February  2003
Editor: Mimi Lozano, mimilozano@aol.com

 Dedicated to Hispanic Heritage and Diversity Issues
  Publication of the Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research © 2000-3
http://members.aol.com/shhar      714-894-8161

 

Table of Contents:

United States
. . . . . . . . 2
Surname . . . . . . . . . . .28
Galvez Project. . . . . . .31
Orange County, CA
. . . 32
Los Angeles, CA
. . . . .36
California . . . . . . . . . . 40
Northwestern U.S
. . . . 66
Southwestern U.S
. . .  71
Black  . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Indigenous. . . . . . . . . 82
Texas . . . . . . . . . . . .  86
East  Mississippi
 . . . .105
East Coast
. . . . . . . . 110
Mexico
. . . . . . . . . . .112
Caribbean/Cuba
  . . . .129
International
  . . . . . . . 135
History
. . . . . . . . . . . 147
2003 Index
Calendars
Networking Meetings 
March 29, 2003

END

AYALA GONZALES FAMILY REUNION
VISALIA, CALIFORNIA, 2002

The Ayala-Gonzales Family Reunion took place in Visalia, CA over the Labor Day weekend.  Approximately 400-500 people attended. The Ayala-Gonzales reunions began in 1967 and have continued since then, in Visalia, every three years.
      The Ayala-Gonzales lines came from Zacatecas, Mexico (Fresnillo, Jerez, Zacatecas, Zacatecas). Although this stunning banner reads1996 Reunion, family members liked it so much that they brought it out for the 1999 and 2002 Reunions as well. It was used in our 2002 reunion because it's such a beautiful banner, depicting the Mexican and Spanish heritages of la Familia. This information was sent by Michael Gonzales who also sent a recap of the reunion. Go to photos & article

"It is up to you to rekindle the spirit of the Reunions with your own children. 
As with any tradition, in order for it to continue
, we must keep it up." 
Michael Gonzales

Somos Primos Staff : 
Mimi Lozano, Editor
Associate Editors:
John P. Schmal
Johanna de Soto
Howard Shorr
Armando Montes
Michael Stevens Perez
Contributors: 
Edward Allegretti
R.A. Andrews
Jerry Benavides
Joe Bentley
Judge Edward F. Butler, SR
Nellie Kaniski
Elsa Salazar Cade
Rosemarie Capodicci
Bill Carmena
Louis Cepeda
Margaret Cepeda
Richard A. Contreras
Dr. Sergio Antonio Corona Páez
Maria Dellinger
Bill Doty
Zeke Hernandez
Anthony Garcia
Maria Rose Garcia
Arturo Garza
Diane Godinez
Michael A. Gonzales
Joe Guerra
Mike Hardwick
Elsa Peña Herbeck
Walter L. Herbeck
Lorraine Hernandez
Dr. Granville Hough
Eddie Grijalva
David R. Jackson
Galal Kernahan
Melody Lassalle
Cindy LoBuglio
Jose Jaime Longoria
Raul Longoria
Alfred Lugo
Frank C. Martinez IV
Doug Mason
Dr. W. Michael Mathes
Ana Maria McGuan
Armando Montes
Paul Newfield
Gloria Oliver
Lic. Guillermo Padilla Origel
Danny Ramos
Rob Rios
Andres Rivero
Lorri Ruiz Castillo
Michael Salinas 
Benicio Samuel Sanchez Garcia
Virginia Sanchez
Tania Scott
D.A. Sears
Sister Mary Sevilla
Mira Smithwick
Dr. Ivonne Urueta Thompson
Arturo Ynclan
SHHAR Board Members:  Laura Arechabala Shane, Bea Armenta Dever, Diane Burton Godinez,
Peter Carr, Gloria Cortinas Oliver, Mimi Lozano Holtzman, Carlos Olvera
UNITED STATES
Hispanics Now Largest Minority
Funding for Black/Hispanic Education
Spanish-Language Virtual University
Journalism Program for Gifted Students
A High School Journalism Program
Schools phase in English - Immersion 
Hispanics' Numbers in Clergy Low 
Church-going Hispanics do Better at School Church-going Hispanics do Better 
El Libro De Caló: Dictionary,Chicano Slang
Latinas in Science: Antonia Novello 
They Came to America
My Life As a Light-Skinned Mejicana
Benjamin and the Word
Senator McCain Renews Effort to Honor Cesar
UT Pan-American, Among Best for Hispanics
Winter break to accommodate Hispanic kids
Stilled Voices in America's Education System
"Words During Wartime"
To Obtain Military Awards and Decorations
Americanos:  Latino Life in the United States  

Minority Business Issues
Married to an Alien
Ancestry World Tree 
Holding On To Spanish?
Seeking Participants for Documentary on Language
Laws of Naturalization in 1881
Federal Writers’ Project (WPA)
America Says Hello to Another Latin Drink
Segunda Juventud
Bank Ways To Charge Immigrant Money Transfers
National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships
Denny's Launches Hispanic Television Campaign
Moving Target: A Memoir of Pursuit
Espanglish Chat 
LNESC & Coors Young Readers Partnership 
Bureau of Land Manage
ment, General Land Office 
U.S. Census
Bush Web site targets Latino businesspeople 
The National Archives Experience 
Cantu Brothers Success Story
Mexicans’ remittances, leads to legal action
Mexico seeks  “totalization” agreement
Walt Disney Records Releases CDS in Spanish

Hispanics Now Largest Minority
By Genaro C. Armas, Associated Press, 1-21-03

WASHINGTON Hispanics have surpassed blacks as the nation's largest minority group. The Hispanic population grew to 37 million in July 2001, up 4.7 percent from April 2000. The black population increased 2 percent during the same period, to 36.1 million. The estimates are the Census Bureau's first statistics on race and ethnicity since 2000 census results were released two years ago. 
        Hispanics now comprise nearly 13 percent of the U.S. population, which grew to 284.8 million in July 2001. That's up from 35.3 million, or 12.5 percent of the country's 281.4 million residents in April 2000. Blacks make up 12.7 percent of the nation's population, up from 12.6 percent in April 2000. The black population grew by 700,000 in the 15 months after the census was released. Asians are the next largest minority group after blacks and Hispanics, at about 12.1 million, or 4 percent of the population. 
        Whites remained the largest single population group, numbering about 199.3 million in July 2001, nearly 70 percent of all U.S. residents. A breakdown by state was not released. 
        The 2000 census, for the first time, allowed people to check off more than one racial category, increasing the number of possible choices for racial origin from five in 1990 to 63. A separate question also asks if someone is of Hispanic ethnicity. 

On the Net: http:// www.census.gov/Press- Release/www/2003/ cb03-16.html

President Bush proposes funding increases for Blacks & Hispanics 

President George W. Bush will propose a 5% increase in funding in 2004 for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as follows: 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Historically Black Graduate Institutions

Hispanic-Serving Institutions
$224 million
$ 53 million

$ 94 million
$277 million  


$ 94 million   
· The Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) program makes competitive grants of up to five years to eligible institutions (those with a full-time population of at least 25% Hispanic students, at least 50% of which are low-income individuals). This funding provides Hispanic and low-income students with faculty and academic program development, community outreach and other student services. 

· The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) program makes grants to 99 eligible institutions to help strengthen infrastructure and achieve greater financial stability, supporting activities such as construction, community outreach and student services. 

· The Historically Black Graduate Institutions (HBGIs) program makes 5-year grants to 18 eligible institutions to expand institutional capacity for providing graduate-level education. Funds support activities including scholarship aid, construction, purchase of educational materials and other student services.  Source HispanicVista.com

First Spanish-Language Virtual University Launched in U.S. 
Source: HispanicOnline.com, January 20, 2002

        The first Spanish-language virtual university in the U.S. was officially launched this December following an agreement signed between Houston-based AAMA, the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans, and Mexico's Technological Institute of Superior Studies (Monterrey Tec), in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon.
        "The initiative will provide Latino immigrants from all walks of life with the opportunity not only to attain the basic skills needed to survive in the U.S., but also to obtain a higher education in the career path of their choice, and to do so in their native language," said Gilbert Moreno, president/CEO of AAMA, the ninth-largest Hispanic non-profit organization in the country.
For Moreno, the new university is just the latest means to reach out to all Hispanic immigrants, not just those of Mexican origin, and expand AAMA's services beyond its offices in Houston, San Antonio, Laredo, Del Rio and the Rio Grande Valley.
        The new university is part of Monterrey Tec's Virtual University outreach services, already established in Mexico, South America and Europe. Although Monterrey Tec already offered U.S. Latinos basic literacy, English and computer skills via the Internet and through its Centros Comunitarios de Aprendizaje (Community Learning Centers) in Houston, Dallas and Miami, the collaboration with AAMA will create the first Spanish-language Virtual University, providing advanced educational services, via satellite and the Internet, for Spanish-speaking residents of the U.S.
        "Latino immigrants migrate to the U.S. for the chance to work and help their families achieve the ‘American dream,’” said Moreno. “Once here, they immediately enter the work force and, while many of them do learn to speak English, the majority never have the opportunity to fully develop academically and increase their employability and earning potential."Through the partnership with Monterrey’s Technological University, we will finally be able to provide them with such opportunities,” he emphasized.The majority of degree plans offered through Monterrey Tec's Virtual Universities are accredited by the Southwest Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and include Masters degrees in administration, finance, marketing, e-commerce, information technology, telecommunications, computer science, education, and many others. Doctorate programs, continuing education and business development programs are also offered through Monterrey Tec's Virtual Universities.
        Once established in Houston, the AAMA/ Monterrey Tec Virtual University will make its services available nationwide through AAMA's Latino Technology Network. The LTN project, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, is a national collaboration among Latino organizations including the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), Center for Training and Careers, Metropolitan Area Advisory Committee (MAAC Project), Multicultural Area Health Education Center (MAHEC), National Puerto Rican Coalition (NPRC), National Puerto Rican Forum (NPRF), National Association for Bilingual Educators (NABE), Cuban American National Council (CNC), Students Alternative Program, Inc., Technology for All, and Chicanos por la Causa (CPLC)
A High School Journalism Program for Gifted Students of Color! 
March 14 Deadline

        We are seeking applicants for Journalism Camp: a special summertime program scheduled for August 9-13, 2003 at San Diego State University in California.  Journalism Camp will bring together a multicultural group of high school students to sharpen their journalistic skills in a unique learning
environment--to get them excited about journalism.
        The 40 hand-selected students will spend time in classrooms and professional newsrooms with a staff of media professionals and with the opportunity to talk with some of the top figures in the media industry, including Pulitzer Prize-winners, network newscasters and leading newspaper editors.
       Minority students with a keen interest in broadcasting, newspapers, magazines, photojournalism or new media are especially encouraged to apply for this annual program.
        Qualified applicants must be currently enrolled in high school as a freshman, sophomore or junior and must be available to travel to San Diego during the camp week. There is no cost to apply. All expenses, including airfare, room and board will be covered by the camp's sponsors: The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, with additional funding provided by The McClatchy Co. and
Knight Ridder. J Camp is produced by the Asian American Journalists Association.
       The deadline for applications is March 14. Applications may be obtained online at http://www.aaja.org Questions: please contact Lila Chwee at AAJA's National Office:(415) 346-2051 or lilac@aaja.org                                                             Sent by Nellie Kaniski  nkaniski@earthlink.net
Extract: Schools seek to phase in English - Immersion called too costly for fall 
by Anand Vaishnav, Boston Globe Staff  1-23-03
http://www.hispanicvista.com/html2/012703be.htm
 
        Nineteen of Massachusetts' biggest school systems yesterday asked state officials for a delay in immersing all of their bilingual students into English-only classes, arguing that the voter-approved initiative is too costly and too complicated to begin this fall. 
        Bilingual education, which many schools taught for three decades, is the practice of teaching non-English-speaking children in their native tongues and easing them into English. Immersion is the opposite: surrounding immigrant students in all-English classes with only token amounts of their native language.
        In a letter to Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey, the school systems asked that English immersion programs be phased in over three years. After a rancorous campaign, voters in November overwhelmingly replaced bilingual programs with one-year, all-English classes in Massachusetts public schools.
        Pro-bilingual activists last year pegged the statewide price tag at $125 million, but superintendents in several districts said they haven't analyzed the expense yet because much depends on what the state Department of Education will require. 
        Boston Superintendent Thomas W. Payzant estimated that it would cost about $5 million in Boston if the state doesn't require school systems to pick up the cost of training teachers. In California and Arizona - two states that successfully passed the Unz initiative - education specialists yesterday said they did not know of any valid studies of immersion's costs there. They said some school systems spent more on English-language textbooks and materials, and on training regular-education teachers who were unaccustomed to having non-English speakers join their classrooms.

Article: http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/023/metro/Schools_seek_to_phase_in_English+.shtml
This story ran on page B1 of the Boston Globe on 1/23/2003.
© Copyright 2003 Globe Newspaper Company. 
Hispanics' Numbers in Clergy Seen as Low 
By Larry Witham, The Washington Times, 1-24-03
Source: HispanicOnline.com

Hispanics trail other ethnic groups in training clergy for religious institutions, a process or career path that in the past has usually helped immigrants assimilate and gain social mobility. 

        Most Hispanics are Catholics, and their growth into the nation's largest minority has swelled parish sizes, particularly in the Southwest. But few are becoming priests.  On the other hand, while more-evangelistic denominations can recruit potential Hispanic clergy, they still have difficulties with training candidates and integrating them into the religious mainstream.
        "We don't have any problem getting people interested in ministry," said the Rev. Esdras Betancourt, a Pentecostal minister. "Our main problem is getting money to train them."
Mr. Betancourt, who is chairman of a Hispanic commission for the National Association of Evangelicals, said evangelicals hope their clergy will improve their ability to bring many of the small Hispanic churches into the mainstream of society.
        The Rev. Edwin Hernandez, a Protestant and sociologist who heads the Center for the Study of Latino Religion at the University of Notre Dame, said Hispanic seminarians and clergy are "dramatically underrepresented" in accredited theological schools.
        "Wherever there is a Latino presence in the institution, students get attracted to be trained in ministry," he said. "A better-educated clergy will bridge the immigrants with the mainstream."
The nation's churches, according to research on minorities and immigration, often have been a gateway for social connections, training, work ethic and social mobility. And Hispanic leaders are mindful of that, as the nation's 37 million Hispanics were named this week as the largest minority by the Census Bureau.
        But while Hispanics make up about one-third of the nation's 65 million Roman Catholics, they are just 3.6 percent of U.S. Catholic clergy. Meanwhile, at the 244 affiliates of the Association of Theological Schools, there are four times more black students — a total of 7,462 — and more than twice as many Asians as Hispanic students. The total of black and Asian faculty at seminaries also outnumbers Hispanic professors.
        According to the most recently available census data on occupations, there is about one Hispanic cleric for every 3,000 Hispanic residents — far lower than the ratio for the populace as a whole. The obstacles to training more clergy resemble those in other areas of immigrant life, such as language, funding, illegal status and cultural barriers, according to interviews.  "It is easier to get somebody from Mexico [to study for the priesthood] than to get somebody who has been here since he was nine years old, is now 17, but entered the country illegally" and fears deportation, said the Rev. Miguel Solorzano, pastor of St. Philip of Jesus Church in Houston.
        Father Solorzano, spokesman for the National Association of Hispanic Priests, said the goal is to recruit American-born Hispanics as clergy.  "Immigrants from Mexico are not thinking of entering seminary," he said. "They are thinking of the American dream, like work, make some money, help their relatives."
        But the tide is turning, given the large number of Bible institutes that are cropping up, new Catholic movements seeking priests and lay leaders, and chances for higher education for Hispanics. "While it looks like a bleak picture, there are some bright spots," Mr. Hernandez said. "Some institutions are aggressively recruiting Latinos."
        Of the 9,400 lay Catholics in the United States now studying for certificates in theology and church work to help at parishes, about 60 percent are Hispanic, according to recent surveys.
Father Solorzano said that a new movement of monthly conferences called the "neo-catechumenal way" is interesting Hispanic high schoolers in college seminary study.
        Also, national projects such as the Hispanic Theological Initiative, which has Pew Trust funding and offices at Princeton Theological Seminary, hope to train the best and brightest Hispanics to lead church institutions. Beside sheer numbers, Hispanics also add excitement to American church life, which bodes well for ministry recruitment, Mr. Betancourt said. "Hispanics are spicing up the church," he said. "They are the salsa picante of the church. Salsa picante is outselling ketchup."
Church-going Hispanics do Better at School
By Larry Witham
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
http://www.washtimes.com/national/20030128-30457960.htm

        Hispanic immigrants who regularly attend church are more likely to do well in school and reverse high drop-out rates, especially in impoverished school districts, according to a study released yesterday.
        "Religion matters for Latinos because it provides important educational opportunities outside school and ... the church environment reinforces the importance of learning and discipline," says the report. The study, which analyzed responses from about 7,000 Hispanic students and parents collected in three national surveys from 1996 to 1999, was released at a conference on Hispanic affairs at the University of Notre Dame.
        "Religion is particularly important in protecting impoverished Latino youth," the study said, noting that it helps students pay attention in class and escape the "oppositional culture" often found in inner-city schools. While many studies have looked at how Hispanic educational achievement is affected by economics, ethnic background and family structure, this is the first to collect available data on the role of religion.
        In the past year, similar studies on the entire teen population have found a strong link between religious attendance and success in school and self-esteem. The new 50-page report, "Religion Matters," was released by sociologists David Sikkink and Edwin Hernandez of Notre Dame. It emphasizes that Hispanics now are the largest ethnic minority and may become 25 percent of the U.S. population in future decades.
        According to other research, 40 percent of school-age Hispanics born abroad are not enrolled in school. The drop-out rate for Latinos ages 16 to 24 is 21.6 percent, about twice that of (non-Hispanic) whites.  Immigrants — and especially Dominicans, Cubans and Mexicans — produce more single-parent families the longer they live in the United States.
        "Religion may mitigate this trend," the new report said.  The report questioned predictions that a "permanent Latino underclass" is inevitable, and rejected the theory that poor Hispanics who take refuge in Catholic enclaves or Protestant sects will reject secular education.
        "Religion seems less likely to create a community of closed minds than to create the conditions in which Latino youth excel in school," the report said.  The parents involved in evangelical Protestant sects, in fact, tend to "communicate higher educational aspirations" than do Catholic parents. And students from active religious families tend to do better in math and science than other Hispanics.
The findings make sense to Leah Tenorio, Hispanic ministry coordinator at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Alexandria. She agreed that social connections immigrants find in churches help overcome economic obstacles.
        "The effort that a family makes to go to church means a strong family relationship and a positive atmosphere," Miss Tenorio said. "The church often connects the immigrant to services that help their children at school." She recommends that American churches expand Spanish-language activities.         
        The report, in turn, suggests public schools with Hispanics work with churches. "Higher [church] attending Latinos are more likely to read books to their children," the study found. Churchgoers are 18 percent more likely to take children to a library than non-attenders. Weekly churchgoing families, moreover, are 30 percent more likely to instruct their children in "time management" and 24 percent more likely to have "discussed future plans with the child" than parents who attend occasionally.
"While the first-generation immigrant Latinos have a strong achievement ethic, it is difficult to pass those on to the second and especially third generations, which are likely to be more heavily influenced by American popular culture," the study said.
El Libro De Caló: The Dictionary of Chicano Slang

Compiled by Harry Polkinhorn, Alfredo Velasco & Malcom Lambert 1988 100 pgs (pbk) ISBN 0915745194 $23.95. Class use $17.95 Includes index & concordance. 
The most authoritative dictionary and guide to understanding the dialect popularly spoken by Chicanos in the Southwest. It includes user's guide, concordance from the English to Caló and index.

Mexican American s in Urban Society: A Selected Bibliography  296 pgs. (pbk) ISBN: 0915745127 Indexes. Compiled by Alberto Camarillo. $25.95 
A comprehensive bibliographic study documenting the contemporary and newly acquired urban experiences of Mexican Americans living in major U.S. cities as they migrated from the crop fields of the Southwest to the newly emerging post-war industries. Definitively the most updated
and complete bibliographic control effort on writings on regional urban development by Mexican Americans as they settled in their new environments. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries.
http://www.floricantopress.com/  
Floricanto Press info@floricantopress.com
650 Castro Street, Suite 120-331
Mountain View, California 94041-2055
(415) 552 1879 Fax (702) 995 1410
                                   
     
New Website dedicated to Latinas in SCIENCE: Antonia Novello                                                          

        The first woman in science I would like to highlight is Antonia Novello. She was the first woman and first Hispanic Surgeon General of the United States. As Surgeon General she focused her attentions on aids infected children, smoking, teenaged drinking and women’s health issues.
        She was born in Puerto Rico. At the age of eight, she lost her father and she and her brother were raise by her mother a school teacher. She suffered a chronic disease of the colon till she was 18 years old. The experience influenced her to pursue studies in medicine.
        She earned her bachelors and M.D. from the University of Puerto Rico. Married Joseph Novello, U. S. Navy flight surgeon. They both went to University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. Antonia Novello continued and was recognized in her work treating children with kidney disease. She continued her studies at Georgetown University, then Johns Hopkins University. As deputy Minister of the National institute of Child health and human development she took special interest in children with AIDS.
        She gave lawmakers in Congress advice on many issues from organ transplant to cigarette warning labels. In 1989, The senior George Bush nominated her to be the country’s Surgeon General. Which she served till 1993. This is just a brief sketch based on my research in the web, for more extensive information, and additional reading on Antonia Novello please visit Glass Ceiling
Biographies-Antonia Novello at: http://www.theglassceiling.com/biographies/bio23.htm

For more links on Hispanic, Latina, Chicana Women in science please visit at
http://members.attcanada.ca/~ecade/hispanic-women.html.
Sent by web mistress: Elsa Salazar Cade  ecade@telusplanet.net

They Came to America
:  Finding Your Immigrant Ancestors, book and guide  $75.
PBS Aired on KOCE, January 18.  Check with your local PBS station.


My Life As a Light-Skinned
Mejicana

By Diana Terry-Azios, Hispanic-May 2001

        Three guys walked up to me in a bar. "Excuse me," one says. "You have to help us settle a bet. We were just trying to guess what your ethnicity is." After I explain that I am a person, not a sporting event to be bet on, I tell them that I am a Latina, of Mexican ancestry. At that point, the interrogators look at me like I am the last living unicorn, a complete anomaly to the laws of nature that make the earth turn. "No!" they exclaimed.
        This is a common occurrence in my life. Sometimes, I am told, "Really, I never would have guessed." And then there is my favorite: " Wow. You don’t look it."
        Well, what are we supposed to look like? The answers I have received would astound you. The range from utter speechlessness and tongue-tied apologies to " Like the ones in the back of the trucks with lawn mowers."
        Some people except my answer and go on with life, but others refuse to believe it can be possible. I’ve engaged in verbal warfare over it, too. Take the instance of the slightly inebriated partygoer, for example:

        " Mexican? No you’re not. You are Lebanese."  

        " No. I am Mexican."

        " No. I know a Lebanese person when I see one. You are Lebanese." This merry-go-round discussion escalated and eventually drew a crowd.

        And there was a friend’s mother:  " Mexican? I thought you were Italian. There is an Italian girl I know, and you look just like her. You sure look Italian. I can’t believe you are not Italian." This happened every time I saw her, until I began to understand that maybe she would have been more comfortable if I had been Italian.
        None of this would be of much significance in my life—after all, I am sure of what and who I am—if it weren’t for the other Latinos who believe that I can’t be Latina, at least not like they are. Since I don’t fit the typical U.S. definition of what a Latino should be, I can’t understand the experience of being Latino, they challenge.
        Maybe they are right. As a light-skinned Latina, I can’t possibly understand the experience of being morena. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t know what it is to be Latina, that I haven’t had my own experience, or that they could understand what it is to be at the other side of the spectrum, to be guera.
        Being light-skinned means I blend in. But in a "blended" crowd, everything that makes the Latino experience is magnified ten times for me.
        Among Latinos, it isn’t unusual to find chicken’s feet in the soup, or a cow’s head on the table at Thanksgiving. But mention any of that in a non-Latino group, and it won’t be forgotten. The normalcy an subtleties of the culture made my traditions stand out in even more in mixed company. My experience as a light-skinned Latina has been a little like being the only one in masquerade at a black-tie ball. I draw more attention than if I just looked like what everybody else expects me to.
        My complexion means people drop their guard when I am around. Forgetting or never guessing that I am Mexican, people let loose remarks they would never say if they thought there was a Latino around. I have inadvertently been called "spic" and "wetback" and been told that I don’t belong because the speakers assumed there weren’t any "spics" and "wetbacks" within earshot. You can only imagine their expressions when I say that I, the person next to them at the dinner table or across from them at the conference table, am Mexican. 
        Latinos who assume I am not Latina and do not speak Spanish are guilty of the same mistakes. I recall one former apartment neighbor who used foul, loud language because he didn’t think anyone else in the complex spoke spanish. I don’t think a name has yet been invented for the red color his face turned when I greeted them in Spanish one day. 
        Though it isn’t as easy as some believe, I wouldn’t trade my experiences for any other. It has been unique and interesting. I am almost a double agent of the gente, the infiltrator no one suspects.
        For anyone else still curious, I am only going to say it one more time for the record: Yes, I am Mexican. Yes, I am fair-skinned. Yes, we do exist. And yes, I do know what it means to be Latina. My color can’t revoke my culture.
        So don’t stop me on the street, at the bus, at the store, or the bar to ask me what I am. There will be no more long glances followed by curious apologies from people who say, "I’m sorry, we didn’t mean to stare. We were just wondering what you are."
        I am a human being, a women, a light-skinned Latina, a proud Chicana.


Benjamin and the Word
, published in LA Times 
From: Daniel Olivas at olivasdan@aol.com  This Monday through Friday (beginning 1/27), the LA Times will be publish one of my children's stories in the Kids' Reading Room section. The story is called "Benjamin and the Word," and concerns a boy who is Chicano/Jewish and who confronts bigotry in the school yard. You'll be able to access it on the web, too: http://www.latimes.com/features/kids/readingroom  This is the first story they will be publishing; I'm now a contract freelancer for the kids' section. 

Senator McCain Renews Effort to Honor Cesar

        On January 15 Senator John McCain (R-AZ) reintroduced a bill to authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of sites associated with the life of Cesar E. Chavez. The goal of the legislation is to establish a foundation for preserving these sites as historical landmarks.
        "Cesar Chavez is one of the most revered public servants in our history for his leadership in helping organize migrant farm workers, and for providing inspiration to those most oppressed in our society," said Senator McCain. "He is an exemplary American hero. It is important that we honor his struggle and do what we can to preserve certain sites located in Arizona, California and other states that are significant to his life."
        Senator McCain first introduced this legislation last October and has received an overwhelming positive response, not only from his constituents in Arizona but also from Americans across the nation. Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-CA) introduced similar legislation in the House in September 2001. The bill specifically authorizes the Secretary  of the Interior to determine whether any of the sites meet the criteria for being listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. The study would be conducted within a three-year timeframe.
        "Cesar Chavez was a humble man of deep conviction who understood what it meant to serve and sacrifice for others," said Senator McCain. "He was a true American hero who embodied the values of justice and freedom this nation holds dear. Honoring the places of his life will enable his legacy to inspire and serve as an example for our future leaders."
        The Cesar E. Chavez Foundation recently kicked off its 2003 Speakers Bureau program, which is dedicated to educating and inspiring individuals, organizations and communities to carry on Cesar's dream for a better world. Through sharing personal remembrances, experiences, anecdotes, and biographical information, Foundation speakers provide a personal link to Cesar the man and leader, while giving contemporary meaning to his values and principles.
        Our speakers travel throughout the U.S. sharing timely and moving insights into the life and work of this great civil rights and farm labor leader. In addition to Chavez family members, Foundation speakers are leaders in business, politics, labor, the non-profit sector and the arts. Some of
our speakers include Cesar's son and Chairman of the Foundation's Board Paul F. Chavez, United Farm Workers of America, AFL-CIO President Arturo S. Rodriguez, California State Senator Richard Alarcon, Actor/Activist Ed Begley Jr., and KABC-TV Director of Diversity Programs and Community
Relations Diane Medina.
        Last year, the Speakers Bureau and Chavez Day activities combined reached more than an estimated 20 million people. This year, we will commemorate the 10(superscript: th) anniversary of Cesar's passing by reflecting on his life and work, and by highlighting his legacy's lasting power, which continues to positively impact communities throughout the country.

For more information about the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation's Speakers Bureau, please contact Amber J. Thompson, Communications Coordinator, by phone at (213) 362-0267, ext. 242, or by email at athompson@cecfmail.org  For more information, please visit http://www.ci.azusa.ca.us/.

Foundation Job Openings, visit the Foundation's Web site at http://www.chavezfoundation.org
for more information about the following positions: - Director of Administration    - Director of Programs  - Office Assistant  - Receptionist  - Student Assistant(s)

Sent by Zeke Hernandez zekeher@juno.com
University of Texas, Pan-American among nation's best for Hispanics

        While the University of Texas -- Pan-American remains second nationally in total Hispanic enrollment among four-year colleges and universities, the institution now ranks third in granting master's degrees, based on a recent national magazine report of the 100 bet U.S. colleges for Hispanic.
        According to a May issue of The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education -- a national biweekly publication that ranks the nation top 100 colleges for Hispanics based on U.S. Department of Education data from 1999-2000 -- UTPA has 10,507 Hispanics out of 12,569 total students ( 83.6 percent).
        Florida International University (FIU of) in Miami is first with 16,469 Hispanics out of 31,293 total students. Further UTPA and FIU were the only universities in the top five in awarding bachelor's and master's degrees to Hispanics. UT Pan American was second to that the bachelor's degrees at 1,239    (457 men, 782 to women) and third to FIUAnd know about southeastern University (50 Florida) in masters degrees with 263 (80 a man, 183 women). In fact, UTPA was the lone Texas higher education institution in the top nine for master's degrees.
        "The latest rating by Hispanic outlook continues to show improvements in graduating more and more students from Hispanic backgrounds," said Dr. Rodolfo Arevalo provost/vice president for Academic Affairs. "The University is continuing to play a critical role in the education of the Hispanics in the United States and enhancing the availability of training professional."
         The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine explores issues related to Hispanics in higher education. In addition to ranking colleges on bachelor's, master's and doctorial degrees, the magazine also listed Universities by degrees awarded in 19 academic program. UTPA was first in the nation in  multi/interdisciplinary studies with 300 degrees to Hispanics.
        The University placed in the top five nationally in biological sciences (84 degrees), English/literature (73), mathematics (20), health sciences (105), and visual and performing arts (44), and ranked in the top ten n in business and marketing (197), foreign language (36) and public administration (43).
        Meanwhile, UTPA was third in the number of master's degrees awarded to Hispanic with 263 of 376 total degrees -- easily the highest percentage of any of U.T. System Institution. At 33.9 percent, UT Pan American also ranked second to the University of Texas at Brownsville (37.9 percent) in percentage of Hispanic faculty. The University has 32 Hispanic managers at 175 faculty member.,

Source: Los Arcos, Spring/Summer   2002, Vol.8, No. 3

Sent by Dr. Granville Hough gwhough@earthlink.net


California schools extend winter break to accommodate Hispanic kids

Associated Press, 1-15-03
Source: AZCENTRAL.com, 1-17-02 via HispanicOnline.com

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. - West Sacramento students returned to school this week after a three-week vacation - an extended winter break that school officials hope will increase attendance for Hispanic students who travel to Mexico for the holiday.
        We always have a big drop-off of attendance the first week back from kids coming back late from Mexico," said Stuart Greenfeld, the superintendent of Washington Unified School District, which includes 11 schools in West Sacramento. So the district adjusted its schedule to accommodate the Hispanic students, who represent 37 percent of the district's 7,000 students, and gave everyone an extra week off.
        Since announcing the modified schedule, Greenfeld said he's spoken to school officials from Southern California to Wisconsin who are interested in boosting attendance among Hispanic students. Jeff Hearn, superintendent of the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District, said the three high schools there have been on a similar schedule for at least seven years.
        "Originally, when we did this, I was the principal at the high school with the largest number of Hispanic students," he said. "I was losing kids right and left." In California, state funding is calculated by attendance, so the absences also cost the district money. "This seemed to make sense from a financial standpoint and it really worked out," Hearn said. "It's been very good for the district."  
        While teachers initially opposed extending the break, Hearn said, they wouldn't trade it now for the traditional two-week vacation. The extra week allowed West Sacramento sixth-grade teacher Jack McFarren to prepare for the first week of the new semester. McFarren used his quiet classroom at Evergreen Elementary School to create posters for math class and to list vocabulary words for the next week's lesson.  "It gives me a bit of a head start," he said. 
        McFarren said he has worked in a district with a higher rate of bilingual students and it was "typical to have eight, nine or 10 students back late." Washington Unified solicited suggestions from parents and teachers before changing its calendar, said Paul Johnson, the district's assistant superintendent. "We went to every school and met with parents and staff and at the two schools with the most Latino students, the parents wanted a schedule that accommodated their trips to Mexico," he said. "We're hoping that the end result is more kids in school."
        Ten of the district's 11 schools are on the new calendar. Those students started their school year a week earlier in August to make up for the loss.  /If the new schedule raises attendance rates, all schools will be on the modified calendar next year, Greenfeld said.
  "This reflects the needs of the community," he said.


Stilled Voices in America's Education System
 
by Clara Mercedes Piloto

http://www-mcnair.berkeley.edu/uga/osl/mcnair/93BerkeleyMcNairJournal/
ClaraMercedesPiloto.html


Knowledge itself is power. - Francis Bacon, Of Heresies

[[An introduction to a study which includes two examples of the experiences of two students growing in bilingual proficiency.  Includes 27 footnotes.]] 
A review of the literature reveals that the Latino experience in higher education is largely ignored and unrecorded. Clearly, this is an important aspect of America's history that warrants further investigation and analysis. In order to fully understand the history of higher education, one must be able to understand the important role Latinos play in creating and shaping this overall history. Moreover, the history of American education cannot be fully understood until Latinos' contributions to higher education are acknowledged and recognized.

In an attempt to uncover and record the experiences of early Latino scholars, a research project entitled "Latinos in Higher Education" was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Francisco Hernandez at the University of California at Berkeley. Here a search and documentation of primary sources detailed these academic experiences. This search spans a period of over 100 years, focusing largely between 1851, the year Santa Clara College opened its doors to the Mexican population, and 1960. Primary source materials that described in detail the Latino college experience were collected and analyzed in order to both document individual Latino experiences, and describe the collective Latino higher educational experience. 
                                                                                                                   Sent by Johanna de Soto


"Words During Wartime"

        "Words During Wartime" from Parade Magazine Nov 3, 2002 said the following:  "What do people say in time of war?  Husbands to wives?  Sons to parents?  Mothers to sons?  Presidents to generals?"  David H. Lowenherz asked these question, and his answer is The 50 Greatest Letters From America's Wars (Crown).  Here, Lincoln defends his Emancipation Proclamation, freeing the South's slaves;  and Capt. Rodney Chastant of Mobile, Ala., fighting in Vietnam, thanks his parents for letters recounting "trivial events" back home that helped him forget the war for a moment.  Most messages from today's war zones come via e-mail, but we suspect the feelings are largely the same.
        Since August, I have written the Godinez Gazette which is quite simply a monthly newsletter.  It goes to all four of my sons ages 20-35, two whom are in the US Army and stationed far from home.  It also goes to both sides of my family who are on opposite sides from one another in Canada.  For many years I was separated from those Canadian family members so my little Gazette has pictures and stories which tell about our rich family history, current events, and birthdays of those living today and other special ancestors from the past. 
        I started the Gazette to help everyone who didn't write, to know what the rest of the family was doing.  It has very little that is serious because there is enough of that in the world today in the newspapers and on the television.  But it does hold up a mirror to show us who we are and how we came to be that way.  I don't always tell all the details but let the readers guess who it is that I am writing about.  Eventually we will be able to gather the sheets together into a binder and have our own book of family history.
        This for me is the fun part of Family History--not just names and dates and places.  It is the sharing part with family members who don't have the time or patience for researching but still are interested in knowing about their loved ones both past and present.  If you are doing something like this, send an email and tell me about it.  Until then, good luck with your projects for the new year.

                                      Diane Godinez, SHHAR Calendar web mistress canprin@yahoo.com


To Obtain Military Awards and Decorations
,
shared by Alfred Lugo

Where to write
 for medals:
Where medals are 
sent from:
Where to write in case of a problem or an appeal
ARMY U.S. Army Reserve
Personnel Center
ATTN: ARPC-SFE
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5200
Commander, U.S. Army
Support Command
U.S. Army Support Activities
ATTN: STRAP-SEI
P.O. Box 13460
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3460
U.S. Army Reserve
Personnel Center
ATTN:DARP-VSA-A
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO
63132-5200
AIR FORCE
Including Army Air Corps & Air Force
Air Force Reference Branch
(NCPMF)
National Personnel Records Center
(Address as above)
HQ, Air Force Manpower
& Personnel Center
AFMPC/DPMASA
Recognition Programs Branch 
Randolph AFB, 
TX   78150-6001
HQ, Air Force Manpower
& Personnel Center
AFMPC/DPMASA
Recognition Programs Branch 
Randolph AFB, 
TX   78150-6001
NAVY, MARINE CORPS, COAST GUARD, including Merchant Marines > 
all have the same address where to write, and where the medals are sent from the same address; 
however in case of a problem or an appeal, the address is different: 
PERS-313E,  Room 3475   9700 Page Avenue   St. Louis, MO 63132-5200
NAVY: Chief of Naval Operations Navy Awards Board Washington, DC 20380-0001
MARINE CORPS: Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps  HQ, USMC Awards Branch 
(MHM) Washington DC  20480-0001
COAST GUARD, including Merchant Marines: Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard Medals 
and Awards Branch (G-PS3) Washington, D.C. 20593 
December 14, 2002 - March 2, 2003  Americanos:  Latino Life in the United States  
This is a project of Olmos Productions, which has been organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives. 

The exhibition offers an extraordinary view of the breadth and variety of the Latino experience, encompassing national origin, economic status, education, profession, religion and language.  It brings together the work of thirty top photojournalists--including Jose Galvez, Eugene Richards, and Alexis Rodriguez-Duarte--united by their common interest in the diversity and complexity of contemporary Latino life in the United States.  With perspectives as distinctive as the many Latino communities they document, the photographers explore aspects such as national origin, economic status, education, profession, religion, and language.  The exhibition includes over 100 photographs as well bilingual texts by prominent Latinos such as celebrated singer Celia Cruz and the renowned author Carlos Fuentes.  The location is the University of Arizona in Tucson.  For more information call (520) 621-7968 or http://www.creativephotography.org/.   

Public Programs and Events for AMERICANOS-- All programs are FREE and take place at the Center for Creative Photography unless otherwise noted.

                                 Sent by Diane Godinez  SHHAR Calendar web mistress canprin@yahoo.com


Minority Business Issues:
  
Hispanic Achievers is set to launch a new television program on Time Warner Cable dedicated to minority business issues. The new programming will begin broadcasting the 2nd Monday in February at 9:30 PM on Channel 98.  More information: mailer@hispanicachievers.tv  Danny Ramos, eNews


Married to an Alien  - By Michael John Neill

The Genealogical Society of Santa Cruz Country

1907 On 2 March 1907 an act was passed wherein a wife’s citizenship status was determined by the status of her husband. Here is where the confusion begins to get worse. For women who immigrated after this act (and before later changes were enacted), there was no real change from before (unless their husband was already a U.S. citizen). However, it was different for U.S.-born citizen females who married an alien after this date. These women would lose their citizenship status upon their husband’s naturalization. Women who married men who were racially ineligible to naturalize lost their ability to revert to their pre-marriage citizenship status.

1922 On 22 September 1922, Congress passed the Married Women’s Act, also known as the Cable Act. Now the citizenship status of a woman and a man were separate. This law gave each woman her own citizenship status. This act was partially drawn in response to issues regarding women’s citizenship that occurred after women were given the right to vote. From this date, no marriage to an alien has taken citizenship from any U.S.-born woman. Females who had lost their citizenship status via marriage to an alien could initiate their own naturalization proceedings.

1936  This act affected U.S. citizen women whose marriage to an alien between the acts of 1907 and 1922 had caused them to lose their citizenship status. These women, if the marriage to the alien had ended in death or divorce, could regain their citizenship be filling an application with the local naturalization court and taking an oath of allegiance. Those women still married to their husband were not covered under the act and these individuals would have to go through the complete naturalization process.

1940  In 1940, Congress allowed all women who lost their citizenship status between 1907 and 1922 to re patriate by filing an application with the local naturalization court and taking an oath. The complete naturalization process was no longer necessary for any women whose marriage between 1907 and 1922 caused her to lose her citizen status.

Ancestry World Tree

 Wealth of information at no charge. The address is: http://pedigree.ancestry.com

Do a search; after you get the Search Results, you can view the Pedigree in chart form. The Pedigree Chart will give you the spouse and children of the person you searched; as well as siblings; plus the parents and grandparents if they are available. Any name that is underlined, if you
double click on it, will take you to that person's pedigree. It is a great site. One thing to remember is that the info has been submitted by other researchers. The site has helped me tremendously. Hope you all try it.

On the  Gutierrez line mentioned above, it is believed that the line goes back to Agustin Abrego and Leonor Gutierrez. This family has roots in Nieves, Zacatecas and Saltillo, Coahuila before appearing in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. 
Shared by... Mira Smithwick   SagaCorpus@aol.com


Holding On To Spanish?

by: Domenico Maceri, PhD

Dr. Maceri's articles have appeared in "The Los Angeles Times," "The Washington Times," "The San Francisco Chronicle," "Hispanic Magazine," "Montreal Gazette," "The Japan Times," "La Opinión," "The Korea Herald," "L'Unità," and elsewhere.

        The two supermarket shoppers were switching between one language and the other so effortlessly as if both English and Spanish were their native languages. Although I know many people who speak languages very well because I teach foreign languages at the college level and have many multilingual friends, I know very few people who seem equally comfortable in two languages. Typically, one language dominates in spite of the high level of skills one might posses in a second or a third.
        My cousins who were born in the US of Italian parents can barely speak Italian. They were educated in English and their parents' language is becoming more and more a faint memory.
        Although all immigrants learn English and Americanize it seems those from Spanish-speaking countries hold on to their language longer than other ethnic groups. It's obvious why in some ways, but in others it's not. In part it has to do with numbers. There are more than 35 million Latinos in the US, according to the last census figures. About half speak primarily Spanish and know limited English.
        The high number of Spanish speakers makes it possible to live in many parts of the US without the need to learn English. Services are available in Spanish at banks, hospitals, and many other places.
        The availability of these services in Spanish generates employment opportunities for bilingual individuals. And Americans are paying attention to the advantages of English-Spanish bilingualism. Spanish is by far the most popular foreign language in American high schools. At the college level a similar picture emerges. Figures released by the Modern Language Association reveal that for the first time in the history of foreign language enrollments, Spanish accounts for more than 50% of the total. All the other foreign languages put together—French, German, Russian, Italian, Japanese, etc.—attract fewer students than Spanish.
        Spanish is still an essential language in elementary schools in spite of the virtual elimination of bilingual education in California, Arizona, and most recently Massachusetts. Most states are continuing the programs and although many different languages are involved, Spanish is the most widely used. In fact, the anti-bilingual education movement and the English-only movement could easily be labeled an anti-Spanish movement.
        Geography also keeps Spanish alive in the US. Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries in the Caribbean and Central America are easily accessible. Traveling from these countries to the US is relatively easy. In some cases the distances are very short. Indeed, much of the immigration from Mexico is not immigration at all but rather "migration." People come, work, and go back home for Christmas vacation. Then they return in January. The frequent trips to Mexico or the Caribbean mean that language skills are also maintained fresh. Kids who are brought back and forth get linguistic reinforcements by the exposure to the parents' home country.
        Historically, Spanish has been a constant presence in the US. In many parts of the Southwest it preceded English and has remained alive alongside of it. The names of certain states and many cities are reminders of this linguistic presence. Of course, these names come out a little differently from the mouths of Americans. But to a Spanish-speaker from Mexico there isn't much difference between San Luis Potosí and San Luis Obispo. They both reflect Hispanic culture and the presence of the Spanish language.
        Scholars see the fate of Spanish in the US as no different from that of other immigrant languages such as German, Polish, Italian, Russian, etc. As immigrants settle and Americanize, they lose their language. That is probably a fair assessment. The importance of languages other than English in the US has had to do largely with immigration. As the economies of Western Europe improved, people stopped emigrating and their languages all but disappeared from the US.
        In the case of Spanish, that hasn't happened yet. Poverty in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries pushes people to emigrate in search of opportunities. And that means a continuous replenishment of Spanish-speakers in the US.
        If the economies of Spanish-speaking countries improve and people stay home, it will mean that the 350 million speakers of Spanish will have in their pockets money and will be potential customers for our products. Their language will become valuable because it will translate into profits. Whatever the future brings, Spanish will remain an important language in the world. If I did not know Spanish, I'd start learning it right away.


The views and/or opinions expressed by Domenico Maceri are not necessarily those of the staff of the DenverHispanic.com. Dr. Maceri teaches foreign languages at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, CA and can be reached by E-Mail at dmaceri@aol.com. We reserve the right to make any editorial changes.  http://www.denverhispanic.com/

Sent by Margaret Cepeda  margaret@orci.com  (Margaret Cepeda)
Louis Cepeda   Louis@denverhispanic.com  (Louis Cepeda)


Seeking Participants for Documentary on Language

Source: LatinoLa.com  January 22, 2002 
USC Graduate Student seeks participants for an advanced documentary exploring the lives of non-Spanish speaking Hispanics in Los Angeles. Do you think all Hispanics should know Spanish? Do you think the expectation for all Hispanics to automatically know Spanish, is outrageous? Has this subject affected your life in any way? Do you have strong feelings overall about this subject? If so, please call or e-mail me back soon. Even if you don't want to be on camera, but have opinions you'd like to share, please contact me:  Yolie Martinez Phone: 562-477-2880 E-mail: martiney@usc.edu

Laws of Naturalization in 1881

Foreigners, before they became citizens of the United States, as set forth in the following forms and explanations, are called aliens, and owe no allegiance to the State in which they reside.

Aliens do not possess the right to vote for the elections of any officer of the government, town, municipal, county, State or national; nor can they hold public offices until they are naturalized or have declared their intentions to become citizens.

Their personal and property rights while aliens are, however, respected and protected by all branches of our government.

Comparing individuals with governments, the alien seems to bear about the same relation to citizenship that the Territories of the United States do to the Union-protected, but with certain privileges withheld.

The laws by which an alien is transformed into a citizen, and is endowed with all a citizen’s rights and privileges, are established by the general government.

The United States laws require the applicant for naturalization to be an individual who has lived within its territory for five years immediately before and up to the time of his application. He must also have resided during one year of the five in the State or Territory in which he makes his application. Two years before he can legally be naturalized, he must go before a federal court or some local court of record, or the clerk of either of such courts, and make an affidavit that he proposes to become a full citizen of the United States at the proper time, and to renounce his allegiance to all other governments, princes or potentates, and, particularly, the sovereignty of the country from which he emerged. In most States this declaration entitles him to vote. If an alien has served in the army or navy of the United States, and has been honorably discharged from such service, he may be naturalized after one year’s residence in any State or Territory. Such residence must, however, be definitely proven before the court.

The first step in the process of the legal naturalization, the applicant having duly shown that he is entitled to become a citizen, is to file in court a declaration of his intentions as follows:

Form of Declaring Intention to Become a Citizen.

I, Gustave Baum, do declare an oath (or do affirm), that it is really my intention to become a citizen of the United States, and to renounce forever all allegiance and fidelity to all and any foreign prince, potentate, State and sovereignty whatever, and particularly to William, Emperor of the German confederation.

Gustave Baum.

Sworn (or affirmed) in open court, at Loredo, Webb county, State of Texas, this sixteenth day of January, A.D. 1881.

