Martín Zurbano

[1] Born in Varea, La Rioja, the youngest of four siblings, he fought in the War of Spanish Independence as a guerrilla.

With future generals like Francisco Espoz y Mina, he defended the Constitution of 1812, and helped create the province of Logroño.

His standard, once displayed, was resorted to by smugglers, robbers, and outcasts of all descriptions, attracted by the prospect of plunder and adventure.

[1] He was an ardent follower of Baldomero Espartero, who named him military governor of Girona and commander general of Biscay in 1840.

In 1844, he led a revolt with 80 men who advocated the adoption of the Constitution of 1837 (Grito de Nájera) and the return of Espartero.