Jose del Refugio Benavides, a native of Laredo and a descendant of Tomas Sanchez, who founded the city in 1755, belonged to one of Laredo's most celebrated families and played an important role in the city's development during the 19th century. He was elected alderman in 1850 and mayor in 1859. During the Civil War, Benavides and his brothers were active in defenses along the Texas-Mexico border, and after rising to the rank of captain, he commanded a company in the 33rd Texas Cavalry. His defense of the border against invasions by Union troops and Mexican raiders led by Juan Cortina helped preserve the valley's important role as a vital cotton-exporting site for the Confederacy. In 1873, after Reconstruction, he was again elected mayor of Laredo and served three successive terms, during which his political career included improved public schools, city sewage systems, and revision of the city charter. Married twice, he was the father of six children. He died in 1899, was buried in the old Catholic Cemetery, and was reinterred here during World War Two.