Simon R. Peterson, Clerk.
The Clerk’s Certificate.
The following is annexed to the declaration of intentions:
State of Texas}

Orange County California GS Newsletter –
January 2003, Vol. 37, Issue 1, page 3

Federal Writers’ Project (WPA)

Life Histories were written by the staff of the Folklore Project of the federal Writers’ Project of the U.S.> Works Progress (later Work Projects) Administration (WPA) from 1936-1940. The histories typically were 2,000-15,000 words in length and span the years 1889-1942 and cover a wide range of topics and subjects. Altogether the Federal Writers’ holdings number approximately 300,000. They include a rich collection of rural and urban folklore; first-person narratives (called life histories) describing the feelings of men and women coping with life and the Depression; studies of social customs of various ethic groups; authentic narratives of slaves about life during the period of Slavery; and Negro source material gathered by project workers.

The writers chronicled interviews with Americans asked to recall significant events in their lives. The resulting collections offer a rich exposition of every day life in rural and urban United States, from the end of the Civil War through the years of the Great Depression. Each document in this collection relates the compelling story of human life. It may not be your ancestor that is being interviewed, but it may give you insight into life in that time period. http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/wpaintro/wpahome.html

*History World  An award-winning site with histories, biographies, images and more.http://www.historyworld.net

*Oregon Land Records Lists land records found in Oregon State. http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/land.html

*California Country History
Learn about California’s historical countries, it gives information on formation, choice of name.
http://csac.countries.org/countries_close_up/county_history

*Online Census Finder Links to 8,200 census records. Http://www.censusfinder.com

*Genealogy Wheel Chart Generator
Create a color-coded circular family tree. This is a free chart generator. It uses your gedcom file to create the wheel chart. Http://warp.byu.edu/circlechart

*What Passenger Lists Are Online?
This site answers that question with transcribed records indexed by ports of departure and arrival.
http://home.att.net/~wee-monster/onlinelists.htm

Expert Advice: Concerning The Census

The federal censuses have been taken every 10 years and began in 1790 (1719for Vermont). Due to privacy laws, only census records 72 years and older are available for open research. Each census has an "official date" that should always be noted. The census taker, regardless of what day he or she recorded the information, was to list the occupants of any given household on the official of that year’s census. The official dates for each year up to 1930 are listed below:

*1790-August 2 (first Monday in August)
*1800-August 4 (first Monday in August)
*1810-August 6 (first Monday in August)
*1820-August 7 (first Monday in August)
*1900-June 1
*1910-April 15
*1920-Janurary 1
*1930-April 1

This means that a person born on April 20, 1910 shouldn’t be listed in the 1910 census. The enumerator was to list only those people living in the household on April 15, 1910. In some cases it took months for the enumerator to visit every household and record the data. In the early census years (1790 to 1840), the enumerators were allowed anywhere from nine to 18 months to complete their tasks. In 1850, 1860 and 1870, they were allowed only five months to record all of the residents and from 1880 to 1820, only one month. Some enumerators followed the rules strictly, while others did not. 

America Says Hello to Another Latin Drink
Maura Webber is a Chicago-based freelance writer 
Chicago Sun-Times, October 29, 2002  
Source: Via HispanicOnline.Com  November 7, 2002

        Signs of Mexico's influence on American drinking habits are everywhere. College kids routinely squeeze limes into their cervezas. Bars thousands of miles from the border sell dozens of varieties of tequila. Kahlua with cream is not only a drink but also a premium ice-cream flavor. 
        This year a Boulder, Co.-based company is hoping to win converts to yet another traditional Mexican aperitif. It's called pulque (pronounced pool-kay). Like tequila, it is made from liquid out of the cactus-like agave plant. Pulque is a fermented drink but -- unlike tequila -- it is not distilled.
        The result: a cloudy and slightly sour non-carbonated liquid that is sometimes served alone or mixed with fruit. In Mexico bottles of pulque, considered a drink of the Aztec gods and an aphrodisiac, are served at room temperature in pulquerias, typically rustic bars specifically dedicated to the drink. 
        This year Boulder Imports began importing the drink. The company sells its brightly colored pulque six-pack cans in more than a dozen states including Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. Although it is mostly sold in stores serving Mexican-American populations, Boulder Imports officials predict Americans will soon be converts to the unique brew. The company says it is already selling as many as 10,000 cases of pulque monthly. 
        "It's the kissing cousin to tequila but this is a working man's drink," said Thomas Howard, president of Joliet-based Illinois Wine & Spirits, who suggests that pulque is at its best served ice cold. Howard's beverage marketing company is handling the product here for Boulder Imports.
         The company has taken steps to encourage non-Hispanic Americans to try the drink by offering strawberry and coconut pineapple versions. But for the most part, stores owners in the Chicago area say that it's the unflavored pulque that is sought out by Mexicans or Mexican-Americans living in the U.S. who yearn for a familiar taste from their homeland.
         Some customers have driven into the city from as far away as Michigan to buy the pulque from Moreno's Liquors in Chicago's Little Village. "It's something that a lot of people remember, so when they hear it's available, they come from all over," said Rose Moreno, co- owner of Moreno's Liquors, a Mexican-American who said pulque is an "acquired taste" which she never acquired.
        At La Chiquita, a supermarket in West Chicago with many Hispanic customers, the pulque is a steady seller. "It's one more item that is common at home that's now available here," said Bob Fiedler, store manager at La Chiquita, where a six-pack of pulque sells for $6.99.
        Indeed, pulque marketers eager to push the pasteurized product to a wider customer base have their work cut out for them even within the Mexican-American population. Pulque, though widely available in Mexico, is considered a blue-collar drink. Ask some Mexican- Americans about the beverage and many cringe at memories of friends sickened by it. Some even say the alcohol in pulque can make a person mad. 
        Not true, said Dan Benavidez, vice president of operations for Boulder Imports. Improperly made pulque made some drinkers ill. But there is nothing flawed about the process itself. And pulque does not contain unusually high levels of alcohol. In fact, pulque is about 6% alcohol by volume, in the range of many foreign beers. As with all alcohol, it should not be abused, Benavidez said.
        As for the stigma attached to pulque, he is certain that that is changing even now in Mexico as some high-level politicians have recently acknowledged the pleasures of quaffing a well-made pulque. As for converting Americans, it is just a question of getting it in their hands. 
        "Some Boulder college students are making smoothies out of it," Benavidez said. "It's a drink for Americans." But it may take some time for pulque to catch on, however. Cans of well-chilled pulque were offered during a recent barbecue at this reporter's home. Americans as well as one Mexican friend tentatively sampled the brew. "Interesting," and "Not bad," were the closest to compliments uttered. No one came back for more. 

Segunda Juventud

        In order to better serve on diverse membership we've created Segunda Juventud - a new quarterly bilingual publication building news information and features a particular interest to Hispanic Americans. Our mission refused to serve people age 50 and older to education, advocacy, benefit and accessing programs and services -- to help them protect your help, Madison money, when a retirement, serve their community, strengthen their families I enjoy their leisure time. We want to help all Mr. people become who they always dreamed of being -- to open the door to the very best of airlines.
        You create the best newspaper possible we are collaborating with the writers and editor of debacle beyond the premier Hispanic publishing company in United States together, AAA RT and not beyond our dedicated to providing timely enacted information on by a profit ranging from Social Security the immigration to medical braces. Will also keep you up-to-date on important social issues and lifestyles trend and the refused to fascinating people were living by the fullest as a invent the meaning of middle-aged.
        And most importantly we invite you to participate, to make this your publication. We encourage your to send story ideas for future editions or to share your opinion by sending letters. For more information and/or to receive future edition of Segund Juventud contact AARP at member@aarp.org or phone 1-800-424-3410                                                                          Sent by Win Holtzman


U.S. Banks Seek Ways To Charge Immigrant Money Transfers

by Katie Warchut, The Dallas Morning News, 1- 3-03
Sent by Howard Shorr  howardshorr@msn.com

        Money sent home to Mexico and other Latin American countries by immigrant workers has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry, catching the eye of U.S. bankers who previously had shunned the market.
        Immigrants sent $23 billion home to Latin America and the Caribbean last year, paying $3 billion in one-time fees and exchange rates to wire-transfer companies and financial institutions.
Although banks are working to make it easier to transfer money abroad, the Inter-American Development Bank said in a recent study that immigrants remain plagued by overly high fees.
A survey of 302 Latinos who provide some support to families back home found the average worker sends $200 home seven times a year. But they are often hit with fees as high as $20 per transfer, which shaves 10 percent or more from their contribution.
        "The costs can come down much more, and we need to get at that," said Donald F. Terry, manager of the development bank's multilateral investment fund. The study found that most immigrants send the cash, called a remittance, through money transfer companies such as Western Union or MoneyGram because it's easier and because they are not aware of other options.
         Low-wage laborers often have to send money home as soon as they get it, requiring multiple one-time fees on small sums. They say they often do not realize how the fees add up. They lament the fact that the fees shrink the amount they send home to families who often depend on the dollars for necessities.
        A woman identified only as Elizabeth from Guatemala said in a taped interview that relatives spend the money "on stuff like medicine for my mom and expenses they have to pay, and I don't know what else they use it for."  One way to get those fees down, the development bank said, is to entice immigrants to open bank accounts rather than rely on wire-transfer services. Currently, about half of Latin American immigrants do not have bank accounts.
        But low-income immigrant workers, many of whom are living in the United States illegally, often lack the necessary documentation to open a bank account. And minimum balance requirements also hurt laborers, who often run through the money they earn every month.
        "Many fear that going to a bank and giving their name would expose them to law enforcement action," said Roberto Suro, director of the Pew Hispanic Center, which also participated in the study.
Some banks help workers by allowing them to set up accounts using a taxpayer identification number, which doesn't require legal documentation, rather than the typical Social Security number.
More financial institutions also are accepting matriculas, the identification cards issued by Mexican consulates in the United States. Mexican consulates report they have issued more than 740,000 of the IDs to date.
        Bank of America began a program this year called SafeSend, which offers customers in the United States special accounts from which their relatives in Mexico may withdraw money with ATM cards. Almost all of the study's respondents said they were interested in such a program.  "They give me the (ATM) card and send it to my family. All I have to do is call them and tell them I put in money, and they can take it out, just like they can here," said Antonio from Mexico.
        The president of Bendixen & Associates, the research company that conducted the study, acknowledged that financial institutions would have to do a lot of work to persuade low-wage immigrants to open bank accounts. "Their enthusiasm has to be in a sense compared to their inertia," Sergio Bendixen said, adding that banks will have to reach the Latino market through advertising.
The answer for permanent change may not be through regulation of banking services but in the creation of competition for remittance services, Terry said.
        Competition among Spain's banks, for example, has reduced transfer costs by half in the last year.  "The U.S. wants to see greater competition and make sure there's an even playing field," Suro said. Get more from the Web. 

National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships
 
Source: LatinoLA Amigos - 1.8.03 
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) at http://www.nea.gov  seeks to advance its goal of encouraging and supporting artistic creativity and preserving America's diverse cultural heritage by expanding opportunities for artists to create and refine work. The program operates on a two-year cycle with fellowships in prose available one year and fellowships in poetry available the next. For fiscal year 2004, the NEA will make grants for projects in prose. Deadlines: March 3, 2003 (Fiction and Creative Nonfiction); February 3, 2003 (Translation Projects in Prose). Funding for poetry projects will be awarded in fiscal year 2005. Deadlines: March 1, 2004 (Fellowships for Creative Writers - Poetry). For additional RFPs in Arts and Culture, visit: http://fdncenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_arts.jhtml
                                                                                       Sent by Anthony Garcia amigos@latinola.com 

Denny's Launches New Hispanic Television Campaign

Source: LatinoLA Amigos - 1.8.03 
Denny's announced the debut of a new Hispanic television advertising campaign designed to speak directly to Spanish-speaking consumers. The new commercial is the first creative effort of Denny's newly-appointed Hispanic agency of record, cruz/kravetz: IDEAS. It will air in select markets. The new tagline -- En Denny's, nos ocupamos de ti (At Denny's, we take care of you) -- will be featured in all Spanish broadcast and print efforts."                           Sent by Anthony Garcia amigos@latinola.com 

Book:
Moving Target: A Memoir of Pursuit

        Ron Arias is the author of  "Moving Target: A Memoir of Pursuit."  It is the story about his 15-year search for his father, Army Major Armando Arias, a kind of Latino Great Santini who was a WWII spy and, during the Korean War, the man the LA Times once headlined as "America's Ace POW."
        Army Major Armando Arias disappeared from the family after the premature death of the author's
mother under suspicious circumstances. In telling how he found his father, Arias will describe his visits with Ernest Hemingway, Jorge Luis Borges and other figures who helped him define fatherhood. Moving Target is published (Jan. 2, 2003) by Bilingual Review/Press, Arizona State University, tel. 480-965-3867. http://www.asu.edu/brp
        Arias, a Los Angeles staff correspondent for People magazine, is also the author of the novel The Road to Tamazunchale, nominated for a National Book Award; Five Against the Sea, a true survival tale; and Healing from the Heart, with Dr. Mehmet Oz.
                                                                                Sent by Zeke Hernandez  zekeher@juno.com
Espanglish Chat 
Our bilingual online chatroom where you can practise your Spanish. Now with voicechat!
http://www.lingolex.com/spanish.htm

LNESC and Coors Continue Young Readers Partnership 

LNESC NATIONAL PRESS RELEASE 
2000 L Street, NW, Suite 610; Washington, DC 20036
(202) 835-9646; http:// www.LNESC.org 1/8/03 
Sent by LQuiroga@LULAC.org (Lorraine Quiroga)

        Pueblo, CO- The Coors Brewing Company has provided a $10,000 grant to LNESC- Pueblo to continue the long running and successful Young Readers program at Minnequa Elementary. Recognizing that the path to graduation and college enrollment lies in early childhood education, LNESC and Coors Brewing Company are continuing the Young Readers program in
Pueblo.
       Young Readers encourages children in the first to third grades to make reading a life-long habit through the incorporation of entertaining educational activities that help children enhance their reading skills and develop an understanding of the reading process. As part of LNESC national reading campaign, the program in Colorado will impact 30 students and their families. 
        "We are very excited about the opportunity that Coors is providing to the children of Minnequa Elementary," said Richard Roybal, LNESC Executive Director. "We have seen Young Readers yield strong results in other areas of the country and expect that we will see it happen here too."
        The Young Readers program is an after-school program for 30 first to third grade students that take place throughout the school year and during its six week summer program. The program coordinator works with the participants' teachers and family members to insure that the value
of reading is underscored. 
        The support of local LULAC Councils brings a unique dimension to the program. In addition, the involvement of the local community will help to solidify the future of the program. For more information please contact Lorena Maymi, National Young Readers Coordinator at the LNESC
headquarters in Washington D.C. at 202.835.9646.

Bureau of Land Management, General Land Office Records

The Official Federal Land Patent Records Site
  Welcome to the new Bureau of Land Management (BLM), General Land Office (GLO) Records Automation web site. http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/default.asp
Search Land Patents:http://www.gloredcords.blm.gov/PatentSearch

We provide live access to Federal land conveyance records for the Public Land States. We also provide image access to more than two million Federal land title records for Eastern Public Land States, issued between 1820 and 1908. Images of Serial patents (land titles issued between 1908 and the mid-1960's) are currently being added to this web site. Due to organization of documents in the GLO collection, this site does not currently contain every Federal title record issued for the Public Land States.
 
New Features! New Look! Easier to Use!
  In response to your comments and suggestions, we've redesigned our site and added several new features. Improvements include: faster loading pages; simpler site navigation; a streamlined search page for beginners; more data fields to search; a printer-friendly results list page; an easier shopping cart; and much more.
 Search Federal Land Patents Databases
 This site offers researchers a source of information on the initial transfer of land titles from the Federal government to individuals. In addition to verifying title transfer, this information will allow the researcher to associate an individual (Patentee, Assignee, Warrantee, Widow, or Heir) with a specific location (Legal Land Description) and time (Issue Date). For the beginner genealogist, additional resources can be found by clicking here.
 
Obtain Certified Copies of Land Patents
 With our on-line shopping cart, users may request certified copies of land patents electronically or through the mail. To search for land patents, click on Search Land Patents on the menu near the top of the page. A series of pages will guide you through viewing and ordering land patents.

U.S. Census
http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/Search/frameset_search.asp?PAGE=census/search_census.asp

You can choose the 1880 United States, 1881 British Isles, or the 1881 Canadian Census. You also can search all censuses at once. Enter at least your deceased ancestor's first or last name, and then click Search.                                                                                         Sent by Johanna de Soto

Bush Web site targets Latino businesspeople  
http://www.commerce.gov/index_spanish.htm

Source: Association Press via San Francisco Chronicle

Washington - The Bush administration is starting a Spanish-language Web site designed to give 1.2 million Latino-owned businesses better access to information on governmental grants, trade and high tech issues.  The number of  U.S. Latinos rose by 58 percent during the past decade to 325.3 million, according to census figures -  just under the 35.4 million figure for black Americans, the nation's largest minority.                                              Sent by Tania Scott  tntscott@qwestinternet.net
The National Archives Experience

http://www.archives.gov/national_archives_experience/

In a democracy, records belong to the people. For more than six decades, it has been the role of the National Archives to preserve and provide access to the records of the American people. And yet millions of Americans do not know that the National Archives exists or that it holds Government records in trust for their use. In this time of heightened patriotism and awareness of what is at stake as we begin the 21st century, we can no longer be passive about the role our records play in all of our lives. The time has come to open the doors to a new National Archives. We, the people, need to experience the National Archives, and to take from that experience something that motivates us to care more deeply about democracy, to learn about our individual stories, and to make use of the patriotic spirit that lives on because of records.

This compelling mandate gave rise to a dramatic and powerful project-the National Archives Experience. Because we are renovating the National Archives Building, we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to create the kinds of experiences that not only will help combat ignorance and indifference, but also will inspire us, reunite us, and celebrate the American spirit. 

Hester Street, New York City. unknown photographer. Records of Public Housing Administration. 196-GS-369

The National Archives Experience truly has the power to teach us how our nation's past can become a living instrument for directing our nation's future.


Cantu Brothers Success Story

Extract: Adapting for Success By HOLLY OCASIO RIZZO
Source:
HispanicOnline.com January 15, 2002

        “In some ways, the Cantus’ is the classic entrepreneurial story—they saw a need in the marketplace and went out to capture it,” says Michael Verchot, director of the University of Washington’s Business and Economic Development Program. “They were looking at a market niche that few others looked at.” That niche—selling used, refurbished high-end computers at a fraction of the cost of new systems—is a small but growing sector in the computer industry.
        The story began in rural eastern Washington, where the Mexican American brothers grew up. The boys were raised in a family that was “somewhat poor—not in poverty, not middle class,” recalls David. They moved “from crummy apartment to crummy apartment.” From an early age, says dad Enrique, Rick was an entrepreneur. “He was always lending money to David and collecting it back with interest.”
        David admits they were “very competitive.” Both were skilled soccer players, playing in organized leagues through college. The game taught them that, “if you don’t keep improving, somebody will pass you by,” he says. It was a lesson that the brothers would carry with them off the field: Adapt, improve, move fast—or lose.
        
        A few years after graduating from college, while selling for an uncle who owned a Sun Microsystems, Inc. refurbishing house, now out of business, they stumbled upon their niche—a growing demand for used computer hardware, not just one piece at a time, but entire Sun Micro workstations. The brothers jumped at the chance.
        Raising their start-up cash with credit cards, savings and a small loan from a childhood friend (who offered the Cantus his college fund), the boys set up shop in 1996 in another uncle’s basement—that of Scott Sutherland, who would later become Redapt’s CEO.
        The business plan was simple: Refurbish and sell computers that have been outgrown by successful companies or given up by failed companies; thoroughly test the equipment—for as long as three weeks, if that’s what it takes; and resell it. Once the customer receives the hardware, cover it with Redapt’s own replacement warranty.

By 2000, Redapt was the second-fastest-growing private company in Washington, with $57.2 million in annual sales—a 700 percent increase in three years. This year, the brothers project sales of about $35 million—still enough for a profit. Customers include Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Eastman Kodak.

Exorbitant profits made from Mexicans’ remittances, leads to legal action and new competition.  http://www.hispanicvista.com/html2/012703gi.htm  January 2003 report

       In 2000, a class-action suit charging that Western Union and another subsidiary of First Data Corp, Orlandi Valuta, as well as MoneyGram, did not disclose the full cost of sending remittances to Mexico was settled with an agreement to provide those who used these companies to transfer funds between 1987 and 1999 with discount coupons for future remittance transfers. The companies agreed to provide $375 million in coupons, including two $4.25-coupons or one $6-coupon for each transaction between 1993 and 1999, and another coupon for every 10 transactions conducted before 1993.  Please let friends know:  Coupons must be claimed by March 17, 2003

When the suit was filed, the usual cost of sending $300 to Mexico was $30 plus a foreign exchange mark up- the difference between the exchange rate used to convert dollars to pesos and the bank rate- that ordinarily added $5 to $10 to the cost of transferring money. The suit charged that this foreign exchange mark up was not disclosed to those sending money. Lawyers for migrants who sued received $10 million, and the money transfer companies contributed $4.6 million to organizations serving Hispanics in the United States as part of the settlement. 

The migrants making transfers are not the only USresidents who do not use banks. About 13 percent of Americans do not have bank accounts- -"unbanked" in banking parlance.

Mexican officials have mounted educational efforts to make migrants aware of the full cost of remitting money, and increased competition among money transfer firms has led to falling costs- currently about $16 for a $300 transfer -an $11 fee, plus a $5 foreign exchange mark up. There are many money transfer companies in the US-Mexico market, and banks such as Bank of America, which charges $10 per transfer, are expected to have a hard time competing with established companies that charge more, but also have more storefront agents in the US and Mexico.

In a bid to expand its marketing to 36 million US Hispanic residents, including 21 million Mexican-Americans, Bank of America took a 25 percent stake in Grupo Financiero Santander Serfin, Mexico's third-biggest bank. 

Only 25 percent of Mexicans have a bank account, and with remittances to Mexico expected to hit $10 billion in 2002, many foreign banks want to use low-cost remittance transfers as a way to build loan relationships with customers in both the US and Mexico.

Bank of America divided Hispanic immigrants in the US into three groups: 1.7 million people who have been in the United States more for than a decade and who have bank accounts, 11 million people who have been in the country for five to 10 years and need more banking services, and 3.4 million who have been in the United States less than five years and are unlikely to have a bank account or a credit history.

Mexico's 43 US consulates have also begun to issue matricula consular ID cards so that migrants in the US can open bank accounts with government-issued identification, which has become necessary in many US transactions. 

As of December 2002, 13 states, hundreds of police departments, and airlines, banks, and other private firms accepted matricula consular ID cards as government-issued identification. However, New York state and New York City have refused to accept the matricula consular as an ID card.

Mexico is developing banking institutions for more of its citizens. Elektra, a chain of 815 household goods stores, sells refrigerators and other consumer durables on credit to four million past and current customers. It has started Banco Azteca to serve what it says are 73 million Mexicans living in households with incomes of $250 to $4,000 a month, or $3,000 to $48,000 a year. 

In November-December 2002, some 250,000 savings accounts were opened at Banco Azteca, which is located inside Elektra stores. Elektra is often the agent for money transfer companies, drawing customers as Mexicans visit to obtain remittances.  

                         Remember: Coupons must be claimed by March 17, 2003
Extract: Mexican government seeks Social Security “totalization” agreement
as the US has with 20 European countries.  
http://www.hispanicvista.com/html2/012703dm.htm

        The Mexican government is seeking a "totalization" Social Security agreement with the US, so that workers employed in both the US and Mexico can "totalize" the number of years they have worked in both countries to meet the minimum years required to qualify for benefits in the Mexican or US social security system. For example, a Mexican employed six years in the US and four in Mexicocould combine these periods of employment to qualify for US Social Security benefits, which require 10 years of employment.
        Until now, the cost of totalization agreements has been relatively small, since they have been almost exclusively with European countries. The current 20 agreements cover 94,022 persons abroad at a cost to the US of $184 million a year; recipients abroad receive an average $163 a month. 
        If a totalization agreement is reached with Mexico, an estimated 162,000 Mexicans could obtain Social Security benefits in the first five years of an agreement. Mexico would also like the US to allow workers employed under false Social Security numbers to obtain credit for their US earnings. Over $21 billion in Social Security payments have not been tracked to potential beneficiaries, most likely because they were paid under a false Social Security number.
Walt Disney Records Releases CDS in Spanish
Source: LatinoLa.com  January 22, 2002
Walt Disney Records is releasing two of their best-selling children's titles in Spanish for the very first time. The first album, "Favoritas de las Princesas de Disney," spotlights Disney's most beloved heroines with Spanish versions of classic songs from magical films such as "Beauty and the Beast," "The Little Mermaid," "Pocahontas," "The Lion King" and many more. The second release, "Disney Presenta Cantar y Jugar," is a celebration of children's favorite playtime songs from Latin America. Highlights include "Las Mananitas," "Arroz Con Leche," "Que Llueva," "Los Elefantes" and "Pin Pon." Both "Favoritas de las Princesas de Disney" and "Disney Presenta Cantar y Jugar" will be released on February 11, 2003.  
SURNAME         GARCIA
Al igual que ocurre con otros apellidos patronímicos, este derivado del nombre propio de García, no tiene relación con los numerosos solares que se originaron indistintamente en los diferentes puntos de la Península Ibérica. Algunas familias así apellidadas, tomaron el nombre de los  lugares geográficos

 donde se asentaban, a fin de diferenciarse de sus homónimos, dando nacimiento a los García de Andoain, García de Castañeda, García de Castro, García de la Lastra, García de León, García del Puerto, etc., etc. Otros le añadieron la profesión, apodo o accidente topográfico.

lngresaron en las Ordenes militares de Santiago, Calatrava. Alcántara y Montesa, así como en las de Carlos III, San Juan de Jerusalén, y Reales Maestranzas de Caballería. Lo hicieron, igualmente en las Reales Compañías de Guardias Marinas, Santo Oficio y otros estamentos nobiliarios.

También justificaron su hidalguía ante las Reales Chancillerías de Valladolid y Granada, y en la Real Audiencia de Asturias.

Uno de los primeros varones apellidado García, de que se tiene noticia, fue Ramiro García, Potestad y Gobernador por los años 843. En 981 florecieron Nuño García y Fortún García, este último Señor de la Torre de Tovar; Sancho García fue Conde de Castilla en el siglo X.

Alonso García, Ricohombre, estuvo casado con doña Estefania Méndez, a la que hizo madre de Bermudo García, que se señaló por su valor y proezas en la conquista de Toledo.

Gómez García, hijo del Conde de Cabra, fue marido de la Infanta doña Elvira.

Algunos tratadistas afirman que varias familias de este apellido proceden de Garci-Jiménez, el héroe de la reconquista de Aragón, que ganó Ainsa, donde se fortificó, tomando el nombre de Rey de Sobrarbe.

Otros autores hablan de tres hermanos García que se señalaron en la defensa de la ciudad de León, la primera vez que la tomaron los moros y que fueron los últimos en abandonarla cuando se hizo inútil la resistencia.

Separándose estos tres hermanos al salir de León, uno se dirigió hacia Balisa e hizo su asiento en el barrio de Luna; otro radicó en el de Armentero y de éste procedió aquella matrona llamada Antonia García, conocida también por la "Dama de Armentero", tan cantada en las historias por su valor, y el tercero de dichos hermanos se afincó en el barrio de Ribela en Modino. A estos se les considera progenitores de muchas familias García, que se extendieron por toda España.

De varios documentos consta que en 843 gobernaba la ciudad de León Ramiro García, a quien suceden en dicho gobierno tres Pedro García, Ricohombres, en 947.

Se haría interminable mencionar uno por uno a todos los caballeros de este apellido en la antigüedad y los entronques que realizaron. Merecen destacar, no obstante, los siguientes: Ruy García, Cabo de las tropas del Rey don Pedro I el Cruel, que se hizo famoso en el sitio de Montiel, y Ruy Pérez García, que dejó varios hijos enlazados con los Morales, Espinosa, Fernández de Monroy, Chacón, Herrera y Manrique.

Por los años 947 y 981, confirman privilegios los Ricohombres don Munio García, don Lope García, don Fernando García y otros caballeros y prelados de quien hace memoria Garibay en el "Compendio de la Historia de España", obra citada en el siglo XVI; Salazar de Mendoza en sus "Dignidades seglares de Castilla" (1618), y otros autores.

Los García más antiguos que se conocen, se hallaron afincados en Asturias, León y Aragón, que a través de varios siglos han venido litigando su hidalguía ininterrumpidamente, bien en las Chancillerías para acreditar su condición de los cambios de vecindad o para ser admitidos en Ordenes Militares.

Las armas más antiguas de este linaje, usadas principalmente en Galicia, Asturias y Burgos, son:

EN CAMPO DE PLATA, UNA GARZA DE SABLE, CON EL PECHO RAJADO; BORDURA DE GULES CON ESTE LEMA: "De García Arriba Nadie Diga", en letras de sable.

Así lo confirman distintos autores, mereciendo citarse a los siguientes: Nobiliarios de Aragón, de Pedro Vitales, folio 364; obras de Miguel de Salazar, tomo VI, folios 245 y 279 vueltos; Nobiliario General, de Juan Baños de Velasco, folios 65, 79, 224 vuelto, 248 vuelto, 173 y 297; Nobleza General de España, de Francisco Lozano, tomo II, folio 341; Anuario de la Nobleza de España, de Luis Villar y Pascual, impreso, tomo VII, página 169, y tomo VIII, página 204, y tantos otros de interminable relación.

A esta familia se le agració con los siguientes títulos nobiliarios:

Conde de las Navas de Amores, a don Pedro García Amores, en 1740; Marqués de Casa Real, a don Francisco García Huidobro, en 1760; Marqués de Fuente Hermosa de Miranda, a don Francisco García del Rallo, en 1761; Conde de Valdellano a Pedro Garcia Romero, en 1772; Marqués de Sales a don José García de Miranda, en 1771; Marqués de Villadangos, a don Jacinto García de Herrera, en 1788; Marqués de Navasequila, a don Blas García de Quesada en 1787; Marqués de Cáceres, a don Juan García de Cáceres, en 1790; Conde de Santa OlaIIa, a don Juan José García Carrasco, en 1844; Marqués de Peñas Rubias, a don Severo García Valdés, en 1852; Duque de Vistahermosa, a don Angel García Arista, en 1789; Marqués de Barzanallan, a don Manuel García Barzanallana, en 1867, y Marqués de Teverga, a don José García San Miguel, en 1873.

El Archiduque pretendiente don Carlos de Austria, concedió las dignidades nobiliarias de Marqués,a don José García Rabanal, en 1727; a don L. García Alvarez Galo, en 1718; a don Antonio García Rulino, en 1720, y a don Luis García y Torres, en 1718, las que posteriormente fueron reconocidas como de Castilla, en virtud del tratado de Viena, del año 1725.

Extract from BLASONES Y APELLIDOS, 828-page book by Fernando Muñoz Altea
In its second edition, the book can be ordered from blasones@mail.com
or at P.O. Box 11232, El Paso, Texas   79995  or by contacting
Armando Montes   AMontes@Mail.com 

 

 

Most Common Spanish Surnames in the United States
http://www.hispaniconline.com/res&res/pages/names/surnames.html#top

In 1950, the United States Census Bureau started compiling lists of Spanish surnames found in the U.S. population. It updated the list again in 1960, 1970, and 1980. For the 1990s, a new approach was used, as it was with the 1990 census that the Bureau began including names in permanent electronic records. The following list was abstracted by tabulating the responses, surname by surname, to the question on Spanish origin included in that year’s census questionnaire.

For example, more than 90 percent of male heads of household with the surnames GARCÍA, MARTÍNEZ, RODRÍGUEZ, and LÓPEZ indicated that they were of Spanish origin, while less than 1 percent of male heads of household with the surnames SMITH, JOHNSON, and BROWN did so.

In addition, whereas in the past any name not on the list was automatically assumed not to be of Spanish origin, the 1990 census allowed many more surnames to be included. For example, the name SILVA did not appear on the 1980 list, and so was assumed not to be Spanish. However, almost 60 percent of respondents named SILVA in 1990 indicated Hispanic origin.

Go to the website for a list of the 639 most commonly occurring Hispanic surnames in the U.S., compiled by the U.S. Bureau of the Census’ Population Division. Number indicates relative ranking:
My family surnames, only back to grandparents include an assortment of surname popularity.

Garcia 1
Perez  7
Sanchez 8
Lozano 122
Chapa 247
Farias  428

 

Bernado de Galvez Somos Primos Project


In our search for Galvez descendants, we are fortunate to have enlisted the interest and support of  Dr. Estevan Real-Galvez, New Mexico's State Historian.  Dr. Real-Galvez completed his Ph.D. studies in May of 2001 and commenced his duties with the New Mexico Commission of Public Records - State Records Center and Archives the following month, in June 2001.  He is the first Hispanic to hold the position of State Historian.  "
I would like to encourage people to re-think how they look at history and understand how important the perspective of  'the people' is.” 

We are please to announce that Clarence Lucas, California State Treasurer for the Sons of the American Revolution will serve on the Executive Committee for the Project. If you are a member of the Sons of the American Revolution in California and would like to be involved in the project,  please contact Mr. Lucas at 510-864-6920, or clucas@bart.gov.

Other project members are: 

Michael Salinas
, a SAR, living on the East Coast. Michael's heritage is through Texas lines. Michael was instrumental in coordinating a joint effort by the Hispanic Genealogical Society of New York and several Jewish historical organizations.  MikhailSal@aol.com   

Charles Fourquet
, is another East Coast resident.  Charles will lend his expertise to gather information on the Puerto Rican forces who fought under Galvez. Charles is the co-founder of the 
the Hispanic Genealogical Society of New York  http://www.hispanicgenealogy.com  CFourquet@aol.com

Rick Zumwalt,
with many years in the movie industry, has agreed to Chair our Film Committee.
For an overview of Mr. Zumwalt's diverse media skills and credits, please go to:  http://www.armwrestling.com/rickz.html

We should be able to give a report in the March issue on the status of the Galvez documentary produced by the University of New Orleans.  

ORANGE COUNTY, CA
Orange County Pioneer Council
Orange County's Black Population
O.C. Pioneering  Black Family Member
"Puerto Rico, the Island, its Heart, its Culture”
 8 articles pertaining to black heritage, click
Indigenous Mexico: Past/Present: March 29th
History 105-Family History and Genealogy
NARA Schedule of Genealogical Workshops
The Civil War Legacy in Santa Ana
Latino-Vietnamese Coalition Produces Results

DID YOUR FAMILY RESIDE IN ORANGE COUNTY PRIOR TO 1926? 

http://www.ocpioneer.org/application.htm

        The Orange County Pioneer Council is comprised of members of those early families who were the pioneers and original settlers of this area. The year 1926 is used as the cut-off point, and all those whose families settled the Orange County area prior to that year are eligible to join and become a member. Annual dues are $10, which includes a subscription to regular winter and summer issues of the OCPC newsletter, invitations to the Annual Spring Dinner and Fall Family Picnic, and the opportunity to participate in the oral history project done in conjunction with California State University, Fullerton. 
        The only requirement for membership in the Council is that some family member must have lived in Orange County prior to 1926. If you qualify for membership and would like to join our group, please fill out and send this form and your check to Orange County Pioneer Council., 1100 Irvine Blvd. #106, Tustin, CA 92780. 

Sent by Eddie Grijalva  Grijalvaet1@aol.com

Orange County's Black Population has Historically Been Small
by Greg Hardesty, Orange County Register, January 1, 2003

        Orange County has a mixed past when it comes to the black community.  In 1924, the Ku Klux Klan backed four city council candidates who were swept into office in Anaheim.  A year later, newly enlightened Anaheim voters tossed the four out in a special election.
        The roots of discrimination did not end with the ouster of Ku Klux Klan-backed council members in Anaheim.  In 1951 the ultra-conservative John Birch Society was founded in that city.  The John Birch Society sought the banishment of the civil-rights movement on the grounds that it was a communist plot.
        Over the years, relatively few blacks have moved to Orange county.  They've tended to cluster in Santa Ana and Tustin.  One of their main gathering spots has been the Second Baptist Church in Santa Ana.  The church, Orange County's oldest, was founded in 1923, and functioned as much as a social club as a house of worship.  The church now has 1,500 parishioners.
        In the 1920s, only about 140 blacks lived here - less than 1% of the country's population.  Today, the percentage remains small - 1.7%, or about 48,000.  
        By comparison, Latinos now make up 30.8% of Orange County's population, and whites 51.3%.  Asian-Americans account for 12.7%, with other races making up 5.2%  

Extract:
Pioneering  Black Family Member dies at 76
by Theresa Walker, O.C. Register, January 31, 2003

        Former Santa Ana resident Dr. Willis K. "Bill" Duffy Jr., a member of one of Orange County's pioneering black families, died January 28 of a heart attack in Palm Desert.  Duffy's father, Willis Kiel Duffy Sr., in 1920 became the first black property owner in Santa Ana.  Duffy attended Santa Ana High, making his marks as an all-state football star and as student body president.  At 17, he graduated early to go train as a Tuskegee Airman during World War II.  The war ended before he saw combat.
        Duffy came home to attend UCLA and played halfback on the football team.  He declined to rejoin the team in his fourth year because of prejudice he has endured under the coach.  He studied dentistry at Howard University in Washington, D.C., and ran a successful practice in Los Angeles until retiring in 1992.  He civic activates included work with the NAACP, the Los Angeles Police Department and numerous other organizations.
Orange County, Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration,  will co-host a month long International Cultural Festival: “Puerto Rico, the Island, its Heart, its Culture” throughout the month of MARCH at
Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center, 208 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA
For more information: Call (714) 556-4490 or visit: http://www.mchviva.org/
Sent by Nellie Kaniski  Kaniski_Nellie@RSCCD.org


"Indigenous Mexico: Past and Present" Presentation"   
March 29th, 
Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research Quarterly Meeting


John P. Schmal will be answering questions from newly compiled data, such as the following: 

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT  INDIGENOUS MEXICO? 
by John P. Schmal.
Click here for answers to the following: 
1. How many people in Mexico speak indigenous languages today?
2. What are the most widely spoken languages of Mexico?
3. What states have the largest number of indigenous people in all of Mexico?
4. What are the most widely spoken languages in Baja California Norte?
5. Does that mean that Mixteco, Zapoteco, Náhuatl and Purépecha are languages that are indigenous to Baja?
6. How many people living in Chihuahua speak indigenous languages?
7. What are the most common languages spoken in Chihuahua?
8. What were the names of the indigenous peoples who occupied Jalisco in the 1520s when Nuño de Guzmán and other Spanish explorers entered the area?
9. What is the most widely spoken language in Michoacán de Ocampo? 

These questions and many more will be answered in more detail and discussed at my "Indigenous Mexico: Past and Present" Presentation. On Saturday, March 29, 2003, I will give a lecture, detailing the major linguistic divisions of Mexico, certain statistics involving the present-day indigenous groups in Mexico. However, I will also discuss the Indian tribes that inhabited such states as Jalisco, Sinaloa, Sonora and Oaxaca at the time of contact (Early Sixteenth Century)

If you have an interest in knowing more about the indigenous groups of Mexico at contact and in the present day, we hope that you will be able to attend this presentation at 11 a.m. at the Orange FHC. 
674 S. Yorba, Orange, California.  Sincerely, John Schmal

Congratulations to John.  His expertise is being recognized.  On February 27, 2003, he will be interviewed by VISTA LA (ABC TV, Channel 7, Los Angeles) about his and Donna Morales' recent publication, "Mexican-American Genealogical Research: Following the Paper Trail to Mexico" (published by Heritage Books, Inc., Bowie, Maryland). Ms. Velia la Garda, the producer of this popular program for Latinos, had won four Emmy Awards for VISTA LA. Stay tuned for more information.


History 105- - Family History and Genealogy  Orange Coast College

Orange County California GS Newsletter, Vol. 36, Issue 12, December 2002, page 2

Meets Tuesdays 5:30-8:40 p.m., begging February 4, for 16 weeks (ending May 27).
Location: On Orange Coast College campus in Social Science classroom 109.  This class caries 3 units of college credits.  Class focuses on methods and basic sources for family history research for beginning and intermediate family history researchers.

Contact me, Doug Mason, at 714-432-5038 or dmason@cccd.edu for more information on the class. To enroll, call 714-432-5072, for registration information. 


National Archives and Records Administration, Pacific Region

24000 Avila Road, 1st Floor East
Laguna Niguel, CA  92677-3497

Schedule of Genealogical Workshops, all start at 9:30 a.m.
February 4 and 5th: Naturalization and Immigration Records
This course examines immigration and citizenship records, emphasizing procedural changes from 12790 to the present as well as methods for locating both naturalization records and passenger manifests.

February 14: Introduction to Military Records
This workshop will explore basic military resources for genealogy relating to American military actions from the Revolutionary War through the conflicts of the late 20th century.  Special resources and techniques useful in genealogical research from World War II to the present will be emphasized.

February 18: Preserving Your Family's History
Participants in this workshop will learn basic methods for organizing genealogical records and preserving photographs, historical documents, and other treasured heirlooms.

February 25:  Introduction to Genealogical Resources
For beginners and those who want to brush up on their basic skills, this workshop addresses the use of Federal census, passenger arrival, naturalization, and military records as well as basic reference works.

Class sizes are limited.  Please call (949) 360-2641, ext. 0 to reserve your place in each class you would like to attend.  All workshops cost $7.50, payable at the door. Driving directions:
From I-5, exit at Oso Parkway and head west. Turn left at La Paz Road.  Follow La Paz through the intersection with Avila and make the next right on Allegra, a small side street in the midst of an office part,  Go straight and park in any unmarked space.


Book:
The Civil War Legacy in Santa Ana
Explore the impact of the War Between the States on the creation and development of Orange County.  This book by former Santa ana Mayor Gordon Bricken and the the Orange county Blue and Grey Project gives fascinating insights in to the impact of Civl War veterans to the birth of Santa and Orange County. Softbound edition, 70 pages. Price $12.75 plus $2. shipping.
Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society, 120 Civic Center Dr.  West. Santa Ana, Ca 92701-7505  Learn about Santa Ana history at  http://www.SantaAnaHistory.com

"Latino-Vietnamese Coalition Produces Winning Results"
Los Angeles Times - Orange County Commentary
Sunday, January 12, 2003

(By Christian Collet, Christian Collet, PhD, is principal of Pacific Opinions, an Irvine-based polling and voter research firm, and is writing a book on the political activities of Vietnamese Americans.)

        Not long ago, Little Saigon was more famous for anti-communist demonstrations directed at Vietnam than for participating in conventional democratic exercises in America. Yet after all of the votes were counted in early December, Little Saigon had taken a big step forward in becoming an area where its voters, not its protesters, were the ones to be feared.
        Not only did retiring Westminster Councilman Tony Lam transfer his seat to 30-year-old Planning Commissioner Andy Quach, but attorney Lan Nguyen also scored an upset, using a strong absentee ballot campaign to come from 700 votes behind to win a seat on the Garden Grove Unified School District Board of Trustees by less than 100 votes. Nguyen and Quach joined Garden Grove council member Van Tran as the only elected Vietnamese Americans in Southern California.
        Quach, a two-time candidate and Republican congressional aide, was an overwhelming winner; Nguyen, a first-timer without experience in partisan politics, faced a more serious challenge.
        The Garden Grove Unified School District extends well beyond Asian American hubs in Westminster and Garden Grove to parts of Santa Ana, Stanton, Fountain Valley, Cypress and Anaheim. Furthermore, the newcomer was up against two two-term Republican incumbents presiding over a district that has won awards as one of the best systems in the country. Nearly every factor in the race favored the status quo.
        Nguyen made two decisions that helped him win -- and, in the process, turn the Vietnamese American community into a force with which to be reckoned.
        The first was a furious, six-week voter registration drive that used the popular Vietnamese- language media as well as volunteer youth organizations. Nguyen sought to expand his potential electorate rather than focus simply on sending mail to high-propensity voters.
        The strategy worked. A Pacific Opinions analysis of voter records indicates that more than 3,700 Vietnamese American voters were added to county rolls between early September and election day, with more than 2,000 in Westminster and Garden Grove alone. Ten percent of the 33,000 Vietnamese Americans who voted countywide in November did so for the first time. Turnout among Vietnamese Americans in the district was 53%, higher than the countywide average.
        Nguyen also extended an olive branch to local Latinos. A year ago, local Latino and Asian American organizations presented competing plans and fought each other for representation in the county's redistricting process. This time, they fought on the same side. Nguyen distributed literature in Spanish and ran a tag-team effort with Latino leaders, including Zeke Hernandez, the president of 
Santa Ana's League of United Latin American Citizens and a candidate for Santa Ana City Council.
        It was at Nguyen's victory party that the coalition prospects between the county's two largest minority groups flowered. Hernandez spoke of the "great steps" Latinos and Vietnamese were taking while Santa Ana School Board President John Palacio added that "the Vietnamese 
community is a friend of the Latino community." Both received warm applause from the estimated 250 who came to eat cha gio (Vietnamese eggrolls) and cheer the new Vietnamese Trifecta of Tran, Quach and Nguyen.
        Should relations between the two groups develop, it would become a coalition of consequence in several areas throughout northern and central Orange County. Minorities could become the majority on a number of city councils and school boards.
        Latino challengers pitted against one another in Santa Ana and Anaheim might turn to the nearly 15,000 Vietnamese American voters in those cities. A minority candidate in the 68th Assembly District or 1st Supervisorial District (where approximately 1 in 5 voters is Vietnamese American and 1 in 4 is Latino) could conceivably benefit from that demographic blend. In a crowded race for either of these seats, a lone Vietnamese American or Latino candidate would probably bring enough ethnic votes to threaten any challenger.
        Although the Vietnamese American electorate has grown 21% since 2000, some significant challenges remain. The most important will be to avoid the community's infamous infighting and to channel the ambitions of aspiring leaders to different offices.
        Quach's victory is instructive. Just two years earlier, he, along with two Vietnamese American rivals, mounted a campaign for the same city council seat that fractured the community vote; all three lost, and two white incumbents kept their seats.
        But the unity that Lam and other first-generation refugees worked for over the last quarter-century is becoming attainable as the new generation ascends. Politics in Hanoi will not be forgotten, but 
expect more focus on the politics of Orange County and, at some point, Sacramento and Washington.
        When the newly energized electorate that put Tran, Quach and Nguyen in office manifests a similar passion for a candidate of another ethnicity, perhaps Latino, or a political party or ballot measure, it will be said without hesitation that Little Saigon is not so little anymore.

                                                                                                          Sent by Zeke Hernandez  zekeher@juno.com

LOS ANGELES, CA
VISTA LA (ABC TV, Channel 7, Los Angeles
Los Angeles Free Cash for College Day 
Celebrities Discover Their Family Trees 
Southern California Genealogical Jamboree
Boyle Heights: The Power of Place
Ghosts of a 1931 Raid, Decade of Betrayal
City of Carson Image Gallery
Los Angeles Public Library, Daily 24 hours Service
On February 27, 2003, John Schmal will be interviewed by VISTA LA (ABC TV, Channel 7, Los Angeles) about his and Donna Morales' recent publication, "Mexican-American Genealogical Research: Following the Paper Trail to Mexico" (published by Heritage Books, Inc., Bowie, Maryland). Ms. Velia la Garda, the producer of this popular program for Latinos, had won four Emmy Awards for VISTA LA. Stay tuned for more information.

On March 29th John will be answering questions from newly compiled data 
on the Indigenous of Mexico, such as:

1. How many people in Mexico speak indigenous languages today?
2. What are the most widely spoken languages of Mexico?
3. What states have the largest number of indigenous people in all of Mexico?
4. What are the most widely spoken languages in Baja California Norte?
5. Does that mean that Mixteco, Zapoteco, Náhuatl and Purépecha languages indigenous to Baja?
6. How many people living in Chihuahua speak indigenous languages?
7. What are the most common languages spoken in Chihuahua?
8. What were the names of the indigenous peoples who occupied Jalisco in the 1520s when Nuño de Guzmán and other Spanish explorers entered the area?
9. What is the most widely spoken language in Michoacán de Ocampo? 

