Somos Primos Editor: Mimi Lozano ©2000-8 February 2008 Volume 9, No. 2       98th online issue Dedicated to Hispanic Heritage & Diversity Issues Society of Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research Happy Valentine Click for the story of this unusual family structure.

Content Areas United States  National Issues Action Item Education Bilingual Education Culture Business Anti-Spanish Legends Military & Law      Enforcement Heroes Cuentos Literature Surname

Patriots of the American Revolution  Orange County,CA   Los Angeles,CA California    Northwestern US   Southwestern US    African-American   Indigenous Sephardic Texas East of Mississippi East Coast Mexico  Caribbean/Cuba

Spain   International   History Family History Archaeology  Miscellaneous  Networking  SHHAR Meetings  Jan 27:   Mar 17:   Apr  29: Conference May 26:    Aug 25:   End

When we allow others to define our struggle  the framework established never allows us to triumph.   Efren Paredes, Jr.

Letters to the Editor :  I extend my congratulation's for the great publication of SOMOS PRIMOS.   I am always impressed by the variety and quality of submissions to Somos Primos, I enjoy them all.   Luis Ramirez  i, Mimi, I was so excited to see the article in January/February 2008 Ancestry (Special Research Issue) magazine mentioning Somos Primos for Hispanic Heritage!!! I hope that was enough exclamation points - hahaha.  The word is spreading about Somos Primos and what there is to offer for researching our Hispanic roots. With the recent passing of my father, Arnulfo de la Torre (Monte Escobedo/Laguna Grande, Zacatecas), seeing this article emphasized the importance of my genealogy research. If not for myself I do this, but my families future generations to know their heritage and what made us what and who we are.   Viva La Raza! Thanks to Somos Primos for ALL that is done for glorifying our Hispanic Heritage! Sincerely, Marianna (de la Torre) Bowers  BowersofNM!@aol.com Mimi,  Are you familiar with the work of author Victor Villasenor?  He has written many books, the most read being "Rain of Gold", which is the love story of his family as they immigrated to the United States from Mexico.  He currently lives in Oceanside.  Anyway, news worth mentioning is that HBO has agreed to produce a mini-series based on his books!  You may want to visit his website, www.victorvillasenor.com and if you haven't read his book, "Rain of Gold", get it and do!  The news release from his website follows. Anita Palacios Collins   AAPAL@aol.com

 

 

Somos Primos Staff:    Mimi Lozano, Editor Mercy Bautista Olvera Bill Carmena Lila Guzman Granville Hough John Inclan Galal Kernahan J.V. Martinez Dorinda Moreno Michael Perez Rafael Ojeda Ángel Custodio Rebollo Tony Santiago John P. Schmal Howard Shorr  Ted Vincent Contributors to Febuary  Naomi Archer Ruben Alvarez Jacinto Barrera Bassols Mercy Bautista Olvera Joseph Bentley Jaime Cader Bill Carmena Roberto Calderon,Ph.D. Alberto Casas   Dr. Henry J. Casso Felipe Castro Manuel Caro, Ph.D.	Jose Arthur Chapa-Arrambide Gus Chavez Robin Collins Jack Cowan Ángel  Custodio Rebollo Dr. J. F. de la Teja Marianna (de la Torre) Bowers Charlie Erickson Jim Estrada Tony Garcia Wanda Garcia Margarita Garza Dahlia Guajardo Palacios  Brian H. Paula Hinkel Kahentinetha Horn   Granville Hough, Ph.D. John Inclan Thomas J. Kemp Galal Kernahan Rick Leal Cristina López Díaz Victor Mancilla Juan Marinez  JV Martinez, Ph.D. Anne Mocniak Ramon Moncivais  Dorinda Moreno Carlos Munoz, Ph.D. Rosalio Munoz Paul "Skip" Newfield III Maria Angeles O’Donnell Olson Rafael Ojeda Mario A. Ortega	Anita Palacios Collins   Willis Papillion Efren Parades, Jr. Nancy Perez Robert Perez Guadarrama Joseph Puentes Luis Ramirez Crispin Rendon Rogelio Reyes, Ph.D. Diana Rivera Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez José León Robles De La Torre Dr. Armando Rodriquez Maria&Tomas Rodriguez Viola Rodriguez Sadler Norman Rozeff Debbie Salazar Samuel Sanchez Tony Santiago Howard Shorr  Monica Smith Robert Smith Richard A. Tapia, Ph.D. Mariana Tinoco Ernesto Uribe  Ricardo Valverde Robert Vazquez Jose Villarino, Ph.D. Ted Vincent Pancho Vega Ted Vincent Richard D. Vogel Jonathan Walker rudysgt@verizon.net

