New York. With outbreak of Civil War, joined Quitman
Guards in Texas; unit sent to Virginia. Met Jefferson Davis (q.v.) who,
on September 4, 1861, commissioned subject as confidential agent of the
Confederacy in Mexico. Credited with securing in Mexico supplies of lead,
powder, and other munitions for use in the Confederacy's TransMississippi
Department. Remained there until end of war. Established himself in New
Orleans after war; read law in offices of Semmes and Mott, admitted to
Louisiana bar and practiced law in New Orleans. Married Eliza Bournos,
a native of New Oricans. Children: Lamar C. (q.v.), John Marshall. At the
same time returned to journalism and joined staff of New Orleans Daily
Picayune as editor. Also served as consul for Belgium and Costa Rica
in New Orleans. A poet; translated Longfellow's poems into Spanish. Died,
New Orleans, September 7, 1885; interred tomb of the Army of Northern Virginia,
Metairie Cemetery. (Glenn R. Conrad)
Sources: New Orleans Daily Picayune, September 9, 1885; Times-Picayune,
January 25, 1937; Frank Lawrence Owsley, King Cotton Diplomacy (1931);
Fayette Copeland, "The New Orleans Press and Reconstruction," Louisiana
Historical Quarterly XXX (1947).