Joseph Marion Hernandez Joseph Marion Hernández (August 4, 1793-June 8, 1857) was the first Hispanic to serve in the United States Congress, as Delegate from Florida Territory from September 1822 to March 1823. Hernández was born in St. Augustine, Florida when it was still a Spanish colony. After his Congressional service, he joined the U.S. Army and fought against the Seminoles in Florida, aiding to capture Chief Osceola. The highest rank he achieved was the rank of Brigadier General.
He was unsuccessful Whig candidate for the United States Senate in 1845; moved to Cuba and engaged as a planter in the District of Coliseo, near Matanzas; died at the family’s sugar estate, "Audaz", in the District of Coliseo, Matanzas Province, Cuba; interment in the Junco family vault in San Carlos Cemetery, Matanzas, Cuba.