SHHAR Board:  Bea Armenta Dever, Gloria Cortinas Oliver,  Mimi Lozano Holtzman, Pat Lozano, Yolanda Magdaleno, Henry Marquez, Michael Perez, Crispin Rendon, Viola Rodriguez Sadler, John P. Schmal.

Question:  What was the first novel written by a Hispanic writer to win the Pulitzer Prize? Click for the answer.

UNITED STATES

Close Encounter II with Dr. Hector P. Garcia  Dr. Armando Rodriguez,  From the Barrio to Washington: An Educator’s Journey Promotional Activities for Dr. Armando Rodriquez national tour In Memory of Lt. Col. Michael Alba True Diversity Doesn't Come From Abroad 2007 -- wildest ride ever for Hispanics Hispanic American Newspapers, 1808-1980 Pew Hispanic Center Data What is the Statistical Abstract Pew Hispanic Center Names New Deputy and Associate Directors Book: Right Before Our Eyes: Latinos Past, Present & Future Blacks and Hispanics Live Longer with Alzheimer Immigration Leveling Off

 

Left to right: Estevan Torres, Former Congressman California;  Lupe Saldana, Former National Commander, AGIF,  Edward Hidalgo, Former Secretary of the Navy;  Dr. Hector P, Garcia Photos, courtesy of  Dr. Hector P. Garcia papers,  Special Collections & Archives, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi, Bell Library.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS   Gathered by Wanda Daisy Garcia PART II Dr. Hector Garcia was a symbol to Mexican Americans “La Gente”.  “Over the years he became the godfather of many of the children in the barrios and a compadre of the elderly.” [1]  To most, Dr. Hector was a mentor who taught them valuable lessons learned during interactions with him. Each individual through his or her lives remembered and used these valuable lessons.  One reason “La Gente” loved Dr. Hector because he treated everyone as equals and included everyone.  The Founders’ Day banquet would stretch on for hours because Dr. Hector introduced as many people as he could. Though Dr. Hector has been gone for over ten years, for us Dr. Hector continues to live in our memories and our hearts. DEBBIE SALAZAR  Dr. Hector designed the AGIF cap (cachucha), a derivative of a military cap with colors of red and blue with gold piping. All of the AGIF members wore the AGIF cap, men, women and youth. Once the members placed the cap on their heads, they became one with the body of the AGIF despite their many differences.  Jake Alarid, former National Commander wrote, "The cap is what unifies us."  So highly did Dr. Hector value the significance of the cap that he would say, "The cap symbolizes that you have an organization (AGIF) behind you. When I speak, people will think that I am a fool without an organization behind me."  Papa encouraged both male and female members to wear their caps.   Debbie Salazar describes her encounter with Dr. Hector.  At one national convention, Debbie a member of the AGIF youth was running down the hotel corridor.  She was hurrying because she was late for a meeting and ran into Dr. Hector.  Dr. Hector asked Debbie where she was running to and she responded to a meeting.  Then Dr. Hector asked where her cap (cachucha) was.  Debbie responded she did not have one. Then, Dr. Hector asked whom her mother was and was informed it was Frances (Frankie) Gallegos; Dr. Hector responded he knew her well.  The next thing Debbie knew was her mother gave her a cap (cachucha) and said she was to wear it always per Dr. Garcia.  A few years later Dr. Hector seen Debbie running down the hotel corridor again and asked where her cap (cachucha) was. She responded in her hotel room.  Dr. Hector told her to go get it and she replied she was late for the meeting and had to hurry. So he told her “Hurry to your room and get your cap (cachucha) so you can get to the meeting”.  When she finally got to the meeting, her mother, Frankie asked what took so long. When Debbie told her mother what happened, Frankie just smiled.  A few years later Debbie ran into Dr. Garcia again without her cap (cachucha). Without further discussion, Debbie immediately went back to the room and got it. It was Debbie’s last time every to forget her cap (cachucha). She always remembers it now. Even if she does not need it, it is with her.  A lesson Debbie has learned very well from Dr. Hector P. Garcia on the importance of having your cap (cachucha) with you always.  Debbie Salazar, AGIF National Chairwoman     MARIA AND TOMAS RAMIREZ  When Tomas was a youth, he lived in a poor neighborhood around Dr. Hector's office on Morgan Ave. Tomas and the neighborhood children would hang around Dr. Hector's office.  