Notes: According to his service record on August 13, 1775, at Tubac, he was 19 years old and had just joined the service. He owned four horses and one mule. (AGI, Guadalajara 515, Quaderno 1) Three years before, his service record said he was twenty years old. The following is from the Tubac Presidio Service Records as copied for the Tucson Presidio Records:
Juan Antonio Oliva, son of Don Juan María de Oliva and María Micaela Morales, native of this presidio of Tubac. His height is five feet, one inch. His age is twenty years. His religion is Apostolic Roman Catholic. Distinguishing characteristics are: swarthy complexion, large black eyes, a thick nose, black hair, and without whiskers. He began service as a soldier at this presidio on June 4, 1775. Because he does not know how to sign his name, he made the sign of the cross after they read him the penal laws concerning the soldiers who attend the commanding officer and advised him of all that is legal so that he will be without excuse. Witnesses were the alférez and the sergeant.
On January 28, 1783 Juan Antonio Oliva was upgraded to rifleman (carabinero).
The above ascended to the grade of corporal on August 25, 1784 and was made sergeant on May 10, 1789.
This is an exact copy of the original located in the book of service records of this company in my charge, which I certify. Presidio of San Agustín del Tucson, September 22, 1793 Mariano de Urrea