For John P. Schmal's answer to these questions, click to: Indigenous 
These questions and many more will be answered in more detail and discussed at my "Indigenous Mexico: Past and Present" Presentation. On Saturday, March 29, 2003, I will give a lecture, detailing the major linguistic divisions of Mexico, certain statistics involving the present-day indigenous groups in Mexico. However, I will also discuss the Indian tribes that inhabited such states as Jalisco, Sinaloa, Sonora and Oaxaca at the time of contact (Early Sixteenth Century)

If you have an interest in knowing more about the indigenous groups of Mexico, past and present, we hope that you will be able to attend this presentation, March 29th, at 11 a.m. at the Orange FHC. 674 S. Yorba, Orange, California.  Sincerely, John Schmal"


Los Angeles Free Cash for College Day 

Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn has created the Los Angeles Free Cash for College Day to help high school seniors and their families access the record amounts of college financial aid available. Los Angeles Free Cash For College Day will take place on February 1, 2003 at 49 high schools in LAUSD. The event, in partnership with the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and LAUSD, will bring together financial aid experts with civic leaders from business, education, labor, community-based organizations and government to spend the day helping graduating seniors and their families complete financial aid forms. For more information about Free Cash for College Day, to volunteer or to register for help with your financial aid forms, please visit http://www.lafreecashforcollege.org  or call (213) 978-0721. 

CANDICE Y. VEGA 
Valencia, Perez & Echeveste Public Relations 
P. 626.793.9335 ext. 207
F. 626.440.5263 
http://www.vpepr.com                                          Sent by Diane Godinez  canprin@yahoo.com


Celebrities Discover Their Family Trees  
        Billy Crystal, Maya Angelou, Carlos Santana, Joe Torre, Michelle Kwan and other well-known entertainers, artists and athletes are uncovering their family history in a new exhibit. Finding Our Families, Finding Ourselves at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles opens Feb. 11. The exhibit runs for one year and is the largest the museum has hosted since it opened 10 years ago. 
The exhibit offers visitors a multimedia journey into each celebrity's family history. The well-known participants discover their heritage by connecting with past generations. Billy Crystal, who is also an executive producer of the project, greets visitors in a welcome video and leads them through four personal histories: 
        "A Place Filled with Hope" tells the story of Maya Angelou's grandmother. Visitors view a virtual image of Angelou in her grandmother's general store, where she learned to read. The famous poet discusses her relationship with her grandmother and the influence her grandmother had on her. 
"A Family Gathers to Explore the Past" highlights Joe Torre's Italian heritage. Images of Torre and his family at the dinner table in their Brooklyn, NY, home reveal the baseball manager's past. 
"Watercolor Memories" paints a picture of the life of Billy Crystal's father, who died when the actor was only 15. As Crystal uncovered his father's past, he formed a relationship with his dad's brother, who captured Crystal's father's apartment in a watercolor painting. 
        Carlos Santana's family history goes back nearly 300 years. In "Celebrating the Sacred Grace Within Ourselves," the musician talks about teaching his children and grandchildren about their heritage. Museum goers end their journey in a resource room. There, they'll learn how to start tracing their own family trees and discovering their roots. For more information about Finding Our Families, Finding Ourselves and the Museum of Tolerance, call (310) 553-8403 or visit the Museum's Web site. 

Source: Family Tree newsletter                                Sent by Mary Rose Garcia  maryr_garcia@hotmail.com


Southern California Genealogical Society and Family Research Library 

Presents The 34th Annual
Genealogical Jamboree and Family History Faire
Friday, February 28 from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 1, 2003 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pasadena Convention Center
300 East Green Street @ Marengo
Pasadena, California 91101
http://www.scgsgenealogy.com


Boyle Heights: The Power of Place

Great Leap and community Members Perform Multicultural stories about Life in Boyle Heights

LOS ANGELES – In conjunction with the exhibition, “Boyle Heights: The Power of Place,” Great Leap and the Japanese American National Museum present nine performances of “To All Relations: Memories of Boyle Heights,” a poetic fusion of stories, music and dance drawn from the lives of the people of Boyle Heights, beginning on Saturday, January 25, at 2 pm. 
        These performances culminate Great Leap’s “To All Relations” residency project, which began in October 2002 with free community workshops at the Japanese American National Museum. For the past several months, participants have been hard at work during weekly sessions with Great Leap artists and guest musicians to craft their personal stories into short performance pieces that capture the spirit and energy of LA’s oldest multicultural neighborhood. In addition to Japanese American, African American, Latino, and Jewish community participants, performers include singer/performer Nobuko Miyamoto, performance artist Dan Kwong, dancer/ choreographer June Watanabe, Eastside musician Ruben Guevara, and Taiko drummer Maceo Hernandez. 
        Founded in 1978 by Artistic Director Nobuko Miyamoto, Great Leap’s mission is to create, produce and present works that give expression to the multicultural experience through performances and residencies. Great Leap is dedicated to using the arts to cross cultural borders as a powerful force for positive social change. Since 1998, Great Leap has led “To All Relations” residencies throughout the United States in diverse communities such as Watts, Phoenix, San Jose and Detroit.
        Performance dates and times are as follows: Saturday and Sunday, January 25 and 26 at 2pm and 4 pm, Thursday, January 30 at 7:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, February 1 and 2 at 2 pm and 4pm. Admission is free with museum entry, and reservations are strongly recommended. To RSVP, please call (213) 250-8800. 
        The Japanese American National Museum is located at 369 E. First Street in the Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles. Parking is available across from the museum and on nearby streets. Museum admission is $6 for Adults, $5 for Seniors (age 62+), $3 for Students and Children (ages 6-17), Museum Members and Children age 5 and under are Free.
        “To All Relations: Memories of Boyle Heights” is supported in part by the California Arts Council, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, Japanese American Community Services, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Hitachi, Ltd., The Gas Company, Target Stores, Meissner Manufacturing Co., Inc., and The Aaroe Associates Charitable Foundation.

Contact Nona Chiang (213) 250-8800                             Sent by Howard Shorr  HowardShorr@msn.com
Ghosts of a February 26th, 1931 INS Raid

At 3 p.m. on February 26th, 1931, the INS in Los Angeles commenced what was to be a series of raids against Mexican-Americans. The targeted area was La Placita, near the barrios of Bunker Hill.  Federal Immigration agents stormed a park near the birthplace of Los Angeles and pulled more than 400 terrified men and women into waiting vans, and deported them to Mexico. Many of them were actually U.S. citizens.   Scholars such as history professor Francisco E. Balderrama at Cal State Los Angeles, found that 60% of those deported had been born in the United States. Some did not even speak Spanish. Dr. Balderrama with Raymond Rodriguez have documenting the raid and its the aftermath in their 1995 book, Decade of Betrayal.                      Sent by Sister Mary Sevilla

City of Carson Image Gallery:  Community History in Words and Deeds
http://www.colapublib.org/history/carson/images.html
Portrait of Susana Delfina Dominguez Del Amo, c. 1910

Map showing the original area of Rancho San Pedro, 1891

This is a wonderful resource for the entire San Pedro area, with an abundance of photos
and historical links. PLEASE LOOK AT IT. 
            Sent by Johanna de Soto

Live Help  http://www.247ref.org/portal/colapl1.cfm
24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the Internet, from live reference staff in libraries throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. 

About the creators of this service: 24/7 Reference is a project of the Metropolitan Cooperative Library System (MCLS), supported by Federal LSTA funding, administered by the California State Library. To find out more about the project, please visit our Website at www.247ref.org. MCLS is an association of 31 independent city and special district public libraries located in the greater Los Angeles area, which have agreed to cooperate in providing library service to the residents of all participating jurisdictions. MCLS provides member libraries a resource-sharing network and a means for enhancing the level and diversity of resources available to library users, while reducing duplication of effort. To find out more about MCLS, please visit the MCLS Website www.mcls.org

Staff: The 24/7 Reference service is staffed by local reference librarians, MCLS reference librarians, and library school graduate students hired by the Metropolitan Cooperative Library System (MCLS). When you click on the Ask the Librarian logo, the librarian who answers your question may or may not be a librarian at your local library. When the MCLS librarian is unable to provide you with the information you need, we will refer either you or your question to your library, the MCLS Reference Center, an expert, or other library that can provide the needed information. 

CALIFORNIA
California's Original Bilingual 1849 Constitution
TIMES Unpublished Letter to the Editor 
Reversing California Amnesia
Official California legislative information
California Quarter Design Finalist Poll 
Did the Californios Mine Gold?
1st Battalion Native Cavalry, California Volunteers
California History Resource Guide
More on the Castro Adobe
History of El Cerrito Links 
Los Californios in Monterey: A Lost History
The Museum of the City of San Francisco
The San Francisco Story Told in Web Sites
San Francisco Genealogy
The first mayors of the City of San Jose
CERES: State Historical Landmarks

Monterey's La Mirada Adobe
California's Calaveras County Marriages
California's Calaveras County Cemeteries 
Mission San Carlos de Carmel
"Northern California Marriage Index 1850-1860"  
California Spanish Genealogy
Cupertino Athletes of the Week
Santa Clara Mission
Juana Briones
The Changing Face of Santa Barbara
Southern California House Museums
Rancho Los Cerritos
Rancho Los Cerritos Board Changes Mission
The Footprints of the Padres
History of the Rancho Los Cerritos Matriarch
Teaching with Historical Places
Ayala-Gonzales Reunion Memories 

Ayala-Gonzales California Reunions - that have been meeting since 1967click article

Steve Gonzales Rodriguez on left with 
Minnie Gonzales and son, Michael Gonzales

Alma Gonzales Lenander with Ayala cousins

                                                                     photos

             California's Original Bilingual 1849 Constitution

LOS AMIGOS OF ORANGE COUNTY is urging that the California's Original Bilingual 1849 Constitution appear in the imminent 2003-2004 Assembly and Senate Editions of THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.
        That is the paperback book every member of the State Legislature needs for the latest edition of our ballooning (Second) 1879 California Constitution.
        However, the book ostensibly has a general education mission, too. In addition to the U.S. CONSTITUTION it includes the primary source documents that led up to it beginning with the Magna Carta. Our lawmakers receive supplies of them in order to be able to give them to
constituents, including students. 
        Some of the things included in the CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION section are not primary source documents. The Original Bilingual California Constitution of 1849 appears NOT to have appeared in this periodic publication since World War I.
        It is ironic that a 50-year-old historical treatise by Sacramento Parliamentarian Paul Mason was resurrected after an absence of two decades to run in a second 2001-2002 edition while the textual, officially ratified 1849 CONSTITUTION--our State's Birth Certificate--is yet to appear.
        It was just plain out-of-synch for this latest 2001-2002 edition to be padded with a 32-year-old interim report of the used-to-be California Constitutional Revision Commission. It winds up on a stay-tuned-for-developments-in-THE-1970-LEGISLATURE note.

Even State Librarian Kevin Starr is now enthusiastically emphasizing the relevance of the Monterey Constitution. Our following Letter to the Editor of the LOS ANGELES TIMES comments on his post-Sesquicentennial rediscovery of what the Sesquicentennial should have been about.
From: Galal Kernahan pepejose@oc-net.com

TIMES Unpublished Letter to the Editor by Galal  Kernahan

        We wish to commend State Librarian Kevin Starr for his excellent article, "Time to Rethink the Golden State," (Opinion Section of the Sunday, January 12, 2003, TIMES).
        He is not exaggerating when he declares that, in the face of our monumental state budget crisis ". . .one can legitimately say that the state of California is being more than renegotiated. It is being
re-founded, if not reborn."
        We wholeheartedly agree. We must learn from other momentous turning points, none more telling than the birth of American California. The way he says it: "Our elected officials in short, must think California through anew, just as California was thought through anew in the constitutional convention in Colton Hall, Monterey, in September through November, 1849."
        Even a minor historical error here points up what, working in two languages, 48 very different persons--foreign-born, California-born and born in various eastern States of the Union- -accomplished in a month.
        They prepared our bilingual state birth certificate by October 13, 1849 and went home. The birth was registered on November 13, 1849, when voters from San Diego to Sonoma ratified their work and stamped it as official by a margin of 16-to-1.
        It is more than a pity so many Californians (through no fault of their own) know so little about how we began. It wasn't always so.
        Every two years, the State Senate and Assembly Rules Committees officially publish an updated, widely used paperback about the U.S. and California Constitutions and their history. Two decades ago, all but incidental reference to our original state charter was dropped.
        We urge it be restored in full in the edition due out soon. After all, if our first constitution could be printed, distributed throughout California and voted on in 30 days 153 years ago, it doesn't seem like much to ask.
        About a great renewal of California, Starr wrote in his TIMES article: "Only individual men and women--elected officials, such as those who met in Philadelphia in 1787 or those who gathered in Monterey in 1849--are capable of the nuances and subtleties, the tradeoffs and compromises and
the courage of such foundational thinking and action requires."
        Again, he is right, but for one inaccurate implication. There were no women among Philadelphia's 39 signers of the U.S. Constitution or Monterey's 48 framers of the California Constitution.
        Our Original Constitution broke new ground in America. It scored an unprecedented advance toward equal rights for women: a guarantee to married women of their own property.
        The march toward gender equity has been long. A mark of our progress: more than a third of California's 120 Senators and Assembly members today (in time for a cataclysmic state fiscal crisis)
are women.
        Starr began to wrap up his TIMES remarks with good questions: "What kind of people are we Californians? Do we see state government as something worthy of re-foundation? Are we willing to back our elected officials when they are forced to make hard choices?. . ."
        In other words, who were we and are we? How committed are Californians, stirred by earlier examples, to straighten out our public affairs together?

LOS AMIGOS OF ORANGE COUNTY, our informal cross-section of local Latino leadership that has met weekly for 25 years, has been discussing these issues a long time.  We believe everyone must be committed to renewal of the California community. If you care at all, there is no other choice. Amin David, Chair, LOS AMIGOS OF ORANGE COUNTY
1585 West Broadway, Anaheim, CA 92802 amin@imp-prod.com  Phone: (714) 758-8090

REVERSING CALIFORNIA AMNESIA

Prepared for LOS AMIGOS OF ORANGE COUNTY by Galal Kernahan 
pepejose@oc-net.com

Q and A: Civic Memory in Our Diverse State (1)

Who am I and what am I doing here? You are a Californian. This is your home. You have lost your memory.

What memory? Exactly! You don’t know what being a Californian is because you don’t know what being a Californian was?

What was and is being a Californian? Often, being from somewhere else. And those, who aren’t, are different from one another anyway. Wherever born, living together means dealing with differences. In the past, Californians have made differences work for them.

Why look back? Because the past’s helpful successes and hurtful mistakes come back unrecognized again and again. We need to repeat successes, but how can we if we can’t even recall what they look like?

Give an example of a hurtful mistake? Chinese pioneered irrigated farming here. . .now multibillion-dollar agribusiness. Chinese helped tie California to the rest of the U.S. with a transcontinental railroad. They slaved through mountains and across deserts, and then were not even given a ride back to California after they finished. California’s revised second Constitution of 1879, people who wrote it and those who supported them were viciously anti-Asian. Their failure of good will and good sense should never be repeated.

Give an example of a California success? Mid-September to mid-October 1849, forty-eight men convened in Colton Hall, Monterey, to write the original bilingual Constitution of the State of California. Seven were California-born. With an eighth born in Spain, they together had lived here 305 years. The remaining forty had logged 154 California years between them. Five of them were born in Europe. Most were recent arrivals from all over eastern United States. The First California Legislature convened a month after Californians voted ratification of our Original Constitution by a ratio of almost 16-to-1!

Why don’t I know about this? Deleted memory. California’s official publications used to tell the story. Every two years the Rules Committees of the California Assembly and Senate update and reissue a book: THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA. It always includes the September 9, 1850, Congressional ACT FOR THE ADMISSION OF CALIFORNIA INTO THE UNION, which begins: Whereas the people of California have presented a constitution and asked admission into the Union…What constitution? The Original 1849 California Constitution in its English-language or Spanish-language version (or both) has not appeared in any edition issued since before World War II!  Will this change in 2003?

COMITY AND COMMUNITY
Q and A: Civic Memory in Our Diverse State (2)

Has our Legislature forgotten who created it?  Looks like it. Few Californians remember (much less celebrate) what our varied forefathers accomplished. Comity? They had a new State up and running by November 13, 1849, eleven months before ours became the 31st star in the American Flag.

What about November 13?  It is our rarely celebrated California Birthday. Perhaps the last time the Governor officially proclaimed it was 1965. One rare observance took the form of a cooperative 150th anniversary symposium at the University of California, Irvine, in 1999.

What was special that day?  In spite of rain over much of California, voters went to the polls from San Diego to Sonoma. A month earlier, forty-eight people--very unlike each other--finished a draft constitution in Monterey. That bilingual state charter was approved 12,872 to 811. Officers were elected and, a month later, our first State Legislature met in San Jose.

How "unlike" might one delegate. . .  William McKendree Gwin, born in Tennessee, a plantation owner and lifelong political tactician, was only four months in California when, at age 44, elected from San Francisco, he joined in writing our constitution. The State Legislature named him a U.S. Senator. At California statehood, he returned where he schemed to be: Washington, D.C. In dying days of the Civil War, he lobbied in Paris for a "Pacific Republic" hard-pressed Confederates favored. It fantasized an armed Southern refuge in Sonora. Supposedly that shield France’s imperial venture in Central Mexico from potential U.S. military pressure.

. . .be from another?  Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, outstandingly self-educated and owner of vast lands in Sonoma, rose to Mexican California’s highest levels of political and military life. The Constitutional Convention took place in the rustic capital, Monterey, 42 years after he was born there. Three years earlier in that same community, he argued for California’s incorporation into the United States. Elected to the First Legislature as a State Senator, he wrote a requested report on the meaning of the names of the State’s original 28 counties . . .from memory.

What are the legacies of these two kinds of constitutional forefathers?  Gwin offered the constitution of the then-new State of Iowa as a blueprint. Most delegates, recently from the East, saw ideas and forms they were used to and we still are. Vallejo embodied memories and traditions. Many live on in patterns of local government; a tradition he was used to came to launch half all Americans toward equal justice.

RECOVERED DREAM THERAPY
Q and A: Civic Memory in Our Diverse State (3)

How can Californians bring back their deleted memories?  Through Recovered Dream Therapy. Beginning with the smell of gunpowder and candle wax and sounds of nonstop Saturday night partying. A month’s work by 48 people was finished. Each chipped in $25. That got them four musicians (two guitarists and two fiddlers) and all they cared to eat and drink all night. They celebrated their birth certificate for the State of California, our Original Bilingual Constitution. The whiffs of gunpowder? No one in Monterey slept through the night of December 13-14 in 1849. A cannon boomed 31 times to honor the United States of America! The final thunderclap for California rolled off hills and over the bay. It was going to be State Number 31!

Wasn’t California’s pretty much like the constitutions of other states?  Yes. Most of the persons who drafted the 1849 Constitution came from eastern states: Connecticut; Florida; Kentucky; Maryland; Massachusetts; New Jersey; New York; Ohio; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; Tennessee; and Virginia. The constitution that played the biggest role in their thinking was from Iowa and only three years old. But differences emerged. Delegates, who were lifelong Californians, were behind a major constitutional advance in American human rights.

Who were the lifelong Californians?  Jose A. Carrillo of Los Angeles, at 53, the oldest delegate; Jose M. Covarrubias of San Luis Obispo, 40; Pablo de la Guerra of Santa Barbara, 36; Manuel Dominguez of Los Angeles, 46; Antonio M. Pico of San Jose, 40; Jacinto Rodriguez of Santa Barbara, 36; and Mariano G. Vallejo of Sonoma, 42. Also, though born in Spain, Miguel de Pedroena of San Diego, 41, had lived in California 12 years, when he helped draft the 1849 Constitution. Together, these eight represented a sixth of the 48 delegates.

What was the important new step in constitutional human rights?  When California was admitted as 31st State in the Union, September 9, 1850, it immediately moved to the front of the long march to gender equity. The English Common Law concept that "becoming one" in marriage justified ownership and control of a wife’s property by her husband was prevailing doctrine. Not in American California! Drawing on Latino tradition and practice, California insisted property a woman held at marriage or acquired thereafter remained hers.

Rights have come a long way in California and the U.S. since then!  They certainly have, but this was a start. Though there were no women delegates in 1849 Monterey, more than a third of California’s current legislators are women. More than one-fifth 2003-2004 state lawmakers are Latino. In spite of cruel anti-Asian biases in the Second (1879) Constitution, six Asian-Americans now help craft our laws. Five African-Americans sit in our Legislature, one a former Lt. Governor of California.

Note to 2003-2004 Rules Committees of the California Senate and Assembly

Every two years, you update and republish THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA.

Because it is intended to be educational as well as official, the U.S. CONSTITUTION section (together with Amendments and an Index) includes basic historical documents that led up to it: Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Declarations of Rights of 1765 and 1774, Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation.

Because it is intended to be educational as well as official, the section on the CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION includes more than the updated text of that document. Yet California’s Founding Constitution has been absent from the biennial editions since before World War II! It is not being republished to speak for itself. The only reprinted historical mention of its existence appears in an opening phrase of the "Act for the Admission of California into the Union" of September 9, 1850, passed by Congress ten months after its ratification. ****PLEASE REPRINT THE ORIGINAL 1849 CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION (IF NOT BILINGUALLY, AT LEAST IN ITS SPANISH VERSION OR ENGLISH VERSION.)****

For decades, California’s Constitution of 1879 and its Index bulked up the biennial editions.. With amendments now topping 460, this ever-expanding current basic law grows in stupefying complexity. Example: According to Article XX, Section 3, every public official MUST swear true allegiance to, support and defend ". . .the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies foreign and domestic. . ." How intricate an undertaking that may be is hinted by the Article XX Section 2 just preceding the oath: Except for tax exemptions provided in Article XIII, the rights, powers, privileges and confirmations conferred by Sections 10 and 15 of Article IX in effect on January 1, 1973, relating to Stanford University and the Huntington Library and Art Gallery are continued in effect. And this is one of the briefer provisions.

What else does the CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION section include? As mentioned, the one-page "Act for the Admission of California into the Union" (September 9, 1850) is there. The 2001-2002 edition brought back for encores a 50-year-old historical essay about early constitutional history (resurrected after a two-decade absence from biennial re-printings) and a 30-year-old report on revision efforts aimed at paring hopelessly obsolete growths from our forever ballooning 1879 Constitution. . .

. . .and the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, which ended the U.S.-Mexico War and embodies understandings about cession of lands (from stray Oklahoma counties to the Pacific). It has as little to do with the CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION as the (not reprinted) First and Second Treaties of Paris have to do with the reprinted U.S. CONSTITUTION. (The First Treaty of Paris recognized the independence of thirteen former British Colonies on the Atlantic Seaboard; the Second accepted as American everything from the Appalachians to the Mississippi and the Great Lakes to the Gulf.)

Official California legislative information. This WWW site is maintained by the Legislative Counsel of California, pursuant to California law. For more information, you may read Accessing California Legislative Information on the Internet, refer to Frequently Asked Questions, or visit other Legislative WWW sites. For new additions to our site, see our New Features page.     http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/

California Quarter Design Finalist Poll   http://134.186.46.107/
January 31st was the last day to vote.

December 2002
Dear Californians:

        As Chair of the California Quarter Committee, I am sending my thanks to Californians for their participation in the California Quarter Program. As we draw near to the much-anticipated selection of the California Quarter, it is my hope that the final design will visualize the concept of our diverse state. The generous participation of the public has made this historic program possible. From more than eight thousand submissions received between September 9, 2002 and November 9, 2002 the California Quarter Selection Committee has chosen twenty California-inspired ideas!
        The twenty images posted here give Californians an opportunity to comment on the California Quarter semi-finalists. Governor Gray Davis believes that it is important to have commentary from the public to help realize this vision. We encourage you to review these California images and choose the concept that you would consider the best representation of our great state. Simply mark your preference and then click the submit button near the bottom of the page. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,  Dr. Kevin Starr, State Librarian of California

Sent by Cindy LoBuglio, Gloria Oliver, Joan de Soto, Galal Kernahan

From Old Noticias, Los Californianos
Vol. ll, No.4, October 1970
"DID THE CALIFORNIOS MINE GOLD?

        Governor Alvarado believed that Russians knew of gold in the Sacramento Valley as early as 1814, as a Russian jailed at Monterey was found to have gold in his possession. The double wedding rings of Maria Martina Castro and Governor Alvarado, married at Mission St. Clara in 1834, were made of California gold.
        Ship manifests provide clues. Our member Alonso Dana has a manifest which shows shipment of gold on an early Dana ship. Bishop Garcia Diego, first Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in California, sent the Pope in Rome a silk purse containing gold valued at $6,000 to $7,000, according to William Heath Davis. 
        Gold was discovered in San Fernando Valley in 1840, and Abel Stearns sent ore to the Philadelphia mint to be assayed in 1842"

1st Battalion Native Cavalry, California Volunteers
This website has a listing of names.  Lots of data....

Updated August 24, 2002 by webmaster David R. Jackson  drj1@earthlink.net

California History Resource Guide, SJSU -- History 283
Graduate Seminar in California History, Prof. Dan Cornford
                                 http://www.sjsu.edu/depts/history/resource/california1.html

This Web site provides an annotated listing of selected resources on California history. The site includes selected print resources at Clark Library, and selected Web resources with primary emphasis on local history sites within Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Counties.  Great site. . . .

More on the Castro Adobe
By Geraldine C. Shelly #1387 LM
Noticia para Los Californianos, Vol. XXXV, No.1, January 2003

The Castro Adobe has been unoccupied since the 1989 earthquake because of massive damage. The state has purchased the property and plans to renovate it and turn it into a State Park. On September 27, 2002, there was a big ceremony passing over ownership to the State of California. It was held in the beautiful gardens at the adobe in Watsonville. Refreshments were served including freshly cooked corn tortillas with all the trimmings. The California State Park System wants to have an interpretive park showing how people lived and worked during the Spanish and Mexican eras. Speaker Pro Tem Fred Keeley, of the California assembly, worked very hard to get the money for the project. He was speaker at the ceremony. It is anticipated that in two to three years this historic park will be ready for school tours and other public events. Several members of Los Californianos were there, including Peter Cole, Leonard and Barbra Espinosa, Jerry and Millie Fitzgerald, Boyd de Larios, Tim Ledesma, Frank and Gerry Shelly, Greg Smestad, and Noreen and Art Wohl. A special time was had by all.  

History of El Cerrito Links 
Ohlone or Costanoan Indians Occupied the are which is now el Cerritos
http://www.elcerrito.com/elcerrito_links.htm

        Before the Spanish explorations of the San Francisco Bay region, the Huchiun group of the Ohlone (or Costanoan) Indians occupied an area which included what is now El Cerrito. Other branches of the Ohlone extended south along the coast to Big Sur, and north to Martinez. The Ohlone had occupied this area for thousands of years, and had developed a lifestyle which allowed them to flourish without making major changes to the natural landscape. They ate acorn mush, seed cakes, and seafood and meat from a variety of wildlife. Because of the abundant food available in this climate, they had no need to cultivate crops, although they did utilize a variety of excellent land management practices. The Ohlone produced a great variety of baskets for different purposes, including even water tight baskets. They also had rich ceremonial practices and a strict social system, which helped to maintain peace within and between communities. Although the Ohlone were decimated by the policies of both the Spanish missionaries and the other European settlers, and the last native speaker of an Ohlone language died in 1935, descendants of the Ohlone still live in this area, and some are trying to revive their ancestors' culture and language. For more information on the Ohlone, see The Ohlone Way by Malcolm Margolin (1978), from which most of this information is taken.
        The Spanish explorations into California began with the expedition of Don Gaspar de Portola in 1769. After setting up a base in San Diego they set out for their main objective, the Port of Monterey. In early spring in 1772, Pedro Fages, who had been invested by Portola with the government of Alta California, set out with Father Juan Crespi and twelve soldiers to explore the eastern shore of the bay. This was the first exploration of what is now the counties of Santa Clara, Alameda and Contra Costa. On March 27, 1772, they halted at the base of a small hill on the bank of a creek opposite the Golden Gate -- the present site of the City of El Cerrito and the "little hill" from which it derives its name.
        At the time of the Mexican revolution, the area now known as Contra Costa County, appears in the records as a grazing land for sheep and cattle belonging to Mission Delores across the bay. It was about this time on 1823 that Don Francisco Castro, a former soldier at the San Francisco presidio and alcalde of the pueblo of San Jose, was a member of an exploration party through this area. Later that year he received a provisional grant for approximately for square leagues (19,394.40 acres) from Governor Arguello on April 15, 1823. The present city of El Cerrito fell within the limits of that grant which became known as the San Pablo Rancho, and which became final 1834.
        Don Francisco Castro took possession of an old mission dwelling on this rancho north of El Cerrito in the present town of San Pablo.
        It was in 1839 a son, Don Victor Ramon Castro, chose the edge of his father's sprawling rancho near Cerrito Creek on San Pablo Road to build his hacienda for his wife Luisa, the daughter of Don Ygnacio Martinez, their neighbor to the north. The two story adobe remained for 117 years until it was burned to the ground in April 1956. Today one adobe brick remains on the site marked by a brass plaque in the El Cerrito Plaza Shopping Center. Victor raised cattle and vegetables; he also owned a schooner-launch and a whale boat which he employed ferrying passengers to various points on the bay when the gold rush hit California in 1849.
        William F. Rust, a journeyman blacksmith from Hanover, Germany, is designated as the founder of El Cerrito. He came into the area in 1883 and later chose a location for his blacksmith shop on the main road between Oakland and San Pablo (San Pablo Avenue) near the county line. As Rancho San Pablo was excellent farming land, Rust began making farm implements for which there was great demand.
          In 1909 a post office was established in William Rust's store and he became postmaster of the station which was called Rust. The little community grew until August 23, 1917, after a spirited contest, the unincorporated areas of Stege Junction and Rust voted incorporation. Starting with an estimated population of 1,400 in 1917, the area grew slowly, reaching a population of 3,852 in 1930; 7,000 in 1940. During the war years, the population sky-rocketed to 16,624, with approximately half that number living in temporary war housing or government trailer parks. Then came the post-war housing boom. Population in permanent housing jumped from an estimated 7,000 in 1945 to 18,000 in 1950.
        During the 1930's and early 1940's the community was perhaps best known for its casinos, poker parlors and dog racing track. The Castro adobe was one of the gambling spots at this time. In 1946 the slogan "The City of Homes" was adopted. About the same time, a new city council was elected. One of their first major acts was to outlaw draw poker and to embark on a vigorous enforcement campaign against all gambling activity. Two years later, the Council-Manager plan was adopted to aid in streamlining the reorganization of City Government.
        Residents of the community embarked on a program of civic improvements to provide the facilities needed in a growing, modern, urban community.
        As a result of these efforts, El Cerrito, with its population of 23,000 has evolved into a prime residential community and still is "A City of Homes".

PREPARED BY THE: 
El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 538 El Cerrito, CA 94530 
AND
El Cerrito Historical Society, P.O. Box 304, El Cerrito, CA 94530 City Hall 
MAINTAINED ONLINE BY: 
Charles Goldstein, Real Estate Agent 
Office 510-843-7399  TollFree 800-878-0987 
Fax 510-843-5625 realtor@elcerrito.com

San Jose premier of David Anaya's
 
 "
Los Californios in Monterey: A Lost History." 
 
 This film is being hosted by Los Fundadores y Amigos de Alta California 
March 2nd ,2003 at 1:30 PM 
at:
 The Headen-Inman House Museum
1509 Warburton Avenue
Santa Clara, California 95050

        This film is the thesis project for David Anaya, California State University at Monterey. This 45 minute documentary tells the story, from the perspective of the Californios (native Spanish/Mexican Americans of colonial California), of the history of California from its founding until just after the American conquest. This film gives an excellent history of California, portrays the perspective of the Californios well, has many interesting photographs and commentaries, and it flows well and is enjoyable to watch. As one of the subjects interviewed and shown in this documentary, I can attest to its good merits. Please join the members of Los Fundadores, members of other historical associations, and civic leaders for this event. Please join us in supporting this exceptionally well made documentary by Director/Producer David Anaya. 
        Los Fundadores y Amigos de Alta California, the Founders and Friends of Santa Clara County, was established in 1987 (Evalyn Martinez founder and president). This group publishes a quarterly newsletter aimed at preserving the history and heritage of the founding families and early pioneers of Santa Clara County from its founding through 1889. Genealogical target area is 1769-1852. Recognition is also given to Native Americans. They also wish to inform people about local events, therefore giving public awareness to the history and heritage of early California's "Californios-Fundadores-Pobladores," and the early families of Santa Clara County. The club maintains the Santa Clara Fundadores and Pioneer Room museum and the genealogical research room at the Headen-Inman House. For further information you are welcome to contact me. 
        
Edward Allegretti
Board member, Los Fundadores
Board member, Los Californianos
Commissioner, Historical Heritage Commission of Santa Clara County
Past president, California Pioneers of Santa Clara County
Office: 408 534 2890  House: 408 258 3269
10981 Edgemont Drive
San Jose, Calif. 95127

Sent by Edward Allegretti EAllegretti@rosendin.com


The Museum of the City of San Francisco

http://www.sfmuseum.org/hist6/founding.html

The Founding of San Francisco 1776
By the Editor, Edward F. O’Day

                                                  Introduction from a full article:  
This year [1926], and at this season, San Francisco celebrates the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of its birth. Ours is an old city, as age is reckoned in the West, and the story of the beginning has the glamour not only of age but of romance. The port of San Francisco, from the time of its discovery, assumed a very definite importance in international politics; so our beginnings have also a special significance.
        Three great powers—Spain, England, and Russia—sought domination on the Pacific Coast, and regarded San Francisco as the key to success. Spain won, and to that fact we owe the peculiar richness of our background. Reading the story of the founding of San Francisco, there is always a sense of pageantry hovering over the page. Those Spanish soldiers, those Franciscan padres did things in a ceremonious and gallant fashion. We have never quite lost their manner. It is to be hoped that we never shall.  Sent by Johanna de Soto


The San Francisco Story Told in Web Sites

*San Francisco 1790 ‘Census’  http://www.sfgenealogy.com/sf1790.htm
*San Francisco 1846 Passenger List for ‘The Brooklyn’ http://www.sfgenealogy.com/brook846.htm
*San Francisco 1846 City Directory http://www.sfgenealogy.com/sf1846.htm
*San Francisco 1850 City Directory http://www.sfgenealogy.com/hd850a.htm 
*San Francisco 1878 Telephone Directory http://www.sfgenealogy.com/hgtel.htm
*San Francisco May 1906 Temporary Telephone Directory http://www.sfgenealogy.com/may06.htm
*San Francisco County Birth Records http://www.sfgenealogy.com/sfbir.htm

From What's New on Cyndi's List, UGANEWS,  November-December, 2002
San Francisco Genealogy  http://www.sfgenealogy.com/
Part of the US Gen Web and CA Gen Web Projects: Great source for vital statistics, maps, cemeteries, databases, links, queries, ook-ups, maps, telephone directories, and  more.
                                                                                                      Sent by Johanna de Soto     
The first mayors of the City of San Jose   Mercury News, Posted on Wed, Nov. 27, 2002
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/2002/11/27/news/local/4616208.htm
San Jose's list of early mayors was verified through pueblo records translated from Castilian to Spanish to English. Some mayors, or alcaldes, served more than once and some were commissioners appointed by the governor. Some mayors shared the office.
1783 -- Jose Ignacio Archuleta
1784 -- Unknown
1785 -- Jose Manuel Gonzales
1785-1792 -- Ignacio Vallejo
1792 -- Jose Marcario Castro
1793 -- Antonio Romero
1794-1796 -- Gabriel Moraga
1796 -- Marcos Chabolla
1797 -- Jose Maria Martinez
1798 -- Jose Velarde
1799 -- Ignacio Castro
1800 -- Francisco Castro
1801 -- Miguel de Osuna
1802 -- Tiburcio Vasquez
1803 -- Ignacio Archuleta
1804 -- Ignacio Castro
1805 -- Jose Maria Martinez
1806-1817 -- Unknown
1818 -- Antonio Soto
1819 -- Jose Tiburcio Castro
1820 -- Teodosio Flores
1821 -- Augustine Narvaez
1822 -- Juan Alvirez
1824 -- Ignacio Pacheco
1825 -- Joaquin Hiquera
1826 -- Juan Alvires

1827 -- Mariano Castro
1828 -- Salvio Pacheco
1829 -- Florentino Archuleta
1830 -- Mariano Castro
1831 -- Mariano Duarte
1832 -- Ignacio Guillen
1833 -- Salvio Pacheco
1834 -- Pedro Chabolla
1835 -- Antonio Maria Pico
1836 -- Jose Mario Alviso
1837 -- Juan Alvires
1838 -- Dolores Pacheco
1839 -- Jose Noriega
1840 -- Antonio Sunol
1841 -- Dolores Pacheco and Tomas Pacheco
1842 -- Antonio Buelna and Isidro Guillen
1843 -- Salvio Pacheco and Antonio Maria Pico
1844 -- Antonio Maria Pico and Felix Buelna
1845 -- Antonio Maria Pico
1846 -- Dolores Pacheco, 
             Pedro Chabolla, John Burton
1847 -- John Burton
1848 -- Charles White, James W. Weeks
1849 -- H.K. Dimmick, Richard May, 
             John C. Conroy
1850 -- John C. Conroy
                                     Sent by Johanna de Soto
CERES: State Historical Landmarks, Santa Cruz County 

California State Historical Landmarks in Santa Cruz County
http://ceres.ca.gov/geo_area/counties/Santa_Cruz/landmarks

Properties of historical importance in California are currently designated as significant resources in three state registration programs: State Historical Landmarks, Points of Historical Interest, and the California Register of Historic Places. Below is a list of the State Historical Landmarks for Santa Cruz County. This data is provided by the Office of Historic Preservation - California Department of Parks and Recreation and is also available in the California Historical Landmarks Book.
                                                                                                          Sent by Johanna de Soto

Monterey's La Mirada Adobe

by Cathleen A. Freeman
The introduction to an essay written as a class assignment in SBSC 326: History of the Monterey Bay Area, 10,000 B.C. to Steinbeck, California State University Monterey Bay, Spring Semester 1996.
Please go to the site:  http://users.dedot.com/mchs/lamirada.html
Website of the Monterey County Historical Society

La Mirada began its existence as one of three small adobes built in the early 1800s on a little hill south and east of the old Presidio. It was probably built for a retired soldier from that post. The first record on the property, in 1836, showed it to be the home of Maria Beltran, widow of Antonio Mario Castro, a soldier in California from 1780 until his retirement in 1809. Maria sold a portion of the property, including a small adobe between her house and that of another soldier named Buelna. The "Buelna Adobe" still stands on that site. In confirmation of this, the 1849 map of Monterey shows the three building sites on the hill.

The Castro Period: The next Castro, a son of Antonio, married Mercedes Ortega, a granddaughter of the famous Sergeant Ortega, and it was their daughter, Modesta, who married Jose Castro, later both governor and military commander and one of the most prominent men during the Mexicanperiod in California.

Jose and Modesta and their daughter (also named Modesta) occupied the then four-room adobe until his departure for Mexico after the United States occupation of California. Modesta and her daughter remained in Monterey, never joining General Castro in Mexico. In fact, Mrs. Castro is buried in the Monterey cemetery across from her home.

The La Mirada Adobe in the 1890s. Courtesy Pat Hathaway Collection (image 84-02-01).

In the early days of the U.S. occupation, another family of prominence--John C. Fremont, his wife Jessie, and their daughter Elizabeth (Lily)--was connected with the Castro Adobe. Lt. Col. Fremont decided Monterey would be a good place for his wife and daughter to stay while he took care of mine holdings in Mariposa. There were no houses for rent in Monterey, but Modesta Castro agreed to rent two rooms in her adobe to Jessie. The rooms were bare and Jessie had to borrow cots and other necessities until Fremont could send furnishings form San Francisco. When the crates arrived, much was still needed, although Chinese matting, a teakwood table, grizzly bear rugs, a cane couch and chair, and lace and brocade for the windows were welcome. It was reported that Jessie Fremont used two fine punch bowls as much-needed wash basins.
Descriptions of the Fremonts' time in the adobe appear in two books by Jessie Fremont: Souvenirs of My Time and A Year of American Travel. Her daughter, Elizabeth (Lily) Benton Fremont also wrote about her memories of living in the Castro Adobe, in Early Days in California.                                                       Sent by Johanna de Soto

California's Calaveras County Marriages

 The Listings of California’s Calaveras County Marriages are being compiled as my time permits.  If you would like to request a lookup for a marriage not listed, or seek additional information about a listed marriage, please contact me.  Herbert Good 

Calaveras County Marriage Application Books H and I, 1915 through 1951, have additional data not contained in the General Marriage Index.  Similar data exists in some of the other books, but has not been transferred to these tables.  I am willing to check individual marriages for you to obtain additional information, just ask by email.

Calaveras County Marriage Applications, Book H, 1915-1935  
Calaveras County Marriage Applications, Book I, 1935-1951

Sent by Johanna de Soto


California's Calaveras County Cemeteries 
http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/cemeterykid/

The Listings of the California Calaveras County Cemeteries is being compiled from direct observation and several sources. These sources, in most cases, reflect cemetery listings several years old, cemetery maps, church records, newspaper articles, and mortuary records. Below is a list of most of the known cemeteries and burial sites in Calaveras County. Those shown in hyperlink are accessible through the web. For those not shown in hyperlink, please contact me for lookups. If you have a cemetery list you would like to have added to this site, or would like to have a hyperlink added going to your list, please contact me. Herbert Good p11zp368@goldrush.com.  

CALIFORNIA, ITS HISTORY AND ROMANCE
by JOHN S. McGROARTY

ILLUSTRATED
LOS ANGELES, GRAFTON PUBLISHING COMPANY, 1911


MISSION SAN CARLOS DE CARMEL

[[Editor's note:  It appears that the entire book is online, with photos and bookmarks.]]
Sent by Johanna de Soto

"Northern California Marriage Index   1850-1860"     http://feefhs.org/ghcsv/mgb/mgb-ncmi.html

Marriages from 22 Northern CA Counties  by Nancy Justus Morebeck Approximately 4, 000 marriages taken from County Clerk and Recorder's Offices from the 1850-1860's.

California Counties Covered:  Butte, Colusa, De Norte, El Dorado, Humbolt, Klamath, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo, and Yuba.                            Sent by Johanna de Soto
Congratulations to Ron Filon for visualizing and organizing this effort.
Surnames Queries Mailing List Societies Links Contact Me

Surnames Area Contact Name Contact Email
 
Avila San Luis Obispo & San Juan Capistrano Rita goelrio@aol.com 
Bonilla San Luis Obispo Rita goelrio@aol.com 
Bonilla San Luis Obispo, Pleasanton, Hollister, San Jose, and more Gail Slade dardena@juno.com
Castro Mission Dolores, Santa Clara, San Jose Gail Slade dardena@juno.com
De Haro San Francisco Julia Christy stevejc@trib.com
Espinosa Santa Clara, Monterey Gail Slade dardena@juno.com
Garcia San Luis Obispo Rita goelrio@aol.com 
Garcia San Juan Bautista, Mission San Miguel Gail Slade dardena@juno.com
Guevara Hollister, Santa Clara, Argentina Gail Slade dardena@juno.com

Sent by Rita Avila  GoElRio2@aol.com

Cupertino Athletes of the Week, Mercury News, 01/02/2003  BayArea.com

Ben Reynolds, Cupertino  Sport: Wrestling. Weight class: 189 pounds. Class: Senior.

Accomplishment: Reynolds, who placed second in the 189-pound division of last season's Central Coast Section final, was named outstanding wrestler at the 23-team Lynn Dyche tournament at Independence. Reynolds, ranked second in the state in his weight class, won all four of his matches by pin. He also placed third at the 100-team Sierra Nevada Classic in Reno last month, losing 10-9 in the semifinals after losing a point for a slam.

Comment: ``He just looked dominating,'' Cupertino Coach Jay Lawson said. ``He is a very aggressive, strong and focused wrestler. He is very physical and has set some very high goals for himself this year.''

Ben is the son of Magdaline Castillo Reynolds of Cupertino.  Ben is a member of this LO. Ben is 9th
generation Californian.

Lorri Ruiz Castillo    lorri.frain@lmco.com Phone: 408.756.5518

Santa Clara Mission
http://www.sculib.scu.edu/search/aSanta+Clara+Mission/asanta+clara+mission
card files 11 drawers
Organized by sacrament: I. Baptisms, 1777-1862. II. Confirmations, 1779-1896. III. Marriages, 1778-1863. IV. Marriages, 1863-1903. V. Burials, 1777-1866. VI. Burials, 1866-1894. Arranged alphabetically by surname
Subject(s) Santa Clara Mission -- Registers -- Indexes
       Show similar items
Church records and registers -- Indexes
Santa Clara (Calif.) -- Church history -- Sources
       Show similar items
Note(s) The original indexes are card files, portions of which have also been photocopied and bound. Bound volumes include baptisms (1777-1862) A-J, baptisms (1777-1862) K-Z, marriages (1778-1863), and burials (1777-1866). The original card files are housed in the Santa Clara University Archives and the bound photocopied indexes are available in the Orradre Library Reference collection
Instituted in 1777, the Mission Santa Clara de Asis was the eighth of the original 21 California missions
Summary The indexes to the sacramental registers of Mission Santa Clara contain alphabetical lists of persons baptized, married, or buried at Mission Santa Clara from its founding in 1777 until the late 19th century. These card files are the work of at least two indexers whose identities remain uncertain. The cards are handwritten, and vary in clarity. The original sacramental registers are also housed in the Santa Clara University Archives. They are available to researchers as microfilms in the Archives and in the Microfilm Room of Orradre Library
Addl title Sacramental registers of Mission Santa Clara, 1777-1903

                                                                                                                                              Sent by Joan de Soto

Juana Briones

Gail was a former Mayor of the City of Palo Alto. Today, Gail is immediate Past President of the Juana Briones House Foundation. We are desperately attempting to save the Juana Briones house that was built c. 1840's and still stands today, but the owners of the house want to demolish the house. I am a seventh generation Californio. I am a descendant of Juana's brother, Jose Antonio Briones. Juana and Jose Antonio's parents were Marcos Briones and Isadora Tapia.
        
                        Another Spotlight on Juana 

The January-February issue of Harvard Magazine has an illustrated article, "Economic Woman: From Eliza Pinckney to Oprah" and our dear Juana is one of the individuals noted. There is a brief description with a photograph of the familiar artist's conception of her superimposed on a view of Yerba Buena below and part of the map of her ranch above, plus a photo of an actual pair of spurs. She is one of twelve women selected for the article. The exhibit of which she is a part is now at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington, Massachusetts, and it will travel to the New York Historical Society, Atlanta History Center, National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington D.C., Los Angeles Public Library, and Detroit Historical Museum. http://www.enterprisingwomenexhibit.org  gives the dates it will be shown at each location. Below is the link for her page.http://www.harvard-magazine.com/on-line/0103152.html  
Gail Woolley SMTP:gailwool@pacbell.net

Sent by Lorri Ruiz Castillo Frain  lorri.frain@lmco.com   408.756.5518       
The changing face of Santa Barbara

http://www.geog.ucsb.edu/~sara/html/mapping/newspress/changingface.html

By SCOTT HADLY, Staff writer,
Santa Barbara News-Press
shadly@newspress.com

         Whether it's the affordability gap or white flight, Santa Barbara County now has fewer white residents than it did 10 years ago. 
        The county population as a whole may have grown since 1990, but figures from the 2000 Census show the number of whites actually fell by 17,683. The decline, which government demographers had forecast, was accompanied by a 38,469 jump in the number of Latinos. Whites make up 56 percent of the county's 399,347 residents, while Latinos now make up about 34 percent of the population, according to the latest figures.
        About one of every three people here is Latino, with Lompoc and Santa Maria the county's most racially diverse communities, and for the first time there are almost as many people in northern Santa Barbara County as there are on the South Coast. For full story, click here.

Southern California House Museums http://www.lahacal.org/housemuseum.html

Note: to be included in this list a historic site must be open to the public and have some sort of interpretive program. It must also have a website. This list also includes ship museums, though it does not include the Missions, which are very well covered by the California Missions Index.