Dr. Hector would in turn feed them Whataburger and give them medical treatment in exchange for having them run errands for him.  Dr. Hector had nicknames for each of the children. My brother Hector Jr. (Sonny) would help my father at his office and became friends of Tomas and (Joe Trevino) Riggs.  Papa wanted my brother to learn Spanish and charged Tomas and Riggs with the task.  Later in the day, Dr, Hector asked my brother Sonny to recite what Spanish he had learned.  Sonny repeated the “Spanish barrio lingo" to my father.  Papa asked Tomas and Riggs, Why are you teaching Sonny "slang".  They replied, “This is the Spanish we know and if Sonny wishes to communicate with us, he has to speak "barrio Spanish".   Tomas had a crush on Maria Rosales, a member of the AGIF youth.  Maria was interested in another youth. Therefore, at every opportunity Papa would promote Tomas to Maria or throw them together in situations.  Finally, something clicked and they got married.  Happily, they have been married for 46 years. They are blessed with four children, seven grandchildren, and one great grandbaby.   I would observe my father play cupid with other members of the AGIF. Papa would constantly pair off the chosen couple and tease them.  He had a high success rating-playing cupid because most of those who he paired off got married.  Angie and Jesse Adame, Marie Garcia and Phil Hernandez are but some examples.    Many years later, Tomas was working full time and he had Maria quit her job so she could devote all her time to helping out my father.  Tomas would never allow Dr. Hector to pay for his or Maria's lunches in gratitude for the help Dr, Hector gave him in the early years. No one from the old crowd has heard from Riggs.  I hope that in the future, we will meet him again.   Maria Ramirez, Secretary American G.I. Forum Archives and Historical Foundation     Lupe Saldana  While growing up in Corpus Christi, Texas, I heard the name of Dr. Hector P. Garcia all the time from friends and family. Dr. Hector's office on 1315 Bright Street was not too far from "La Cuarenta", the Barrio where I grew up.  Dr. Hector was the family doctor of many who lived in the barrio. What I remember about Dr Hector in those days was that he would treat the poor and sick that could not afford to pay with the same gentleness and respect as those who could.   Although, I did not meet Dr. Hector as a young man growing up, my knowledge of his leadership resolve, tenacious and aggressive style to advance the civil rights and justice for Mexican-Americans personally inspired me to persevere in education and the military. Dr. Hector had a passion for justice and education and he worked and fought hard for civil rights and education access for Mexican-Americans. I am proud that I received my college degree from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Texas A&M University was the institution Dr. Hector designated in April 1992, to house his papers in the Special Collections and Archives Department of the library.  I first met Dr. Hector P. Garcia in the early seventies in Washington, D.C. I had resigned my commission as a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps while stationed in Washington, D.C. in 1971. I then became an advocate for Veterans. I joined the American GI Forum in 1972 and was elected State Commander in 1974. Dr. Hector made several visits to Washington, D.C. while I was State Commander, to meet with various officials of the Administration, Congress and the Veterans Administration. What I appreciated about Dr. Hector during his visits to Washington, D.C. was that he always coordinated his visits with the Local Forum and included the State Commander and others in his visits with high-level officials. He was an unselfish leader who always put the interests of the Forum before personalities. In this regard, Dr. Hector became my first mentor as a leader in the American G.I. Forum.   I learned many lessons from Dr. Hector during my early years in the Forum about how to get things done. Three of these lessons stand out in my mind today:   Always have the AGIF hat at the ready and wear it at meetings and other special events. Dr. Hector was adamant about wearing the AGIF hat when called for. I was National Commander of the American G.I. Forum at the same time Ruben Bonilla was National President of LULAC. We held press conferences and other events together. I wore my AGIF hat. Guess whom the media and photographers focused on?   