Pedro de Aranda y Avellaneda

Pedro de Aranda Avellaneda was born in 1662, in Cádiz, Spain, to Juan Almario Avellaneda, and María de Aranda y Ponce de León, both also born in Cadiz.^[1] He joined the Spanish army in his youth, and was eventually appointed Sargento mayor (Sergeant major) of the presidio of Saint Augustine in La Florida.^[2] On April 11, 1687, he was appointed acting governor of Florida, and remained in this office until August 20 of the same year.^[3] He was later appointed alcayde of the Castillo San Salvador de la Punta fortress in Havana, Cuba.^[2]

On March 24, 1680, Avellaneda married Josefa de Estrada y Velázquez de Cuéllar, the daughter of Capt. Hilario de Estrada y Recio, Procurador general (Attorney general), and Regidor perpetuo del Ayuntamiento (Regidor) of Havana, and his wife Luisa Velázquez de Cuéllar y Mexías. They had 2 children, Antonia and Hilario de Aranda Avellaneda y Estrada. Avellaneda testified before Juan Uribe Ozeta, Escribano Público (Notary Public) of Havana on November 18, 1699.^[4]

Pedro de Aranda y Avellaneda died on June 21, 1702. His remains are in the Cathedral of Havana.^[2]