San Fernando Valley & Adjacent 
Los Encinos State Historic Park Encino 1840s-1870s adobe & historic buildings
Leonis Adobe Calabasas 1880s rancho with live animals
Andreas Pico Adobe
Boulton Hall
Travel Town Griffith Park 
Railroad museum
William S. Hart Ranch, Newhall The 1920s home of the cowboy movie star
Campo de Caheunga, Studio City A 1920s building commemorating the 1847 surrender of California to the US
Fort Tejon State Historic Park Lebec 1850s dragoon barracks

Pasadena & the North East 
The Gamble House Pasadena Early 20th Century "Arts & Crafts" house
Huntington Library, Pasadena 19th Century "Robber Baron's" estate, now an art museum and botanical garden
Feynes Mansion, Pasadena Site of the Pasadena Historical Museum
Workman & Temple Homestead. Industry Early 20th Century houses.
Pio Pico State Historic Park Whittier 1850s-1890s adobe. Home of last Mexican Governor of CA 
Hurst Ranch, West Covina  Modest mid 20th Century farm buildings
Casa Adobe de San Rafael. Glendale 1871 Adobe house
The Doctor's House. Glendale 1880s "Queen Anne" Victorian house
Grand Central Air Terminal, Glendale 1920s air terminal
Heritage Park, Santa Fe Springs Collection of Victorian Buildings
Hathaway Ranch Museum, Santa Fe Springs

Los Angeles Area 
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Olvera St.
Former city center, now a Latin American marketplace. Contains numerous historic buildings, now undergoing an extensive renovation.
Angel's Flight Railway, Downtown The "Shortest Railway in the World"
Case de Adobe , Highland Park A reconstructed Californio adobe, part of the Southwest Museum.
  Heritage Square Museum, Highland Park A collection of transplanted Victorian houses
The Lummis House,Highland Park The somewhat odd early 20th Century home of Charles Lummis.
Watts Towers, Watts "Folk Art" par excellence
Neff Park, La Mirada Contains several historic buildings

West Side 
Adamson House.Malibu. 1920s mission revival mansion
Banning House Museum Wilmington  1860s Victorian mansion of the creator of the Port of LA 
Rancho Los Alamitos. Long Beach 1930s-40s "Southwest" style home of the Bixbys
Rancho Los Cerritos, Long Beach  Another Bixby home--most of it from the 19th Century
Schooner American Pride, Long Beach
Rancho Dominguez, Carson 19th Century adobe
Drum Barracks Civil War Museum, Wilimington
What's left of a Civil War era military post
Fort Macarthur, San Pedro WW II era costal fort.
Will Rogers State Historic Park. Malibu The quirky home of the Cowboy philosopher
Queen Mary Long Beach
Muller House, San Pedro
SS Lane Victory, San Pedro

Riverside County 
Jensen-Alvarado Ranch, Riverside
Gilman Ranch, Banning
Trujillo Adobe, Riverside
California Citrus State Historic Park, Riverside

San Diego County 
Old Poway Park Railroad Museum
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, Vista
Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, Vista
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Heritage Park--San Diego
Whaley House--San Diego
San Diego Maritime Museum
San Pasqual Battle Field State Historic Park
Marston House--San Diego

Orange County 
George Key Ranch, Placentia
Peralta Adobe, Anaheim
Heritage Hill Historic Park, El Toro
Modjeska House, Lake Forest
Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House, Santa Ana
Old County Courthouse Santa Ana
Yorba Cemetary Placentia 
Brig Pilgrim, Dana Point
Newland House, Huntington Beach
Privateer Lynx, Huntington Beach
Fullerton Arboretum

San Bernardino County 
Calico Ghost Town, San Bernardino Co.
Yorba Slaughter Adobe, Chino
Asistencia, Redlands
Yuciapa Adobe. Yucaipa
Riley's Farm, Oak Glen

Ventura County 
Stagecoach Inn, Newbury Park 
Olivas Adobe, Ventura
Satwiwa Indian Cultural Center
Heritage Square, Oxnard
Rancho Camulos, Piru
Camarillo Ranch, Camarillo

Sent by Johanna de Soto

 
Rancho Los Cerritos
4600 Virginia Road
570-1755
Open Wed-Sun 1-5 p.m. Admission is free.  
Public Tours The 158-year old adobe will offer self-guided tours on weekdays, with guided tours on the hour every weekend. Volunteers are needed as docents and living characters.
Picture of Rancho Los Cerritos
http://www.ci.long-beach.ca.us/park/facilities/RanchoLosCerritos.htm

Once part of an early Spanish land grant, the 27,000 acre Rancho Los Cerritos evolved from cattle ranch to sheep ranch to private home before becoming a City museum in 1955. The current 4.74 acre site, a National and State Historic Landmark, includes an 1844 two-story Monterey-Colonial adobe and historic gardens, houses a California History Research Library, and Museum Gift Shop and hosts many educational programs for families and youth. Call (562) 570-1755 for up-to-date information on exciting events at the museum!

RANCHO LOS CERRITOS BOARD CHANGES MISSION!

GREAT NEWS from Ana Maria McGuan Amdoland@aol.com

        Rancho Los Cerritos Board members met January 21st with Long Beach Councilwoman Tonia Reyes-Uranga, representatives of Councilman Robb Webb, City Staff from Parks and Recreation and agreed to the request of local Hispanic groups and State-wide Early California preservationist to change the Mission of the Rancho Los Cerritos to specifically include the years prior to 1840 in their Interpretive History!
        The new Mission statement will now include, in print, the Native American period and the early Spanish/Mexican period of the Rancho in their Interpretive History. They all agree that it was the right thing to do! (Currently the Interpretive History of the Rancho emphasizes the 1840 - 1940 era of the Rancho, early American.)
        The Rancho is seeking volunteers as docents, living characters, and as general volunteers. Hours will be adjusted to your schedule.  If you would like to get involved, please call (562) 570-1755. These individuals attended meetings of support for the inclusion of the Native American and Spanish/Mexican periods.  

Irene & Art Almeida
Maurice & Marcy Bandy
Dan Cartagena
Cesar Castellanos
Laura Claveran
Mario & Gloria Cordero
Doug Daniels 
Edward Grijalva
Robert Hanson
Robert Lopez
Mimi Lozano
Therese Marino
Irene Mills
Jorge Morales
Jan Ovalle
Jessica Quintana
Christime Rodriquez-Lara
Ann Salas-Rock
Henry Taboada
Armando Vazquez-Ramos
Rico Valdez
Efren Valdovinos
Margarite Valendzuela
Richard Verdugo
Douglas Westfall

THE FOOTPRINTS OF THE PADRES

by Leo Carrillo from his book, "The California I Love"

In the footprints of the padres, before the gringo came, 
In the day of the old missions, in the days of Spanish fame,
When those dear old Spanish families ruled the Golden State-
What a different California at that very early date.

The black-eyed señorita and the caballero too,
And the sun baked old adobe were never known to you.
Where are those good old families of the early yesterday?
Listen, mi amigo, to what I've got to say:

There were the Picos and Carrillos with their many leagues of land,
And their ranchos filled with cattle which they hardly had to brand.
Dominguez, De La Guerras, Sepulvedas and others,
And they lived here side by side with the peacefulness of brothers.

They trusted one another much different then than now,
And they did a lot of thinking to avoid most any row.
Then you came, amigo mio, and you saw the lands we had,
And you wrote back to your mother and your mother told your dad.

And when they read your letters of the beauty of our state,
They packed the many things they had and shipped them wagon freight.
Then you crowded all around us, inch by inch you hemmed us in,
Till we'd scarcely room to breath in - it really seemed a sin.

Then you took away our ranchos that were given us by Spain,
And you took our señoritas - see, the answer is quite plain:
Now the children of the daughter whose Grandad's blood was Latin
Are scattered from Point Loma clear back to Manhattan.

It's just a simple story from your amigo in the West -
I couldn't help a telling you - just to get it off my chest.
Damme Yanquis!

Sent by Ana Maria McGuan

                              History of the Rancho Los Cerritos Matriarch:  
                                  RAFAELA COTA OLIVERA DE TEMPLE 1811 - 1867
                                        by Ana Maria McGuan  Amdoland@aol.com

        Maria Rafaela Benecia (Benedicta) de Jesus Cota Olivera was born in 1812 and baptized on March 22, 1812 at Mission Santa Barbara, in Santa Barbara, California. She was the daughter of Francisco Atanasio Cota y Lugo, born in San Gabriel, and Maria de Jesus Olivera y Briones, born in San Diego, who were married in Santa Barbara on May 10, 1811. The family was connected to nearly every prominent family in California.
        Rafaela's father, Franciso Cota y Lugo, was a cousin of Guillermo Cota the husband of Manuela Nieto, daughter of Manuel Nieto the grantee of the largest Spanish land grant, the Nieto land grant, issued in 1784. Guillermo Cota was a comisionado of the Pueblo of Los Angeles, he served from 1810 to 1818 and again for a short time later. His house was an adobe just north of East First Street between Main and Los Angeles Streets. A comisionado was a sort of Indian agent, police chief, military attaché, and pueblo manager. Rafaela's aunt, Manuela Nieto, inherited Rancho Los Cerritos de los Nietos at the death of her father, Manuel Nieto, in 1804.
        In 1830 Rafaela Cota Olivera was 18 years old when she married 34 year old Don Juan Temple in Santa Barbara. Don Juan Temple was born in Massachusetts in Aug. 14, 1796. He was baptized in San Diego in 1827 and after a few trading trips on the coast obtained Mexican naturalization. His marriage to Rafaela was quite fortunate because of the prominence of the bride's family. In 1831, Rafaela gave birth to their only daughter in Los Angeles, CA. She was baptized Francisca Borja de Jesus Temple on Oct ober 10, 1831 in the Plaza Church in Los Angeles, CA. 
        In 1835, after the liberation from Spain, Rafaela's aunt and uncle, Guillerno Cota and Manuela Nieto, were officially deeded the Rancho's 27,000 acres by the Mexican government, making them the original grantees of Rancho Los Cerritos. It is estimated that in this year Guillermo Cota built the Cota Adobe located in the Virginia Country Club (11th fairway), 4602 Virginia Road, Long Beach. 
        The structure was eventually abandoned and fell into decay. Wild animals took up residence in the building and it became flea infested. The adobe was known as the Flea House. It eroded away over the years and disappeared. They built an earlier adobe in the area in 1833. It was near the Los Angeles River. Both houses were about 5 miles up from the coast.
         In 1843 Rafaela's husband, Don Juan Temple, bought Rancho Los Cerritos de los Nietos from her aunt Manuela Nieto. Although it is also said that it was part of Rafaela's dowry. In 1844 Don Juan Temple built the two-story adobe at Rancho Los Cerritos de los Nietos, an imposing house at the time, for his family, Rafaela and their daughter Francisca Borja de Jesus who was now 13 years old.  
        The 1844 ranch house's graceful, breezy veranda looks out on grounds with olive and pomegranate trees that were planted in 1850 by ranch owner Don Juan Temple. This adobe - the oldest house in Long Beach -- is one of the few two-story adobes still standing in California and was designated a National Historical Landmark (NHL) in 1970, the only NHL in Long Beach. 
        Don Juan and his wife Rafaela owned the adobe until 1866. Don Juan Temple, as he was known by to all the Angelenos, was a retail store owner between 1828 and 1858 in Los Angeles, CA. He opened the first American-style store in Los Angeles, at the corner of Spring and Main streets, where the Federal Building stood in 1934. The Vigilance Committee was formed and met in his store in 1836 in Los Angeles, CA. 
        In 1845 Rafaela's husband, Don Juan Temple, bought the Mision La Purisima Concepcion, named for The Immaculate Concepción of Mary the Most Pure, founded in 8 December 1787 by Padre Fermin Francisco de Lasuén. 
        In March of 1788 Sargent Pablo Cota, Rafaela's grandfather, established the new mission, La Purisima Concepcion. He was promoted to Alferez the same year and continued to supervised work at Purisima and served as Paymaster of the Santa Barbara presidio in 1792. 
        By 1844 only 200 Indians remained at the mission and in 1845 all lands and buildings were sold for $1,100 to Don Juan.  In 1846 Los Angeles was ever the hotbed of a turbulent, lawless, and uncontrollable element. On the last day of August 1846 Commodore Stockton appointed Captain Gillespie of the California battalion commandant of the southern military department, with headquarters at Los Angeles. A few drunken vagabonds headed by one Cérbula Varela created a riot and fired on the barracks garrisoned by Gillespie and his men. 
        The commander considered the affair an attempt at general insurrection and arrested several Mexican officers who had given their parole and were quietly living with their families. Many other prominent citizens like the Temple-Cota, fearing arrest, fled to the ranchos and prepared to defend themselves. They considered the arrest of the officers a breach of faith. 
        A force of three hundred men gathered in camp outside of the pueblo, issued a proclamation and summoned Gillespie to surrender. They had but a few flint-lock muskets, escopetas (shot-guns), and lances, but no powder. Doña Rafaela sent them two kegs of powder from her husband's store in Los Angeles and they sent out on the Colorado desert and got salt petre and sulphur and made powder for themselves at the mission of San Gabriel.  
        In the same year and less than a month later, September 15, 1846, Rafaela's husband, Don Juan, was elected as Alcalde (Mayor) of the Pueblo of Los Angeles in Los Angeles, CA. First American alcalde after the capture of the pueblo by American forces in the Mexican War. From about 1848, Don Juan Temple becoming owner of the Cerritos rancho gave his attention to stock-raising on a large scale. He operated the ranch which had on its pastures 15,000 cattle, 7,000 sheep and 3,000 horses. Later he was the builder of the Temple block and other fine structures at Los Angeles; and in Maximilian's time obtained an immensely profitable lease of the Mexican mint.  
        Horace Bell recounted: Temple was at one time the richest man in Mexico. He almost owned the whole Mexican government; foreclosed a mortgage on the Mint at the City of Mexico, and coined money on his own account. He owned four hundred miles of sea-coast territory above and below Acapulco, was a brother of the late F. P. F. Temple, of La Puente, and was the cutest monte dealer that ever flipped a card for an angel to bet his pile on. 
        In 1848, September 1, Don Juan and Doña Rafaela's 17 year old only daughter, Francisca Borja de Jesus Temple, married 34 year old Gregorio De Ajuria. Gregorio DE AJURIA born in 1814 in Bilbao, Spain had moved to Los Angeles, CA in 1845. The census of 1850 shows Francisca and Gregorio De Ajuria living with her parents, Don Juan and Doña Rafaela. 
        In 1851-1852 Rafaela's husband, Don Juan, built a two story adobe located in the Temple Block West side of Main Street and south of Temple Street. It was later torn down to make way for a 3 story brick building. This was later torn down to make room for the present city hall building (1926) in Main Street, Los Angeles, CA.  In 1854, Doña Rafaela's son in law, Gregorio De Ajurias lent 60,000 pesos to General Ignacio Comonfort from Mexico, who he had met in New York, to buy arms and ammunitions and some equipment with the condition that once the Mexican revolution against France triumphed, he would receive 250,000 pesos in gold. 
        De Ajurias went to Mexico about 1856 and engage in heavy and unprofitable financial operations. On the fall of General Comonfort in 1863, De Ajurias moved to Paris with his wife Francisca and children. In 1857, the twentieth of August, Doña Rafaela's husband acquired a half interest in Rancho El Tejon from Don Jose Antonio Aguirre for twelve thousand dollars. 
        Don Antonio was forced to sell his share in the rancho because he had signed a note for Don Santiago Arguello, one of his good friends, who could not pay.  The drought of 1863-64 forced Temple to leave the cattle business, and he sold the rancho to the Bixby brothers and their cousin Dr. Thomas Flint for about 75 cents an acre in 1866. 
        For years, thousands of sheep were grazed on the property.  In 1864, Doña Rafaela's son-in-law, Gregorio DeAjurias died in France at the age of 47, leaving her daughter Francisca a widow and several children.  In 1866, Doña Rafaela's husband, Don Juan, died on May, 31, in San Francisco, CA. three months short of his 70th birthday, and is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery, San Francisco, CA. Don Juan had been an able and successful man of business, socially genial and well liked. 
        Doña Rafaela moved to Paris to be with her widow daughter, Francisca De Ajuria. Rafaela Cota Olivares de Temple died in Paris in 1867, at her daughter's home, one year after her husband's death. She was 55 years old. 

Teaching with Historical Places: Californio to American: A Study in Cultural Change

http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/8californio/8californio.htm
http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/8californio/8facts1.htm


Reading 1: The History of Rancho Los Alamitos


Rancho Los Alamitos (Ranch of the Little Cottonwoods) is one of the few sites remaining that represents the growth of Southern California from the time of its first occupation by Europeans. The ranch house itself has grown from a four-room adobe shelter to an 18-room structure and serves today as an outstanding example of the way in which an existing Spanish-Mexican structure gradually developed into an eastern form adapted to the California lifestyle.

Rancho Los Alamitos was carved out of a 300,000-acre land grant called "Los Coyotes" awarded by the king of Spain to Manuel Perez Nieto in 1790. Nieto was a corporal in the Spanish army stationed at the San Diego presidio and had come to Alta California with the Portola-Serra expedition of 1769. He retired in 1795 and settled down on his rancho to raise cattle. The following year, Governor Borica ruled in favor of the San Gabriel mission's petition for more land, and reduced Nieto's holdings to 167,000 acres. Nieto's wife and five children inherited the rancho upon Nieto's death in 1804. His oldest son Juan built an adobe house on the property and acted as manager. In 1834, the land was divided into five ranchos: Santa Gertrudes, Las Bolsas, Los Alamitos, Los Cerritos, and Los Coyotes. By this time, California had become a territory of Mexico. Mexican Governor Jose Figuero purchased the 28,000-acre Los Alamitos rancho that same year and added additional houses. No one is certain whether the surviving adobe dates from the early 1800s or from 1834, but the earlier date is more likely.

Abel Stearns, a New Englander, purchased Rancho Los Alamitos in 1842 for he and his young Spanish-Californian wife, Arcadia Bandini, to use as a summer home. As a trader who settled in Los Angeles, Stearns had become one of the area's wealthiest citizens. He served as the first alcalde (mayor) during the Mexican period and president of Los Angeles under American rule. Stearns was typical of the Americans who came to Southern California during both the Mexican and the American periods. He adopted some of the Californio ways of life, but put his own American stamp on others. Stearns became a large landowner and cattle rancher and helped to change the economic life of Southern California. During his ownership of Rancho Los Alamitos, California was annexed by the United States (1848) and subsequently became the 31st State of the Union (1850). He increased the traditional Spanish-Mexican cattle-raising operation of Rancho Los Alamitos and added to the house by building a north wing of wood-frame construction, positioned at right angles to the original adobe.

In 1861, Stearns mortgaged the rancho to Michael Reese, who purchased it at a sheriff's sale five years later. A Bavarian, Reese settled in San Francisco in 1850 and purchased large tracts of land vacated by the exodus to the gold fields. By 1878, when Reese died while on a trip to his homeland, his estate was worth more than $6 million. He never lived at Rancho Los Alamitos, but leased it for stock grazing.

In 1878, John Bixby leased the ranch from Reese and moved into the deteriorating adobe. Thus began what was to be a 90-year occupation of Rancho Los Alamitos by the Bixby family. By the early 20th century, this family would be one of the largest landowners in the Los Angeles area. John Bixby had traveled from his native state of Maine to California to supervise the sheep-raising operation of his cousin Jotham Bixby's Rancho Los Cerritos. During the Civil War, cotton was replaced by wool, hence the profitability and importance of raising sheep to the newly created state. In 1881, John Bixby purchased Rancho Los Alamitos in partnership with I. W. Hellman and J. Bixby & Co. (which comprised Jotham Bixby & Flint Bixby & Co.). To make the adobe more livable for his wife and young children, John Bixby added many improvements before he died suddenly at age 39 in 1887. The ranch was then divided into three parts; his wife and two children received the middle section, which included the ranch house and gardens, the barns, and the corrals. By 1915, Rancho Los Alamitos was described in the following way:

 

One of the most beautiful in this section, the buildings being located on the heights overlooking the mountains, the valleys and the sea, an ideal spot for a home, the land extending six miles along the coast and being in itself a small principality. The old adobe house that was built over 100 years ago with walls from three and a half to four feet in thickness, has been improved and modernized, and yet retains the appearance and necessarily its historical interest that clings to the days when the Spanish dons reigned supreme. The other buildings of the ranch are large and in keeping with the progressive spirit of the owner.1

By 1915, Rancho Los Alamitos was commonly referred to as the Bixby Ranch. In 1968, the surviving trustees of the Bixby Home Property Trust granted the furnished ranch house, gardens, and six barns to the city of Long Beach to maintain and develop as a regional historic and educational facility.

Questions for Reading 1

1. Why might the king of Spain have felt free to award large tracts of land in California to his subjects?

2. How does Rancho Los Alamitos reflect the history of Southern California?

3. Who was Abel Stearns? What was his connection to Rancho Los Alamitos?

4. How did Michael Reese make his fortune?

5. Why do you think the Bixby heirs gave Rancho Los Alamitos to the city of Long Beach?

Reading 1 was adapted from Nancy J. Sanquist, "Rancho Los Alamitos" (Los Angeles County, California) National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1981).

1A History of California and an Extended History of Los Angeles and Environs, vol. 3 (Los Angeles: Historical Records Co., 1915), 540.

 


Ayala-Gonzales Reunion Memories 
September 2002
Michael A. Gonzales


The Ayala-Gonzales Family Reunion took place in Visalia, CA over the Labor Day weekend last September. If you think it might be of interest to your readers, I have included a recap of the Reunion. Approximately 400-500 people attended. We have our Reunions every three years in Visalia.

The Ayala-Gonzales lines came from Zacatecas, Mexico (Fresnillo, Jerez, Zacatecas, Zacatecas). Perhaps some of your readers might be interested in communicating with me. If so, I can be contacted by phone or through my email address: (817) 222-5034  TexGonzales@myexcel.com

Reviewing the notes and tape recordings of the 1990 Reunion put me in the spirit of writing this article. Those memories, the Saturday events- registration, swimming pool, getting reacquainted, meeting new relatives and the usual merriment that goes along with these events, the music, the smell of grills cooking food, lots of friendship, love in the air, genuine affection. All of these things are electrifying, people tearfully recalling their friendships with each other. The special memory of older relatives coming up to me, remembering my father, Frank, recognizing him in me. The excitement of seeing and feeling everyone caught up in the spirit of the Reunion-what a wonderful thing! The Ayalas and Gonzales and all the fine people who have married into the family make it happen.

The 2002 Reunion: I felt pretty much the same about this Reunion as I did about the 1990 Reunion. The same friendship and affection poured out from each room as you walked around the Lamplighter Inn in Visalia, California. The spirit of cooperation of the committee members was evident everywhere. As I walked into the lobby of the Lamplighter and picked up my tickets for the dinner on Saturday evening, as I picked out the T-shirts for my family, as I bought the tickets for the giant raffle, I could sense a great spirit of love for the Reunion. Ron Vargas and committee, you all did a fine job, as have all of the previous organizers in the past! Thanks to you all for making these events something to plan for and something to remember. I have been planning my trips from Ft. Worth to California for quite a long time so my family can be at the Reunions. These trips have been something special to me and I hope to continue making them.

My wife, Sherrie, my mother, Minnie Gonzales (age 88), and my sisters Rita, Alma and Madge and Alma’s husband, Larry were able to attend this time. Sadly, we missed some of the familiar faces and voices that have been so much a part of the Reunions for me. My Tía Emilia, my father’s sister, was no longer there for me to visit and hug on. She lived in Visalia with her husband, Reggie Rosales. After each Reunion came to a close, stopping by her house on the way out of town to have menudo was a treat. I have many sweet memories of my dear Tia that I shall cherish for many years to come. Emilia Gonzales Rosales passed away on May 15, 2000.

I missed the booming, pleasant voice of a great man, and a good friend, Julian Vilaubi. As we all know, he was in the hospital during the time of the Reunion and passed away several days afterwards. His absence will be greatly missed. He and Genny represented a lot of the spirit of the Reunions for me. Julian and I met many years ago in the home of Sebastian and in Buena Park. At the same time, I met another great man and friend, Frank Gonzales. These two men were devoted to the concept and beauty of the Reunions. They looked forward to and wholly supported the Reunions. We have a duty and responsibility to continue in their spirit as future Reunions are planned.

Our new leaders need to stand up and prepare to carry on in the same tradition. Remembering the traditions of the past is the key to carrying on the spirit that Frank and Julian ignited and kept alive. Many of us have heard the stories of the past, the trials of our ancestors as they left a country in revolt during the period 1911-1917. I have tried to capture these stories, but more needs to be done in this area. Remembering the past helps us keep the Reunion spirit alive. Some day we will be able to compile a good amount of those old stories and place them in a book along with the personal stories of our ancestors. But as you can see, our older generation of living relatives is fading away. Let’s not let their stories fade away with them. Is it now time to look in each of our families to see who can be groomed to capture the stories of your family line? There are writers in each of your families that should be encouraged to gather information from each of your older relatives through personal interviews about their lives. For our next Reunion, we will again have a contest for our middle school and high school students to compose a short story about a favorite older relative. We don’t need to limit this to only our students. Appoint a member of your immediate family to be the historian of your family line and charge that person with the responsibility to write down the personal stories of your family that are so great to hear form those who have lived them.

Another pair of voices that I missed were those of George and Frances Gonzales who faithfully attended all of the past Reunions, traveling all the way from Roseburg, Oregon. I had a great interview with them several years ago and was able to compile a short history of the Senobio Gonzales family. George and Frances were ill in September and could not travel to the Reunion. Also unable to travel due to illness were my Tía Nancy and Tío Alfred Montoya. Nancy is of the De La O family that married into the Bernarda Reyes Ayala family, offspring of Jose Maria Ayala and Serapia Reyes. Sadly, I report that Alfred passed away on November 27, 2002. Alfred was a fine, steady, talented man and a great father. Our prayers go out to Tía Nancy and her children, Gloria, Anita, John and her grandchildren.

A word of caution: Don’t stay away from the Reunions simply because your older relatives have passed away. It is up to you to rekindle the spirit of the Reunions with your own children. As with any tradition, in order for it to continue, we must keep it up. There is no better tribute to our family history than to contribute to it by recording your memories for those who come after you.

Michael and Sherrie Gonzales  TexGonzales@myexcel.com
2336 Lipscomb Street
Ft. Worth, TX 76110
(817) 222-5034

NORTHWESTERN UNITED STATES

Center for Basque Studies
Reno vies for U.S. Hispanic Chamber Convention
Perpetual Education Fund, Inc.
LDS Church Archives Documents available


Center for Basque Studies

University of Nevada, Reno
Newsletter, Fall 2002

Center welcomes Gloria Totoricaguena

New faculty member Gloria Totoricaguena began working at the center last spring, having recently completed her Ph.D. in Comparative Politics. Following is an interview with Dr. Totoricaguena by editor Jill Berner.

JB: How did your interest in the Basque diaspora originate and develop?

GT: I really was born into it, I’ve lived it all my life. My parents are survivors of the bombing of Gernika and were refugees to different parts of the Basque Country. And I’ve also lived the whole sheepherder family experience that is so common to Basque identity in the U.S. My father came to the U.S. as a sheepherder, and then later went back to Gernika where he met my mother and they married and came here. My parents went back and forth actually, and eventually settled in Boise. So this idea of transnational identity, and multiculturalism, is not new at all to me. It has really been my whole life experience.

Living with different languages was another aspect of our multicultural identity. My parents spoke to each other in Basque, and to the older children in Spanish. Then later my parents spoke Basque to our youngest sister, so we learned Basque at that time. It was a trilingual household, very much a transnational identity.

My academic interest started when I lived in Urugauy on a Rotary Club international Graduate scholarship. I earned a Master’s degree from the University of the Republic in Montevideo in 1986. I was working there on a Latin American politics and economics, but I spent all of my free time at the Basque Center, the Euskal Erria. I knew there was a Basque communities that existed in other countries, but I actually met the people at the Basque Center in Montevideo and spent time there, then I started to really compare and analyze their experiances, to look at the similarities and differences between the Basque Center and Basque communities in the U.S. So that really started my academic interest. Although my Masters degree was in Latin American politics and economic development, the experience there gave me the idea for a Ph.D.---to compare contemporary Basque diaspora communities all around the world, and at their development, the politics of the Basque Country, and their institutional relations.

JB: Tell us about the research you did for your Ph.D. dissertation, in Latin America and other places.

GT: I was awarded the Ph.D. from the London School of Economics and Political Science. My research involved a comparison of various Basque diaspora communities, so I was researching Basques in the United States, Belgium, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay, and Australia, and in the end had visited over fifty Basque communities---I have almost a thousand anonymous questionnaires completed by Basque. So I have enormous amounts of quantitative and qualitative data to compare those to Basques: What do they do to maintain their identity? What is their language ability? How often do they cook Basque food? Has their Basqueness ever helped them find a job, or get a scholarship? What political parties do they vote for in their own host society and also what parties do they vote for in the Basque Country? Etc. Because many Basque have dual citizenship, they can register to vote in Basque Country elections. We have approximately 33,000 Basques who live outside Basque region that are qualified to vote in the homeland elections, and help elect the Basque parliament and president, and also vote in local elections.


Extract:
Reno vies for U.S. Hispanic Chamber convention

Directors impressed with what city has to offer
by Ryan Randazzo, Reno Gazette-Journal  1/15/2003 

        Convention officials worked during the weekend presenting what the region has to offer to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in hopes of bringing its 2008 national convention to town. USHCC estimates its 5,000 attendees at its October convention in Los Angles put $6 million into the economy for the four-day event.“Many board members were surprised to see all the amenities and convention opportunities Reno had to offer,” said J.R. Gonzales, chairman of USHCC. “When it comes time to consider where it is going to be, Reno will definitely be on the short list.”
         The USHCC also is looking at Reno as a possible site for a BizFest, a much smaller event focusing on building youth entrepreneurial skills, Gonzales said. Attracting the attention of USHCC could mean big business for the area’s tourism dependant economy, said Leslie Mix, president/CEO of the Northern Nevada Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
       
“It is opening a new market for the community,” she said, noting that California has 60 Hispanic chambers of commerce that could bring meetings and conventions here. “It is a group we want to address.”                                                                    Sent by Cindy LoBuglio  lobuglio@thegrid.net

Perpetual Education Fund, Inc.


        The PEF is a non-profit corporation organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) with the mission of  providing vocational opportunities to LDS missionaries who return to their homes, located in impoverished countries. The goal is to make small loans to these young people to assist them to prepare for meaningful employment within their own countries.
       The PEF President, John K. Carmack spoke in Newport Beach, California, January 26th.  Although the Fund was organized only a year and a half ago, President Carmack shared many success stories. For example, a Mexican waitress went from earning $150 a month to $660 a month as a dental assistant.  This monumental difference for a Mexican citizen was  made possible through a 2-year loan of a thousand dollars from the Perpetual Education Fund.  The young lady will be required to repay the loan at a 3% interest and no quicker than 10% of her salary.
        The Perpetual Education Fund is modeled after the Perpetual Emigration Fund which brought thousands of English converts to the Mormon Church to the United States between the 1840-1880.
The concept is that of helping individuals financially to improve their life-condition through a program of education and vocational training. The funds from repayment of  loans than will help others. 
        The first three countries to participate where Mexico, Peru, and Chile.  Now PEF has distributed loans in over 25 countries.  So far 6,000 loans have been granted.  Estimates are that over 90% of students in the program will complete their educational goals.  On the average, the educational programs are for a period of 2.2 years. 
        Most of the funding to initiate this project was from the individual donations of about 300,000 members of  the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons). Although the success of the program has attracted the attention and donations of individuals outside the Church as well. 
        One aspect of the organizational structure which has attracted support is that none of the funds are used for administration, all staff is volunteer.  All funds received are used for the loans, and only for the loans.   

For information or to make donations:
Perpetual Education Fund, Inc.
C/O John K. Carmack, President
50 East South Temple Street
Salt Lake City, Utah  84150
carmackjk@ldschurch.org    Fax: 801-240-2255  Phone:  801-240-7841

BYU Press releases DVD collection of documents
 from LDS Church Archives 
  
Contact: John W. Welch, (801) 422-3168

  PROVO, Utah (December 19, 2002)—The BYU Press has announced its DVD publication of thousands of documents from the archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City. Two years in production, this electronic database contains more than 400,000 images scanned in full color at high resolution.
        “Libraries and researchers everywhere will find this astounding collection unparalleled and unprecedented,” said John W. Welch, editor-in-chief of BYU Studies and director of publications for the Joseph Fielding Smith Institute for Latter-day Saint History, the principal publishers of the project under the imprint of the BYU Press.
        The release includes several of the most important collections in the Church of Jesus Christ’s archive. For example, the collection features 4,000 pages from the papers of Joseph Smith, founding prophet of the Church, and thousands of pages of incoming and outgoing correspondence of Brigham Young.
        The earliest document in this publication dates to 1827. The full Manuscript History of the Church is made accessible here, written from 1839 through 1882. The daily Journal History of the Church is included from its beginning in 1896 up to 1923.
   

        Also included are such collections as the diaries of apostle and scientist Orson Pratt; the records of Charles C. Rich, apostle, commander of the Nauvoo Legion and pioneer colonizer; the journals of J. Golden Kimball, and several others. In addition, this publication makes available the original organizational minutes of the Nauvoo Relief Society, the architectural drawings for the Salt Lake and Nauvoo Temples, and much, much more.
        “This array of documents will be of historic interest not only to those studying the history of the Church, but also to anyone interested in the settlement of the West, Native American relationships, and religious history in America in the 19th and early 20th centuries,” said Welch. “This vast collection will keep historians busy for generations to come.”
        The images have been scanned and processed by Church employees and Church service missionaries working in the Historical Department of the Church. High speed scanners working on multiple computer stations have been humming busily for months on end.
        “This is an overwhelming publication,” said Welch. “I can think of nothing else in the publishing world that compares with it in size and significance.”
       Brigham Young University has worked closely with Church Archives over the years in publishing historical materials in BYU Studies, the university’s leading scholarly journal.
        Research libraries are the main target audience for this set of 74 DVDs. “I hope that research libraries all over the world will take a close look at this unique opportunity to dramatically enhance the size of their manuscript collection without increasing their preservation or maintenance costs,” says Welch.  

People anywhere interested in their ancestors or the histories of Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, Utah, Arizona, California, Hawaii and many other places will want to consult these images. “This publication moves the discipline of Mormon history up to a new level of scholarly and professional research,” said Welch.
        Historians have waited years for the release of many of these documents. Now they are available simultaneously to all scholars on an equal basis. New technology now makes the organization and preservation of these enormous collections much more manageable, increasing the feasibility of publishing these materials for the use of libraries and researchers everywhere.
        With only a few exceptions, the images are presented in their totality. Occasional sacred or confidential words or lines are covered over, much as is done in government documents released under the Freedom of Information Act. This infrequent occurrence arises only when necessary and according to consistently applied archival standards.
        For further information and to place orders, please contact BYU Studies at 403 Clyde Building, ext. 2-6691, http://byustudies.byu.edu. The price for the two-volume set of 74 DVDs is $1,299, or $699 for the volumes individually.
                                                                                        
Sent by Gloria Oliver    oliverglo@msn.com

Latinos to Get Cemetery of Their Own 
The Salt Lake Tribune - December 27, 2002 
HispanicOnline.com  December 30, 2002

        Latino immigrants find thriving communities to begin new lives in Utah. But in death, there are few places here for them to retain their ethnic identity. Len McKee is trying to change that. McKee, cultural project manager at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, is planning a cemetery to accommodate the traditions and wishes of Latino families. He has help from members of Utah's Latino community.
        "We had Latino people looking for a cemetery to call their own," McKee said, "and we had a cemetery looking for people. We want to create a little home here."  The project began about a month ago, when McKee noticed few graves at Wasatch Lawn inscribed with traditional Latino surnames. "I wondered why that was," he said. "Of all the Hispanics in town, why was no one choosing our cemetery?" 
        He called different Latino leaders, many of whom had their own questions about why the Salt Lake City area had no cemetery specifically for Latinos. While many families are content to bury their dead in mainstream cemeteries, he said, many others, especially recent immigrants, prefer to let their deceased rest in their home country or even in Los Angeles, Phoenix or another area where they have roots. 
        A cemetery tailored to Latino needs could change that trend, said Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Art Pi-a. He moved here from Denver, which has several Latino cemeteries.  Many Latinos are dissuaded from burying their deceased in mainstream cemeteries by the entire Anglo funeral process, said Archie Archuleta, the Salt Lake City mayor's administrator of minority affairs. 
        "The hesitancy comes from the language barrier," Archuleta said.  "There are Spanish speakers, but they don't have a grasp of the cultural differences. And during that time of stress, if there's a language barrier, it's difficult to bring your wishes out." 
        Often, Archuleta said, the Anglo experience comes across as "very strange and very cold and doesn't leave them feeling very good."  Latino families tend to mourn with the body all night after death occurs, said McKee, with music and a gathering involving many family members.  
        These are customs that Evans and Early Mortuary in Salt Lake City is trying to accommodate in a partnership with Wasatch Lawns and a Latino Memorial Gardens committee, said family services counselor Elaine Vigil.  "We have been accommodating, but unaware of the traditions," Vigil says. Now, the mortuary plans to remodel its rooms to suit larger families for longer evenings, with a better sound system and a more homey atmosphere. 
        Vigil said the mortuary also plans to hire more staff members who not only speak Spanish but are familiar with Latino death customs, "so when they talk about the rosario, we know what they mean." 
        And, for immigrant families still intent on returning their deceased to their home country, McKee and Vigil say they want to make that as easy and inexpensive as possible. Project organizers acknowledge that a separate cemetery could be, as Archuleta says, "another way to isolate us." But McKee says the project is one of accommodation, not segregation. 
        Organizers are also being careful to keep the park nondenominational, so as not to discriminate against those Latinos who are not Catholic.  And McKee says the Latino section of Wasatch Lawn's Riverton memorial park may be just the beginning. He wants to add other cemeteries for Utah's Asian, Pacific Islander and other ethnic groups also lacking specific places to bury their dead. 

SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES
New Mexico Patriot Frequently Asked Questions
Petra Jimenez Maes, New Mexico Chief Judge
National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque
La Herencia
Sacramental Records of Gallup, NM 1777-1920
Edward James Olmos, to appear, February 8th
Colorado Marriages and Divorces
Colorado State Census Information, 1870
Conquistadors of New Mexico
Genetic Disorder, only in New Mexico
Mission 2000

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail 
Mexican History Microforms, Univ. of Arizona

New Mexico Patriot Frequently Asked Questions
http://home.attbi.com/~virginia.sanchez/patriotfaq.htm#questions 

[[Kudos to Virginia Sanchez for mounting a website to assist the descendants of New Mexico Patriots in tracing their heritage back to their involvement in the American Revolution. She has created the links and resources for a successful pursuit of that goal.  Here is the very latest information, last updated January 28, 2003. Go to the site for all the answers to the following questions, and much, much more.]]   

QUESTIONS:
How did New Mexico's colonial soldiers and alcalde mayores aid the cause of the American Revolution?
Why would I want to become a member of the SAR or the DAR?
Which soldiers or alcalde mayores can be recognized?
What about the Pueblo Indians and Spanish colonists, didn't they contribute?
What are the guidelines? Who is eligible to apply for membership?
What if I only want to honor my patriot and not be an active member at this time. Can I join but not belong to a chapter?
How can I get an application?

Background on the web-mistress: Virginia Sánchez is a historical researcher of New Mexico colonial genealogy. She has been working on her family lines for 15 years. She has published family histories, which are cataloged in libraries in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming; and several genealogical articles. She has presented her historical and genealogical findings to societies such as the New Mexico Historical Society, the Hispanic Genealogical Research Center of New Mexico, the National Society of Hispanic Genealogy, and the Genealogical Society of Hispanic America. She has a Master's degree in Technical Communication from the University of Colorado at Denver. Her membership to the Daughters of the American Revolution was approved on July 2, 2002 in honor of her eighth-great grandfather, New Mexico Colonial Patriot, Soldado de Cuera Antonio Xavier Madrid.


Petra Jimenez Maes , New Mexico 1st Woman Hispanic Chief Judge

        SANTA FE, N.M. - Petra Jimenez Maes on Wednesday was named the first Hispanic woman to become chief justice of a state's highest court.  Maes, 55, is the third woman to serve on the state Supreme Court, and the second female chief justice. The first, Pamela Minzner, was chosen in 1999.
        Maes, a four-year veteran of New Mexico's Supreme Court, was elected by her colleagues. She will be sworn in Friday."It's just such an honor for me, and also for all of New Mexicans and especially the Hispanic women," Maes said after a speech in Albuquerque. In New Mexico, the five elected justices select a chief every two years. Typically they rotate the job, giving it to the most senior justice who has not yet held it; this year that was Maes.  
        New Mexico is also the only state in which Hispanic men have been chief justices, according to Hispanic National Bar Association. Outgoing Chief Justice Patricio Serna was at least the fifth since New Mexico became a state in 1912. 

Source:  HispanicOnline.com, 1-8-01   On the Net: http://www.supremecourt.nm.org


National Hispanic Cultural Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Noticias para Los Californianos, Vol. XXXV, January 2003
Sent By Felix Medina, #756

        Felix Medina visited his sister in Albuquerque last summer. They visited the new National Hispanic Cultural Center there. They were very impressed. Felix sent me several pamphlets and suggested this would be a good topic for Noticias.
        Ten years were spent raising money to build the center. It is at the hub of a developing national culture network, supporting, showcasing, and creating the visual, performing, literary, and culinary arts. It presents and preserves America’s cultural roots, heritage and vitality. It has built an infrastructure of support and outreach in the United States and internationally. The Center has formed partnerships with school districts in New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, and Boston. Partnerships have been formed with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Fine Art Museum, the Chicago Art institute, the Smithsonian, Ballet Hispanico, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
        The National Hispanic Cultural Center has an exceptional art museum, research center, library, lecture hall, gift shop, and restaurant. Opened in 2000, the Center will be substantially completed by 2004.
        Felix reported that New York City has sent two fifty-foot beams from the World Trade Center that will be used for the new bell tower. It was a very touching, emotional experience to see them.
        The art museum showcases changing exhibitions and a growing Hispanic art collection in expansive galleries and a sculpture court yard.The library and genealogy center focus on collecting and preserving Hispanic literature and family histories.
        The performing arts complex, opening in 2003, will host dance, musical, and theatrical performances. Current programming includes events in the lecture hall, multipurpose room, and outdoor plazas and patios.
        Two organizations from Spain provide services and programs in Spanish. The Cervantes Institute offers Spanish classes and organizes cultural events. The Spanish Resource Center houses a library with materials about Spanish language and culture, and facilitates programs for educators and students. 
        Hours: Art Museum Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. –5 p.m Library Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5p.m. Admission adults $3, seniors $2, school groups, children under 15 free. http://www.NHCCNM.org


La Herencia
  http://www.herencia.com/

Includes: The Land Grant Legacy, Genealogy, Crypto Jews, History, Literature, Spanish Editorial 
Remedios, Recetas, Folklore and more...
Volumes I-XXXII Now Available on CD-ROM
FREE With a Two-Year Subscription for Only $34.99
The CD-ROM features a search engine and complete volume index. 
                                                                                                    Sent by Rob Rios  riosr@lib.uci.edu


Guide to the Microfilm of the 
Sacramental Records of the Diocese of Gallup, 1777-1920
by Francisco Sisneros
http://www.nmgs.org/artGallup.htm#AZparishes


Edward James Olmos, Latin American Educational Foundation

DenverHispanic.Com    (
Formerly The Greater Denver Hispanic Guide)
http://www.denverhispanic.com/
        Emmy Award-winning actor Edward James Olmos will be among the stars who shine during the Latin American Educational Foundation's (LAEF) Gala 2003, where he will be presented with the Sol Trujillo National Leadership Award for his numerous efforts on behalf of children and Latinos worldwide.
        Grammy Award-winning recording stars Jose Feliciano and Jon Secada will headline the event, set for 5:30 p.m. - midnight, Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Adams Mark Hotel Denver. Latin funnyman Chris "Crazy Legs" Fonseca will also be among the evening's entertainment. Time and time again, the Emmy Award-winning Olmos has used his celebrity status to promote diversity and raise awareness for various humanitarian efforts--particularly those focusing on the needs and rights of children.
        Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Olmos serves as the executive director for the "Lives In Hazard Educational Project," a national gang prevention program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice. Thru the program, he annually makes more than 150 personal appearances in venues where he can reach at-risk youth: juvenile halls, detention centers, boys and girls clubs, and schools nationwide. He also serves as the U.S. Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. 
        Olmos also promotes Latino culture. In 1999, he launched a nationwide multimedia project called Americanos: Latino Life in the United States, a cultural celebration via photography, film and music. Designed to inspire pride and to build bridges among Latinos and others, Americanos includes a five-year traveling photography exhibition organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives; a music CD featuring Latino artists; an HBO documentary; and a widely-popular book of essays, photos, and commentary by today's most notable figures.
        Currently starring in the PBS-drama American Family, Olmos also is a multi-talented performer, director and producer. The actor first won acclaim on stage for his Tony Award-nominating performance in the musical play, Zoot Suit. Small screen success soon followed, as he earned both Emmy and Golden Globe awards in the mid-1980s for his portrayal of Lt. Martin Castillo on the popular television series, Miami Vice.
        And while Olmos' television honors solidified his reputation as a solid actor, it was his work on the big screen that led to wider acceptance among audiences. In 1988, Olmos received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of eccentric math teacher Jaime Escalante, in Stand and Deliver. His more notable feature-film credits include: American Me, The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez, Blade Runner, My Family/Mi Familia, Selena, Wolfen and 12 Angry Men.
        The organization's annual fundraiser is among the state's most prestigious benefiting Hispanic education. Over the past two years, LAEF has used the event to raise more than $1.7 million. A limited number of corporate tables and individual seats remain available. For more information on the LAEF 2003 Gala, call 303-446-0541.
                                                                                                              
Sent by Margaret Cepeda

Colorado Marriages and Divorces Search

http://www.quickinfo.net/madi/comadi.html

Search on all marriages (from 1975 through October 2002) and divorces 
(from 1968 through October 2002) in the state of Colorado.                         
Sent by Johanna de Soto

Colorado 1870 Census Information 


Type of County Information Recorded 
Population of Counties
Map of Counties in 1870
Information Indexed 
Name Index

Type of Citizen Information Recorded in 1870 Census
Name, Age, Race and Gender of individuals in household 
Professional Status/Title 
Value of Real Estate and Personal Property 
Birthplace 
Parents Birthplace 
Month Born in Census Year (only in the year of the census) 
Month Married (only in the year of the census) 
School Attendance (only in the year of the census) 
Male Citizen Over 21 and Voting Status 
Whether a Pauper or Convict 

Colorado Population in 1860: 34,277
Colorado Population in 1870: 39,864   http://www.archives.state.co.us/1870/index.htm
Colorado Population in 1870 by County
Arapahoe 6,829 
Bent 592 
Boulder 1,939 
Clear Creek 1,596 
Conejos 2,504 
Costilla 1,779 
Douglas 1,388 
Elbert 510 
El Paso 987 
Fremont 1,064 
Gilpin 5,490 
Huerfano 2,250 
Jefferson 2,390 
Lake 522 
Larimer 838 
Las Animas 4,276 
Park 447 
Pueblo 2,265 
Saguache 304 
Summit 258 
Weld 1,636 
                                                                                                         Sent by Johanna de Soto

Conquistadors of New Mexico

by 
Ron Roman

Of the approximately 210 conquistadors brought to New Mexico in 1598 and 1600 by Juan Onate, most of the soldiers returned to New Spain in November of 1601. Some died at the battle of Acoma in December 1598, and some were executed for desertion or other crimes. 

However, at least 27 soldiers had descendents who remained in New Mexico and are the grandfathers of the present day Hispanic population of New Mexico. 