Always offer the services of the American G.I. Forum during meetings to resolve or advance an issue. When I attended meetings with Dr. Hector, I always heard him ask the question to those he needed to influence, "What can the American G.I. Forum do, what can we do to help...” I have learned this approach to be a very effective negotiating method.   Always have the documents you need to support or advance an issue in your possession when attending meetings. Dr. Hector applied this strategy to help him achieve the many goals he set out to accomplish during his life. When I was State Commander of the Washington, D.C. AGIF, I attended a meeting at the White House with other Hispanic leaders. During the meeting, I showed President Jimmy Carter the photo of Private Felix Longoria’s Funeral service at Arlington Cemetery and informed him that Hispanics today confront the same discrimination Private Longoria faced in 1948.  Dr. Hector P. Garcia's legacy lives on and is more viable today than ever before through the American GI Forum of the U.S.     Mariana Tinoco  I had the honor of meeting our founder, Dr. Hector P. Garcia, when I attended my first National Conference at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco, California.  If I live to be 100, I will never forget that surprise meeting.   We had a long conversation about discrimination and the double standard of justice, the faulty education system, civil rights, etc., etc.  He quietly listened to my story.  I looked at him and I thought to myself, what a handsome man!  I will never forget his hazel-green eyes as he looked into mine and in a gentle, quiet way and asked, “What are you doing to change these injustices?”  I was shocked at the question. Instantly, I realized I wasn’t doing anything.   His next statement was “You came to the right organization. You need to get active.  This organization is like a vehicle established to resolve many problems that need to be resolved.  We can complain and criticize, but if we do nothing, then the results will be nothing.”  He had a very serious look in his face.  As I looked at him, I felt he was going to make a big difference for future generations and us.  That day I decided that this organization, the American GI Forum, was for me and from that day on he became my hero.  Eventually, I became a California local Chairperson, California State Chairperson and in 1977 I was elected AGIF National Women’s’ Chairperson.   While traveling with Dr. Garcia we visited Governor Briscoe of Texas to petition for a pardon for Chepita Rodriguez. We visited West Point Academy and were greeted by General Goodpasture and traveled to many states.  The crowning glory was visiting the White House for the first time.   On our return trip from the White House, the community welcomed Dr. Hector with a large banquet at Corpus Christi Convention Center. The crowd was packed with a lot of dignitaries.   Soon after meeting Dr. Garcia, I met his #1 daughter, Daisy Wanda Garcia (KiKi).  She too instantly stole my heart and we became friends.  She was always attending the AGIF National Conferences with the Dr. I love her like a daughter.  Although the Dr. is no longer with us, she is continuing in her father’s footsteps.  I have been blessed for having them in my life.   The last time I saw Dr. Garcia was in March of 1995 at his Annual Founders’ Day Banquet held in Corpus Christi, Texas.   The prayer of St. Francis of Assisi and our organization’s motto reveals Dr. Hector’s belief system.  He was a strong leader and a great statesman.  We will never have a better leader and role model as him.  He left us with a legacy second to none.   He didn’t need the 1964 Civil Right’s Bill to right a wrong.  He won many cases in the high courts of this nation by following this great nation’s constitution.   He may be out of our sight – but not out of our hearts.  To this day he remains my hero. For our beloved founder had the ability to build up one’s awareness and motivated us to reach for the stars.  Dr. Hector P. Garcia will always remain the guiding light to success today and for future generations. We must continue to fulfill his legacy.   Marianna Tinoco Past AGIF National Chairwoman [1] Ignacia M. Garcia, “ In Relentless Pursuit of Justice”, Arte Publico Press, 2002.   Youthful GI Forum members:Top Top, left to right  A.B. Garcia, Joe,  Joe Trevino, Manuel Hernandez Bottom: Mary Rosales Ramirez,  Joe Perez, Mary Escobar 1957

