[dropcap]J[/dropcap]ose Maria Jesus Carbajal waited until the guards were fast asleep before calmly walking out of the Matamoros jail on the night of Nov. 28, 1835. The native Texan reached Goliad in time to sign the first statement of independent intent in the Lone Star rebellion.

The Carbajal family tree was full of bold adventurers, whose exploits spanned two continents and three centuries. Antonio migrated to England and served as an advisor to Oliver Cromwell. Francisco and Luis conquered Pe...