The descendants of these 27 conquistadors have been compiled into 27 volumes each containing a Genealogy Report, Kinship Report and Family Tree. The genealogy report includes (if available) of the known descendants date and location of births, names of spouse, date and location of marriages, date of deaths and census listings of each individual. As an example, the volume for Juan Griego consists of just over 2100 pages covering 12 generations, 8000 names of descendents and their spouses and over 9000 citations. Descendants living in the Rio Grand valley from Taos to Socorro county have been included. Reports on the following conquistadors have been compiled: 
Asencio de ARECHULETA 
Diego BLANDIN 
Francisco CADIMO 
Juan de Vicotora CARVAJAL 
Francisco GOMEZ 
Hernando de HINOJOS 
Avaro Garcia HOLGADO 
Pedro Gomez DURAN(DURAN Y CHAVES) 
Juan GRIEGO 
Juan de HERRERA 
Juan Lopez HOLGUIN 
Geronimo MARQUEZ 
Alonzo MARTIN BARBA 
Hernan MARTIN SERRANO 
Bartolome de MONTOYA 
Juan de PEDRAZA 
Juan PEREZ DE BUSTILLO 
Pedro ROBLEDO 
Sebastian RODRIGUEZ DE SALAZAR 
Bartolome ROMERO 
Juan RUIZ CACEREA 
Pedro SANCHEZ DE MONROY 
Cristobal VACA 
Blas de VALENCIA(VALDIVIA) 
Alonso VARELA 
Pedro VARELA 
Francisco VASQUEZ

In one New Mexico family tree studied all 27 conquistadors appear as ancestral grandfathers for a total of 540 times as a result of numerous cousin/cousin marriages in the family. Typically, it has been found that if one of Onate's conquistadors appears in a family tree then there is a very high probability that many others will also be in the family tree. In addition, if a family tree can be traced to the early 1800s in New Mexico there is a high probability that there will be conquistadors in the family tree.

For more information on the contents of each of the 27 volumes, e-mail ronroman@aol.com with "Conquistadors" in the subject line. These reports are in ADOBE Acrobat "pdf" format and can be supplied either by e-mail or on CDs. Cost for a CD including shipping and handling is $25.00 per volume. Cost for e-mail delivery is $20.00 per volume
>>


Extract from article: Disorder Seen Only in N.M. 
Albuquerque Journal - 1-2-03  

        Even before Elena Rivera was born, her mother wondered if something might be wrong. The baby wasn't moving much, and the midwife said she felt small. Elena has spent almost seven of her 10 months in hospitals. She was born with a genetic disorder that has not been seen anywhere but New Mexico, where it has been detected in five Hispanic children in the last decade.
        Dr. Carol Clericuzio, clinical geneticist with the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, said the first baby with similar genetic problems came to her attention in 1992. Since then, she has found four other children, all born in the Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico, who match the description.
        At this point, doctors don't know what is causing the problems. All they can do is describe what they see. The babies are born small. Although Elena was born only two weeks before her due date, she was 4 pounds, 2 ounces, according to Andrea Rivera. "These babies don't grow well," Clericuzio said. They tend to have bladder infections and poorly functioning kidneys. In general, they are frail and suffer a number of health problems, she said.
        Their appearance is distinctive, too, with full cheeks overwhelming their smaller facial features, no hair and very pale skin, Clericuzio said. "They all look exactly alike," she said, explaining that the babies with the syndrome look more like each other than they do their own brothers or sisters.
        "We studied the metabolism of a number of the children. We looked at their amino acids. We can't find anything treatable," she said. The deaths of two children with this syndrome have been attributed to kidney failure, although the autopsy of the other did not reveal any specific cause of death.
        Clericuzio said she expects she will write a paper for a genetics journal describing the five cases. It's not unusual, she added, for rare genetic disorders to be discovered. Other genetic disorders have been found in New Mexico's Hispanic population, she said, that can be attributed to a "founder's effect." They may stem from disorders that were present among the original Spanish settlers in the area and were preserved in the relatively isolated population.

Copyright 2002 Albuquerque Journal  HispanicOnline.com

Mission 2000
   http://www.nps.gov/tuma/M2000.html

        Mission 2000 is a searchable database of Spanish mission records of the Pimería Alta (southern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico) containing baptisms, marriages, and burials from the late seventeenth century to the mid-nineteenth century. Names of persons associated with each event (i.e., priest, baptized, parents, godparents, husband, wife, witnesses, deceased, etc.) and personal information about each person are included. The ethnicity of names include O’odham, Yaqui, Apache, Seri, Opata, Yuma, Mexican, Spanish, Basque, Catalán, Gallego, Andalusian, Valencian, German, Swiss, Austrian, Bohemian, Italian, and others. Mission 2000 presently contains more than 6500 events and over 16,500 names of people and their known personal information. It is an on-going project taken from the original mission records and updated weekly on the Internet. A majority of the present information comes from the Guevavi, Tumacácori, Cocóspera and Suamca Mission registers and the Tubac Presidio register, but watch for more information in the future from Arizpe, Átil, Bisanig, Caborca, Cieneguilla, Cucurpe, Cocóspera, Horcasitas, Magdalena, Oquitoa, Pitiquito, San Ignacio, Santa Ana, and Tubutama. 
        The search is based on names in the database. If you do not find what you are interested in, try a different spelling, or type only the first few letters of the name. Since ancient spellings varied greatly, a partial spelling will list all entries with those particular letters. Each person listed in the results will have a Personal ID Number shown in blue. Click on the number of the person you are interested in to see his or her specific personal information. Included with the personal information will be a listing of all Event ID Numbers, shown in blue, with which that person is associated. Click on any of those numbers for a display of information concerning that particular event.
                                                                                                           Sent by Johanna de Soto

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail Website

http://www.therapure.com/anza-trail/anzaintr.htm#anchor737492

On the eve of the American Revolution, the Spanish sought to control the Pacific coast of today's United States against British and Russian incursions. Juan Bautista de Anza, a third-generation frontier soldier of New Spain, shepherded 198 emigrants and their escorts and 1,000 head of livestock on the first overland colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico into Alta, or Upper, California. This expedition led to the founding of the Presidio of San Francisco and missions San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores) and Santa Clara de Asís.  Anza's expedition and the route it established are commemorated by the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.

Background
By the 1770s, the Spanish had been in the New World for 200 years. Their empire included the present-day western states, Florida, and the Philippine Islands. Still, they needed to secure the Pacific coast from Russian and English influence. Expedition led by Gaspar de Portolá in 1769 created only small settlements in Alta California. By 1773, there were two presidios and five missions, but the total Spanish population was about 70. Settlement and supply of Alta California was difficult: the small ships that could make the arduous sea voyage from San Blas, Mexico, could not carry cattle or many people. The land route through Baja, or Lower, California was treacherous, and Baja California itself was too poor to support northern settlement. To ensure possession of Alta California, the Spanish needed a new overland route originating in Sonora. This situation prompted Juan Bautista de Anza, among others, to pursue opening an overland route from Sonora to California. Anza was Captain of the Royal Presidio at Tubac, Sonora (now southern Arizona). In 1774, he proved that an overland route was possible by financing his own successful exploratory trip. Planning to return with emigrants and a herd of livestock, he charted watering spots and pasturage, and established contacts with native tribes along the route.
                                                                                                          Sent by Johanna de Soto

Mexican
History Microforms  at the University of Arizona
http://www.library.arizona.edu/library/teams/sst/his/guide/micro/mexico.html

Unless otherwise noted, microforms (both microfiche and microfilm) are located in the compact shelving on the first floor of the Main Library, and are shelved in numerical order.

Cathedral of Morelia, Mexico

La Antorcha
Micro- film 3501

El Archivo de Hidalgo del Parral, 1631-1821
Micro- film 318

Archivo franciscano, a manuscript collection in the National Library of Mexico (Film reproductions of manuscripts relating to Spanish Sonora (now southern Arizona, Sonora, and Sinaloa) from the Archivo franciscano, a manuscript collection in the National Library of Mexico)
Micro- film 7147

Archivo General de la Nación (Mexico). Catálogo de fichas hemerográficas.
PN4964 .M49 1985

British Foreign Office Records on Mexico; 1920-1948
Micro- film 6417

Confidential U.S. State Department Central Files. Mexico, 1950-1963: Foreign Affairs

  • 1950-1954: Micro- film 7687 and guide
  • 1955-1959: Micro- film 7688 and guide (Decimal numbers 612 & 611.2)
  • 1960- Jan. 1963: Micro- film 7691 and guide (Decimal numbers 612 & 611.2)

Confidential U.S. State Department Central Files. Mexico, 1940-1954: Internal Affairs

  • 1940-1944: Micro- film 7690 and guides
  • 1945-1949: Micro- film 7693 and guides
  • 1950-1954: Micro- film 7698 and guide
  • 1955-1959: Micro- film 7689 and guide
  • 1960-Jan. 1963: Micro- film 7692

Demographic Trends of Mexico: hearing before the subcommittee on Census and Population of the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service; 1986;
CIS Microfiche Accession Numbers: CIS 86 H621-43

Despatches from United States Consuls in: (NOTE: All the GUIDES listed are in Pamphlet format)
Sent by Johanna de Soto

BLACK
Josephine Baker, the Daring Diva 
California African American Genealogical Society
Cuambo, Ecuador
Black Catholics on a Mission
Homes of Color
What's in a Name
In Search of Fatherhood
Slave descendants to file suit in Texas
3 more articles under Orange County, click

                                        
Josephine Baker, the Daring Diva 
                                                                          by 
                                                                Samanatha Levine
                            U.S News & World Report, January 27/February 3, 2002, page 74             

A lavish fur coat made it impossible to tell that Josephine Baker's dress was oddly lumpy as she boarded a train in France on November 23, 1940.  On that day, and many others, the American chanteuse known for dancing in a belt of bananas and little else was using the shield of her diva status to secretly ferry information about German Army forces to French and British intelligence officers.
        As Baker traveled around Europe and the Middle East to entertain troops during World War II, she never failed to tote home at least some scrap of intelligence.  She pinned photographs of German installations to her undergarments and carried sheet music covered with messages in invisible ink detailing moves of the Axis enemies.  She was never stopped or questioned, her adopted son, Jean-Claude Baker, recalled in his biography, Josephine: The Hungry Heart. As she herself once said: "Who would dare search Josephine Baker?"
        Born into poverty in St. Louis, Baker rose to international renown in such productions as La Revue Nègre and the Folies Bergère in Paris.  She later became a French citizen and pledged her life to her adopted homeland as World War II became a dark reality.  The country showered her with adulation as an African-American star, in contrast to the racism she had encountered stateside.  So when the chief of counterintelligence in Paris recruited Baker to become a secret informer, she eagerly served.
        Baker traded on her charms to sidle through military checkpoints and secure prized transit visas for friends, including Spanish Moroccan passports for Jews from Eastern Europe to get them safely to Latin American.
        Dangerous liaisons. Her support of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini's invasion of Ethiopia, a stance she alter regretted, still gave her entree to Italian diplomats.  "She would go to the Embassy of Italy, dressed in a beautiful evening gown for a liaison," says Jean-Claude Baker.  "She would listen . . . They would talk openly about which countries they would be attacking."
       It is hard to say whether the intelligence Baker gathered resulted in lives saved or attacks averted.  But her help was invaluable to the Free French, who were up against the bulldozing Nazi regime.
        Baker enthusiastically took every assignment and came up with some of her own:::  When se was bedridden for months in Morocco, visitors never suspected they were feeding her information machine.  Baker took mental notes as they discussed German intentions toward Morocco, the Free French invasion of Sria, and American probes into North Africa.}
        After the war, General Charles de Gaulle gave Baker the Croix de Guerre and the Medal of the Resistance.  She died in 1975, buried in Monaco to the booms of a 21-gun salute.  


California African American Genealogical Society

P.O Box 8442
Los Angeles, CA 90008-442

General Meetings, 3rd Saturday monthly at 10 am except June and August
Martin Luther King United Methodist church, 6625 4th Ave.  Los Angeles, CA

Are you interested in joining an African American Genealogical Society in the state(s) you are researching.  Each month the newsletter will include a few societies and how to contact them.  Watch for your state in the Heritage Newsletter.

AAHGAS- North Albama, P.O. Box, Normal, Alabama, 35762
AAHGAS- Tucson, 2501 North Goyette, Tucson, AZ 35762
AAHGAS- Arkansas, P.O. Box 4294, Little Rock, Arkansas 72214
Source: CAAGS Heritage Newsletter, January 2003


Cuambo, Ecuador
        Cuambo was founded by slaves from Africa shipwrecked off the coast of Ecuador in the early 1500s.  For years they have been living in Ecuador's highlands, making progress and improving their quality of life, said Luis Espinosa, Benson Institute associate director over Latin America.  However, he added, the  African-Ecuadorian community still needed help with nutrition and food production. The villagers were using contaminated irrigation runoff for drinking water.  In 1996, the villagers presented an official request to their government for help.  
        Michael and Steven Bumstead and their wives visited Cuambo and learned of the village's need for clean water. Through the BYU Ezra Taft Benson, the Bumsteads donated the funds to build a system designed by the Benson Agriculture and Food Institute. Under the direction of the Institute,   the villagers built the culinary water system themselves, digging 1-meter-deep trenches for a pipeline route and then carrying sand, gravel, cement and concrete forms to a high-mountain spring.
        The system provides potable water to each of the village's 75 homes, with sufficient reserve capacity to accommodate double that number of homes in the future.  "We are confident that the new water system will benefit the villagers of Cuambo for years to come."
Source: Church News, week ending August 10, 2002

Extract:
Black Catholics on a Mission
by Mike Crissey, Associated Press via Orange County Register, 1-19-03
Black Catholics make up 2 million to 3 million of the 62 million Roman Catholics in the United States, according to the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, which is affiliated with Georgetown University. 
        Although there are many saints who are black and from Africa.- they have been largely overshadowed by better-known white saints.  The low profile of black saints may have hurt the church's efforts to bring more blacks into the faith. In October, the Vatican published a list of saints that included Africans.
        "Everyone likes to emulate people and know people of their race who have a list of good deeds," said Beverly Carroll, executive director of the Secretariat for African American Catholics in the United State Conference of Bishops. 
        "It is a sort of a reflection of our times. We are now living in a society that wants to regain the heritage of a people who had the heritage of a people who had their heritage taken away by slavery," said James Cavendish, a Catholic and sociology professor at the university of South Africa. 
       In the Pittsburgh area, heads of churches are trying to raise awareness of black and African saints with special masses, celebrations and other programs.  In Philadelphia, the archdiocese celebrates a Mass in November for St. Martin de Porres, the first black Dominican priest and first black saint in the Western Hemisphere.

Extract:
Homes of Color 
by Wendy Fox, The Boston Globe, via Orange County Register, 1-18-03  
         A glossy magazine, full of photographs, very high end, with stories on African-American architects, designers and well-to-do homeowners with beautiful furnishings. Editor Corriece Gwynn says, "We're trying to show how we live," she said.  "Nobody else is doing this. You'll get the proverbial pieces in African-American magazines, where they talk about the home of movie stars.  We will have celebrities, but our focus is everyday "African Americans. We're planning on doing smaller, homes, row homes, apartments, lofts.  We're planning on doing rural homes, and one of the biggest things we're planning on doing is historical properties. 
        "When you think of African Americans, you don't think of someone well-educated, living in a nice suburban hoe, or someone well-educated living in a nice urban environment environment with disposable income to spend to send their children to private school.  We're overlooked."
        Gwynn sites Census Bureau statistics: the home ownership rate among African Americans is 47%; 51% of married African-American couples have incomes of $50,000 or more;
17% of African Americans have bachelor degrees;
1 million African-Americans have advanced degrees;
25% of African-Americans women work in managerial and professional positions
18% of African-American men work in managerial and professional positions
        For subscription information, call 301-352-7697 http://www.homesofcolor.net

What's in a Name

Joel Mowbray, National Review, column in the Orange County Register, January 20, 2003
Reflecting on King's Holiday

For those who actually needed a reminder that racism is alive and well, researchers at the University of Chicago and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology released a study high light the hurdles blacks still face in getting a job - or al least those with "black" names.
        The professors sent out 5,000 resumes to companies with classified ads listed in the Chicago Tribune and Boston globe, and the only variable in the controlled experiment was the first names used.  Relying on birth certificate records, researchers selected "black" first names such as Tamika, Ebony, Rasheed and Tyrone, and "white" names such as Neil, Greg, Emily and Jill.
        The results"  It paid to have a "white" name.  Resumes with "white" first names got one response for every 10 sent out, whereas ones with "black" names received one reply for every 15 handed in - meaning that "white resumes were 50 percent more likely to elicit a response from a potential employer.

IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD

The International Conversation on Fatherhood will heat up with the release of the January/February/March 2003 - "The Souls of Fathers" issue of IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R) Forum For and About the Fathers of the World on 1 February 2003. This issue marks the return of The Fatherhood Roundtable which features an in depth interview with an incarcerated Man who is a Father. You'll get to meet two Men who are Fathers -- Gary Johnson, an entrepreneur from Temple Hills, Maryland and Martin G. "Mike" Ramey, a controversial syndicated columnist and award-winning journalist from Indianapolis, Indiana share with us their thoughts and views on issues directly and indirectly related to Fatherhood. Dale Fraza shares a delightful story with us in "A Funny Thing Happened To Me On The Way To Becoming A House Husband." Howard University Professor Stephen Baskerville talks about the "Politics of Children" while best selling author Warren Farrell, Ph.D. who has been called the "Gloria Steinem of the Men's Movement" will talk about "Our Sons ... Our Schools". Cheryl Norris Sanders explores the benefits and joys of building a father/daughter relationship. Regina Nicholson tells us why it's critical that we get gender discrimination out of the courts. You'll get a double dose of straight talK from Martin G. "Mike" Ramey when you read his article, "Woman, Teach Thy Sister!" And Mike Jones explains why it's time to be heard and to "return and rebuild."

D.A. Sears, Managing Editor bsi@netreach.net
IN SEARCH OF FATHERHOOD(R)
Forum For and About the Fathers of the World  http://www.bsi-international.com


Extract:
Slave descendants to file suit in Texas
by R.G. RATCLIFFE
Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau, 1-20-03

AUSTIN -- The descendants of Texas slaves plan to file a class-action federal lawsuit today in Galveston against numerous U.S. corporations, accusing them of profiting from slavery, which the lawsuit defines as a crime against humanity. . 
        "As far as we know, this is the first such lawsuit to be filed in the state of Texas," said NAACP Texas President Gary Bledsoe.  Bledsoe said the case is a reconciliation lawsuit, not a reparations lawsuit. He said a reparations lawsuit seeks payment for individuals while this lawsuit seeks to have a trust fund set up to benefit African-Americans. 
        That trust fund governed by a commission might make payments to individuals, he said, but its main goal will be to promote health care for African-Americans, programs to remove the vestiges of slavery and to promote racial healing. 
        The lawsuit is being filed in Galveston because it was a center of the state's slave trade. It also was where Texas slaves first learned they were free on June 19, 1865. Legal experts at the time said the lawsuit was a long shot because of the amount of time that has passed since the offenses. Also, the slaves most directly impacted by slavery have all died. 
        Reparations cases involving Holocaust survivors and Japanese-Americans interned during World War II were successful in part because the people harmed were still living.  But German corporations hit by lawsuits for their role in the Holocaust settled for billions of dollars in part to avoid unfavorable and continuing publicity. 
        The lawsuit claims J.P. Morgan Chase was behind a consortium that raised money to insure slaves. It says WestPoint Stevens used cotton from Southern planters. And it claims Union Pacific built railroads with slave labor. "We never did benefit from any of the alleged actions," Davis said. "The modern Union Pacific was formed in 1897. That's almost three decades after the Civil War." 
                                                                                                   Source: HispanicOnline.com 1-14-02
INDIGENOUS
"Indigenous Mexico: Past and Present"
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT INDIGENOUS MEXICO?
U.S.-Based Groups Promoting Economy of Central America's Mayan Region 
"Indigenous Mexico: Past and Present"  March 29, 2003

        On the last Saturday of March -- March 29 -- I will give the "Indigenous Mexico: Past and Present" presentation at the Orange Family History Center. This lecture -- sponsored by the Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research -- will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Orange Family History Center, 674 S. Yorba Orange, California, just off the Chapman Onramp of the 55 Freeway.
        This discussion will focus on the major linguistic groups of Mexico, groups at contact, and present-day statistics -- based on historical works and census data from INEGI. The presentation is based on a book that I am writing, with the help of my illustrator friend, Eddie Martinez. The book itself is a very detailed and complex work, discussing the indigenous people of all the Mexican states and DF.
        It is a two-year effort and Eddie is an excellent map maker and graphics artist, who is doing the maps for each state. The University of Arizona Press has expressed an interest in seeing the finished product.
        If you would like to attend this presentation, you are most welcome. I will make a point of discussing several states, such as Chihuahua and Jalisco, as well as discussing the big picture and the prevalence of the Uto-Aztecan linguistic group. Below is a taste of what the presentation is about. Some questions and answers below will give an idea of the lecture content:

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT INDIGENOUS MEXICO?
By John P. Schmal

1. How many people in Mexico speak indigenous languages today?

In the 2000 census, 6,044,547 persons five years of age and older spoke indigenous languages in all of Mexico. Another 1,233,455 persons between the ages of 0 and 4 live in a household of an indigenous speaking head of household. In addition, there are 1,103,312 persons living in Mexico who are considered of indigenous origin but do not speak an indigenous languages. Thus, we can say that 8,381,314 people in Mexico are considered to be indigenous out of a total population of 97,483,412, representing 8.6% of the total population. This figure does not count the large majority of the Mexican people who have mixed origins (Spanish, Indigenous and other ethnic groups).

By comparison, in 1930, 2,251,086 people over the age of 5 spoke indigenous languages. This represented 16.03% of Mexico's total population five years and over (14,042,201). This figure has been dropping gradually. By 1960, Mexico boasted a total of 3,030,254 indigenous speakers, who then represented 10.4% of the Mexican Republic's population five years of age and older (29,146,382).

2. What are the most widely spoken languages of Mexico?

In the year 2000, 1,448,936 persons 5 years of age and older spoke the Náhuatl language. They represented an enormous 23.97% of Mexico's total indigenous-speaking population. The next most common languages of Mexico are:

2. Maya (800,291 speakers) 13.24%
3. Mixteco (437,873) 7.25%
4. Zapoteco (421,796) 6.98%
5. Tzotzil (297,561) 4.92% 
6. Otomí (291,722) 4.83%

By comparison, 649,853 persons spoke Náhuatl at the time of the 1895 census, representing 32.17% of the total indigenous-speaking population of Mexico. The Mayan language followed with 249,929 speakers (12.37%), with Zapoteco in third place with 229,911 speakers (11.38%).

3. What states have the largest number of indigenous people in all of Mexico?

According to the 2000 census, the state of Yucatán had 549,532 indigenous speakers five years of age and older, a figure that represented 37.32% of its total population. So, Yucatán has the highest percentage of indigenous speakers. However, Oaxaca - with 1,120,312 indigenous speakers in the 2000 census - has the greatest number of indigenous people, who represent 37.11% of the state's total population.

Chiapas, with 809,592 indigenous speakers - or 24.62% - is the state that possesses the third largest percent of indigenous speakers. Hidalgo follows with 17.22%, and Campeche with 15.45%.

By comparison, in 1930, the indigenous speaking population of Yucatán made up 72.25% of the state's total population. Oaxaca's indigenous peoples, by comparison, made up 56.40% of the state population in the same year, followed by Campeche (43.65%), Quintana Roo (40.60%) and Hidalgo (33.62%).

4. What are the most widely spoken languages in Baja California Norte?

In the 2000 census, the population of Baja California Norte had only 37,685 indigenous languages speakers who were 5 years of age or more. This small group constituted only 1.52% of Baja California's total population of 2,487,367.

The most widely spoken languages of this number were the Mixteco, Zapoteco, Náhuatl, and Purépecha.


5. Does that mean that Mixteco, Zapoteco, Náhuatl and Purépecha are languages that are indigenous to Baja?

No, definitely not. Most of the original aboriginal population of Baja California - both north and south - is nearly extinct and some tribes have disappeared completely. The Mixteco and Zapoteco speakers come from Oaxaca, the Náhuatl from many parts of Mexico, and the Purépecha is mainly from Michoacán. Baja California is a center of attraction for migrant labor from Oaxaca and other southern Mexican states and this explains their presence in Baja.

6. How many people living in Chihuahua speak indigenous languages?

84,086 persons five years of age and older speak indigenous languages. They represent only 3.21% of Chihuahua's total population aged five and older (2,621,057).

7. What are the most common languages spoken in Chihuahua?

The most widely spoken languages of Chihuahua are: the Tarahumara (70,842 speakers), Tepehuán (6,178), Náhuatl (1,011), Guarijio (917), Mazahua (740), Mixteco (603), Pima (346) and Chinanteco (301). Of these groups, the Tarahumara and Tepehuán, Guarijio, and Pima are aboriginal languages within the borders of present day Chihuahua. The rest are the results of migrant labor from other states.

8. What were the names of the indigenous peoples who occupied Jalisco in the 1520s when Nuño de Guzmán and other Spanish explorers entered the area?

The indigenous people of Jalisco may have spoke as many as 60 or 70 languages in the 1520s, but the primary linguistic groups were: Bapames, Caxcanes, Coras, Cocas, Guachichiles, Cuyutecos (a Nahua language), Huicholes, Otomíes, Pinomes, Purépecha, Tecuexes, Tepehuanes, and Tecos. Almost all of these groups are culturally extinct and no traces of their original languages remain. By the time of the 2000 census, 39,259 people living in Jalisco were still speaking indigenous languages, a mere 0.71% of the total population of Jalisco. The largest indigenous groups in Jalisco today are the Huicholes (10,976 speakers), Náhuatl (6,714), Purépecha (3,074), Mixteco (1,471), Otomí (1,193), and Zapoteco (1,061). The Mixteco and Zapoteco are migrant languages from Oaxaca.


9. What is the most widely spoken language in Michoacán de Ocampo? A total of 121,849 persons in Michoacán five years of age and over speak indigenous languages, representing 3.5% of the total population five years and over. The primary language spoken is the Purépecha languages, with a total of 109,361 persons. The Purépecha are sometimes called Tarascan by some Americans, but Purépecha is the name which these people call themselves, and the term Tarascan actually has a derogatory implication.

These questions and many more will be answered and discussed at my "Indigenous Mexico: Past and Present" Presentation. On Saturday, March 29, 2003, I will give a lecture, detailing the major linguistic divisions of Mexico, certain statistics involving the present-day indigenous groups in Mexico. However, I will also discuss the Indian tribes that inhabited such states as Jalisco, Sinaloa, Sonora and Oaxaca at the time of contact (Early Sixteenth Century)

If you have an interest in knowing more about the indigenous groups of Mexico at contact and in the present day, we hope that you will be able to attend this presentation.

Primary Sources:

Flores, José Ramirez, Lenguas Indígenas de Jalisco (Guadalajara, 1980).

INEGI, Estados Unidos Mexicanos. XII Censo General de Población y Vivienda, 2000, Tabulados Básicos y por Entidad Federativa. Bases de Datos y Tabulados de la Muestra Censal (Mexico: 2002).

INEGI, Estadisticas Historicas de Mexico, Tomo I (Districto Federal, 1994).

INEGI, Jalisco: Hablantes de Lengua Indígena: Perfil Sociodemografico (1996).

Secretaria de la Economia Nacional, Annuario Estadistico de Los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, 1941 (Mexico, 1943)

Thank you.  John Schmal

U.S.-Based Groups Promoting Economy of Central America's Mayan Region 
(New alliance to help Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico)
By Eric Green, Washington File Staff Writer, 22 January 2003 
http://www.hispanicvista.com/html2/012703mn.htm

Washington -- Three Washington-based groups will work together to promote tourism and sustainable development in the ancestral region of the Mayan people, which includes Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and southern Mexico. The new "Mundo Maya Sustainable Development Tourism Program" will preserve and showcase the Mayan heritage in the 500,000-square-kilometer region where some five million descendants of the ancient Mayan civilization now live.
        The new program was announced by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), at whose headquarters the three groups -- the National Geographic Society, Conservation International, and Counterpart International -- signed a memorandum of understanding January 16 to form the Mundo Maya alliance.  The IDB is financing preparation of the program, which will be carried out by the Guatemala-based Mundo Maya Organization. That organization was created in 1992 with the mission to promote the sustainable tourism development of the Maya region, and to help preserve its cultural heritage and environment for future generations.
        The IDB said a $150-million investment plan includes projects in archaeological restoration, development of parks and protected areas, tourism and social infrastructure, tourist micro-enterprises, and streamlining border crossings. From about the third to the ninth century A.D., Mayan civilization produced fabled temples and pyramids, highly accurate calendars, mathematics, and hieroglyphic writing.
        The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in its efforts to aid Central American countries such as Guatemala, seeks to provide opportunities and resources to enable Mayan people and war-affected communities to participate fully in democratic life. USAID said the Mayans are often isolated socially, economically, and politically due to geographic and language barriers as well as from the lack of educational and economic opportunity. In Guatemala, USAID support for the Mayans includes, for example, narrowing the disparity in health care between rural Mayan families and the rest of the country.
        IDB President Enrique Iglesias said the Mundo Maya program will enlist the participation of local communities, which will ensure "sustained management and environmental conservation" of the region, as well as "development of alternative sources of income." The National Geographic said it is "gratified" to now have the opportunity to realize its vision of a route that would link great Mayan sites, while Conservation International said it looks forward to supporting "responsible tourism that helps to protect nature and brings tangible benefits to local peoples."
        For its part, Counterpart International said the agreement recognizes the huge value of tourism as a development and anti-poverty tool.  "In coming to pay tribute to the ancient Mayan empire, today's tourists will be making a contribution to the development of the modern heirs to that glorious heritage," said a Counterpart spokesman. Counterpart International focuses on strengthening the ability of governments, communities and non-governmental groups to identify and meet development needs in an environmentally sustained manner.

(The Washington File is a product of the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
TEXAS 
Joseph Gonzales Memorial
Restoring Churches, Rekindles Faith
Canary Islanders to Bejar 
Mission Concepción
Saltillo Cathedral Exhibit
Judge Denies Balli Family's Claim
Basilica in need of restoration
The New Handbook of Texas
HOGAR of  Dallas
Joseph de Urrutia, 1678-1741
Cousins Helping Cousins
A Historic View of the Past: Laredo
The Streets of Laredo
Foundation of the Colony of Nuevo Santander
Two Longoria Family website
Almo de Parras
Dr. Jerry Thompson
The Confederate Army
14th Confederate Cavalry
Galvez Contingent Louisiana Regiment
Galveston Immigration Database


Joseph Gonzales Memorial

This is a photo taken by Rick Andrews at the memorial service November 30,2002.  For those of you who do not know, Rick Andrews (third from the left) is the great-great grandson of Capt. Joe Gonzales. He lives in Grapevine Texas and contacted me several months ago to honor his ancestor. It was a great success.       Sent by Bill Carmena  JCarm1724@aol.com

Captain Joseph M. Gonzales
Company A, Ogden's New River Rangers
Confederate Army

Joseph M. Gonzales was the grandson of an Isleno soldier who immigrated to Fort Galveztown, Louisiana from the Canary Islands in the 1700s.  He was born in St. Amant on May 28, 1835.  Joseph Gonzales enlisted in the Confederate Army on June 10, 1862 at Clinton, Louisiana.  He was Captain of the New River Rangers.  2nd Lt. John Alfred Gonzales, his brother, was also a member of the unit.  The New River Rangers were attached to numerous Confederate military organizations, and their company, battalion, and regimental designations changed with reassignments.  The unit's designations and associations included: 1st Louisiana Regiment, later known as the 9th Battalion Partisan Rangers, Co. B of Cage's Battalion, erroneously known as the 10th Louisiana Cavalry, Co. D of the 14th Confederate Cavalry, and finally Company A of Ogden's Louisiana Regiment.  The unit never lost the title of New River Rangers.

The New River Rangers engaged Federal forces in dozens of skirmishes.  They fought at Denham Springs, Louisiana and Benton's Ferry, Louisiana.  They harassed the rear outpost of General Nathan P. Bank's Union Army as they laid siege to Port Hudson.  Fred Ogden took command of the New River Rangers in March of 1864.  On June 3, 1864, they encountered a Federal force six times their own strength commanded by Benjamin Grierson, and they forced them back to Baton Rouge.  They fought around Jackson, Mississippi from July 5, 1864 until July 7, 1864.  Again on August 14, 1864, they encountered another Federal force at Jackson, and they made them withdraw.  One account detailed how 75 selected rangers ambushed over 2,000 Federal troops and drove them back to Baton Rouge.  While the New River Rangers were attached to the 14th Confederate Cavalry as Co. D under Generals S. D. Lee and Nathan Bedford Forrest  at Pontotoc, the 14th was cited for gallantry.  General Lee wrote of the battle that "I have been on many battlefields during the four years, but I have never seen greater gallantry or tenacity of purpose than was shown by the troop of the brigades of Rucker, Marby (the 14th), Bell and Crossland, and the batteries of Rice."  He said, "I will always esteem it an honor to have personally commanded such heroes."   

Joseph "Big Joe" Gonzales was surrendered by General Richard Taylor at Meridian, Mississippi, and he was  paroled on May 12, 1865 at Gainesville, Alabama.  He returned home after the war.  He became the Sheriff of Ascension Parish in 1867 in spite of the fact that Confederate officers were prohibited from holding public office during Reconstruction.  The Village of Gonzales, Louisiana was founded by one of his fourteen children, Joseph Stonewall Gonzales.  Captain Gonzales died on December 21, 1897, and he was buried in this village at the Cornerview Catholic Cemetery.  

R. A. Andrews
Great-great-grandson
Grapevine, Texas

CLICK TO RETURN TO OTHER SOLDIERS' STORIES

Restoring Churches, Rekindling His Faith  By KATE MURPHY   

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/14/arts/design/14CHUR.html
UBINA, Tex. — As the one who brushes the blush on the Virgin Mary's cheeks and gilds the lilies on St. Joseph's staff, Eduardo Esparza is catching his breath between busy seasons. "Christmas and Easter are when the priests really want them looking their best," he said of the brightly painted wooden statues dating back to 1876 that decorate SS. Cyril and Methodius Roman Catholic Church here. A former hairdresser, Mr. Esparza has recaptured his faith, he said, through restoring the exuberantly painted decorations and murals of churches in central and south Texas.
        A self-proclaimed ecclesiastical artist, Mr. Esparza helps maintain many of the lavishly decorated and somewhat campy Texas churches built by communities of Czech, German and Hispanic immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
        "The state is unique in the wide variety of decorative churches that exist," said the Rev. Alan Oakes, associate pastor of St. Austin Catholic Parish in Austin and executive producer of a 2001 PBS documentary, "The Painted Churches of Texas." Boisterously baroque, these predominantly Roman Catholic churches may seem tacky and garish to the uninitiated, Father Oakes said. "I've had people from the East Coast walk in and say: `Aack! You're hurting my eyes.' "
In Cuero, Tex., a few oak groves and cattle ranches away from Dubina (and 85 miles southeast of San Antonio), Mr. Esparza flipped on the lights in St. Michael's Catholic Church, built around 1930. "Check this out!" he cried as he ran excitedly up to the high altar. "That's St. Michael slaying the dragon," he said of a grim-faced figure atop a bright green lizard in its death throes. "I tried to capture the intense emotions," he said, proud of the undeniably passionate expressions on both saint and reptile.
        Sweeping his hand around to indicate the myriad statues, monograms and symbols he recently repaired and retouched, he said: "Do you see? Walking in here, it preaches to you even if there's nobody in the pulpit."
        Texas's painted churches often have elaborate stenciling and busy murals of darting cherubs and swirling flora. "These were poor immigrants trying to mimic the grand churches of their homelands," Father Oakes said. "They used a hodgepodge of architectural styles and used paint to simulate rich materials like marble and precious metals." They loved statues, and "they wanted all the saints in there praying with them," he added.
        Mr. Esparza started his business restoring the art in these unusual churches in 1994 after a 20-year career as a hairdresser in Austin. Known back then as Fast Eddie, he had clients like the golfer Lee Trevino; Bob Denver, who played Gilligan on the television series "Gilligan's Island"; and John Connally, the former Texas governor. Now 53, Mr. Esparza said he sold his chain of three hair salons because he was not happy. "I was living a little too fast, you know what I mean?" he said. "And it was all make-believe stuff — your hair, how you look."In an effort to change, he turned to church restoration. Even when he was a wayward hairdresser, Mr. Esparza painted religious art. His salons were decorated with the mystical images of Mary and Jesus that he started painting while attending Catholic grade school. Religious publishers printed some of his works on prayer cards and sold them in Catholic bookstores.
        Mr. Esparza has also helped his older brother, Genaro, do metal work for churches, like restoring tabernacles and chalices. During those jobs, Mr. Esparza would sometimes offer to touch up the church's crucifix or maybe replace the gold leaf that had worn off Mary's halo.
"That's how the whole thing got started," Mr. Esparza said of Sacrada Familia, his Austin-based ecclesiastical restoration and design business. His commissions come mainly by word of mouth, and he has specifically sought jobs restoring the richly painted churches in the south and central parts of Texas. "Those churches are forgotten treasures," he said. "I want to be a link with the past, to restore them and to do something that is everlasting."
        Ernesto Hernandez, director of the 1907 Chapel of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, where Mr. Esparza has restored wall paintings and sculpture, said, "He's like this spiritual Don Quixote, traveling dusty country roads, taking care of old chapels." Mr. Esparza is hired despite his lack of formal training. "I study a lot and call museums and universities to get their opinion," he said.
        Though the Texas Historical Commission works only with degreed conservators on its projects, the agency's director of architecture, Stanley O. Graves, said: "There's a validity in continuing the folk art tradition in those old churches. I see no reason why they shouldn't be maintained by individuals in the community if they read up and know what they're doing."
        But Mr. Esparza has a loftier goal than mere historic preservation. "When they see the beauty of the church and 3-D figures looking at them — clutching their chest, giving emotion — maybe they'll see the light," he said. After all, it happened to him.
           Sent by Cindy LoBuglio   Source: New York Times Online  January 14, 2002
Celebration of the arrival of the Canary Islanders to Bejar Commemorative Souvenir Program

We are seeking advertisers to help with the printing costs of a color commemorative program.
Sizes are Half page at 7"x 4 5/8" at $650.00
Quarter page at 3 3/8 x 2 3/1" for $300.00
Eighth page 3 3/8 x 2 3/16" for $150.00

Celebration Program to be distributed at the Re-Enactment of the Founding of the San Fernando Cathedral. commemorating the March 9 1731 arrival of the Canary Islanders to the Presidio de Bejar.

San Antonio's Founding Heritage is an organization dedicated to educating the public on the true facts about the founding of La Villa de San Fernando and ultimately, the San Fernando Cathedral.  SAFH will also write, produce and direct the 3rd Annual Reenactment Play of the arrival of the Canary Islanders to the area.  The play will be on March 9, 2003 after the 10 o'clock mass at the doorstep of the San Fernando Cathedral, the site of the original laying out of the city, the focus of the 2003 event.
 
A long-term goal of SAFH is to change the curriculum in our schools, much like our colleagues in Louisiana have, to reflect the actual events which are not taught in San Antonio schools; that the Canary Islanders crossed an ocean, walked from Vera Cruz, Mexico, withstood assaults by Native American Indians and settled what would become the first recognized Civilian Government of what would become the State of Texas.
 
Please contact: 
Richard A. Contreras  rcontreras@sbcglobal.net
The Art Dept.
210 Adams Street
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 271-7000
Mission Concepción: The Handbook of Texas Online
http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/NN/uqn9.html

Opening Paragraph:  NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA PURÍSIMA CONCEPCIÓN DE ACUÑA MISSION.  was originally established in East Texas in 1716 and moved to its present site in San Antonio in 1731. Concepción is the best preserved Spanish mission in Texas. Its stone church, which was completed in 1755 and has never fallen into ruin, is considered by some historians to be the oldest un-restored church in the United States. Concepción was the second of six Franciscan missions established on both sides of the present Texas-Louisiana border by the Ramón expeditionqv of 1716-17.
Saltillo Cathedral
Starting Friday, 24 Jan 2003, at 7:00 p.m. and for a few weeks thereafter, the traveling exhibit of the Saltillo Cathedral will be on display at the Mexican Cultural Institute in Hemisfair Plaza. For more  information you could call 227-2013. Since many of us have our roots in Saltillo, I thought that you might want to pass this info on to Bexarenos members. There is no charge for viewing the exhibit. The cultural institute's hours are as follows: Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 a.m. -  5 p.m. and on Saturdays, 12 Noon to 5 p.m.  Source: Dan Gomez                               Sent by Walter Herbeck epherbeck@juno.com
Extract:  Judge denies Balli family's claim to Kenedy Ranch Property

By Tim Eaton Caller-Times, January 7, 2003

        A claim to 83,000 acres on the Kenedy Ranch in Kenedy County made by members of the Balli family was denied on Monday by a state judge. Lawyers for 750 descendants of Jose Manuel Balli failed to convince Dallas-based Senior State Court Judge Pat McDowell that they had legitimate evidence to back up their claim to the oil- and natural gas-rich land occupied by the Kenedy Foundation.
       Lawyers for the Ballis have fought for two years with the foundation's lawyers about ownership of the land. Officials at the Kenedy Foundation said that a title in their possession makes them the rightful owners.
        The Ballis' claim is based on an almost-200-year-old document, which they said proves their stake to the land. McDowell wrote in his decision that he was not convinced that the 1804 document is authentic.
        The Balli lawyers also submitted a copy of a 53-year-old lease between the Ballis and the Kenedy Foundation.  But McDowell said that could not be verified. "The location where they were allegedly found and the internal content made them unreliable," he wrote. "No other basis exists for their ultimate consideration by a jury."
        When McDowell said the lease and the 1804 document - which both sides have called "the linchpin" of the Ballis' case -were not admissible, McDowell ruled that all the evidence points to Kenedy Foundation ownership of the land.  The Kenedy Foundation "has established by a mountain of evidence: its chain of title, payment of taxes, claim, use and possession of the property for at least the last 100 years if not longer," McDowell wrote.

For a follow-up on the status of this case, please contact:        
Jose O. Guerra, Jr.  Email joguerra@hispanicgs.com   
Visit my webpage http://www.hispanicgs.com     http://www.olsenguerra.com 
Basilica in need of restoration 
Associated Press 

GALVESTON, Texas (AP) - St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica has survived bullet scars from the Battle of Galveston in 1863 and a 1900 hurricane that wiped out much of the island city, but the long years since it was built have taken more of a toll. 
        Parishioners of the basilica have embarked on a statewide fund-raiser to begin major restoration of the Diocese of Galveston-Houston's birthplace. After more than a century, the basilica is the oldest surviving building in Galveston and is the state's oldest Roman Catholic cathedral. 
"We want to get this church restored back to what it used to be," the Rev. John La Bauve, pastor of St. Mary's, told The Galveston County Daily News in Friday's editions. "This is an important piece of history." 
        After more than a century, walls in the cathedral near graves of Vicar General Louis Claude Marie Chambodut and Bishop Aloysius Gallagher are severely deteriorated. They are puckered and peeling and some of the foundation is exposed. Pieces of the cathedral's foundation can be picked up and carried by hand, officials said. 
        A statue of the Virgin Mother atop the cathedral is also deteriorating and the church towers are in equal disrepair. Leaders worried during recent storms if they would stand the harsh winds and rain. "This is why restoration is so important," La Bauve said. "We can't wait for those towers to fall and then decide to start restoration." 
        Stained-glass windows that tell the story of the Nativity, Resurrection, Ascension and Emmaus are cracked. Pope John Paul II made the church a basilica in 1979, and it remains the only cathedral and basilica in the state. Fifteen other cathedrals were spawned from St. Mary's church. 
        "This is a very special place because of its history," said Deacon John Pistone, who chairs the steering committee that hopes to raise at least $1.5 million for cathedral renovations. Only $20,000 has been raised so far, but committee members hope to have the remainder by next December. 
Pistone said dwindling funds and a focus on Houston might have contributed to the church's deteriorating state. 

Sent by Walter L. Herbeck Jr. epherbeck@juno.com
9215 Locksley, San Antonio, Tx 78254
210-684-9741
HOGAR de DALLAS 

HOGAR de Dallas has the General Members meetings on the 3rd Tuesday during the months of January, March, May, September, and November. Our next meeting is scheduled for January 21, 2003, at Casa View Branch Library in Dallas, Texas. 
        We also publish a newsletter during these same months, approximately 2 or 3 weeks prior to the meeting. We use the newsletter to announce the meeting and to communicate genealogy information and/or activities that HOGAR de Dallas members (and friends) are involved in. Dorina Thomas (our Newsletter Coordinator) has done a great job publishing the newsletter for the past three years. 
        Since the newsletter provides genealogy information, as well as information about our members and friends, I'd like to obtain articles from you out there. Let us know what projects you are working on -- perhaps other HOGAR de Dallas member and friends can help you or might be interested in your projects. Let us know about some genealogy events that are coming up so we can announce the event(s) in the newsletter. If you are looking for somebody, send us a query and we can publish it in the newsletter. If you know of articles and/or books that are a good source of genealogy information, perhaps you can do a brief write-up and send it to us for the newsletter. The articles can range from one paragraph to a few paragraphs in length. Our newsletter is published on an 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch (with header) paper. So, if you send us an article that consists of five paragraphs, depending on the length of each paragraph, that could be a column in our newsletter -- and that'd be great. We try to keep the Newsletter to 2 or 3 double sided pages, but we can add another page if we have information to share.
        You all have such a wealth of genealogy knowledge, it's nice when you share some of it. Perhaps others can look to you as a "specialist" in a surname, in a geographical region of Mexico and/or Texas, or in special events or other fields.
        If you would like to be an "article writer" for our newsletter, let us know. We can set aside a column in our newsletter for you. Perhaps you can be a book reviewer, articles reviewer, events reviewer, places reviewer, etc.
        We will be sending our next newsletter during the next two weeks. It would be greatly appreciated if you can send us an article to publish. If we don't publish it in January, we'll publish it in March. If you have an article that you would like to have published in January, send it to us and let us know that it should be published in January. 
        You will be given credit for the article, and it will be published as we receive it, we will not make any changes to it. We will not even make corrections to the spelling because there are times when a writer deliberately misspells a word to get his/her point across.
        You can send the articles in MS Word format or plain text. The articles can be send to me at agarza0972@aol.com   or to Dorina Thomas at dorinat@earthlink.net. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for being there for us, for being part of our family.

Arturo Garza  agarza0972@aol.com
President, HOGAR de Dallas
P.O. Box 497891
Dallas, Texas 75049-7891
Phone: (972) 841-9455 Fax: (214) 324-4268 

The New Handbook of Texas, an Introduction

http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/handbook-intro.htm

The Handbook of Texas Online is a joint project of The General Libraries at the University of Texas at Austin and the 
Texas State Historical Association
.  Copyright ©, The Texas State Historical Association,  comments.tsha@lib.utexas.edu

        The New Handbook of Texas is a multidisciplinary encyclopedia of Texas history, geography, and culture. It comprises more than 23,000 articles on people, places, events, historical themes, institutions, and a host of other topic categories. The scope is broad and inclusive, designed to provide readers with concise, authoritative, and accessible articles that provide factual, nonpartisan accounts on virtually every aspect of Texas history and culture.
        A natural question in making such an encyclopedia is Where to start? What subjects to include and who to write them? The starting point for the editors of the New Handbook was clear. The two-volume Handbook of Texas, published in 1952, and the Supplement published in 1976 provided a wealth of information and a solid conceptual base from which to develop this new edition. Consequently, almost every topic that received an entry in those three volumes has been retained in the New Handbook. The primary exception to that rule involves subjects which, upon further examination, proved not to have an adequate connection with Texas history. In many cases, particularly with biographical subjects, it was possible to reprint the original entry with only minor changes and to include new bibliographical material. For some articles, significant corrections and revisions were needed. And in other instances it was necessary to prepare completely new entries in order to represent the current state of historical knowledge. To the Handbook base of approximately 16,000 articles the editors have added another 7,500 entries that dramatically expand both the scope of topical coverage and the level of detail. All in all, the New Handbook includes an almost fourfold increase in material.
        Its articles represent the efforts of more than 3,000 authors from many walks of life. They include professional scholars, amateur historians and genealogists, college and university students, and numerous other individuals with special knowledge and a willingness to write about it. Given the diverse nature of our authorship and the special enthusiasm they have brought to the New Handbook, the editors have made special efforts to give credit where credit is due. Most entries carry a byline designating their author or authors. The primary exceptions are unsigned entries from the original Handbook for which authorship could not be determined and the large number of staff-written entries on minor geographic features, where bylines were omitted in order to conserve space. Reprinted entries from the original Handbook bear the names of the original authors where they were known; in the event of substantial corrections or revisions the name of the reviser is also generally given.