Dr. Armando Rodriguez   New  Book: From the Barrio to Washington: An Educator’s Journey  Many events will be held this year at which Dr. Rodriguez  will be the keynote speaker. Fairfax County, Virginia

·         Saturday, February 2, 2-4 pm: Talk and signing at the Barrio Station, 2175 Newton Avenue, San Diego, CA. For more information, please contact Raquel Ortiz at 619-238-0314.  No cost, open to public. ·        Tuesday, February 5, 12-2pm: Talk and signing at “The Backdoor,” Aztec Center, San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego. For more information, please contact Suzanne Sterling at 619-594-1476.·          Saturday, February 23, 1-3pm: Talk and signing at “Vincent Price Gallery,” East Los Angeles College, 1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA. For more information, please contact Susan Okawa at 323-265-8669. For over 200 years immigrants from every corner of the globe have sought out a new destiny and the promise of freedom in the United States of America.  From the Barrio to Washington: An Educator’s Journey tells the story of one such immigrant, Armando Rodriguez, and how he overcame the challenges that all immigrants face to rise to the upper echelons of government. Born to a poor family in Mexico, Rodriguez and his family immigrated to the United States in the 1920s.  When he arrived Armando spoke no English and yet attended school in a district which had few Spanish-speaking teachers.  His skin was so dark that other children taunted him by calling him “Shadow”.  Despite these challenges, Armando persevered; thanks in no small part to his parents’ insistence that he receive an education.  After serving his country in World War II, Armando attended San Diego State University.  After graduating, Armando honored his family’s love of education by become a teacher and a school administrator.  Through hard-work and continued education, Armando would go on to become the first Latino principal of a junior and senior high school in San Diego.  Armando did not stop there, however.  Ever the believer in equality and social justice, Rodriguez would go on to serve in the administrations of four presidents, receiving numerous accolades and honors along the way.  Throughout his career Armando championed civil rights in both education and the workplace and was instrumental in opening the doors to Latinos and other minorities.  His story is an inspiration to all Americans.                  Dr. Rodriquez and his EEOC Staff Armando Rodriguez lives in El Cajon, California, with his wife of fifty-nine years, Beatriz.  The book was edited by Bettie Baca, a former government executive, and is a community activist and editor in the public and private sectors and Keith Taylor, a retired U.S. Navy officer and a long time columnist for The Navy Times.  Lionel Van Deerlin, who wrote the foreword, is a former U.S. Congressman from San Diego, California, and is professor emeritus of journalism at San Diego State University and a columnist for The San Diego Union-Tribune. Armando Rodriguez will be speaking at the following events in February.  All events listed are free and open to the public: ·        From the Barrio to Washington: An Educator’s Journey  is available at bookstores or directly from the University of New Mexico Press. To order, please call 800-249-7737 or visit www.unmpress.com.  ISBN: 978-0-8263-4381-9 Dr. Armando will be speaking in San Diego on February 2nd and 5th.   Click for more information.

PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES UNDERWAY  Date: 1/14/2008  From: ProjectUplift02@msn.com To: mailto:mimilozano@aol.com

Mimi,  Since I feel you are very much connected to the Dr. Armando Rodriguez Booksigning initiatives, I thought to share with you a few nuggets before the end of a fruitful day. Thursday is the book-signing at the national Hispanic Cultural center, the kick-off for those planned thus far. Cspan will cover the event for future showing. The Center intends to videotape it and I have a bright idea of recommending that it be done at each site leading to a compilation into one document. A number of radio stations are interviewing Dr. Rodriguez, chief of which is the Catholic Archdiocese Catholic Radio and the Office of Communication. I will work with her to get a media release to the Catholic News Service towards having a book-signing at the time of the Catholic Conference in Washington, since Dr. Rodriguez at one time was Chair of their Human Rights Commission in Washington. San Antono date is set for March 27th at the new Alameda/Smithsonian Museum. We received confirmation Saturday that HACU (The Association of Hispanic Universities and Colleges will partner with us in San Antonio. HACU is offering a booth and ad space at their Denver National Conference where they expect 2000 participants from their 425 university and college membership. La Prensa Tino Duran has offered a two page center-fold for which I have volunteered developing. Dr. Josue will write on CANBBE which resulted from the national Hearst/Rodriguez tour in San Antonio. Besides all the materials, photos etc. I intend to have Dr. Bambi, President of Pan American University and Dr. Joe Cardenas to write of Armando's work and the meaning of the Hearst/Rodriguez partnering. Tino and George of Mi Tierra will sponsor a working breakfast for the University and College Presidents at Mi Tierra to be briefed on the significance of th Armando Autobiography. I am working on Henry Cisneros getting Univision to cover it. These are but a few nuggets I thought to share with you. Some how we will want to include in the La Prensa center Fold of your inclusion of San Antonio in Somos Primos. Think about it. I intend to have that La Prensa coverage duplicated and used as hand outs at the Denver HACU Conference. Saludos! Dr. Henry J. Casso

 

 

In Memory:  LT. COL. MICHAEL ALBA March 23, 1917 - Dec. 21, 2007
	Lt. Col. Michael Alba died in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on December 21, 2007 from a long battle with kidney failure.  He was born in Pasadena, California, and was raised in Simi Valley. Attended Pasadena City College, and played baseball with Jackie Robinson. He graduated from the University of Redlands on a full tennis scholarship in 1942 and, in 1943; he was commissioned as a second Lieutenant in the Army Air Force from the Aviation Cadet program.
During World War II, he served as a P-38 and P-51 fighter pilot in the 55th Fighter Group in England.  Lt. Alba worked eight years for the Pentagon, and then served throughout Latin America as an Air Attaché, Air Operations Officer and a member of the Inter-American Defense Board Intelligence Division. Notably, he served as an advisor on Operations and Training to Honduras, Uruguay and Venezuela; and was instrumental in the successful creation of their respective Air Corps.  At one point, Lt. Col. Alba was so highly regarded that he was sought after by the Honduran government to head its Air Corp.   His awards include: the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, 9 Air Medals, WWII Victory Medal and Presidential Unit Citation; along with many formal recognitions from several foreign military organizations.  He served as President of the 55th Fighter Group and 442 Air Service Group Association where he was instrumental in the dedication of the P-38 and P-51 memorials at the USAF Academy.   In addition, he was known as an avid golfer and was lovingly known to his friends as "the greatest 80-year-old golfer."  Left to mourn are his wife, Ivy; his two daughters, Michele Bridges (Ron) and Victoria; his four stepsons, Rex, David, Gilbert and Gordon; his brothers, Bob, Andy, Kinteen and Danny; his sisters, Irene, Mary, Emily and Helen; his first cousins, Gloria Smith (Larry) and Gil Mays (Ines); his grandchildren, Heather Doyle (Sean), David, Tyler and Kelly Ayn; his great grandchildren, Trevor, Caroline and Evelyn Doyle and David Michael Joseph Bridges; mother of his children, ex-wife, Dorothy; and many friends.  He was predeceased by his parents, Kinteen and Carmen; brothers, Bill, Cipriano and Pete; and his sister, Lupe.    Inurnment will be at the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, and an intimate memorial will be held in Colorado Springs.  It his requested, in lieu of flowers, donations to honor Mike may be made to the charity of your choice.   Los Angeles Daily News from 12/28/2007 - 12/29/2007

 

True Diversity Doesn't Come From Abroad By RICHARD A. TAPIA THE CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION From the issue dated September 28, 2007

For more than four decades, universities have used affirmative-action policies to increase the participation of U.S.-born women and members of minority groups in higher education, where traditionally they have been underrepresented. Yet those policies, often applied in decisions about which students to admit and which faculty members to hire, have been controversial, particularly where minority groups are concerned. The policies have faced repeated legal challenges, and the courts have set and then changed the rules for their use, making the legitimate space carved out for racial affirmative action as small as possible. One result is that universities have changed their focus from improving domestic-minority representation to attaining broad cultural diversity on their campuses. In the 1978 landmark case Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, while ruling against racial admissions quotas, the U.S. Supreme Court concluded that there was a compelling interest to have diversity in the student body and upheld affirmative-action programs that did not involve fixed quotas. But in Hopwood v. Texas (1996), the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit questioned the continued vitality of Bakke and struck down race-conscious admissions in Louisiana , Mississippi , and Texas . In Grutter v. Bollinger (2003), however, the Supreme Court reaffirmed Bakke and upheld the race-conscious admissions policies of the University of Michigan 's law school, ruling that race can be one of many factors considered by institutions when selecting their students because it furthers "a compelling interest in obtaining the educational benefits that flow from a diverse student body." Over all, the rulings on affirmative action in higher education have said that diversity is a legitimate goal of universities, based on the reasoning that the institutions' educational missions can best be carried out with diverse student bodies. On the surface, then, it seems as if representation is in safe hands. However, if universities (and the courts, for that matter) assume that encouraging diversity will encourage representation, they are mistaken. The term "diversity" has virtually replaced "affirmative action" and "representation" in discussions of minority issues in academe, following the language of the courts. That shift was more than semantic. It was accompanied by a shift in direction. Whereas affirmative-action policies aimed to solve the problems faced by large segments of the U.S. population in gaining access to higher education, the new emphasis on diversity led to a focus on the representation of many types of people, defined by religion, language, and other cultural attributes. As required by the courts, diversity was interpreted very broadly. Over time, more and more groups were included under the diversity umbrella. Most notably, diversity took on an international flavor, and diversity programs and activities typically began to emphasize an understanding of the world's many ethnic groups. While the shift away from affirmative action's focus on American diversity and domestic-minority groups may not have been intentional, new efforts toward inclusion are. In addition, the shift toward broad inclusiveness has played to an established strength of academe: bringing many types of people together in a common endeavor of work and study. It encouraged universities to continue doing what they already were doing rather well. No one could object to promoting an appreciation of other cultures, especially in the academy. But the new emphasis on world cultures obscures the domestic problems that gave rise to affirmative action. Representation is both a tougher goal to meet than diversity, and a very different one. It involves getting to the root of problems still deeply embedded in our own culture, and dealing with their consequences in higher education. Nearly 30 percent of U.S. citizens are black or Hispanic. The broad approach to diversity does not focus on those Americans. In fact, it has led to confusion about who belongs to a minority group. For instance, when I express concern to colleagues about the extremely low representation on our campus of minority graduate students and faculty members, the answers I usually get run along the lines of: "But we have a woman from Buenos Aires in the department" or "I have three Chinese students and a Russian" or "I have a postdoc from Nigeria ." My colleagues believe they are working toward diversity, and in a literal sense, they are. When I point out that domestic under-representation is the critical problem, they reply, "Well, when considering diversity, we simply have to go with the best, and the best is the foreign minority." But comparing international and domestic students, majority or minority, is not as straightforward as it might seem. Many international students were admitted to graduate school in the United States because they were highly competitive and the best students of their nations. Often the products of early academic tracking, they have had strong educational foundations and intense, specialized study in their fields. They are stronger candidates for admission than all but the very best American undergraduates. In the sciences, math, and engineering — which tend to attract the largest numbers of international students — Americans are particularly at a disadvantage. In those disciplines, American minority students are not competing chiefly with other Americans, as their peers in the humanities are, but with the best that the world has to offer. Frequently, their weaker academic backgrounds mean they are not admitted, and when they are, they are often left to fend for themselves. International students and scholars contribute significantly to the high quality of American colleges and universities, and to the nation's economy. We should continue to welcome the best talent from around the world. But those foreign students and faculty members have not experienced anything like the hardships that members of domestic-minority groups have faced year after year. They were not viewed as racially or ethnically different in their countries of origin and, from their formative years on, made to feel that they were second-class citizens who did not belong in higher education or in leadership positions. People from places like Africa, Spain , or Latin America cannot be effective role models or mentors for African-Americans and Latinos who grew up in the United States . In fact, it is not unusual for those foreigners to view their domestic-minority counterparts negatively and to strongly resist being identified with them. Correcting the underrepresentation of minority groups, then, has little to do with international programs. The presence of foreign scholars — even those who are black, brown, or Spanish-speaking — does little to solve the problem of our universities' lack of success with Mexican-American, Puerto Rican, and black youth from across the United States. Foreigners should not count when we are talking about under-representation of American groups. Diversity initiatives began in the late 1960s and early 1970s as a way to solve broad, deep, race-based problems in American society. But with its shift in meaning, diversity today is a sort of red herring. We can deceive ourselves that we are taking the right steps to increase diversity when in fact we are ignoring what is still one of this country's most troubling issues: educating our minority youth. I believe that many administrators were well intentioned as they guided the design of their universities' diversity polices and statements, thinking that diversity would translate into representation. However, they built in few checks or accountability. Thus, universities continue to recruit the best students and faculty members from around the world, but now they do so in the name of diversity. What does diversity do for minorities? Unfortunately, not very much. Richard A. Tapia is a university professor and a professor of computation and applied mathematics at Rice University, where he also directs the Center for Excellence and Equity in Education. http://chronicle.com Section: Diversity in Academe Volume 54, Issue 5, Page B34 Sent by JV Martinez, Ph.D.