[[Editor's note: The original  2-Volume set is extensive.  Vol. I: 977 pages, Vol II: 953 pages.]]

JOSEPH DE URRUTIA 
1678-1741


http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/

[[ Editor's Note: The following information was sent by Arturo Ynclan.  Happily, Arturo and I are distant cousins, both  descendants of Jose de Urrutia.  My ancestry was through a son, Joachin de Urrutia.  Arturo's ancestry was through a daughter, Juana de Urruita who married Ignacio de Ynclan.  I find it particularly interesting to read Jose de Urrrutia's Will.  This brief biography is from The Handbook of Texas Online. ]] 

URRUTIA, JOSE DE (ca. 1678-1741). Jose (Joseph, Josef) de Urrutia was born in Guipuzcoa, Spain, about 1678. He came to America before 1691, when, as a member of the Domingo Teran de los Rios expedition, he was left at the garrison established near the Neches River. When the soldiers withdrew in 1693, Urrutia met with an accident on the Colorado River and was forced to remain among the Indians. He was one of four soldiers who remained in East Texas at this time. He lived with the Kanohatinos, Tohos, and Xarames for seven years, was made "captain general" of all the nations hostile to the Apaches, and conducted several extensive campaigns against the Apaches. He rejoined his countrymen shortly after the founding of San Juan Bautista Mission in 1700. By July 23, 1733, when Urrutia was made captain of San Antonio de Bexar Presidio, he had forty years’ experience with the Indians in Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, and Texas and was probably the best informed of all Spaniards on Indian affairs in Texas. In the winter of 1739 he led a campaign against the Apaches in the San Saba region; he apparently reached the same point that that Juan Antonio Bustillo y Ceballos had reached in his Apache campaign of 1732. Urrutia’s first wife was Antonia Ramon; they had one daughter, Antonia, who married Luis Antonio Menchaca. Urrutia later married Rosa Flores y Valdez; they had four daughters and six sons, including Toribio de Urrutia, who succeeded him as captain of the Bexar presidio. Urrutia died on July 16, 1741.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: Bexar Archives, Baker Texas History Center, University of Texas at Austin. Carlos E. Castaneda, Our Catholic Hertitage in Texas (7 vols., Austin: Von Boeckmann-Jones, 1936-58; rpt., New York: Arno, 1976). William Edward Dunn, " Apache Relations in Texas, 1718-1750," Quarterly of the Texas State Hitorical Association 14 (January 1911). Robert S. Weddle, "San Juan Bautista: Mother of Texas Missions," Southwestern Historical Quartery 71 (April 1968). Elizabeth Howard West, trans., "Bonilla’s Brief Compendium of the History of Texas, 1772," Quarterly of the Texas State Historical Association 8 (July 1904).

 

The Canary Island Descendants Newsletter, Vol.6 Issue #3

Last Will and Testament of Captain Joseph de Urrutia

July 4th, 1740

Will of Joseph de Urrutia

(Cross)

In the Name of God Almighty, and of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady, Amen.

        Be it known to all whom this testamentary document may concern that I Don Joseph de Urrutia, captain of this royal presidio of San Antonio de Bejar, with tenure for life, being sick in body but sound in mind and will, and in my normal judgment and memory, believing as I do, firmly and truly, in the high and sovereign mystery of the Most High Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three distinct persons and only one true God, and all the other tenets and beliefs of our Holy Roman Catholic Mother Church, do hereby make public declaration that I have lived, am now living, and expect to die in that faith; and that fearing death, to which all living beings are subject, and desiring to save my soul, I do hereby grant this my testament in the following form and manner:
        First, I bequeath and command my soul to God, Our Lord, who created and redeemed it with the infinite price of His most precious blood, and I beseech His Most Holy Majesty to take it to Glory, for which it was created; and my body, I bequeath to the earth from which it was made, that it may return thereto.

Item, I command that, when by the will of God, I shall be taken from this present life to eternity, my body be buried in the chapel which is used as a church by this villa and presidio, that the priest attend my funeral wearing his surplice, with a raised cross and the additional ceremonial befitting the office which I now hold, that a mass be sung in its vigil observed on the day of my burial, if the hour is adequate, and, if not, on the day after my funeral, and the alms be paid from the best secured part of my state.

Item, I command that my body be shrouded in the habit of our Seraphic Father Saint Francis and that the alms for same be paid from my state, and I now make this request by the love of God.

Item, I command that one peso from my estate be given, once only to each of the following compulsory bequests: the Holy Church of Jerusalem, the ransom of captives, the Brotherhood of the Most High Sacrament, and orphan girls.

Item, I declare that whereas I have long-term accounts with Don Juan de Angulo, a resident and merchant of Mexico City, who has supplied this my company during the time that I have held the office of captain of same, I order my executors to determine from the memoranda which he has remitted to me whether I have been charged more than the cost of goods which he has sent me and to liquidate and adjust said accounts with said Don Juan de Angulo, being guided altogether by the just prices for which those goods sold regularly in that city in the time they were sent to me. My executors shall collect whatever amount said Don Juan de Angula may owe me after he has been paid the amounts I have designated for him.

Item, I command my executors to collect and receive all the property within my house such as account books and other papers that may be verified as belonging to me.

Item, I declare that I was married according to the precepts of our Holy Mother Church to Dona Antonia Ramon, a resident of Rio Grand del Norte, now deceased, and from said marriage I had our legitimate daughter Dona Antonia de Urrutia.

Item, I declare that my said wife, Dona Antonia Ramon, did not bring into my possession any property or dowry; I declare this in order that it may be recorded.

Item, I declare that I did not give any property whatever or dowry to my said daughter, Dona Antonia Ramon de Urrutia; I declare this in order that it may be recorded.

Item, I declare that I was married a second time, according to the precepts of Our Holy Mother Church, to Dona Rosa Flores de Valdez, a resident of the villa of Saltillo, and that the children of our marriage are: Dona Rose de Urrutia, Don Joseph Migual de Urrutia, Dona Cathalina de Urrutia, Dona Juana de Urrutia, Don Thoribio de Urrutia, Don Joachin de Urrutia, Don Pedro de Urrutia, Don Ignacio de Urrutia, and Dona Juana Gertrudis de Urrutia, who I declare to be my children by my said wife.

Item, I declare that that the said Dona Rosa Flores de Valdez, my wife, did not bring into my possession any dowry or property whatever; I declare this in order that it may be recorded.

Item, I declare that to none of my sons and daughters who have married have I given any property to dowry; I declare this in order that it may be recorded.

Item, I declare that to my son-in-law, Don Ignacio de Ynclan, the husband of my daughter Dona Juana de Urruita, I have assigned five hundred pesos and food for him and his wife for his services during the six years he had been my cashier. I order my executor to audit the accounts of said Don Ygnacio; to charge to his account to whatever he may have bought either from my store or Mexico City; and that the amount in excess of the assigned salary of five hundred pesos for each of the six years during the which he had worked for me, be added to the property that I may leave after my death to be divided equally among all the other heirs, share and share alike; and my executors shall exercise the necessary and conscientious care to comply with my will by so doing.

And I appoint as my testamentary executors Don Joseph de Plasa and Don Pedro Godoy, (my sons-in-law), residents of the real and mines of San Pedro de Voca de Leones, to both of whom and to each one severally I give the necessary power in order that from the best secured part of my estate they may sell enough with which to comply with  and pay the legacies and bequests of this my testament. I charge them to do so conscientiously; and I command that whatever they may do by virtue of same shall be as valid as if I had done it.

And when this my testament shall have been complied with and the bequests and legacies contained herein shall have been paid, I institute and name as my legitimate and universal heirs to the residue of all the property, rights and actions which now belong to me, or which may belong to me in the future, Dona Rosa de Urrutia, Don Joseph Migual de Urrutia, Dona Cathalina de Urrutia, Dona Juana de Urrutia, Don Thoribio de Urrutia, Don Joachin de Urrutia, Don Pedro de Urrutia, Don Ygnacio de Urrutia, Dona Gertrudis de Urrutia, and Dona Antonio de Urrutia, my legitimate children by legitimate marriage, in order that they may have and inherit same equally with the blessing of God and my blessing, and whatever part of my property each one may have squandered shall be included herein and partitioned.

I revoke, annul and declare to be worthless and of no effect any will or wills, memorandum or codicil whatever which I may have made prior to this, in writing, by word of mouth, or in any other form; and I wish that only this, which I am now granting shall be valid as my Last Will and Testament, in the best manner and form according to law.

Captain Don Joseph de Urrutia thus granted and signed it before me, the present notary and the following witness who were present:

Lieutenant Don Matheo Perez Signed
Joseph de Urrutia
Alferez Don Juan Galban (Rubic)
Don Joseph Bueno de Roxas
Don Fermin de Ybiricu
Antonio Lopez

I certify, Done in my presence Francisco Joseph de Arocha (Rubic) Notary Public and Secretary

Contributed by Helen Harrell to the Canary Islands Descendants Newsletter.
Sent by Arturo Ynclan  arturo_ynclan@yahoo.com

Cousins helping Cousins:  Manuel G. Ramirez, a Primo

Dear Lupita: 
Hope you had a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season. Gloria and I haven't had a chance to visit Laredo lately, but we will try soon.
        While at the McAllen conference, I purchased Jesse Rodriguez's Book 2 of Los Bexarenos Genealogical Society Family Group Sheets. Jesse does an excellent job in putting the information together. Your information included helped me isolate and connect Manuel, your better half, to our family tree. Gloria and Manuel have several common mutual ancestors.
        I have added Manuel to our relationship schedule that I have prepared and occasionally update. A copy is attached for your information. If interested, I will be glad to send you a 17-generation Ancestor Genealogical report of Manuel.

Blessings; Jerry Benavides  Jgbenavide@aol.com
A Historic View of the Past: Laredo
by Gilbert Villarreal, Laredo Times staff writer  

        When visiting the Webb County Heritage Foundation, the sensation is that of walking into the past through a time tunnel. Immediately, vivid scenes of struggles and victories highlight Laredo's unique history, roots and the real essence of Laredoans. 
        From 1519 to 1685, Spain claimed Laredo, simultaneous to the initial 13 colonies of the United States, said Margarita Araiza, executive director, WCHF. 
        "Laredoans have many reasons to be proud of their roots, history and heritage," Araiza said. "Few cities in the United States have Laredo's vast history and rich tradition." 
Although the heritage foundation was officially chartered in 1980, the foundation actually started in the early '50s under the Laredo Historical Society, Araiza added. 
        The historical society wanted to preserve records, documents and rehabilitate historic architecture, at the same time, bring to light the unique folklore and tradition of the border region. 
The mission of the WCHF is to promote an awareness and appreciation of Laredo's rich heritage, part of which is at the Republic of Rio Grande Museum. 
        The museum was built in 1830 and expanded in 1861, with the additional front rooms. 
The Mexican-style building was the residence of Bartolome Garcia. Don Bartolome (Don means "de origen noble" or from noble origin) was a prominent rancher, who served as mayor of Laredo for several terms between 1843 and 1863, Araiza explained. According to local tradition, his home served as the capitol of the Republic of the Rio Grande. 
        "The Museum is a live experience with Laredo's past, " Araiza said. "Many local residents find edifying visiting the museum to identify with ancestors and rich roots that shaped Laredo." 
Laredo was officially founded May 15, 1755, when Captain Tomas Sanchez settled with three families near an old Indian village on the Rio Grande. The 1757 census reported 11 families owning 100 cattle, 125 mules, 712 horses and 9,089 sheep and goats. 
        Highlighting Laredo's strategic location, the first Texas cattle drives took place along the San Antonio-Laredo road to Saltillo, Araiza added. In the 18th century, Laredo became an important frontier outpost on the lower Camino Real or King's Road, which stretched from Saltillo to San Antonio. 
        During a visit of Juan Fernando de Palacios, governor of New Spain, Laredo was officially designated as a "villa" and he christened it San Agustin de Laredo, after a town in native Santander, Spain, Araiza said. A central public square was laid out and portions of land fronting the river were issued to heads of household. Plots of land facing the plaza were surveyed for San Agustin Church, a captain's house and a jail. 
        Araiza specified that San Agustín Church, situated on the east side of the plaza, was founded in 1767 and the present building was constructed in 1860-1872. Prominent ranchers and settlers who lived adjacent to the plaza were the García, Leyen-decker, Martin, Vidaurri, Bena-vides and Ramon families. 
        Thirty-four years after it's founding, Laredo boasted of 800 residents, many of which were landowners, ranchers or merchants.  The Texas cowboy had its roots in South Texas' traditional cattle drives and ranching, Araiza pointed out. Ranching and trading became a major activity for the community. Products were hauled from the Mexican interior through Laredo to San Antonio. Cattle hide and wool were traded south in exchange for food and household necessities. However, trade was disrupted and many ranches wiped out by the raids of the Comanche and Apache Indians who ambushed residents, ranchers and traders. 
        Araiza vividly described Laredo's unique past as the capitol of the Republic of the Rio Grande. No other border town has been under the rule of seven different flags or been designated capitol of a Republic. During the late 1830s, Laredoans felt neglected due to the very limited protection provided by the Mexican government. 
        For this reason, Araiza explained, a northern Mexico separatist movement began and Antonio Canales founded the Republic of the Rio Grande at the constitutional convention of January 7, 1840. Three Mexican states Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas combined their forces and sought independence from Mexican rule. Laredo was named the capitol of the Republic. 
        Araiza points out that in 1849 Fort McIntosh was built precisely to assure protection for Laredoans from the continuous attacks and ambushes of Apaches and Comanches. Fort McIntosh was built near an old Spanish and indian river crossing. 
        In 1845, the annexation of Texas by the United States led to the declaration of war against Mexico. Shortly after the fall of Mexico, the Río Grande was declared the boundary between the United States and Mexico. Under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Laredo officially became part of Texas. 
        "Although Leonor Villegas de Magnon is unknown in Laredo, she is certainly an example of the caliber of idealistic, committed and fearless individual this community is known to produced," Araiza said. Magnon born from a prominent Laredo family, grew up to become a heroine of the Mexican revolution. When fighting broke out in Nuevo Laredo, during the Mexican Revolution, gunshots and cannon fire were heard in the two Laredos. Magnon quickly mobilized a group of women to tend the wounded in Nuevo Laredo. Venturing into the fighting, the women pulled the wounded to safety. Magnon would cross the border waving a flag with a white cross. 
        After a fierce battle in Nuevo Laredo, Magnon and volunteer nurses brought one hundred wounded soldiers across the river in skiffs. Magnon transformed a kindergarten school into a hospital to assist the wounded soldiers. 
        During the 1880s, the city of Laredo began to expand northward from San Agustín Plaza, Araiza noted. The city grew north along Flores Avenue, which became the main business artery. The building of a new City Hall in 1883-1884 helped to promote businesses, hotels, and restaurants to relocate north of San Agustín Plaza. 
        Laredo's first elite suburban development was closely connected with the electric streetcar service. In 1888, the Laredo Improvement Company was chartered by the State of Texas to construct a street railway system. The streetcar system, possibly the first west of the Mississippi, was designed to attract prospective buyers to the Heights residential area. A real estate boom occurred with many stately homes built along Market and adjacent streets, which exhibited a variety of architectural styles, late Victorian, Prairie Style, Italian Renaissance and Spanish Colonial Revival. 
Laredo had a booming industry of coal mining, onion agriculture, brick manufacturing and later in the 1920s, oil and gas production. 
        Araiza highly recommends, not only to tourist, but also to local residents, the two-hour Trolley Tour that runs three times a week from St. Augustin Plaza. This guided tour provides an in-depth summary of the many historical sites of interest in Laredo, Araiza stressed. 
        The WCHF conducts these tours of historic downtown Laredo and exhibits the historic documents, maps and photographs that would make all Laredoans proud of their rich heritage, Araiza affirmed. 
        Known today as the city under seven flags, Laredo has emerged as the principal port of entry into Mexico. As the second fastest growing city in the nation, this border metropolis has greatly benefited from the well-planned, historic "Streets of Laredo," and its urban core continues to be reinvigorated as commercial areas and neighborhoods make the "Gateway City" their home. 
(Staff writer Gilbert Villarreal can be reached at 728-2566 or by e-mail: gilbert@lmtonline.com

Sent by Walter L Herbeck  wlherbeck@juno.com
9215 Locksley
San Antonio, TX  78254  
210-684-9741
The Streets of Laredo

Mrs. Maria Cleofas Herbeck always spoke about Las Minas where she was born and raised in Dolores. During the last few years we learned more about the people that worked on those mines. Now that we have this new CD from San Augustine Catholic Church Genealogical Records, we have been able to find some of the people and families that lived in that area. So again, we ask you, if have anyone that you want us to look for on this CD write us and give us the name of the person. If have husband's, wife's and children names it would help us better. We have helped some of you
find relatives and we have really enjoyed this CD. If you think that we are trying to promote this CD, well, yes we are trying to help the church sell those CD. They only have a limited amount and once gone they are gone. If want to purchase a CD let' us know. Mas later...

To order your CD:  St. Augustine Catholic Church
200 St. Augustine Ave.  Laredo, Texas 78040
(956) 722-1382

In San Antonio, Tx. George Farias has Borderlands Bookstore on Wurzbach and Evers. The price for the CD is only $75. +SH. For more information write us or call us.

Elsa Peña Herbeck  epherbeck@juno.com  210-684-9741

For more information on Laredo and the life of the miners en La Minas near Laredo. Go to http://www.mi-vida-loca.com  
 . 

Kudos to the Corpus Christi Public Libraries for putting the full-text of this document on-line for the first time.  This version contains a fully-integrated search engine and indices. 
[[Editor: This is an amazing work. . . As a Tejana,  I am personally very grateful to Edna.]]

 

General State of the Foundation of the Colony of Nuevo Santander

translated by Edna G. Brown © 1994
http://www.library.ci.corpus-christi.tx.us/santander/index.htm

This text comprises the documentation from the census records that were taken in the Spanish settlements made by Jose de Escandon in 1757. These settlements were located mainly in Northern Mexico and along its Gulf Coast. The genealogical significance of this documentation is readily apparent. 

Town of San Francisco de Guemes

Town of Santo Domingo de Hoyos

Town of Aguayo

Town of Llera

Town of Escandon

City of Horcasitas

Town of Altamira

Town of Padilla

Capital Town of Santander

Town of Santillana

Town of Soto La Marina

Town of San Fernando

Town of Reynosa

Town of Camargo

Town of Mier

Town of Revilla

Hacienda De Dolores

Town of Laredo

Town of Burgos

Settlement of El Jaumave

Town of Santa Barbara

Settlement of Palmillas

Real De Infantes

Sent  by Johanna de Soto


Two Longoria Family Websites:

The LONGORIA ALCALA Family
The database includes over 6700 individuals.

http://www.raullongoria.net/Genealogy/FamilyTree/

Raul Longoria/Zolla Villarreal        Mauro Alcala/Lydia Garza

To contact us by mail:
Raul N. Longoria
7028 Golden Gate Drive
Fort Worth, Texas 76132-3744
817-294-7336
My database of family members begins with the present and extends back to the 14th century. The Longoria branch extends back to Alonso de la Pontiga in Asturias, Spain, and is by far the most extensive branch here. Other notable branches here are my wife’s Alcala and Garza lines, my mother’s Villarreal line and my paternal grandmother’s Treviño and Vidaurri lines.

Longoria Family website  http://longorian.com
Jose Jaime Longoria  longorian@hotmail.com or  longorian@address.com
Esme Joe Longoria esme@esme.com
Source:  Irma Cavazos irma_cavazos@hotmail.com


          Almo de Parras                   

Alamo History                       This is excellent- - -  SO much!!!!!
Alamo de Parras Archives
Teachers' Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Book Reviews
Interviews
Alamo Shrine Information
Alamo Links
Live Alamo Cam
Search ADP
http://alamo-de-parras.welkin.org/toc.html

http://alamo-de-parras.welkin.org/archives/archives.html
http://alamo-de-parras.welkin.org/archives/newsarch/newsindex.html
http://alamo-de-parras.welkin.org/history/bios/bios.html  
Sent by Bill Carmena   JCarm1724@aol.com

Introduction



Thompson named VP in Texas Historical Association 

by Kelly Hildrebrandt, Times staff writer 
        Dr. Jerry Thompson has spent much of his life studying the rich history of the border region, and now he's reaping the benefits. Thompson, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Humanities at Texas A&M International University, was recently named first vice president of the Texas State
Historical Association. Next year he'll automatically become the president. 
        The Texas State Historical Association is the oldest learned society in the state. It publishes historical works about Texas and holds yearly conferences. The association has about 3,000 members. "I've been a historian for many years," Thompson said. "This is certainly the pinnacle
of my career." 
        Thompson, a member of the historical association for the past 32 years, also served on the editorial board of the Southwestern Historical Quarterly published by the Texas State Historical Association. As first vice president, Thompson will take command in the event of the president's absence, said Leslie Sharpe, development associate for the historical association. 
        "He's a very able knowledgeable administrator, teacher, research and scholar," Sharpe said of Thompson. Thompson said his interest in Texas border history began when he moved to Laredo in the 1970s. "I was astounded that Laredo was so rich," Thompson said. "Rich historically; rich culturally." 
        But Thompson said that very little research had been done on the area's history. Since then he has studied a vast array of subjects ranging from Mexican Texans in the Civil War to Spanish colonization on the Rio Grande. 
        "I think that Laredo has such a turbulent history but it has managed to hang on," Thompson said. "It's amazing that Laredo survived at all." Currently, Thompson is researching the volcanoes Popocatepetl and Citlaltepetl the two highest peaks in Mexico. During the American occupation from 1846 to 1848, Thompson said many officers, including Ulysses S. Grant, climbed the volcanoes. 
        He will present his paper at next year's Texas State Historical Association conference when he is named president. Several of his books have been published by the historical association, including A Wild Vivid Land, which is a history of South Texas. 

(Staff writer Kelly Hildebrandt can be reached at 728-2568 or by email at kelly@lmtonline.com
                                                                           Sent by Walter L. Herbeck Jr. wlherbeck@juno.com
Dr. Jerry Thompson's home page lists the books authored.    authored.                                        http://www.tamiu.edu/~jthompson/books.htm
   

1)  TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO ON THE EVE OF THE CIVIL WAR: THE MANSFIELD AND JOHNSTON INSPECTIONS, 1859-1861, University of New Mexico Press. 2001 

2) 
CIVIL WAR IN THE SOUTHWEST: RECOLLECTIONS OF THE SIBLEY BRIDGE, Texas A&M University Press. 2001 

3) 
THE CIVIL WAR IN WEST TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO: THE LOST LETTERBOOK OF BRIGADIER GENERAL HENRY HOPKINS SIBLEY, Texas Western Press. 1997 

4) 
A WILD AND VIVID LAND: AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE SOUTH TEXAS BORDER, Texas State Historical Association, Austin. 1997 

5)
FIFTY MILES AND A FIGHT: SAMUEL PETER HEINTZELMAN'S JOURNAL OF TEXAS AND THE CORTINA WAR, Texas State Historical Association, Austin. 1997 

6)
CAMPFIRES AND COAL DUST ON THE RIO GRANDE (with A. Joaquim McGraw), Texas Department of Transportation, Austin. 1996 

7) 
INTO THE FAR, WILD COUNTRY: TRUE TALES OF THE OLD SOUTHWEST, Texas Western Press, El Paso. 1994 

8)
JUAN NEPOMUCENO CORTINA AND THE TEXAS-MEXICO FRONTIER, 1 859-1 877, Texas Western Press, El Paso. 1992 

9)
DESERT TIGER: PADDY GRAYDON AND THE CIVIL WAR IN THE FAR SOUTHWEST, Texas Western Press, El Paso. 1991 

10)
WARM WEATHER AND BAD WHISKEY: THE 1886 LAREDO ELECTION RIOT, Texas Western Press, El Paso. 1991 

11)
FROM DESERT TO BAYOU: THE CIVIL WAR JOURNAL AND SKETCHES OF MORGAN WOLFE MERRICK, Texas Western Press, El Paso. 1990 

12)
WESTWARD THE TEXANS: THE CIVIL WAR JOURNAL OF PRIVATE WILLIAM RANDOLPH HOWELL, Texas Western Press, El Paso. 1987 

13)
HENRY HOPKINS SIBLEY: CONFEDERATE GENERAL OF THE WEST, Northwestern State University Press, Natchitoches. Reprinted by Texas A&M University Press, 1996. 1986 

14)
CHALLENGE AND TRIUMPH: THE FIRST 20 YEARS OF LAREDO STATE UNIVERSITY, Laredo State University, Laredo. 1986, 1992 

15)
MEXICAN TEXANS IN THE UNION ARMY, Texas Western Press, El Paso. 1986 

16)
LAREDO: A PICTORIAL HISTORY, Donning Publishers, Norfolk. 1976 

17)
VAQUEROS IN BLUE AND GRAY: MEXICAN TEXANS IN THE CIVIL WAR, Presidia[ Press, Austin. Reprinted by Statehouse Books, Austin, Texas 1998. 1974 

18)
SABERS OF THE RIO GRANDE, Presidial Press, Austin. 1971 

19) 
JOHN ROBERT BAYLOR: TEXAS INDIAN FIGHTER AND CONFEDERATE SOLDIER, Hill College Press, Hillsboro. 

The Confederate Army    http://www.tarleton.edu/~kjones/confeds.html

Confederate Regimental Histories Directory

Information by state, includes the history of each unit within the state, the officers, infantry information, genealogy, and more.  Joseph Gonzales was one of the rare Hispanics who reached the rank of officer; however there were many Hispanics that served in the Confederate army.  

Fourteenth Confederate Cavalry Regiment

The 14th Confederate Cavalry was organized on 14 September 1863 by the consolidation of Garland's Mississippi Cavalry Battalion (three companies became "A", "B", and "C" in the 14th), Rhodes' Mississippi Partisan Rangers Company, the Cavalry Battalion of Miles' Louisiana Legion (three companies became "E", "D", and "G" in the 14th), and Mullen's Louisiana Scouts and Sharpshooters Company (became Co. "H" of the 14th). However, Co. "A" of Miles' Louisiana Legion refused to recognize its assignment to the new regiment as Co. "E" and maintained its independence; in fact, all the companies from Miles Legion tended to act separately from the rest of the new regiment. Co. "I" was organized on 25 November 1863, and Co. "K" was organized on 22 January 1864. The regiment disbanded in early 1865. The four Louisiana companies (Cos. "D", "E", "G" and "H") became Cos. "A", "I", "C", and "E" respectively of Ogden's Louisiana Cavalry Regiment. The six Mississippi companies (Cos. "A", "B", "C", "F", "I", and "K") were consolidated into two companies and assigned as Cos. "C" and "H", of the 3rd, 14th Confederate and 28th Mississippi Cavalry Regiment, Consolidated. It served in William W. Adams', John S. Scott's, Hinchie P. Mabry's, then returned to Adams' Brigade in the Department of Alabama, Mississippi, and East Louisiana. The regiment fought in the Meridian Campaign (February-March 1864), in A. J. Smith's 1st Mississippi Invasion (July 1864), and they fought at Tupelo (July 1864). Unit commanders were Col. Felix Dumonteil, Lt. Cols. John B. Cage and William H. Garland, and Major Pinkney C. Harrington.

Captains, and Counties from Which the Companies Came:

  • Co. "A" (MS): Josephus R. Quin (KIA, Harrisburg)
  • Co. "B" (MS): P. C. Harrington (promoted, Lt. Col.); William O. Weathersby
  • Co. "C" (MS): W. H. Thomas
  • Co. "D" (LA): Joseph Gonzales
  • Co. "E" (Wayne Co., MS, and Choctaw Co., AL): James White (AL)
  • Co. "F" (MS): N. G. Rhodes
  • Co. "G" (LA): John B. Cage (promoted, Lt. Col.); J. W. Jones; Gilbert C. Mills
  • Co. "H" (LA): L. S. Greenlee
  • Co. "I" (MS): William M. Porter
  • Co. "K" (MS): S. F. Williams
Galvez Contingent Louisiana Regiment
I would like to make contact with anyone in this unit.  Is it still active, and do they have an Email address? My G/G/G grandfather , Josef Morales, was in the Louisiana Regiment and stationed at the Spanish fort at Galvez Town (near Baton Rouge) in 1778 till his death around 1795. I would like to correspond ,exchange information , etc. with members of this unit. Please advise. Thanks.
Joseph Carmena, Baton Rouge, La.   JCarm1724@aol.com

Galveston Immigration Database

http://www.tsm-elissa.org/immigration-main.htm

TEXAS SEAPORT MUSEUM has compiled the nation’s only computerized listing of immigrants to Galveston, Texas. The museum’s immigration exhibit features text and historic photographs illustrating Galveston’s role in immigration history and the major organized immigration movements of the 19 th and 20 th Centuries. Computer terminals in the exhibit area allow visitors to search for information taken from ships’ passenger manifests pertaining to their ancestors’ arrival in Texas. For your convenience, the database is also available online. Please Note: Microsoft Internet Explorer v4.0 or above is required to utilize the database.       What information is provided? The database includes names of passengers and members of their traveling parties, age, gender, occupation, country of origin, ship name, dates of departure and arrival, and destination in the United States. Information is also provided for a small number of ship arrivals. The ship database includes ship name, type of ship, master, home port of ship, arrival date at Galveston, port of departure, destination port, tonnage, number of immigrants, ship owner, and citation source.  
      Searches of the Galveston Immigration Database are based on surnames - the family’s last name. The first data retrieved is a table of all the last names that match the last name of the search. If an exact match is not found, a table of names closest to the spelling of the search name will appear on the screen.  
      The passenger arrival records normally listed people traveling together as a single record, and included several first names. When these records were entered into the database, space limitations allowed a maximum of 7 names to be recorded as a single “family unit”. If there were more than 7 people in the traveling family unit, the information was split into two records. This explains why, if you find several people with the same last name, it is possible that when you view the record for that family, you will see the same family details page.  

 

EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI
Muslim History Takes Root in South 
The Center for Louisiana Studies
History of the Cajuns
New Orleans City Archives, 1760-1861 
Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy 
Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana 
The Case of Louisiana
Catholic Cemeteries, Archdiocese of St. Louis
Louisiana Archives, Orleans Parish  Death Records 
New Orleans Death Index
Louisiana Cemetery Records  
De Soto Cemetery Records
Notre Dame Records

Extract:
Muslim History Takes Root in the South 
by Ken Ellingwood, Los Angeles Times, 1-6-02

Jackson, Mississippi - The International Museum of Muslim Cultures is believed to be the nation's only museum devoted to Islam. The museum remains modest store-front museum of about 1,500 square feet.  Not much bigger than a boutique - an boasts few historical artifacts, save for a prayer platform and an oversize wooden door, both from 19th century Moroccan mosques. 
        The Muslim museum has won praise and financial help from city and tourism officials, who say it reflects a cultural diversity in Mississippi that is often not recognized by outsiders. The museum got its start in early 2001 as a display, hastily assembled by members of Jackson's small Muslim community (fewer than 1,000)  to complement an exhibit of Spanish treasure being shown at the nearly Mississippi  Arts Pavilion.
        The result was an exhibit highlighting Islamic Spain, from the 8th  century to the 15th.  It also provided a broader introduction to Muslim religious beliefs, music and cultural innovations; demonstrating the progressive lifestyle and a vision of a multi-cultural Spain. 
        Museum officials next plan an exhibit tracking the spread of Islam through African to the Americas.  Under discussion too is a traveling exhibit that can be taken around the country.
                                                                                     Sent by Granville Hough  gwhough@earthlink.net

The Center for Louisiana Studies

http://www.louisiana.edu/Academic/LiberalArts/CLS/center.html
The Center for Louisiana Studies, established in 1973, seeks to plan, promote, and pursue programs of acquisition, research, and interpretation designed to provide scholars, students, and the public with a better understanding of Louisiana's history and culture. The Center, located in Dupré Library, in the heart of the UL Lafayette campus, has the following staff:  Glenn R. Conrad, Director
Ann Voge, Secretary  and    Rebecca Watson, Publications Assistant
The Center for Louisiana Studies
   P.O. Box 40831
   University of Louisiana at Lafayette
   302 E. St. Mary Blvd.
   Lafayette LA 70504-0831
Telephone: Area Code 337    Fax: 337-482-6028
482-6027 General Information
482-1163 Publications
482-6029 Director
482-6350 Colonial Records Collection
E-mail: grc6539@louisiana.edu

History of the Cajuns
  http://acadian-cajun.com/canary.htm

Canary Island Settlers of Louisiana
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        1778-1783 ... The Canary Island Migration 
The Canary Islands are a collection of 7 islands about 100 miles west of the coast of Morocco. Spaniards conquered the area and migrated to the island in the 15th and 16th century. By the 18th century, the islands were controlled by nobles. The main product of the 
islands was the production of orchil, a lichen that produces a violet dye. When the orchil crop was low, which happened periodically, the workers practically starved to death and didn't receive much help from the nobles. After a failed revolt in 1762, a group of 300 from the island of Gomera migrated to Louisiana. [German Hernandez Rodriquez, "La aportacion de la isla de la Gomera al poblamiento de la Luisiana, 1777-1778," IV Coloquio de historia canario-americana (1980) (2 vols.; Salamanca, 1982), II, p. 227-245] 
        Since the late 1600s, Spain had encouraged the Canary Islanders to move to the Caribbean colonies. After Spain acquired Louisiana in 1762, it recognized the need to populate the territory. When the Revolutionary War brought the English in conflict with the American colonies, Spain recognized the danger from possible English hostilities in Louisiana. On August 15, 1777, Spain ordered a second battalion be formed in Louisiana. It looked to the Canary Islands for 700 recruits. It tried to get married recruits so that they could not only defend the area, but also populate it.     Sent by Bill Carmena  JCarm1724@aol.com

Guide to the Early Records (1760-1861)
in the New Orleans City Archives

At right are the Touro Buildings, 700 block of Canal St., from the Crescent City Business Directory for 1858-59

Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy  
http://www.ibiblio.org/laslave/

        In 1984, a professor at Rutgers University stumbled upon a trove of historic data in a courthouse in Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana. Over the next 15 years, Dr. Gwendolyn Midlo Hall, a noted New Orleans writer and historian, painstakingly uncovered the background of 100,000 slaves who were brought to Louisiana in the 18th and 19th centuries making fortunes for their owners.
        Poring through documents from all over Louisiana, as well as archives in France, Spain and Texas, Dr. Hall designed and created a database into which she recorded and calculated the information she obtained from these documents about African slave names, genders, ages, occupations, illnesses, family relationships, ethnicity, places of origin, prices paid by slave owners, and slaves' testimony and emancipations. In March 2000, the Louisiana State University Press published published Dr. Hall's databases on a CD-ROM.
        The data has amazed genealogists and historians of slavery with the breadth of its information. Because the French and Spanish proprietors of Louisiana kept far more detailed records than their British counterparts at slave ports on the Atlantic coast, the records show valuable historical data. For historians who thought such information was lost or could never be collected and analyzed, the database is a once-unimaginable prize.
        Dr. Hall's work in creating the Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy is far reaching. There are many who have a stake in being able to freely access this data, from historians, genealogists, anthropologists, geneticists and linguists , to Americans seeking keys to their past. Dr. Hall shares with others an interest in seeing that her research and databases reach the broadest possible audience. Together, Dr. Hall, the Center for the Public Domain, and ibiblio.org bring you the Afro-Louisiana History and Genealogy 1699 - 1820 Database, a user-friendly, searchable, online database that is freely accessible to the public.

See also: Dr. Hall's Introduction and Acknowledgements to the CD and databases
See also: Published Dr Hall's databases on CD-ROM 
                                                                                               Sent by Johanna de Soto

The Canary Islanders Heritage Society of Louisiana, founded in 1996, exists to document, preserve, and celebrate the heritage of our Spanish ancestors from the Canary Islands who immigrated to Louisiana in the 18th century. We focus on the original Canarian settlements founded at Galveztown, Valenzuela, and St. Bernard, and on later Canarian resettlements within the state. 
We are a cultural, historical and genealogical society dedicated to promoting the history and heritage of our ancestry of the Canary Islands with emphasis on those who settled here in Louisiana in Galvestown and Valenzuela.  We also promote friendship and cultural exchanges between Louisiana and the Canary Islands.  
P.O. Box 80726
Baton Rouge, LA  70898-0716
canaryislanders@aol.com
                                                                                                                          Sent by Bill Carmena JCarm1724@aol.com

South Eastern Council on Latin American Studies
Veracruz, Friday, March 2, 8:30AM, 2002 -- Colonial Trade and Society
Merchant Opportunity in the Late Colonial Period:
The Case of Louisiana, 1763-1803

 
 ©Ralph Lee Woodward, Jr. r.woodward@tcu.edu

Neville G. Penrose Professor of Latin American Studies
Texas Christian University
TCU Box 297260, Fort Worth, TX 76129 USA
[[ Introduction to a study with 115 footnotes.]]

         The succession to the Spanish throne of Philip V in 1701 began a century-long pattern of modification and reform of Spain's aging imperial system. While these piecemeal and sometimes contradictory measures-conveniently labeled the "Bourbon Reforms" by historians-often reflected Enlightenment philosophy, they were fundamentally pragmatic steps to modernize Spain's administrative, military, economic, and ecclesiastical institutions, structures that had evolved from medieval origins. 
        Their goal was to restore Spanish military prestige, and toward that end commercial and economic reforms were intended to increase Spanish prosperity and royal revenues. Louisiana came under Spanish rule during the final third of this century, coinciding with the reigns of two of the most active reforming monarchs, Charles III and Charles IV. 
        It came to Spain as a result of the Seven Years' War, a severe defeat for Spain and its ally France that shocked reformist ministers into accelerating the pace of change. Spain undertook this effort at a time when military costs were soaring, when her empire was already overextended, and when her own population had been declining since the sixteenth century. 
        Serious obstacles to these reforms came not only from the rising strength of the Great Britain and her allies, but also from within. The powerful Andalusian trading monopoly of Seville and Cádiz, upon which the crown had depended so heavily for two centuries for exploiting the wealth of the Indies, resisted tenaciously any reform that challenged its monopoly over the trans-Atlantic trade. Yet greater national productivity demanded wider participation in the American trade. (1)

Louisiana Archives Index, Orleans Parish  Death Records 
The USGenWeb  
http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/la/orleans/death_index1.htm?sourceid=00287279495327056846

{1804-1876} | {1877-1895} | {1896-1907} | (1908-1917) | {1918-1928} | {1929-1936} | {1937-1950} | 
Certificates | Epidemics 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reels By Alphabetical Order  Death Index Reel I {1804 -1876} 
Please note that the Volunteers, Colleen, Beth nor I have the certificates in the indexes. To receive a copy of any of the certificates in any of the Birth, Death or Marriage Indexes.  
Please send $5.00 with the NAME, volume & PAGE # to: 
Louisiana Archives 
3851 Essen Lane 
P.O. Box 94125 
Baton Rouge, LA 70804                       Sent by Johanna de Soto

New Orleans Death Index
http://nutrias.org/~nopl/info/louinfo/deaths/deaths.htm

Daily Picayune  1837-1857; 1870
We can provide photocopies of items referenced in this index for a fee of $2.00 each. 
Send requests, with the appropriate payment to:
Louisiana Division
New Orleans Public Library
219 Loyola Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70112-2044 

Description of the Biography/Obituary Index                                     Sent by Johanna de Soto

Louisiana Cemetery Records  
  
http://www.idreamof.com/cemetery/la.html
Note: Thanks to the USGenWeb Archives and the many genealogy volunteers for the links to the following online databases. If you find something you need in any of the genealogy files, please drop a note to say thanks to USGenWeb and/or the noted author(s) and volunteers for their hard work and research in bringing it to you. Thanks!

DE SOTO PARISH CEMETERY RECORDS  
USGenWeb Archives
http://www.idreamof.com/cemetery/la/desoto.html

Antioch Cemetery 
Benson - Benson Cemetery 
Benson - Phillip's Chapel Cemetery 
Benson - Sebastian Cemetery 
Episcopal Church Cemetery 
Evelyn - Wallace Cemetery 
Frierson - Gravel Point Catholic / Prudhomme / St. Francois Cemetery 
Grand Cane - Old Friendship Cemetery 
Grand Cane - Old Hazelwood Cemetery 
Grove Hill Baptist Church Cemetery 
Holly - Evergreen Cemetery 
Hunter - Ebenezer Cemetery 
Logansport - Barnes Memorial Park Cemetery 
Logansport - Bethel Cemetery 
Logansport - Cool Spring Cemetery 
Logansport - Horn Cemetery 
Logansport - Logansport Cemetery 
Logansport - Mares Cemetery 
Logansport - O.E. Price Memorial Cemetery 
Logansport - Pyle Cemetery 
Logansport - Smith Cemetery 
Longstreet - Belle Bower Cemetery 
Longstreet - Smyrna Cemetery 
Mansfield - Allen Cemetery (Rascoe Family Burials) 
Mansfield - Old Union Cemetery 
Mansfield - Pegues / Stephenson Cemetery 
Mansfield - Rock Dale Cemetery 
Mansfield - Slone Cemetery 
Old Camp Ground Cemetery (See also Sabine Parish) 
Pleasant Hill - Old Pleasant Hill Cemetery (See also Sabine Parish) 
Stanley - Chreene Cemetery 
Stonewall - All Saints Episcopal Church Cemetery 
Stonewall - Old Salem Cemetery 
Zions Rest Cemetery

Sent by Johanna de Soto


Notre Dame Archives

Archdiocese of New Orleans (La.) Collection
http://classic.archives.nd.edu/findaids/ead/index/ANO001.htm#99

ANO Catholic Church. Archdiocese of New Orleans (La.) Collection 1576-1897 (bulk 1786-1897)
Origination : Catholic Church. Archdiocese of New Orleans (La.) Extent : 34 linear feet.
Repository :University of Notre Dame Archives Notre Dame, Indiana 46556

ANO002  http://classic.archives.nd.edu/findaids/ead/index/ANO002.htm

        The Records of the Diocese of Louisiana and the Floridas (1576-1803), subject of this microfilm publication, are part of a larger group of papers pertaining to the Archdiocese of New Orleans down to 1897. The collection was acquired in the 1890's by Edwards through the generosity of Archbishop Janssens. Everything for the period in question, except photo static copies made for use in the Notre Dame Archives and duplicates of a few items, has been filmed. The material relating to the period after 1803 has not been filmed because there are restrictions upon its use. It may be consulted, however, at the Archives with the permission of the Archivist.
        Although the first two items in the collections are dated 1576 and 1633, respectively, and there are a number of items for the period from 1708 to 1783, the great bulk of material pertains to the years 1786 through 1803. Consulted until now mainly by historians of the Catholic Church, it should prove useful also to secular historians because of the close connection between Church and State which existed during both the French and Spanish colonial regimes in Louisiana and Florida. Photo static copies of all the items in the collection, as well as photo static copies of the calendars for those portions that have already been calendared, are in possession of the New Orleans Archdiocesan Archives.                                                                                       Sent by Johanna de Soto

Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of St. Louis  http://stlcathcem.com/iSearch.aspx
Includes a listing of the cemeteries, histories, maps, photo gallery, slide show and a burial search for each cemetery.  Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.  Cemetery Location Links...
Resurrection
Sts.Peter & Paul
Mt. Olive
Calvary
Sacred heart
St. Charles Borromeo
St.Peter
St. Ferdinand

St. Monica
Our Lady
Holy Cross
St. Vincent
Ste. Philippine
St. Mary
Ascension

 

EAST COAST

NYU Free Doctoral Program for Minorities: Pre-doctoral business program
Ninety percent of New York City cabbies are recently arrived immigrants.   Shared by Joe Bentley
        Beginning this year, the New York University Stern School of Business will offer a Pre-Doctoral Program for underrepresented minority students (African American, Native American and Hispanic
American). This program is intended for underrepresented minority students who are seeking to enroll in a Ph.D. program in Business, at Stern or elsewhere. 
        The fundamental idea behind the program is to provide talented, interested students with a solid foundation in the quantitative business skills necessary for success in doctoral studies with a heavy research orientation. 
        We have posted the program details on our website at: www.stern.nyu.edu/phd/predoctoral/
 The highlights of our program are as follows:. Four semester non-degree program . Full $22,000
stipend and free tuition . Individually designed program and coursework . Deadline is January 15, 2003 We would appreciate your sharing this information with any strong candidates. Thank you for your support.  More information, contact: Julie Cho Associate, Director, Doctoral Program jcho@stern.nyu.edu or at 212-998-0744 OR Stephanie Nickerson at 212 998-0184 or snickers@stern.nyu.edu   Source: Liz Hurtado  lhurtado@traverasociados.com 

Sent by Anthony Garcia, agarcia@wahoo.sjsu.edu
MEXICO
Josefa Zozaya Valdez
Earthquake Damage Records of Colima
The Bank of America, SafeSend
Battle on for Return of Moctezuma's Crown
Archivos General de Nacion, Seville, Spain
Jose Antonio Alzate Ramirez, Ozumba
La conquista espiritual de Mixico
Perez-Quiros  
El Municipio de Nogales, Sonora
Mexican Haciendas
Nochistlan, Zacatecas
Diccionario de Geografía, Historia y Biografía 
Sociedad Chihuahuense de Estudios Historicos,A.C. 
Aztec Club 1847
Indigenous Mexico, Past and Present, March 29th
Soldaderas Played Important Roles in Revolutions

Los Romero de Terreros y Rincon Gallardo Condes de Regla y Marqueses de Guadalupe


                                            JOSEFA ZOZAYA VALDEZ                                                     

                                            by Maria Dellinger Tbdelling@aol.com
        
        September 20, 1846, in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, found the American troops in the War between the United States and Mexico in the environs of Monterrey. The American troops were made up of West Point graduates, enlisted men, and many volunteers. Eventually this war would be settled by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo signed on February 2, 1848. It would be a war that would leave many enduring emotional scars for Mexico.
By September 23, 1846, the battles between the armies in this war, continued into the central plaza of Monterrey to the Plaza Principal, also called Plaza de Armas and finally, Plaza Zaragoza, in honor of the Mexican general of that name in Mexico's valiant fight and triumph of independence from Spain.    By mid September of 1846, many families and certainly women, older people, and children had left Monterrey. About a week later, the battle in Monterrey took place. There was one well-to do young matron who refused to leave her large home situated across one street of that main plaza.
        
        This young matron's name was Josefa Zozaya Valdez and she would become a heroine of Mexican courage and patriotism and valor.  This valiant woman's name is included in biographical dictionaries of both Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon. There have been some small books written about her. Guillermo Prieto in his epic poem "Monterrey" honored her. This passage that follows was included by Israel Cavazos Garza in his 1996 poetic collection called "Monterrey en su Poesia".
"En la plaza mayor noble matrona
De Honra dechado, de virtud espejo
Alienta a los soldados valerosa,
Acude donde mas amaga el riesgo
Alli eficaz auxilios generosos
Prodiga fiel, de patriotismo ejemplo
Oh, Josefa Zozaya! Por que ingrato
No te alza Monterrey un monumento?
        She was not forgotten in her time. But, she does not have a statue in her honor. The Mexican historian Ramon Alcaraz included Prieto's tribute to her in his Apuntes- La Historia de la Guerra-Mexico y los Estados Unidos. A man named Albert C Ramsey, a Colonel of the Eleventh U.S. Army translated Alcaraz' study of the war. Josefa Zozaya Valdez was recognized as having played a great role on the morning of September 23, 1846.
        What she did was to open their huge home which would later become a hotel called Hotel Continental to the Mexican troops. They could get up on the rooftop. She gave them ammunition and rifles, she provided food, and she nursed injured and gave comfort with her words to dying Mexican soldiers. Lastly, she went with the Mexican generals and contributed to the talks they had with Zachary Taylor and other generals such as General Worth. Apparently because of her, the Mexican troops marched in formation with their flags flying high towards Saltillo.
        However, this heroine's life has not been published quite correctly. She was born in San Carlos, Tamaulipas or in Villagran in 1822. Her baptism was found through Latter Day Saints Family History Center rolls in the church called La Immaculada Concepcion, and in the same records, also called the church of Santa Maria, in Villagran, Tamaulipas, ( formerly Real de Borbon), on the 14th of October, 1822, with the name Maria Eduarda Josefa Francisca. In her later life, she was lovingly called Chepita. Her parents were Cristobal Zozaya Flores and Gertrudis Valdez de Valle. Josefa Zozaya Valdez had an older sister named Maria Francisca de Paula who was born in 1820 who was called Francisca in her lifetime. A sister born in 1823 died shortly after birth. Josefa Zozaya Valdez had two older brothers, Vicente and Jose Francisco Xavier. 
        Her mother, Gertrudis Valdez de Valle died in 1835 from dropsy which can indicate many diseases. She had time to receive the sacraments, but did not leave a will. Josefa Zozaya Valdez' widowed father remarried in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipa, on the 6th of October of 1837. His bride was Maria Teresa Chavarri Bardeja, daughter of Ramon Chavarri senior and Maria teresa Bardeja.
        Cristobal Zozaya Flores and his second wife would have at least one surviving son named Juan Miguel born in 1836, who died in 1916 in Linares, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Cristobal Zozaya Flores died in Villagran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico on the 27th of March of 1840.
        On the 14th day of October, 1840, Josefa Zozaya Valdez married a young widower named Manuel Urbano de la Garza y Flores in Villagran, Tamaulipas, Mexico. Her brother Vicente Flores and others are mentioned by name as witnesses. Josefa and Manuel Urbano de la Garza y Flores had a kinship and were given a dispensation. Josefa Zozaya Valdez has both de la Garzas and Flores in her maternal lines. Manuel Urbano de la Garza y Flores place of origin was Lampazos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
        Just four years later, in the month of October of 1844, Manuel Urbano de la Garza y Flores died suddenly from a "fiebre" - a fever. He died at one of his ranches called El Borrego, (The Lamb). He did not have time to have the last sacraments or make a will. He was only 28 years of age. 
        Josefa Zozaya Valdez was left with their two young daughters. Her oldest of these two daughter, Juana Garza Zozaya, was twenty-two in 1864, when she was married to Dr. Manuel Doria Gonzalez, age 28 years, in the ranch of San Bernardo, on the outskirts of Linares, Nuevo Leon, Mexico on the 31st of January, 1864. Her sister, Trinidad is in attendance at the wedding of her sister, as well as their cousin, Francisca Zozaya Zepeda, with her husband, Martin Zayas. 
        Soon after having been widowed, Josefa Zozaya Valdez remarried. Her second husband was her first husband's brother, Juan Martin de la Garza y Flores who in 1846, was the governonr of Tamaulipas. He resigned his office in October of that same year soon after his wife had been so heroic in her efforts to help the Mexican troops in the siege of Monterrey in September, 1846. Josefa Zozaya Valdez and her second husband had four children, two sons and two daughters.
        It has been written that Josefa Zozaya Valdez died in 1860 and was buried in Matamoros. However, we have searched for her death entry in Matamoros and also in other places, and did not find her there. We have assumed that she died in one of the many land holdings of the de la Garza y Flores family and that she was buried in a family cemetary.  Josefa Zozaya Valdez was, indeed, a Mexican heroine, who should not be forgotten.

Apuntes para la historia de la guerra-Mexico y los Estados Unidos 
Albert C. Ramsey, a Colonel of the Eleventh U.S. army in the War between the U.S and Mexico, did a translation of the Apuntes para la historia de la guerra-Mexico y los Estados Unidos atttibuted to Ramon Alcaraz, a Mexican historian. In that translation of Ramsey, his passage on Josefa Zozaya Valdez reads as follows:

"At this time, sublime as the heroines of Sparta and of Rome, and beautiful as the tutelar deities of Grecian sculpture, the Senorita Maria Josefa Zozaya, in the house of the Sr. Garza Flores, presented herself among the soldiers who fought on the azotea-(the rooftop), to give them food, and ammunition, and to teach them how to despise danger. The beautiful and rank of this young lady communicated new attractions; it was requisite to conquer to admire her, or to perish before her eyes to be made worthy of her smiles. She was a lovely personification of the country itself. She was the beauty-ideal of heroism in all her movements, and with her tender fascination."

The Ramons Alcaraz work-Apuntes was published by Tipografia de manuel Payno, hijo, in 1848, in Mexico City, p. 63 on the heroine.

The translation by Albert C. Ramsey was published in New York by John Wiley, 1850, and the passage on Josefa Zozaya is on pages 76-77.

Additional Notes: 

The names of the two girls born to Josefa Zozaya Valdez in her first marriage to Manuel Urbano de la Garza y Flores are Juana Romana D. and her sister was Maria Trinidad. 

In her second marriage, Josefa Zozaya Valdez and Juan Martin de la Garza y Flores had the following children: Juan Martin, Maria Adela, Lucas, and Maria.

In San Carlos we have found a Lucas de la Garza who may have been his paternal grandfather, but have not been able to verify that. The family of Juan Martin and Manuel Urbano de la Garza y Flores were large landowners-ranchos. In old maps of Tamaulipas, there is a place called Garza Flores.

Josefa Zozaya Valdez's burial place has been mistaken for that of my grandmother, also a Josefa Zozaya after my mother died, that her youngest sister, came for loved ones from their side of the family who are buried with our de la Garzas, and reinterred them in Monterrey, N. L. Mexico. 

I have worked out Josefa Zozaya Valdez' genealogy. With great pride I can say, it is also mine. 


Records of Colima suffered Extensive Damage

Dear Friends:
        I have just received an answer to my e-mail inquiring of Dr. José Miguel Romero de Solís how he and his family were, and what news he had of the severe earthquake in Colima. Fortunately, he and his family are fine, but the city of Colima suffered extensive damage, including the Archivo Histórico del Municipio de Colima of which he is the director. The archive is one of the most important historical repositories in Mexico, with substantial documentation dating back to the 1530s, and is the equivalent of the state historical archive. 
       As a result of the earthquake, all boxes of documents in the archive and books in the research library are on the floors, with shelving on top of them. Of course, the priorities of public funds for recovery from the earthquake will be directed toward numerous other projects of greater urgency, so money for payment of labor to restore the archive and library may not be available for many months. Thus, I am writing with the idea that millions with a single brick built the Great Wall of China, and thus a large number of people donating a small amount, could help greatly- this is primarily a matter of paying wages to workers to restore shelving and replace the materials in it. 
        This is no scam, and is just a request for help for a very fine friend and colleague, and excellent historian and archivist, who has aided many researchers. 

If you would like to help, please send any donation directly to via Air Mail to: 
Dr. José Miguel Romero de Solís, Director
Archivo Histórico del Municipio de Colima
Independencia 79
28000 Colima, Colima México

Sent by:
W. Michael Mathes 
P.O. Box 1090, Plainview, Texas 79073
 


Bank of America, SafeSend

The Bank of America announced that it is waiving remittance fees for funds sent to Mexico via its SafeSend service through Feb. 8. SafeSend is a safe and convenient international remittance service designed to send money securely to Mexico. To register for a SafeSend account and to take advantage of this offer, individuals can: Visit any participating banking center and speak with a
Bank of America associate; Call 1.866.SAFESEND and speak with a customer service representative; or Visit the Bank of America Web site at http://www.bankofamerica.com/safesend


Extract:
Battle on for Return of Moctezuma's Crown

Inter Press Service (IPS/IMS) - December 30, 2002  

For the last 15 years, Mexico has been demanding the return of the 'penacho' -- or "Kopilli ketzalli" -- that belonged to Moctezuma Xocoyotzin (1466-1520), the last emperor of the Aztec dynasty, according to Mexican experts.
        The fact that Austria claims to be the sole and legitimate owner of the headdress is not an adequate argument to justify keeping the artifact, says Sergio Arroyo, director of Mexico's state-run National Institute of Anthropology and History. The penacho represents the sovereignty and the strength of the native cultures, and its return would reinforce our identity," says the non-governmental National Council of Tradition and Culture, Warriors of Knowledge.
        A physical analysis of the headdress is not possible because of its fragility, say the Austrian officials. Mexican ornithologists Dalia Ayala, who is participating in the investigations, said the museum authorities allowed her only to view the penacho through glass in a poorly illuminated room. Nevertheless, Ayala was able to determine that the piece holds some 1,000 feathers, mostly quetzal, but also from other bird species.  Measuring nearly a metre in diameter, the headdress is believed to have originally included a gold helmet inlaid with precious stones.
        According to some theories, the foreign journey of the headdress began when Hernán Cortés attempted to send it to Spain, but the ship carrying the piece was assaulted by French pirates.  The feathered crown, symbolizing the wisdom and power of emperor Moctezuma, remained in France for hundreds of years until it was auctioned off in Vienna, where it was stored for decades in poor conditions, say historians. The trajectory of the headdress is not clear, but Austria purchased it in 1880, and it has been on exhibit in Vienna since 1929.
        Wilfried Seipel, director of the Vienna Ethnology Museum, declared the piece the "indisputable property" of the Austrian state. The president of the Austrian parliament, Heinz Fischer, offered Mexico the possibility of handing over the headdress as a loan for 99 years, but Austria's ministerial authorities rejected such a plan.
        Historians and indigenous organizations say the recovery of the headdress would be just the beginning of a series of efforts to win the return of dozens of valuable pre-Hispanic objects they say
 were taken illegally from Mexico.   Source:  HispanicOnline.com   December 30, 2002


Archivo de Indias, Archivos General de Nacion in Seville Spain.

I have met two wonderful people thru the Internet and they have been helping me to get some information on my Grijalva history from ARCHIVO de INDIAS, ARCHIVOS GENERAL de la NACION in Seville Spain. Juan Manuel Grijalvo lives in Ibiza,Spain and Jose Luis Ruiz Moya lives near Seville Spain. I asked Juan Manuel Grijalvo if I could share this information with some of my friends here in America and he said yes, by all means.
Ampliacion de informacion.  http://195.53.49.165/

Edward T. Grijalva  Gabrieleno/Tongva Nation Member
Grijalvaet1@aol.com
   

 

                                               Jose Antonio Alzate Ramirez   
                                                          by Maria Dellinger


        I want to share what I know of  Jose Antonio Alzate Ramirez, an incredible priest living from the 1730's, and dying in the late 1790's in Ozumba, Mexico. Ozumba, now called Ozumba de Alzate has to be in the Distrito Federal from its proximity to Mexico City.
        In your January Somo Primos you mention a man named Alzate who came up with spinning wheels in Mexico. The full name of this man was not given, or anything biographical about him. Undoubtedly, this is the same man who instigated scientific studies and many practical use inventions in Mexico. He was the beginning of Mexico's National Academy of Science. He was born in the 1730s in Ozumba, 70 kilometers from Mexico City. He was well educated for his time. By 1756, he had a university degree. He was a cousin of Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz. 
        He became a priest, but he was not a Jesuit, which spared his having to leave Mexico when the Jesuits were expelled as a lot around 1767. He was more than an amateur scientist. He was a naturalist who studied birds, flowers, plants, trees. He studied astronomy. He studied the weather, electricity and everything that crossed his path. 
        Father Alzate had been left an inheritance which he used to improve the world around him. He used his money for the education of his village and to give his people work. He shared his observations and scientific work through small publications he wrote and distributed. One of these publications was called "Literary Daily of Mexico", another "Things Relating to Arts and Science", and another paper was called "Physics, Natural History, and the Practical Arts." These publications were simple little newspapers given out locally or sent off as he could to interested people. His last publication was called "The Mexican Literary Gazette." These papers were smorgasbords of Father Alzates studies. 
        We found an article in Spanish by Father Alzate on his studies of swallows and that is why we became interested in him. We then translated his article, and wrote our own article on the swallows of Father Alzate. This article was very well received and was published in "The Scout Report"- a Purple Martin bulletin published quarterly out of Burr Ridge, Illinois, near Chicago.
        In the swallow article of Father Alzate, he describes three types of swallows. He describes each type of swallow and he made so many observations of these three types of swallows. He referred to Greek and Roman naturalists and to contemporary naturalists of his living in Europe in this article. 
        Father Alzate wrote to Michel Adanson, a French naturalist of Scottish ancestry. He also communicated and exchanged information with the Frenchman George Louis Leclerc, Count Buffon, ( 1707-1788) who perhaps because of his absorption in science, was not executed during the French Revolution. His son though was executed in 1790. 
        Without a doubt, Father Alzate must have been fluent in French. Father Alzate was named an associate member of the French Academy of Science who published Father Alzate's writings in French it seems long before Mexico published his writings. 
        He was honored by the Botanic Garden of Madrid and by the Basque Science Society. Peru named a plant in his honor. Mexico had not really ignored or forgotten him. In 1884 a scientific society in Mexico City was started and in his memory, it was called the Antonio Alzate Soceity. This is the society that would become known as Mexico's National Academy of Science.

Recommended book: La conquista espiritual de Mixico
Sociedad Genealogica del Norte de Mexico  
mexicangenealogy@ancestros.com.mx


Recommended book: La conquista espiritual de Mixico : ensayo sobre el apostolado y los mitodos misioneros de las srdenes mendicantes en la Nueva Espaqa de 1523-1524 a 1572.

Maíz: En esta obra Ricard analiza ese lapso, fundamental en la formación de México posterior a la Conquista: en él se lleva a cabo el choque de civilizaciones, se funden, amalgaman o yuxtaponen los elementos americanos y europeos que lo constituirán. La labor del autor es tan esclarecedora y cala tan profundamente en sus temas cardinales que merece convertirse en un clásico de los estudios históricos mexicanos.


Editorial: FONDO DE CULTURA ECONÓMICA (FCE) 
Págs/Dimensiones: 493 pp. : ilus ; 23 x 16 cm. 
Clave FCE: 003185R   Presentación: Rústico 
Precio de lista: $177.00   Descuento: 25%  Precio FCE: $132.75 
Edición: 1a.en: 1986; última en: 1986; número: 2 
Reimpresión: última: 2002; número: 7   ISBN: 968162176X 

 


Perez- Quiros 
 McCULLEY AND OVIEDO ANCESTORS WEB SITE

http://www.geocities.com/genbuff2002/McCulley-Oviedo.html

Our lineage includes ancestors from Ireland, Scotland, Spain, Portugal, Mexico and the United States.  Some of the families in this site are: Almada, Bridges, Catalan, Escobosa, Manriquez, McCulley, McKinney, Miranda, Oviedo, Perez, Polk, Quiros, Robertson, Robinson and more.

Thank you for visiting this site and we hope when you leave here you will be a little enlightened by what these families were truly all about and that you feel more connected to your roots.

We would very much enjoy hearing from you so write if you'd like.  Genealogy is a really fun hobby but it takes an army of good people working together to find their real roots and your comments are welcome.  Thanks  Bill and Esther  beoviedo@aol.com  

El Municipio de Nogales, Sonora, México
  http://www.municipiodenogales.org/index.htm
With links to each of the following:
[[ Plus a graphic which includes a beautiful statute with a reflection in moving water:]]
Gobierno Municipal 
Clima Actual y Pronósticos 
Clima en General
Ecología
Economía
Enlaces
Fauna
Flora
Geología 
Hidrología
Historia
Las Misiones de la Pimería Alta
Localización
Plan de Desarrollo
Población
Superficie
Topografía 
Lo Nuevo 
                                                                                                            Sent by Johanna de Soto
Mexican Haciendas
Paul Bartlett Collection  COLLECTION INVENTORY  http://www.tulane.edu/~latinlib/bartlettcoll.html

The Paul Bartlett Collection contains 198 5" x 7" photographs (most are black and white) of haciendas throughout Mexico, focusing on residential, commercial, and religious buildings. The collection was acquired by Tulane in the late 1970s, and is organized geographically by state.  
Index list describes the photos, examples:
 
Campeche
1. Hacienda Castaway (church)
Chihuahua
2. Hacienda Quinta Carolina (adobe cochiva)
3. Hacienda Quinta Carolina (servants' quarters and extension of front wall of the residence)
4. Hacienda Quinta Carolina (tower)
5. Hacienda Quinta Carolina (rastro)

Nochistlan, Zacatecas, Mexico  http://groups.msn.com/Nochistlan

        I hope this can be added to Somos Primos. I have started an MSN Group titled Nochistlan for those who have an interest in exchanging information for that town in Zacatecas, Mexico and the surrounding area. A few months ago a group by a similar name existed but for some reason has disappeared. I hope this one will last longer.
        I would like to welcome everyone to join this new online community. Nochistlan is a small town which lies in the Mexican state of Zacatecas and is nestled in a valley close to the Jalisco state line. Many are not even aware that this was indeed the first site where Guadalajara stood. It is my hope that this online community flourishes as much as the wonderful people who still call it home do and who have families all over the world. This group also has a shared history with Teocaltiche and the surrounding location which encompasses the states of Zacatecas and Jalisco I invite everyone from that area or who have an interest in that area to join. I hope this community will function not only as a genealogical tool but also a place to exchange history, information, and any socially relevant information.     To join simply go to: http://groups.msn.com/Nochistlan Click on "Join Now". Its all FREE.  Regards, Rob Ríos  riosr@uci.edu

DICCIONARIO DE GEOGRAFÍA, HISTORIA Y BIOGRAFÍA MEXICANAS

http://www.webincunabula.com/html/espanol/libros/a/diccmexi.html

POR ALBERTO LEDUC y Dr. LUIS LARA Y PARDO para los ARTÍCULOS HISTÓRICOS Y BIOGRÁFICOS  Y 
CARLOS ROUMAGNAC Miembro de la Sociedad Mexicana de Geografía y Estadística, de la Sociedad Antonio Alzate, de la Alianza Científica Universal, de la Sociedad Mexicana Sanitaria y Moral, etc. PARA LOS ARTÍCULOS GEOGRÁFICOS

Librería de la Vda de C. Bouret
París 23, Rue Visconti, 23 
México 45, Avenida Cinco de Mayo, 45
1910 Propiedad del Editor.

PREFACIO

No tememos pecar de inmodestia asegurando qu el Diccionario de Geografía, Historia y Biografía Mexicanas, cuya publicación llevamos á cabo, viene á satisfacer una necesidad que se dejaba sentir desde hace muchos años.

Porque, en efecto faltábale al público mexicano un libro en que se condensasen los nombres geográficos y la descripción de los principales lugares del país, los datos biográficos de cuantos personajes han desempeñado un papel de cierta importancia en la vida del pueblo desde los tiempos más remotos á que alcanzan las crónicas; los hechos guerreros más interesantes en las contiendas intestinas ó extranjeras que se han desarrollado en este suelo; la historia abreviada de las instituciones que han funcionado desde la época de los monarcas aztecas hasta nuestros dias, y cuanto, en suma, pudiera dar al lector, en unas breves palabras, idea de lo que ha sido y es geográfica, histórica y políticamente la porción del territorio de América del Norte que se llama México.

No es que careciéramos de obras y diccionarios sobre la materia; pero si pensamos en que, para buscar un dato en aquéllas, hay muchas vecesque recorrerlas todas, ó muchas por lo menos, exponiéndose además á encontrar la noticia deseada, tan diluida entre otras que en ocasiones se convierte en motivo de confusión de ideas ó de apreciaciones; y si reflexionamos también en que los últimos diccionarios, muy buenos y completos desde otros puntos de vista, datan por lo bajo de hace veinte años, se percibirá todo el valor que tiene un libro como el que ahora ponemos á la venta.

Es nuestro Diccionario una obra de recopilación y de extracto. Claro está que no aporta nuevas luces en nuestra historia, ni contiene grandes trabajos originales de exploración geográfica ni arqueológica, pero, en cambio, sus autores han procurado que en él se encuentren informaciones lo más completas que sean compatibles con la brevedad de una obra cuya utilidad, entre otras, será la de estar por su forma y por su precio al alcance de todas la personas. Ahorrará, pues, desde luego el fatigoso y no siempre fructífero trabajo de consultar volúmenes y más volúmenes en pos de una fecha, de un nombre, de un hecho que á veces se necesitan exacta y prontamente.

Llenará además el vacio á que aludimos al principio, porque, como ya lo indicábamos, publicados hace cerca de veinte años los diccionarios más recientes, en el tiempo trascurrido han variado notablemente, por lo que se refire á la parte geográfica, la categoría, la población y en muchos casos hasta el nombre de los lugares de la República; han acontecido, por lo que atañe á la parte histórica, sucesos de notoria importancia, y, tocante á la biográfica, ha aumentado la lista de aquéllos que por su intervención señalada en la política, la ciencia, las artes ó cualesquiera otras de las manifestaciones de la vida pública, merecieron ser citados.

Verdad es que la historia, lo mismo que la geografía y la biografía mexicanas, están por hacer aún. En nuestro territorio quedan algunas regiones inexploradas, y si bien la documentación histórica de algunos períodos de la vida nacional, es singularmente rica, en otros reina la obscuridad casi completa y hay mucho por rectificar y depurar. En la biografía podría censurarse que muchas de las vidad de hombres ilustres han sido escritas bajo el imperio de la pasión política, y que la mayor parte de las biografías publicadas son ó panegíricos ó acusaciones.

Sin embargo, en medio de la confusión que de tal estado de cosas resulta, nos hemos concretado al relato de hechos y solamente se han comentado aquellos que tienen significación más grande, y al comentarlos, hemos procurado desprendernos de todo espíritu de partido.

Hemos recurrido á todas las fuentes que han estado á nuestro alcance y podemos afirmar que, en la parte histórica, los autores han incluido un número de nombres superior, en mucho, á todos los que podrían encontrarse en los diccionarios anteriormente publicados y que, en la relación de los hechos se han apoyado en las autoridades más respetables.

Para la parte geográfica, además de las obras y de los diccionarios mejores, tanto antiguos como modernos, que existen, se tuvo á la vista por el autor, así las últimas publicaciones oficiales sobre la materia como las geografías locales más recientes.

De ahí que estemos en aptitud de afirmar que, tratándose de nombres geográficos, nuestro Diccionario es también lo más completo que puede adquirirse hasta ahora, pues sólo se han dejado de consignar los puntos de absoluta insignificancia.

En cuanto á los datos contenidos en cada artículo, á la vez que se ha cuidado de escoger los que ofrecen mayor interés para todas las personas que necesiten consultarlos, corresponden, como es de suponerse, á la importancia de ciudades, pueblos, regiones, accidentes naturales, etc., á que se refieren.

La situación de las localidades y el número de sus habitantes se tomaron de cifras oficiales conocidas, fundándose para la población en el último Censo general de la República. Sólo cuando se trata de algunos lugaress de poca categoría, se dan cifras redondas que hacen conocer desde luego la mayor ó menor importancia del punto sin salir de la aproximación que puede exigirse de un dato que se apoya en operación censal de hace nueve años.

Citar cada uno de los autores que fueron consultados para formar los artículos geográficos sería querer muestras de una erudición de que no se quiere alardear; la mayor parte han sido citados en diferentes ocasiones en el curso de nuestro Diccionario y á todos, así como á las personas que se sirvieron proporcionarnos datos para hacer más completa y exacta nuestra labor manifestamos aquí nuestra gratitud.

Gratitud que será tanto mayor si, teniendo en cuenta como ya lo manifestamos, que todavía han de encontrarse bastantes vacíos en ete Diccionario que de ninguna manera juzgamos perfecto, no sólo esas mismas personas sino cuantas el presente libro vieran y consultaran, nos advirtiesen los errores, las deficiencias que en él encuentren y nos comuniquen las noticias que juzguen más oportunas para rectificar aquéllos y borrar éstas. Lo cual no dejaremos de hacer en las ediciones sucesivas que tuviéramos que publicar.

***
Para cerrar este Prefacio queremos consagrar una frase siquiera á la memoria de uno de los autores de este Diccionario que murió antes de ver la obra que él principió y en que colaboró celosa y eficazmente.

Nos referimos á Albeto Leduc, que escribió mucho, muy especialmente cuentos que constituyeron su género favorito y quizás hubiera emprendido y terminado obras de mayor aliento si la muerte no le hubiese sorprendido en lo mejor de su edad. Estamos seguros de que la labor que desplegó en ésta, buscando, acopiando y ordenando datos para la parte histórica y biográfica, sabrá ser apreciada de cuantos comprendan toda la suma de trabajo que representa á veces un artículo, una simple línea de diccionario.
Sent by Johanna de Soto

Sociedad Chihuahuense de Estudios Historicos, A.C. 
http://www.historiadechihuahua.com/index.html

[[
Johanna de Soto sent this link.  It has so much, I thought I would point out two items, biographies such as Agustin Melgar, and a daily calendar of events starting with January 1st. Hopefully every month will have as full a listing as January.  Great site! Don't miss it! ]] 

AGUSTIN MELGAR Y SU EJEMPLO A LA JUVENTUD
MARIANO SALCEDO ZARAGOZA 
http://www.historiadechihuahua.com/reportajes/agustinmelgar.html

Muy pocos personajes locales han podido entrar en las páginas de la historia de México con tanto derecho como el cadete chihuahuense Agustín María José Francisco de Jesús de los Ángeles Melgar Sevilla Madrid Burgos, hijo de padre oaxaqueño y de madre defeña, habiendo nacido él en la ciudad de Chihuahua en 1829 por estancia temporal de sus padres el teniente coronel don Esteban Melgar Madrid y doña María de la Luz Sevilla Burgos.

Agustín fue bautizado el mismo día que nació, el 29 de agosto de 1829 por el presbítero Ángel Molinar en el templo de san Francisco de esta ciudad de Chihuahua. Su padre murió en Meoqui, donde desempeñaba funciones de inspector militar.

Con el correr del tiempo Agustín fue llevado a la ciudad de México por su madre e inscrito, según su deseo, en el Colegio Militar el día 4 de noviembre de 1846.

Así, cuando el ejército invasor norteamericano con el general Scott a la cabeza penetró al Valle de México, el personal docente y los alumnos del Colegio Militar participaron en la defensa de la línea militar de Chapultepec, bajo las órdenes del general Nicolás Bravo; era el 12 de septiembre de 1847 cuando tanto el castillo de Chapultepec como sus posiciones cercanas fueron cañoneadas fuertemente por la artillería invasora y, al amanecer del 13, tres columnas de asalto bajo el mando de los generales Worth, Quitman y Pilow, se arrojaron sobre aquella fortaleza semidestruida, que sin haber recibido ningún auxilio por parte de Santa Anna y con la moral quebrantada por esta causa y ante la mayoría numérica del enemigo el contingente mexicano resistió hasta que las fuerzas americanas penetraron al interior del edificio, siendo así que aquello devino en debacle en detrimento de nuestros mártires. En esos momentos el cadete Melgar se encontraba de guardia en la puerta del Colegio, habiendo defendido su puesto hasta caer herido gravemente de dos balazos en el hombro derecho y en la pierna izquierda y un bayonetazo en el costado derecho.

Sobre este suceso y también refiriéndose a Melgar, nos dice el historiador y biógrafo poblano Joaquín Márquez Montiel: Llevaba casi un año de estudios cuando el desaliento lo invadió y dejó la carrera militar para dedicarse a trabajar por su cuenta y poderse casar, como se lo dijo a su novia, pero por esos tiempos sobrevino la derrota de Padierna y el más limpio patriotismo se incendió en el pecho del chihuahuense y anheló defender a su patria hasta derramar la última gota de su sangre, y por eso, después de despedirse tiernamente de la amada novia, de darle el último adiós, pues de alguna forma presentía que sería el último, retornó a su querido Colegio Militar.

El capitán Alvarado -sigue diciendo Márquez Montiel- no quiso recibir al cadete que una vez había abandonado el plantel, pero a ruego de todos los cadetes que querían mucho a Agustín, fue recibido de nuevo para, al poco tiempo, al defender los bastiones de su frágil fortaleza, cayera herido de la pierna y costado derechos y del brazo izquierdo como una sangrienta rosa deshojada por el viento.
Se le operó oportunamente, pero, no obstante eso, murió en la operación gloriosamente en la tarde del 14 de septiembre de 1847 como envuelto por la bandera tricolor.

Así dejó Agustín Melgar constancia para ejemplo de las juventudes mexicanas de cómo se ofrenda la vida en aras del más noble de los ideales: Defender a la patria.
Un ilustrativo pensamiento en la plaza Agustín Melgar de esta ciudad ilustra más que cualquier otro escrito sobre el pundonor, arrojo y valentía de Melgar, consignado por el historiador guanajuatense de San Luis de la Paz, don Alfonso Teja Zabre: «Dicen que el general Worth y todos los americanos que lo seguían, quedaron asombrados del valor de Melgar, y que mirándolo caído y cubierto de sangre, después de haberse batido como un león, se descubrieron ante él, y el viejo general, inclinándose sobre su cuerpo, le dio un beso en la frente».

Por su parte el poeta poblano Rafael Cabrera, en su poema Sursum Corda, se refiere al valor de Melgar:

Aquí donde el rugido
De las rudas y bárbaras legiones
Se alzó temblando hasta el peñón erguido,
Despertó a los polluelos en su nido
Y sublevó de horror los corazones;
Y aquí... donde a la voz de los cañones de otras tierras hostiles y remotas como alud impetuoso descendieron... y aquí donde cayeron
Los aguiluchos con las alas rotas!... Eran la juventud... la vida nueva... el abundoso polen que se lleva en sus alas el aire transparente;
El claro sol que barre con la bruma, y el tímido capullo que impaciente aun no rompe el botón y ya perfuma;
Eran el alba trémula de frío que tiñe de carmín los horizontes y riega por los valles y los montes oro de sol y llanto de rocío;
Y eran sus vidas puras y risueñas, un vallado de rosas abrileñas
Que se opuso a la cólera de un río…

Para mayores informes o comentarios sobres este articulo favor de mandar un E-mail a webmaster@historiadechihuahua.com

Aztec Club of 1847    http://www.aztecclub.com/select2.htm

Presented on the Aztec Club's web site is a database consisting of the most complete record of Mexican War service by American officers ever presented. Originally compiled in preparation of publication commemorating the Club's sesquicentennial history, this database is searchable on-line.
Includes the biographies of Union Generals, and some photos. The society is 150 years old.. 

On March 29th John will be answering questions from newly compiled data 
on the Indigenous of Mexico, such as:

1. How many people in Mexico speak indigenous languages today?
2. What are the most widely spoken languages of Mexico?
3. What states have the largest number of indigenous people in all of Mexico?
4. What are the most widely spoken languages in Baja California Norte?
5. Does that mean that Mixteco, Zapoteco, Náhuatl and Purépecha languages indigenous to Baja?
6. How many people living in Chihuahua speak indigenous languages?
7. What are the most common languages spoken in Chihuahua?
8. What were the names of the indigenous peoples who occupied Jalisco in the 1520s when Nuño de Guzmán and other Spanish explorers entered the area?
9. What is the most widely spoken language in Michoacán de Ocampo? 

For John P. Schmal's answer to these questions, click to: Indigenous 
These questions and many more will be answered in more detail and discussed at my "Indigenous Mexico: Past and Present" Presentation. On Saturday, March 29, 2003, I will give a lecture, detailing the major linguistic divisions of Mexico, certain statistics involving the present-day indigenous groups in Mexico. However, I will also discuss the Indian tribes that inhabited such states as Jalisco, Sinaloa, Sonora and Oaxaca at the time of contact (Early Sixteenth Century)

If you have an interest in knowing more about the indigenous groups of Mexico, past and present, we hope that you will be able to attend this presentation, March 29th, at 11 a.m. at the Orange FHC.  674 S. Yorba, Orange, California.  Sincerely, John Schmal"

Soldaderas Played Important Roles in Revolutions

By Diana Suet, Raquel Macias and Kazstelia Vasquez

 Borderlands 1800s- 1920s,  2002-2003, Vol. 21
Produced by the Students of El Paso Community College

Soldaderas, coronelas, Adelitas, female soldiers, camp followers. They were the women on the battlefields of the Mexican Revolution: strong-hearted, courageous and loyal to the cause.

        Prior to the Revolution, the Mexican Civil Code of 1884 had imposed many restrictions on women. The code granted a single woman almost the same rights as males, except she had to reside with her parents until the age of 30.
        On the other hand, a married woman had no rights; she could not divorce, vote, draw up a contract, dispose or administer her personal property, make decisions about the education of her children or engage in lawsuits. Married women could not even tutor anyone, except their husbands; therefore female schoolteachers who enjoyed their work did not marry.
        Author Shirlene Soto writes that even berfore these laws, women lived in the shadow of their husbands, dedicated to family life and church. Tradition kept Mexican women from gaining any degree of equality. When the Mexican Revolution began in 1910, the role of many changed, and the door for equality opened. 
        As the revolution took its course, women were needed and recruited in all parts of Mexico by both federal and rebel armies. Historian Elizabeth Salas tells us that unlike the federal army, the Revolutionaries enlisted women voluntarily, and they came from rich and poor, educated and uneducated backgrounds. Their reasons for joining the war varied. Salas says that some women joined their husbands to care for them, while others enlisted to avenge the death or a husband or other relative. 
        Salas tells us the story of Angela Jimenez, who at 15 witnessed her sister’s attempted rape by a soldier. Her sister grabbed the officer’s gun and killed him and then shot herself. Jimenez joined the father in the army, promising herself to kill the federales. Jimenez became a spy, solider and explosives expert.
        Some women had no choice but to become Soldaderas when soldiers raped and kidnapped them from their homes and villages. Salas cites a 1913 edition of the Mexican Herald that says entire villages were left without women because soldiers had carried them off.
        According to Julia Tunon Pablos, the Revolution provided women with the possibility of alerting their social status. Many women wanted to join in hopes of being paid for their domestic and military services. However, if they were related to or accompanied soldiers, they did not receive pay for their work.
        One of the main jobs of the Soldaderas was to provide soldiers with food. They often had to search for food, which Gabriela Cano describes as a dangerous task in times of scarcity and violence. In their desperation to gather food, the soldaderas at times looted their homes, stores and fields, leaving villages without essentials for survival.
        Soldaderas washed and mended the soldier’s clothes and cared for the wounded. In addition, they buried the dead and scavenged battle sites for all useful objects. Besides performing these domestic duties for their husbands and lovers, soldaderas also became messangers, spies, arms and muntitions runners, seamstresses, secretaries and journalists. Cano says as spies, the women passed military information, arms and supplies in their cloths or food baskets.
        Although their responsibilities of the soldaderas often surpassed those of the men, the women enjoyed few comforts. When they traveled by train, the women and children rode outside or on top. Soldadeas carried the provisions, cooking equipment and guns during the vast miles of food travel. When the troops had access to horses, the men rode them. 
        Salas tells us the soldiers described the soladaeas as "combining her traditional roles as mother, war goddess, warrior, tribal defender, sexual companion and domestic servant within the context of the army life." Even when pregnant, the women traveled with the troops, gave birth, rested a short while and then caught up with the forces that had moved forward. They moved with their children on their backs.
        In other phases of their life, they were equal, however. In serious fights among themselves, they might kill their rivals. When they were punished within the military ranks, they were also treated equally. According to Salas, Pancho Villa executed one of the soldadeas in his army for accidentally killing one of his male soldiers, but she died with "military honors." Villa also executed w group with 80 or 90 enemy soldadeas and their children when one dared to shoot him.
        Revolutionaries like Emiliano Zapata admired them, while others thought them a nuisance, including Villa. He limited the role women played in his army by not allowing them on battlefield. An El Paso Times article reported, "General Villa several times attempted to compel the women to leave the trenches and on numerous occasions had them escorted back off the firing line to places of safety but when the rebel chief’s attention was called to some other direction, they hurried to the front and continued their firing." 
        Yet even when confronted with animosity from their other side, the soldaderas overcome all obstacles. Often disguised as men, many of them were dynamic warriors. Some soldaderas formed their own rebel groups and even commanded men. Petra Herrera became an officer or "coronela," comanding 200 men, according to a report in the Mexican Herald on January 7, 1914.
        Slas tells us that Herrera, along with 400 other women, took part in the second battle of Torreon as part of Villa’s vanguard. A villista by the name of Cosme Mendoza said, "Herrera was the one who took Torreon on May 30, 1914." 
        After the Mexican Revolution, the work of the soldaderas seemed to have been forgotten and the romantic portrait of the "Adelita" became legend. Pablos tells us that the legend began with a corrido, or folk song that referred to a girl named Adelita who was madly in love with her sergeant and thus followed the troops. Several versions of this corrido exist. Soldaderas were later given the name from her character, and the term "Adelitas" epitomized all soldaderas and courageous women of that time.
        The Revolution brought about many corridos that depicted the attitude people had toward the soldaderas. Salas states, "Women’s roles were distroted and they were seen as prostitutes, self-abnegating patriots or Amazons subdued by male romantic prowess." Those views blinded people from a real understanding of these women. 
        The women in the Revolution were heroines. Pablos reminds us that women’s participation took many forms. Soldaderas were not given their due until the 1960s when the Chicano movement took place. Chicanas looked back to the revolution for inspiration and models; in the soldaderas, they found ancestors who valiantly fought for their rights and beliefs.
        The soldaderas influenced and continue to influence women’s struggle for equality. Through their self-sacrifice, courage and suffering, Mexican women today have gained their basic rights. However, many must still secure the food supply, not resting until everyone is fed. And while they may not be fighting a traditional war, they still must brave the dangers that await them when they leave their homes to work. The soldadera still lives.

Sent by Ivonne Urueta Thompson, Ph.D.  guirodriguez@utep.edu

LOS ROMERO DE TERREROS 
Y RINCON GALLARDO CONDES DE REGLA 
Y MARQUESES DE GUADALUPE

ESTUDIO GENEALÓGICO
GUILLERMO PADILLA ORIGEL
LEON, GTO. 2003

                                                                 TRONCOS


I.-Don Pedro Romero de Terreros,
Andaluz, nace por 1710, llegó a la Nueva España por 1740, fue Alcalde, Alférez, Alguacil Mayor, famoso minero en el real de Pachuca y fundador del Nacional Monte de Piedad en la ciudad de México, se casó por 1756, con Doña Maria Antonia de Trebuesto y Dávalos, hija legítima del Conde de Miravalle , y fueron sus hijos entre otros:

1.-Doña Micaela Romero de Terreros y Trebuesto, segunda marquesa de San Francisco(1757-1817)

2.-Doña Juana Romero de Terrero y Trebuesto,
(1758-1762)

3.-Doña Antonia Romero de Terreros y Trebuesto, nació por 1759

4.-Doña Ignacia Romero de Terreros y Trebuesto, nació por 1760

5.-Don Francisco Xavier Romero de Terreros y Trebuesto, primer marqués de San Francisco (1762-1778)

6.-Don José María Romero de Terreros y Trebuesto
, famoso Médico, primer marqués de San Cristóbal ,(1766-1815)

7.-Doña Dolores Romero de Terreros y Trebuesto, nació por 1765, se casó en primeras nupcias con Don Vicente de Herrera y Rivero y en segundas con Don Manuel de la Pedroguera

8.-Don Pedro Ramón Romero de Terreros y Trebuesto
, nació en Pachuca en 1761, alguacil mayor y funcionario de la santa inquisición, segundo Conde de Regla, y se casó con Doña Josefa Rodríguez de Pedroso y de la Cotera, tercera condesa de Jala y quinta marquesa de Villahermosa, y fue su hijo entre otros:

a.-Don Pedro José María Romero de Terreros y Rodríguez de Pedroso
, nacio en la ciudad de México en 1788, tercer Conde de Regla y segundo marqués de san Cristóbal y varios mas, se casó en 1812 con Doña María Josefa Villamil, nacida en 1795, y fueron sus hijos entre otros:

1.-Don Pedro Romero de Terreros y Villamil
, nació en 1815, director del Monte de Piedad, casado con Doña Mariana García Conde y Pedemonte, y fue su hijo a su vez:

Don Angel María Faustino Romero de Terreros y García Conde , nacido el 15 de febrero de 1841 en la ciudad de México.

2.-Don Manuel Romero de Terreros y Villamil ,
nació en 1816, Gobernador del Estado de México, y se casó con Doña Guadalupe Gómez de Parada , y fue su hijo:

Don Pedro José Ramón Romero de Terreros y Gómez de Parada nacido en la ciudad de México en 1853

3.-Don Juan Nepomuceno Romero de Terreros y Villamil, cuarto Conde de Rsegla, (1820-1862) nació en la ciudad de México y murió en Panamá, no tuvo desendencia, motivo por el cual otorgó el título a su sobrina Doña Refugio Romero de Terreros y Goríbar por real carta de fecha 29 de abril de 1867

4.-Doña Antonia Romero de Terreros y Villamil, nació en 1820 y se casó con Don Ramón Samaniego

5.-Don Ignacio Romero de Terreros y Villamil, nació en 1824 sin desc.

6.-Doña Josefa Romero de Terreros y Villamil, murió joven

7.-Don Ramón Romero de Terreros y Villamil
, nació en 1819, y se casó con Doña Refugio Goríbar y Múzquiz, hija legítima de Don Juan de Goríbar y de Doña María Francisca de Múzquiz y fueron sus hijos entre otros:

a.-Don José Dolores Tomás Romero de Terreros y Goríbar
, nacido en la ciudad de México el 18 de septiembre de 1853, sin desendencia y

b.-Doña María del Refugio Romero de Terreros y Goríbar, nacida en la ciudad de México el 22 de noviembre de 1851, quinta Condesa de Regla, se casó en la ciudad de México, con Don Eduardo Rincón –Gallardo y Rosso, tercer marqués de Guadalupe-Gallardo nacido en 1848 en México y Murió en París en 1906, hijo legitimo de Don José María Joaquín Ignacio Rincón. Gallardo y Santos del Valle, segundo marqués de Guadalupe, casado en primeras nupcias con Doña Paz López de Pedrosa y Villar Villamil, siendo sus hijos:

Joaquin, Rosa y Guadalupe Rincón Gallardo y López de Pedroza y en segundas nupcias con Doña Ana Roso y Delgado, madre de Don Eduardo, fueron sus abuelos paternos: el Coronel Don Manuel José María Joaquín Rincón Gallardo y Calderón y Berrio, primer Marqués de Guadalupe, bautizado el 8 de junio de 1758 en Cienega de Mata, y Doña Ignacia Antonia Santos del Valle y Leonel de Cervantes, casados en la ciudad de México el 21 de agosto de 1774

Fueron sus hijos de Don Eduardo y Doña María del Refugio , entre otros:

1.-Don Rodrigo Rincón Gallardo y Romero de Terreros
, gobernador de Aguascalientes, casado con Doña Virginia Doblado

2.-Doña Luisa Rincón Gallardo y Romero de Terreros, casada con Don Miguel Cortina y San Román

3.-Don Francisco Rincón Gallardo y Romero de Terreros, casado con Doña María de Jesús Haghenbeck

4.-Don Manuel Rincón Gallardo y Romero de Terreros
, casado con Doña luisa Quijano y Castellot, padres a su vez del pintor Don David Rincón Gallardo y Quijano, casado con Doña Maria de la Luz de Alba, y fueron sus hijos:

David y Jaime Rincón Gallardo y de Alba, con sucesión

5.-Don Carlos Rincón Gallardo y Romero de Terreros, nació en la ciudad de México en 1874 y se casó el 7 de octubre de 1897, con Doña Concepción Cortina y Cuevas, siendo su hija entre otros:

Doña María Concepción Rincón Gallardo y Cortina, casada con Don Justo Fernández del Valle y fue su hijo a su vez entre otros:

Lic. Don Justo Fernández del Valle y Rincón Gallardo, lic. en derecho, nacido en la ciudad de México el 19 de julio de 1927, famoso historiador y escritor y se casó en la ciudad de México el 12 de mayo de 1960 con Doña Carmen Cervantes y Riva

6.-Don José Rincón Gallardo y Romero de Terreros,
gobernador de San Luis Potosí, casado con Doña Dolores Hope

7.-Don Pedro Rincón Gallardo y Romero de Terreros, General Brigadier y Embajador

8.-Doña Luz Rincón Gallardo y Romero de Terreros, casada con Don Juan Urquiaga y

9.-Don Juan Rincón Gallardo y Romero de Terreros, casado con Doña Carlota García Rojas

American Academy for the Promotion of Genealogical and Heraldic Studies - 2003  

Más informes: Dr. Sergio Antonio Corona Páez    sergio.corona@lag.uia.mx


The American Academy for the Promotion of Genealogical and Heraldic Studies. Esta sociedad académica se encuentra ubicada en el estado de Mississippi, en la Unión Americana. Cuenta con fellows, miembros y asociados en diez diferentes países. La American Academy tiene dos líneas principales de investigación científica constituídas por los estudios genealógicos y por los heráldicos. Aunque la Academia es autónoma e independiente, poseefuertes vínculos con otras sociedades científicas del mundo entero.

La American Academy convoca anualmente un encuentro académico para la presentación de resultados de investigación. Esto sucede durante el mes de octubre en Mississippi. Los miembros de la Academia son alentados a publicar sus trabajos en la publicación de la institución.

Los fellows para 2003 de The American Academy son el Dr. Stanislaw W. Dumim, Presidente de la federación Rusa de Genealogía y Secretario General de la Academia Internacional de Genealogía; S.E. Michael Patrick Daniel Murphy, miembro asociado del ICOC; el Dr. Raffaello Ceccheti, Profesor de Ley Civil en Pisa; el Dr. Alexander I. Shkourko, Director del Museo Histórico Estatal
de la Federación Rusa.

Los miembros del 2003 son el Dr. Paul Alan Dreschnak, nominado al premio Nobel en medicina en 1999 y 2001; el Dr. James A.B. Drury, investigador condecorado en historia y cultura etíope; Dr. Kevin Greaves, presidente de la Real Sociedad Heráldica de Canadá; el Dr. David J. Hentges, de la Academia Católica de Ciencias; Mme. Tamara G. Igoumnova, directora de relaciones exteriores del Museo Histórico Estatal de la Federación Rusa; Stephen P. Kerr, Esq. consejero especial de la Casa Imperial de
Habsburgo-Lorena; Stephen John Kilmczuk, K.M. felow del Seminario de
Salzburgo; Dr. Carl E. Lindgren, presidente del Instituto para la
Investigación Histórica de Oxford; Dr. Boris Morozov, fellow de la Comisión
Arqueográfica de la Academia Rusa de las Ciencias; el Dr. Oleg Naoumov,
miembro de la Academia Rusa de Ciencias Naturales; Vincent Shaun Redmond,
KM, miembro de la Comisión Internacional para las órdenes de Caballería; Dr.
Héctor A. Robles, investigador condecorado; Lt. Cmdr. Prof. David Daniel
Ruddy, profesor emérito de historia militar en el Real Colegio Militar de
Saint-Jean, presidente de la Sociedad Heráldica de Canadá; Dr. Robert von
Dassanowsky, miembro de la Academia Europea de Ciencias y Artes en Austria,
y el Dr. Sergio Antonio Corona Páez, Coordinador del Archivo Histórico JAE
de la Universidad Iberoamericana Torreón y Delegado de la Academia para
México.

Para mayores informes sobe la American Academy for the Promotion of
Genealogical and Heraldic Studies, por favor dirigirse a:

Dr. Sergio Antonio Corona Páez
Delegado de la Academia para México
E-Mail: sergio.corona@lag.uia.mx


Benicio Samuel Sanchez Garcia
Presidente de la Sociedad Genealogica del Norte de Mexico 

* Si necesitas informacion Genealogica enviame:
1. Una Copia de tu Cuadro Genealogico O bien un GEDCOM 
2. Detalles de las lineas a investigar
3. Detalles de la Investigacion que haz hecho 
(envia copias de los documentos. TRANSCRIBE LAS ACTAS NO ENVIES ORIGINALES, SI NO TIENES LAS ACTAS TRANSCRITAS TE COBRARE POR HACERLO)
4. Enviame un sobre con cupones internacionales que consigues en tu servicio postal local (estampillas internacionales) y un sobre con tu direccion escrita a la direccion que aparece abajo.
5. Si quieres CHATEAR conmigo usa el messenger de msn y agregame en tus contactos: mexicangenealogy@ancestros.com.mx

If need Genealogical Data please send me:
1. A Copy of your pedigree chart or Gedcom file
2. Details on those lines that need work
3. Details on research that has already been done on those lines that need work. (Send only copies of your documents. DO NOT SEND ORIGINALS.)
4. Self addressed, stamped return envelope, or one with international reply coupon(s) if you do not live in Mexico.
5. If you like add me in your contacts for a CHAT SESSION: mexicangenealogy@ancestros.com.mx

Send your request to:
Benicio Samuel Sanchez
Ramon Lopez Velarde 729
Contry La Silla
Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon
67173 Mexico
Office Phone (81) 8387-5400

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: This message contains information which may be privileged, confidential or exempt or prohibited from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby NOTIFIED that any dissemination, distribution, retention, archiving or copying of this message and/or the contents thereof is strictly prohibited.
Visita http://www.ancestros.com.mx
CARIBBEAN-CUBA
Columbus: Caribbean Archaeology
Andres Rivero.com
Military Records
El Barco de Colon
Ship Information, 1502-1824
Portal to Puerto Rico Genealogy
U.S. Peace Corps in Dominican Republic

Columbus: Caribbean Archaeology at the Florida Museum of Natural History
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/anthro/caribarch/columbus.htm

[[
This is a great site dedicated to Columbus.  It includes the listing of the men who traveled with Columbus and a collection of  articles previous published in Vista.   Note their occupations. Also, one man is listed as Guillermo Ires (William Harris or William Penrise, from Ireland. Great resource for  teachers to prepare for Hispanic Heritage Month and Columbus Day.)]]

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN

Visit VISTA The Magazine for All Hispanics.

                                                                                                                   Sent by Paul Newfield  pcn01@webdsi.com

PINTA
García Alonso
Pedro de Arcos, from Palos
Bernal, servant
Diego Bermúdez
Juan Bermúdez
Antón (Antonio) Calabrés
Maestre Diego, surgeon
Christóbal García Xalmiento (Jalmiento, Sarmiento), pilot
Bartolomé García
Francisco García Gallego
Francisco García Vallejo
García Hernández (Fernández), steward
Juan de Jérez (Xéres), from Palos
Fernando Méndes (Méndez, Mendel)
Francisco Méndes (Méndez, Mendel)
Alonso de Palos
Alvaro Pérez
Gil Pérez
Juan Pérez Viscaino
Martín Alonso Pinzón, Captain
Francisco Martín Pinzón, Master
Diego Martín Pinzón
Juan Quadrado
Christóbal Quintero, Owner
Juan Quintero
Gómez Rascón
Juan Reynal
Juan Rodríquez Bermejo
Pedro Tegero (Tejero, Terreros?)
Rodrigo de Triana
Juan Veçano (Vezano)
Juan Verde de Triana

NIÑA

García Alonso
Maestre Alonso, physician
Juan Arias, cabin boy
Juan Arraes
Pero (Pedro) Arraes
Bartolomé García, boatswain
Alonso Gutiérrez Querido
Andrés de Huelva
Diego Lorenzo
Rodrigo Monge (Monte)
Alonso de Morales, carpenter
Francisco Niño
Juan Niño, Owner and Master
Pero (Pedro) Alonso (Peralonso) Niño, pilot
Juan Ortíz
Gutiérrez Pérez
Vicente Yáñez Pinzón, Captain
Bartolomé Roldán, apprentice pilot
Juan Romero
Sanco Ruíz (de Gama?)
Pero (Pedro) Sánches (Sánchez)
Miguel de Soria, servant
Pedro de Soria
Fernando de Triana

SANTA MARIA

Pedro de Acevedo
Master Alonso, physician
Diego Bermúdez
Pedro del Bilbao
Bartolomé Biues (Vives?)
Cristóbal Caro, goldsmith
Chachú, boatswain
Alonso Chocero
Alonso Clavijo (criminal granted amnesty)
Cristóbal Colón, Captain-General
Juan de la Cosa, Owner and Master
Antonio de Cuellar, carpenter
Master Diego, boatswain
Rodrigo de Escobar
Ruíz (Ruy) Fernández
Gonzalo Franco
Rodrigo Gallego, servant
Ruíz (Ruy) García
Francisco de Huelva
Juan, servant
Maestre Juan
Juan de Jérez
Rodrigo de Jérez (Xérez)
Diego Leál
Pedro de Lepe
Domingo de Lequeitio
Lope (López), joiner
Juan Martínes (Martínez) de Açoque
Juan Medina, tailor
Juan de Moguer (criminal granted amnesty)
Diego Pérez, painter
Juan de la Plaça (Plaza)
Jacomél Rico
Juan Ruíz de la Peña
Sanco Ruíz (de Gama?), pilot
Diego de Salcedo, servant of Columbus
Juan Sánchez, physician
Rodrigo (Pedro?) Sánchez, Comptroller of fleet
Pedro de Terreros (Tejero), steward
Pedro de Terreros, cabin boy
Bartolomé de Torres (criminal granted amnesty)
Luis de Torres, interpreter
Martín Urtubía
Pedro de Villa
Domingo Vizcaino
Pedro Yzquierdo (criminal granted amnesty)

Men left at La Navidad
Cristóbal del Alamo
Diego de Arana, Master-at-arms of fleet, Captain at La Navidad
Francisco de Aranda
Gabriél Baraona
Juan del Barco
Domingo de Bermeo, cooper
Pedro Cabacho
Diego de Capilla
Castillo, silversmith
Juan de Cueva
Rodrigo de Escobedo, Secretary of fleet, Lieutenant at La Navidad
Francisco Fernández
Gonzalo Fernández (from Segovia)
Gonzalo Fernández de Segovia (from Leon)

Pedro de Foronda
Diego García
Francisco de Godoy
Jorge González
Pedro Gutiérrez, representative of royal household, Lieutenant
Francisco de Henao
Guillermo Ires (William Harris or William Penrise, from Ireland)
Antonio de Jaén
Francisco Jiménez
Martín de Lograsan
Alvar Pérez Osorio
Juan Patiño
Diego de Mambles
Sebastián de Mayorga
Alonso Vélez de Mendoza
Diego de Mendoza
Juan de Mendoza
Diego de Montalban
Juan Morcillo
Hernando de Porcuna
Tristán se San Jorge
Pedro de Talavera
Bernandino de Tapia
Diego de Tordoya
Diego de Torpa
Juan de Urniga
Francisco de Vergara
Juan de Villar


AndresRivero.com
Voz y Pensamiento del Hispano en los Estados Unidos


[[
This is a website produced by Andres Rivero.  It is an assortment of current happenings, as well as cultural concerns. I have brought this site to your attention before, but I would like to point out Cuentos Cortos. Below is the first one, touching on cultural attitudes common to all Latinos. This parable certainly encourages thoughtful reflection. Mr. Rivero is a native Cuban. 
http://www.andresrivero.com/ ]]


Los Hombres no Deben Llorar

Decía que los hombres no debían llorar. Que era asunto de mujeres. Que los hombres habían nacido para ser fuertes, para enfrentarse a todas las vicisitudes de la vida sin derramar ni una sola lágrima.

Lo repitió tantas veces, tan frecuentemente, que se convenció. Y pasaron los años sin que se le viera jamás llorar. Ni ante la pena más profunda. Ni ante la dicha más completa.

Pero al fin un día infausto de grandes frustraciones, no pudo más. Y encerrándose en el baño, su lugar favorito para meditar, se quitó la ropa y se acostó en la bañera seca y fría.

Allí como en torbellino, a espasmos leves primero y sacudidas brutales después, comenzó a llorar amargamente. Sin razón, sin sentido, sin control sin respiro.

Fue tanto el llanto contenido, tanto lloró, tan larga y abundantemente, que se ahogó en sus propias lágrimas.

Eso fue hace algún tiempo y en realidad, excepto por estos relatos ocasionales, ya nadie se acuerda del hombre que no debía llorar.

Del libro "Cuentos Para Entender" por Andrés Rivero
CSP Publications, Miami, Florida, 1979


Military Records
   http://www.cubagenweb.org/mil/

Cuban Military Records
In the struggle for independence from Spain, Cubans fought three revolutionary conflicts as follows. Click on the following three titles for a brief history or each of these conflicts.

La Guerra de Los Diez Años - The Ten-Years War (1868-1878)
Unlike for the Cuban War of Independence, there is no centralized list of all Cuban participants in the Ten Years War. Many of them did return to fight again during the War of Independence in 1898. Many of the military records were shipped back to Spain after the end of Spanish Colonial rule and reside in the Spanish Military Archive in Segovia.

Two of our readers, and Eugenio de J. Perez Ferrer, have compiled and generously made available a data base of more than 2350 Officers, Deputies, and other members of the Government of the Republic in Arms during the Ten Years War. This document is available through the following link:

Data Base of Officers of the Ten Years War
During the Ten Years War, the Spanish authorities executed eight university medical students for allegedly scratching the tombstone of a Spanish newspaperman. The names and genealogical information of the eight medical students is available from the following link:

                                                                                                              Sent by Johanna de Soto

El Barco de Colon 
http://ww.elbarcodecolon.com/contenido.htm
http://wwwelbarcodecolon.com/|
                                                                                            Sent by Paul Newfield  pcn01@webdsi.com


Ship Information, 1502-1824
Professional and Historical Research

home page http://www.arrakis.es/~histres/

Available documentation for sale on ships, with dates between 1502 and 1824. (for transcription, translation and legalization of the documents, request budget).  The ships represent countries from all over the world.  Below is just an example of the hundreds that are available.  

1502 Bobadilla's fleet ........................................ Dominican Republic/Puerto Rico
1503 4 ships of Luis Portocarrero ..................... Italy
1506 several ships ............................................. UK
1508 several ships ............................................. Dominican Republic
1509 Santa Maria ............................................... Spain, Canary Is.
1511 several ships ............................................. Italy
1513 San Nicolas ...............................................
Puerto Rico
1519 several ships ............................................ Mexico

1521 A ship ....................................................... Virgin Is.

1524 Santa Maria de Guadalupe ........................ Puerto Rico

1524 2 ships of Hugo de Moncada .....................
France
1525 several ships ............................................. Italy
1527 A caravel ................................................... Mexico
1528 A caravel ................................................... Portugal


Your portal to Puerto Rico Genealogy!

http://www.rootsweb.com/~prsanjua/fam.htm

Family Research List Indexes: Information for each individual is quoted exactly as it is found. To keep the integrity of these databases, we can't accept modifications unless fully documented on a published book or other kind of commercial publication. These databases will be updated periodically with the addition of new names and as information becomes available, data for existing names will be updated.  If you want to know the source material for any of the names listed here, and the family tree associated with it, if I have it, just send me an e-mail.        pris123@aol.com


Caribbean Genealogy Research Country Resources

http://www.candoo.com/genresources/domrep.htm

Dominican Republic
(Thanks to Ann)
Updated 30 December, 2009
More information and accuracy is always welcome...Please send corrections, updates and additions HERE
Categories: Military Records// Parish Records// Civil Registry// British Nationals//Financial Account

CIVIL REGISTRY   1828 - 1944
NOTE: Civil registry in Spanish containing birth, marriage, divorce and death records.
NOTE:
* These two sets of film #’s seem to be inconsistent, they might be transposed

Contents Dates Location Film #
Indice de matrimonios 1860 - 1944 Latin America Film Area 0636828
item 1
Indice de divorcios 1897 - 1944   0636827
item 1
Indice de defunciones 1884 - 1925   0636226
item 1
Nacimientos 1828   0636234
item 2
Nacimientos 1830 - 1832   0636830
item 1
Nacimientos 1866 - 1870   0636830
item 3
Nacimientos

(con Nacomientos)

1869 -1871

(1877 -1885 0

  0636234
item 3
Nacimientos 1870 -1872   0636234
item 1
Nacimientos 1873 -1877   0636830
item 2
Nacimientos 1873 - 1877   0636830
item 2
Nacimientos 1877 - 1885   0636234
items

3-5
Nacimientos 1885 - 1895   0636235
Nacimientos 1895 - 1905   0636236
Nacimientos 1905 - 1910   0636237
Nacimientos 1910 - 1918   0636831
Nacimientos 1918 - 1920   0636238
Matrimonios 1868 - 1880   0636229*
Matrimonios 1880 - 1891   0636829*
Matrimonios 1891 - 1901   0636230
Matrimonios 1901 - 1911   0636231
Matrimonios 1911 - 1917   0636232
Matrimonios 1917 - 1921   0636233
Matrimonios 1921 - 1922   0636828
item 2
Divorcios 1897 - 1922   063827
item 2-4
Defunciones 1844 - 1907   0636226
item 2-5
Defunciones 1907 - 1916   0636227
Defunciones 1916 - 1921  

                                                                                                                Sent by Johanna de Soto

INTERNATIONAL 
The Hispanic Society of America
Soldados de Cuera
Portuguese Ancestry
Portuguese Hawaiian 
Notes on Spanish  Genealogy
Links to Spanish Colonial History
Argentina Archivo General de la Nación  
Sources of Vital Statistics Outside of the U.S.
Tech firms, for Guatamala workers
This Day in History
Surname Search
A site for Catalan genealogy
French Connections
Archivo General de Indias
Latin America: Colonial
All-in-one Spanish & scuba diving
courses!
Bimonthly Spanish Audiomagazine
En Otra Voz

 

                           The Hispanic Society of America  http://www.hispanicsociety.com/

        Visitors to The Hispanic Society of America today enter a museum and library that reflect the vision of one man, Archer Milton Huntington (1870-1955). Endowed with great intellect, vision, and energy, he must be ranked as one of the most striking figures of his time.
        Huntington became an enthusiastic hispanophile in his youth and later traveled extensively throughout Spain to study firsthand the country and its people. On May 18, 1904, he founded The Hispanic Society of America with the objective of establishing a free museum and reference library for the study of the arts and culture of the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America. Under Huntington's guidance, the Society also advanced knowledge of Spain and its culture by sponsoring expeditions, learned journals, and important art exhibitions. The society actively continues the legacy of Huntington through expanded exhibitions, new programs, and the recent acquisition of the building adjacent to The Hispanic Society.
        The collections of The Hispanic Society of America today are unparalleled in their scope and quality, addressing nearly every aspect of culture in Spain as well as Portugal, Latin America, and the Philippines.                                         
                         Sent by Michael Salinas  MikhailSal@aol.com


* Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older.  Shared by Joe Bentley

                                  Soldados de Cuera                                                 

        The origin of presidial troops in New Spain goes back to the sixteenth century. A line of fortified outposts called presidios was constructed north of Mexico City by 1570 to contain raids by the Chichimeca Indians. Two centuries later the line of presidios or forts moved into what is now
the American Southwest and extended from Texas to California.
        Soldados de cuera manning frontier presidios were a unique branch of the Spanish colonial armed forces, distinct from Spain's regular soldiers. They were distinguished from Spanish regulars not only in having been born and reared in the frontier provinces and thus adapted to harsh conditions but
also in having their own regulations. Reglamentos of both 1729 and 1772 were distinct from those ordenanzas governing the regular army. Presidial soldiers were more heavily armed and equipped than the regular army. In addition to standard weapons of Spanish regulars (musket, pistols, and
saber), soldados de cuera carried a lance, a shield, and a heavy coat of leather armor. The reglamento of 1729 specified that each presidial trooper was to have six horses and one mule at his disposal. The ordinary Spanish dragoon only had two horses available to him.
        The soldado de cuera was in fact named for his leather armor. The cuera was a heavy, knee-length, sleeveless coat. It consisted of several layers of well-cured buckskin which were bound together at the edges with a strong seam and secured to the body by encircling straps. For protection, and in addition to the leather jacket, the presidial soldier carried a shield. In form, there were two varieties in use. The rodela, was a round shield. The adarga, was a shield design copied from the Moors in Spain which consisted of two overlapping ovals.
        For offensive weapons, soldados de cuera, were armed with a smoothbore musket called an escopeta of .69 caliber, two pistols of the same caliber, a short sword, similar in design to a European hunting sword, called an espada ancha, a dagger or puñal , and  a lance or lanza. Since cuera dragoons primarily fought as mounted troops, the lance was their principle weapon of
choice. The reliance on the lance was reinforced by inadequate supplies of powder on the frontier for firearms.
        The enlisted uniform of the enlisted cuera dragoons consisted of a short blue coat or chupa with red collar, cuffs, and lapels. Enlisted men's uniforms included blue breeches or calzones with buttons of brass. The black Texcuco hat was wide brimmed, turned up, and held by a loop on the
left side to handle the musket with ease. A black scarf or mascada negra de Barcelona and a blue cloth cape or capa were also issued.
        Officers had a dress uniform consisting of a blue coat with scarlet collar, cuffs and lapels. The collar was edged with gold lace as was a buff or red waistcoat that was also worn. The coat was worn with blue knee breeches. The hat was a gold-laced tricorn. The undress uniform consisted of a flat
black hat turned up and edged with gold lace. Breeches were blue or buff and the coat was shorter than the dress coat. Blue or red ponchos trimmed with gold lace were also permitted. Weapons and equipment were the same as those of enlisted men but were of better quality.
        Each presidio along the Spanish Frontier consisted of a Caballaría or company of mounted soldiers. The company normally consisted of a Captain or Capitán, a Lieutenant or Teniente, an Ensign or Alférez, a Chaplain or Capellán, one or two Sergeants or Sargentos, two Corporals or Cabos, some forty or so soldiers or soldados, and a number of Indian scouts.

Sent by Mike Hardwick   hardwic2@cox.net


Portuguese Ancestry 
 
is a newsletter with resources and networking dedicated to Portuguese Research, primarily those entering the United States from the Azores.

For membership information, please contact:
Rosemarie Capodicci rcapodc@redshift.com 1155 Santa Ana, Seaside, CA 93955

An example of the kind of information that is shared.  
Entire ship list of SS VEGA entering the Port of New York, 31 August 1898 -  Source: FHC # 1403779

NAME                               Age/ Gender/Married status/Calling    Nationality             Final Destination
Jose Francisco de Costa 33 M M Labourer Portuguese Fall River, MA
Manuel Simoes 30 M M   "   " Taunton, MA
Maria da Estrellal Jesus 23 F M Domestic   "   "
Antonio Tavares de Teves 12 M S Labourer   " Fall River, MA
Maria Julia 28 F M Domestic   "   "
Manuel M. Raposo 30 M S Labourer USA   "
Maria de Jesus 20 F S Domestic Portuguese Northern Cal.
Antonia da Concecao 20 F S   "   " Fall River,  MA
Maria dos Anjos Botelho 21 F M   "   " Providence, RI
Antonia H. Conceicao 17 F S   "   "   "
Manuel Carreiro 24 M S Labourer   "   "
Jose de Medeiros 26 M S   "   " Fall River, MA
Francisco R. Dyonisiio 32 M M   "   "
Joao d"Oliveira Bargantin 28 M M   " USA   "
Maria dos Anjos 22 F M Domestic   "   "
Antonio 2 M S   "   "
Antonio C. P. Athayde? 23 M S Labourer Portuguese New Bedford, MA
Jose Jacintho d'Arruda 25 M S   "   " Fall River, MA
Francisco C. Maceta 31 M M   "   "   "
Jose de Mello 23 M S   "   " Providence, RI
Maria de Mello 22 F S Domestic   " Fall River, MA

Portuguese Hawaiian  
  by Melody Lassalle
http://www.islandroutes.com/articles/lds%20microfilm.html

One of the most important places to do research is at the Family History Center of the Mormon Church (aka Church of Latter Day Saints). Check your local phone book for a Family History Center near you.

This is a list of some of the microfilms/microfiche that are helpful for the Portuguese Hawaiian researcher. Note that each Family History Center has it's own collection. Most items not in a center's collection may be borrowed from the main Family History Library. (Check with staff for availability and policies on ordering films.)

Available through the LDS Family History Library:

1920, 1910, and 1900 United States Census. (The 1900 Census is difficult to read. Soundex Indexes are available.)
California Death Index, 1906-1986. 
Census records, 1890. Film # 1010686
Child index, v. 1-4, 1866-1896. Film # 1205693
Consulado Geral de Portugal em Hawaii, 1878-1913. (Consulate registers of Portuguese immigrants arriving in Hawaii) Film #'s 1017125 and 1321135
Death index, A-Z. Film # 1205812 
Delayed Birth Records: 1904-1923. 130 reels
Delayed Birth Records: ca1859-1903; Index ca. 1859-1938.
Father/Mother indexes to births. Film #'s 1205809 and 1205690
Hawaii cemetery records. Film # 982174
Hawaii Circuit Court Divorce Records, 1849-1915. Film #'s 1015620-1015652.
Index to birth, marriage, and deaths in Hawaiian Newspapers prior to 1950. Film #'s 1002818-1002823
Kauai, Births, Deaths, and Marriages, 1826-1910. Film #'s 1011145 and 295833.
Letters of Denization, 1846-1898. Film # 1017113, items 1-4, 6
Lihue Branch Cemetery assignment, Kauai Island, Hawaii. Film # 908686
Marriage index, v. 1-3, 6, 1866-1896. Film # 1205808 and 1031145
Marriages, Hawaii, 1826-1910.
Naturalization records, 1874-1904 (Naturalization petitions) Film # 1015654
Portuguese Hawaiian Memories: 1930, by J. F. Freitas. FHL #996.9/D2f 
Death claim register, 1880-1979. Portuguese Union of the State of CA (UPEC).
Ship Manifests, index to the Portuguese, 1878-1913. (A-F Film# 1002634; F-R #1002635; R-End # 1002636)
Ship Manifests, 1880-1890. Film #'s 1009072, 1009624, 1009625, 1009627

*The California Death Index and Portuguese Union of the State of CA index are listed because of their value in locating people who emigrated from Hawaii to California.

Updated 6/01/2001  © 2002 Melody Lassalle

NOTES ON SPANISH GENEALOGY
Web Master: Julio N. Rancel
http://www.ping.be/tiner/fili-eng.html

Spanish surnames, like those of other European countries, started to appear on the 11th and 12th centuries. Their evolution and main characteristics are the same experienced in these other countries. But there are some peculiarities which should be further explained.

        This is the very frequent type of Spanish surname.  Let's suppose that a man whose given name is Fernando, who lived in the Castilian town of Aranda moved and settled down in the city of Valladolid.  There were several 'Fernandos' among the members of his social circle, so he started to be called 'Fernando el de Aranda' (=Fernando, the one from Aranda).  In a short time 'Aranda' became a surname and was passed down to his descendants.,
        It has to be remembered that to create such a type of surname, the person who started it had to quite his place of origin and settle down somewhere else.  If this Fernando of the above-mentioned example would have reamin in Aranda, his neighbours wouldn't hardly have called him 'the one from Aranda'.  A place-name surname means that the ancestor with whom the family name originated came from -or had a strong relation to-the concrete place, but the family who beared the surname settled down somewhere else, close or far away from the original place.
        Another way of medieval surnames originating in toponymics has been the ownership or lordship of a family over a place or a feud. For example, the members of a family owning the fort or manor of Frías (Burgos), were called "de Frías", sometimes as unique surname, sometimes as part of a composite family name (for example, González de Frías, Salazar de Frías).

It has been frequently said that Spanish surnames originated from cities-names and towns-names mean a Jewish origin.  This cannot be taken as a general rule.  It is is true that many Jews converted to Chrisitans adopted as surname the name of the city or town where they lived ('Toldeo,' 'Zamora', etc.)  But many other branches were originated from the same cities or towns following the ways described above, which doesn't necessarily imply an origin the Spanish Jewish minority of the Middle Age.

 Back                                                                                             Sent by Bill Carmena JCarm1724@aol.com

Links to sites for the study of 

Spanish Colonial History

and to assist the reenactment of the same.
http://www.soldados.org/links.htm    
My name is Frank C. Martinez IV.  I reenact the role of a Soldado de Cuera, a frontier presidial soldier of the Southwest.  I attended school in California in the 1960's, where (for some odd reason) I was never taught the real history of the area.  These titles below are just the first 6 links of over 30  which I have collected as I attempted to correct that lack of knowledge.  
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reenactors & Living Historians and events where they can be found:
El Rancho Las Golondrinas 
Calderon's Company 
A 16th Century New World Garrison 
The Saint Augustine Garrisson 
Anza 2000 
Capistrano Living History Pageant 
Contact me at: 
Francisco Carlos Martinez Rojas, Frank C. Martinez IV  
Archivo General de la Nación de la República Argentina

http://www.archivo.gov.ar/mc_general.htm
Esta es la página del Archivo General de la Nación de la República Argentina.
Esta institución, con sede en Buenos Aires, fue fundada en 1821 y es considerada uno de los archivos más importantes de América Latina, tanto por sus documentos escritos como por los sonoros y visuales.
Sus fondos documentales se remontan a la época colonial, con una magnífica aportación al estudio de la historia de los siglos XVI a nuestros días.
El fondo documental "Virreinato del Río de la Plata" ha sido reconocido por la UNESCO, en el marco del Programa "Memoria del Mundo".
En él conviven las historias públicas y privadas de quienes nos precedieron, sus proyectos, sus esperanzas y también sus fracasos, porque la historia se construye con la totalidad de los acontecimientos y de sus protagonistas. El Archivo se encuentra dividido en cinco Departamentos . En cada uno se puede acceder a la respectiva documentación, en un interminable catálogo de información de personas e instituciones en cuya heterodoxa composición incluye desde Reales Cédulas, Ordenes, Provisiones, diarios de guerra, testamentos, cartas, expedientes, censos hasta objetos históricos.

Director General:

Miguel Unamuno

Dirección:

Av. Leandro N. Alem 246 (1003) Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA

Teléfono:

+54 (11)  4331-5531/2/3/6642

Fax:

+54 (11) 4334-0065

E-mail:

archivo@mininterior.gov.ar

                                                                                                                                                 Sent by Johanna de Soto


SOURCES OF VITAL STATISTICS RECORDS OUTSIDE THE U.S.

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0200307990

GN 00307.990 Sources of Vital Statistics Records in Foreign Countries

The information in GN 00307.990C. is for use in advising claimants, who are not residing in the countries in which the event occurred, where to write for certifications of vital statistics records. The addresses are informational only and cannot be kept up to date with absolute accuracy, nor can local practices which may cause exceptions be taken into account.

SSA assumes that claimants living in the countries in which the event(s) occurred will know how to obtain the appropriate records.

Although some foreign authorities issue documents without charge, most authorities charge a fee. Fees can vary to cover separate charges for searches or other items such as revenue stamps.

Where known, the cost is shown in foreign currency. Generally, the U.S. currency equivalent is not shown because currency fluctuations have made this information unreliable.


Tech firms open opportunities for Latin American workers


Dallas Morning News
Posted on Tue, Jan. 14, 2003 by The Mercury News
GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala - Jesus Xiloj Itzep's wife wanted him to quit his truck-driving job in this city, where even vehicles transporting soft drinks carry rifle-toting guards. Now Xiloj types rapid-fire on a keyboard every day, entering information about U.S. patients' health insurance claims into a database for Dallas-based Affiliated Computer Services Inc.
        His transformation from trucker to typist puts him in the vanguard of a significant global trend: the creation of a class of low-tech technology workers in developing countries. These aren't groundbreaking jobs at the tech frontier, pumping out software code or designing new devices. Xiloj merely keys data into computers. But as technology companies look overseas for cost savings, jobs such as Xiloj's -- even at salaries that would seem tiny in the United States -- could reshape national growth strategies and alter millions of lives.
        A few workers, especially young college students, are using the work to create opportunities for themselves, taking their first trips to the United States as they learn more about technology and business. Many others are just looking for a livelihood, not trying to climb career ladders. ``Being a driver is dangerous,'' Xiloj, 29, said. ``This is a little safer, and I can keep making money.''
Low labor costs lure ACS and other technology companies into countries such as Guatemala, where new employees can be trained for data-entry jobs in just weeks. That kind of mobility also lets companies leave quickly if salaries get too high. The impact in places such as Latin America and elsewhere in the developing world can be even more profound, though. By the end of 2003, about 3.3 million U.S. technology jobs, including the type of work performed at ACS, will have moved offshore, according to a report by Forrester Research.
        That kind of movement will bring pressure for changes in U.S. foreign policy, the report said, with countries such as India -- a locus of overseas investment by American tech firms -- becoming more important. And, the report said, developing nations eager for U.S. investment may spend more on telecommunications to keep their prices for high-speed Internet access low. ``Telecommunications deregulation,'' the report said, ``will become a key economic debate.''
        ACS opened its Guatemala office five years ago, shortly after peace accords ended 36 years of civil war. The company's facilities are housed in an office tower near downtown Guatemala City, the tropical capital of about 1.1 million people. A luxurious hotel occupies a twin tower next door. Surrounding the two buildings is a mass of American businesses, from Blockbuster to Burger King. On a recent Tuesday afternoon, scores of workers stepped off buses onto the plaza surrounding the buildings, ready to start the second of three shifts. Unlike U.S. office workers divided by cubicle walls, Guatemala's ACS employees sit at rows of long tables that hold 10 to 20 PCs. The western sun glowed softly through curtains. The low rumble of hundreds of keyboards clacking filled the room. Talking would slow everyone down, so conversations are confined to the hallways. As they do routinely, many workers have brought a portable radio and headphones. They'll be staring straight ahead all day.
        ACS used to provide a standard keyboard to each employee, but its own pay structure changed all that. Employees are compensated by how rapidly they can enter data, and some are more comfortable with keyboards of a particular shape or format. Now many employees keep their own keyboards. They earn an average of $250 a month, well above Guatemala's mean income of about $160 a month. In one room, Elida Noemi Lorenzana Castillo, 26, keyed in information on dental insurance claims. Her fingers raced as images of the documents flashed on her screen.
Most of the time, Lorenzana said, she's typing so fast that she doesn't really pay attention to the dental records or reflect on the patients whom the documents represent. Occasionally, she allowed, she does think about the need to take care of her own teeth. Lorenzana leaves her 2-year-old daughter with her mother-in-law each day so she can work. Her husband is a supervisor at a pharmacy. She found out about the job through her brother, who had worked there before and thought she'd be a good fit.
        She professed satisfaction with her job and said she has no plans to seek a promotion. How long does she expect to work for ACS? ``Hasta que me despidan,'' she said, with a nervous giggle. It means, ``Until they fire me.'' She wasn't just being pessimistic. ``Hasta que me despidan'' is a common answer to that question at ACS' Latin American facilities. These jobs are hard to come by, and they can disappear quickly. Just ask ACS employees in the suburbs of Monterrey, Mexico.
Only a couple of years ago, Monterrey hosted ACS' biggest non-U.S. offices, with about 1,100 people. But U.S. companies have come to Monterrey in droves in recent years, driving down the unemployment rate and making good workers harder to find. Workers also unionized, pushing up salaries and other employment costs. ACS works with organized labor in Monterrey now and has made concessions from time to time. But ultimately, ACS has the upper hand. It can just send the jobs somewhere else. And it has. ACS' Monterrey facility, on a quiet road filled with nondescript office buildings, warehouses and the occasional stray dog, now has about 850 workers.
Still, Mexican workers flock to ACS because of its high starting salary -- $7 for an eight-hour shift, rising to an average of about $13 after training and experience. About 45 percent of ACS' Monterrey workers are college students, and about 30 percent are working mothers, according to human resources manager Jose de Jesus Garcia. Workers must have typing skills, but other than that, experience isn't really a requirement. Some workers with managerial or computer backgrounds go right into supervisory roles.
        Cesar Garza, 32, started his job as an ACS production manager about a year ago after moving back to Mexico from the Chicago area, where he had worked in He's happy to be back closer to his family now, he said.
        For many Americans, such a job would be considered tedious, not a lofty goal toward which one would strive. But in many parts of Latin America, getting a relatively well-paying, safe, dependable job is a success in its own right. Many of ACS' employees here say they like the work. Trying to move into the management ranks doesn't top their agendas. Xiloj, the former truck driver, has three daughters, ages 8, 6 and 2. He has typed quickly and accurately enough to become employee of the month at ACS' Guatemala City facility. But being a manager doesn't appeal to him. ``I like the keying,'' he said. ``It's fine for me.''
        Getting a promotion often involves travel, and perhaps even a permanent move. ``You don't often find people who want to move to another place. They want to be with their families. It's a different culture,'' said Ronaldo Donis, Guatemala City technology manager at ACS.
But it's changing, he said. ``People are starting to see that they can move from one place to another to make a career.'' The ACS executive who oversees these workers acknowledges the limitations of the jobs that the company sends overseas. ACS doesn't use high technology, and it doesn't train employees for careers that command six-figure salaries. But the company is making a difference, said Lynn Blodgett, group president of business process outsourcing solutions.
        ``We came here because we believed it would be the right thing for our customers and because it's a way to help the economy,'' he said. Workers learn skills, get better-than-average salaries and have opportunities for career growth, including career counseling, he noted. Because of his Mormon faith, Blodgett, 48, believes strongly in missionary work. While emphasizing that ACS has no religious affiliation, he expressed personal satisfaction at seeing employees get jobs that can better their lives. But what about the practice of cutting employment in a country where workers become too expensive or demand too many benefits? ACS' competitors are going to go to the cheapest labor pools they can, Blodgett said. ``We have to follow our business plan, too. If we don't, we will lose opportunities. And then everybody loses.''
        Blodgett would rather see small signs of success than no success at all. Slowly, he said, things are changing in Latin America. Alejandra Gonzalez Sanchez, 21, works the night shift as a supervisor for ACS in Monterrey. During the day, she studies business administration at the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon. Unlike other women in the room who sat demurely in their seats, Gonzalez strode up and extended her hand for a confident shake. She dreams of one day being a Dallas business executive and rooting for her favorite football team, the Cowboys. ``I like working with people,'' she said in perfect corporate English. ``I want to grow in this business.''

MACON.COM   http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/business/technology/4943230.htm
Don Mabry's Historical Text Archive
This is Section Latin America: Colonial.
Following are the articles published under this section.
  • The Conquest and Settlement Patterns (read: 1425 times)
                                                                                                         Sent by Johanna de Soto
This Day in History
You can click to a date, and find historical events that took placed on that specific day.

http://www.historychannel.com/perl/doubleclick_reload.pl?category=TDIH_Main

Anillo de Genealogía Hispana (Hispanic Genealogy Ring)
Surname Search 
   http://www.elanillo.com/elanillodb.htm

A search on García gave about 60 contacts of family researchers of the Garcia surname in specific locations, the researcher's name and email is included for networking purposes.  Interestingly, there were 47 García combined with other surnames, such as:
García Cervantes
García de la Torre
García de Vicuña
García Durante
García Suelto                                                                
Sent by Paul Newfield pcn01@webdsi.com

A site for Catalan genealogy
...  http://www.scgenealogia.org
PaginaPrincipaldelaSocietatCatalanadeGenealogia.mim 

Resumen. Son muchos los genealogistas que nos esciben pidiendonos información de sus antepasados de origen catalán. La SCGHSVN les informa que nosotros no realizamos tales peticiones pero los alienta y les da información de los datos necesarios para sus búsquedas para que en futuros contactos quizás les podamos dar alguna informacion más o bién que ellos mismos se dirijan donde deben pedir dichos datos. En este apartado, solo para extranjeros, pondremos los anuncios recibidos que cómo mínimo ofrezcan unos datos consistentes de sus antepasados. Si desea realizar alguna pregunta, utilice la bústia.  
Sent by Paul Newfield pcn01@webdsi.com
French Connections    HistoireetdeGenealogiedeMartinezHenri.mim 
http://wwwusers.imaginet.fr/~hmartin
Sent by Paul Newfield pcn01@webdsi.com

Archivo General de Indias
http://cvc.cervantes.es/obref/arnac/indias/

        En 1785 nacía, por deseo del rey Carlos III, el Archivo General de Indias, con objeto de reunir en un solo lugar los documentos referentes a las Indias hasta entonces dispersos en Simancas, Cádiz y Sevilla. El impulsor del proyecto fue José de Gálvez, secretario de Indias, y el ejecutor el Académico e historiador Juan Bautista Muñoz, cosmógrafo mayor de Indias. El espléndido edificio, la Casa Lonja de Sevilla, que se construyó en época de Felipe II sobre planos de Juan de Herrera, sirve hasta hoy como sede del Archivo. 
        Dos razones fundamentales enmarcan la fundación del Archivo General de Indias: la falta de espacio en el Archivo General de Simancas, archivo central de la Corona, y el deseo de escribir una historia de la colonización española que diera respuesta adecuada a los últimos escritos extranjeros que habían tratado el tema.
        En octubre de 1785 llegan a la Casa Lonja los primeros documentos procedentes de Simancas. Desde entonces y en distintas remesas se van incorporando al Archivo los fondos de las principales instituciones indianas: el consejo de Indias, la Casa de la Contratación, los Consulados de Sevilla y Cádiz, las Secretarías de Estado..., hasta convertir al archivo en el principal depósito documental para el estudio de la Administración española en el Nuevo Mundo.
        Los documentos que hoy conserva el archivo en más de nueve kilómetros lineales de estantería y en unos 43.175 legajos proceden principalmente de los organismos metropolitanos encargados de la Administración colonial: Consejo de Indias, siglos XVI-XIX; Casa de la Contratación, siglos XVI-XVIII; Consulados de Sevilla y Cádiz, siglos XVI-XIX; Secretarías de Estado y del Despacho Universal de Indias, de Estado, Gracia y Justicia, Hacienda y Guerra, siglos XVIII-XIX; Secretaría del Juzgado de Arribadas, siglos XVIII-XIX; Comisaría Interventora de la Hacienda Pública de Cádiz, Dirección General de la Renta de Correos, siglos XVIII-XIX; Tribunal de Cuentas, Sala de Ultramar, siglo XIX; Real Compañía de la Habana, siglos XVIII-XIX). Sólo algunos documentos proceden directamente de organismos coloniales (Capitanía General de Cuba, siglos XVIII-XIX) y de personas particulares relacionadas con la Administración colonial (como el duque de Veragua, siglos XV-XVIII; el general de Polavieja, 1876-1898, o el virrey Abascal, 1804-1859).
       Sus fondos documentales tienen, por lo tanto, un interés excepcional para el estudio histórico de la obra de España en las Indias, afectando a una extensión enorme, América (desde el Sur de Estados Unidos hasta Tierra de Fuego) y Filipinas, durante los siglos XV al XIX.

Sent by Eddie Grijalva  http://www.grijalvas.com/


All-in-one Spanish and scuba diving courses!

http://www.donquijote.org/english/tenerife.scuba.asp


Fancy diving into the Spanish language and at the same time scuba diving into the clear blue Atlantic Ocean. If so continue reading.  Don Quijote has put together an exclusive Spanish language/scuba diving package in the tropical paradise of Tenerife. This package allows you to learn Spanish whilst at the same time discovering the beauty of its undersea world.
Depending upon you scuba diving experience, complete beginner or advanced, there are 2 all-inclusive packages to choose from:
Sent by Bill Carmena

Bimonthly audiomagazine for intermediate to advanced speakers of Spanish

http://www.donquijote.org/tienda/puertadelsol/

        Produced entirely in Spanish-speaking countries by professional broadcasters and journalists, each bimonthly audiomagazine (6 issues a year) consists of an hour-long program in Spanish on audiocassette or CD packed with news, features, and interviews reflecting what's going on in Spain. Previous people on the programme include: José Carreras, Felipe González, Julio Iglesias, Ex-President Carlos Menem of Argentina and Carlos Fuentes.
        A booklet containing a word-for-word transcript and an extensive glossary accompanies the audio component. In addition to translations into English of difficult words and phrases, the glossaries contain extensive biographical, historical, political, and cultural notes prepared by experienced editors - many of whom also write for some of the world's most prestigious newspapers and magazines. Our talented group of broadcast journalists in Madrid examines the colourful textures of Hispanic culture every two months in Puerta del Sol.
        Among the intriguing segments in the recent editions are an interview with Federico Mayor Zaragoza, director general of UNESCO, a feature on Spanish culture on the Internet and a visit to the Alhambra. In addition, Isabel Allende, daughter of former Chilean president Salvador Allende, talks about the arrest of General Augusto Pinochet in London. An optional study supplement with listening exercises and grammar drills is also available in each issue. Because the audiomagazines are periodicals, language learning never ends. You continue to improve month after month, year after year. And you won't find a more entertaining or culturally informative way to work towards fluency. For more information just click on the image.................................
        Or why not have a look at and more importantly a listen to this Flash presentation of the product with an audiosample of what you can expect to find in the programme?
Sent by Bill Carmena


EN  OTRA  VOZ  
- Comunicado de Prensa
Antología nombrado entre los mejores libros del año

En otra voz: Antología de la literatura hispana de los Estados Unidos fue elegido uno de los mejores libros del año por la revista Críticas. En su comentario, Críticas escribe, En otra voz es "Un texto indispensable para toda biblioteca." 
        En otra voz es la primera antología en español que brinda literatura de toda la historia de la escritura hispana de los Estados Unidos *desde la era de la exploración hasta el presente. La colección es el producto de cientos de investigadores que han trabajado en el Proyecto de Recuperación de la Herencia Literaria en los Estados Unidos por más de diez años. La antología compila, por primera vez, una variedad de obras desconocidas escritas por hispanos de diversas culturas y clases sociales. Dividida en tres secciones que representan las tres manifestaciones principales de la cultura hispana en los Estados Unidos *Nativismo, Exilio, e Inmigración* la
antología va más allá de la tradición escrita para también incluir literatura oral.
        En otra voz incluye los ensayos políticos de revolucionarios y reaccionarios, la creación literaria de élites culturales y obreros humildes, de escritores reconocidos y poetas callejeros, todos representantes de la condición hispana tanto del pasado como del presente.  Por supuesto, nombres tan conocidos como Isabel Allende, Reinaldo Arenas, René Marqués, Pat Mora, Dolores Prida, y Luis Valdez figuran en sus páginas, así como los de poetas anónimos y un gran número de escritores no reconocidos cuyas obras aparecieron en periódicos de los siglos XIX y XX. 
Herencia: The Anthology of Hispanic Literature of the United States, la version en inglés de En otra voz, ha recibido mucha atención despues de la publicación por Oxford University Press. Booklist escribe, "Esta selección superior demostrará que es un texto indispensable para toda biblioteca." Library Journal indica, "Absolutamente indispensable. Se recomienda a toda biblioteca académica y pública." 
        Arte Público Press es la editorial más grande y antigua de literatura contemporánea y de literatura recuperada de autores hispanos en los Estados Unidos. Junto con Piñata Books, la selección dedicada a los libros para niños y jovenes, y el Proyectode Recuperación de la Herencia
Literaria en los Estados Unidos, Arte Público destaca la cultura, el arte, y la creatividad literaria 

Mónica M. Parle, Marketing Coordinator
Arte Público Press  Recovering the past, creating the future
University of Houston
452 Cullen Performance Hall
Houston, TX 77204-2004
713-743-2999  FAX: 713-743-3080
mparle@uh.edu 

http://www.arte.uh.edu
http://www.artepublicopress.com   
HISTORY
Land Record Reference 
Library of Congress, Map Collection, 1500-2002
Spain's Involvement in the American Revolution
The Brigade of the American Revolution

Land Record Reference 
  http://users.rcn.com/deeds/landref.htm

Sponsored by Direct Line Software, makers of Deed Mapper mapping products for the PC.
Welcome to our Reference Section. No need to whisper! If you don't find what you're looking for, drop us a line. We'll be glad to add items to the list.  All of these titles below are links.

Getting New Land
The Feudal Land System - Ain't it great to be King! 
How Land in the Colonies Was Acquired - Patents and Grants. 
Bounty Land Warrants, by Jan Bishop McFarland - Another way of acquiring land. 
The Homestead Act of 1862, by Richard Pence - The original 'sweat equity' way to get land. 
State by State History
Indiana Land History 
Introduction to Ohio Land History 
Pennsylvania Land History, by Dr. Neal Hively 
Introduction to Tennessee Land History 
Introduction to Virginia Land History 
Buying and Selling Land
Transferring Land - The selling process. 
A Typical Deed - It's not just legalese 
Land Transaction Records. How they work, and where they are.
Retracing the Trails of Your Ancestors Using Deed Records, by William Dollarhide 
History and Use of Land Records, by Linda Haas Davenport 
On-line Land Record Research Course 
Deed Books and the types of deeds they contain 
How To Get Copies of Land Records 
Published Books Relating to Land Records - The records you seek may already be in print 
Other Internet sites with Land Record Information 
Two Types of Property Descriptions Used in Deeds
Metes and Bounds - Meandering streams and white oak trees
U.S. Public Domain - Home on the Section, Township, and Range 
Terms You'll Come Across
Surveying Units and Terms - Poles and Chains 
Legal and Other Terms - From the common to the obscure 
Corrections for compass declination errors - True norths are hard to find 
Miscellaneous
U.S. Geographic Name lookup - Locate creeks and other features named in deeds 
U.S. GenWeb - Gateway to local history and genealogy 
Cyndi's List of Land Record Sites - An excellent list of related sites 
FindLaw - Legal resources, including Property Law 

Sent by Lorraine Hernandez  Lmherdz@hotmail.com

Library of Congress, Map Collection, 1500-2002
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/gmdhtml/gmdhome.html

Cities
and Towns

Map Collections

Cultural
Landscapes

Conservation
and Environment

Military Battles
and Campaigns

Discovery
and Exploration

Transportation
and Communication

General Maps

Spain's Involvement in the American Revolutionary War 
  http://www.sar.org/mxssar/spabout.htm

Part 1: Preparing for War
by Judge Edward F. Butler, SR.  
http://www.sar.org/mxssar/spinvo-1.htm
 
The following was overheard at a platoon roll call during the American Revolutionary War: 
"Cpl. Rios? ............................. Presente!" 
"Pvt. De la Garza? ................... Presente!" 
"Pvt. Martinez? ........................ Aqui!" 
"Pvt. Hernandez? ...................... Presente!" 

        Possibly you think you are reading about a roll call in another revolutionary war. No mistake. Many Spanish soldiers were directly involved as combatants in the American Revolutionary War. In fact, the list of Spanish patriots extends beyond the military personnel of Spain. Ranchers, vaqueros, the Franciscan priests, members of the militia, privateers, Canary Islanders and American Indians living in that part of New Spain now known as Texas all contributed to the victory of the American colonists against the English crown. 
        To better understand these developments, a look into the history and geography of New Spain is beneficial. 
        Judge Butler is an outstanding resource of this topic.  Note his qualifications.   Judge Edward F. Butler, Sr. is a retired U.S. Administrative Law Judge, before which position he served as Presiding Municipal Judge for South Padre Island, Texas. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Law, and was a board certified civil trial lawyer before assuming full time duties on the bench. He is the author of six books, three of which are on family history.
        Judge Butler is a frequent seminar and after dinner speaker on historical and genealogical topics, and is a regular contributor to national and state historical and genealogical society journals and magazines.
        Since his retirement in 1997, he has devoted a considerable amount of his time and energy to the Texas Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, where he now holds the office of Vice President of Promotions and Media Relations. In March 2001, SAR President-General Larry D. McClanahan, appointed Judge Butler as Ambassador to Mexico and Central America. Judge Butler's interest in Spain's assistance to the colonists in the American Revolutionary War stems from his participation with the SAR.
        Judge Butler is an active member of the National Genealogical Society; the Texas Genealogical Society; and the San Antonio Historical and Genealogical Society; as well as numerous other state and local genealogical societies.
        Judge Butler previously served as Genealogist for the Texas Society SAR. He served for three years as a member of the National SAR genealogy committee. He served for two years as genealogical editor of The Texas Compatriot, magazine of the Texas Society of SAR. He also published a monthly column for SAR chapter newsletters, entitled "The Genealogy Corner". He is the current author of the monthly historical column, "Remembering Yesterday", carried in many Texas newspapers.                                                                                     Sent by Johanna de Soto


The Brigade of the American Revolution 
   http://www.brigade.org/

The Brigade is a non-profit living history association dedicated to recreating the life and times of the common soldier of the American War for Independence, 1775-1783. Members represent elements of all the armies then involved: Continental, Militia, British, Loyalist, German, French, Spanish, and Native American forces plus civilian men, women and children.

Since 1962 the Brigade has been recreating a broad spectrum of the 18th Century. It's activities include military encampments, tactical exercises, firelock shooting competitions, craft demonstrations and social activities. The Brigade also conducts annual schools and educational seminars featuring experts from several fields of 18th Century study.

The Brigade maintains a modest research library and publishes an educational journal, The Brigade Dispatch, a regularly scheduled newsletter, the "Brigade Courier", and periodic instructional booklets and papers.  Membership is open to all persons.  
                                                                                                          
Sent by Johanna de Soto

             END

                12/30/2009 04:48 PM