 

2007 -- wildest ride ever for Hispanics editorials and opinion By ALEX MENESES MIYASHITA Hispanic Link Thursday, January 03, 2008

Never in history have Hispanics been the focus or fulcrum of so many major stories as in 2007. Headline glare ranged from immigration turmoil to the dreary departure of Alberto Gonzales, the nation's first Hispanic attorney general. Thirteen '07 occurrences were identified by Hispanic Link editors and columnists as of unique and vital significance to the nation's 44 million Latinos. Congress' rejection of comprehensive immigration legislation was deemed of greatest significance by most of the 10 surveyed journalists. In order of emphasis, the episodes were: 1) FEDERAL IMMIGRATION REFORM: The community's position remains that a path to citizenship for the 12 million undocumented immigrants who live here now must be included. A bipartisan proposal failed to gather enough steam in the Senate last June. And as President Bush's initial support waned, additional reform attempts went nowhere. The AgJOBS bill and Dream Act, each of which addressed some Hispanic concerns, also eventually floundered. 2) STATE IMMIGRATION BILLS: More than 1,500 immigration bills were introduced at the state level in 2007, nearly tripling the number submitted in 2006, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Main areas addressed were employment, education, health, driver's licenses and other forms of identification, public benefits, law enforcement and human trafficking. While the majority of them were restrictive in nature, some aimed to integrate or benefit immigrants. Spread among 46 states, a total of 244 bills became law. The NCSL attributed the spike to federal government inaction. 3) PROTEST VS. PBS, KEN BURNS: University of Texas-Austin journalism professor Maggie Rivas Rodriguez and San Diego activist Gus Chavez spearheaded a campaign to give recognition to some half-million Latinos who fought in World War II. They demanded the inclusion of the Hispanic experience, which was completely omitted, in filmmaker Ken Burns' 15-hour PBS documentary "The War." Reacting to intense pressure, Burns added interviews with two Latino veterans. "The War" was released Sept. 23, ironically coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic leaders and Congress members continue to denounce the effort and press for more, particularly with regard to materials being distributed to schools. 4) RICHARDSON RUNS FOR PRESIDENT: New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democrat, announced May 21 his candidacy for U.S. president. While frequently acknowledged as best qualified by experience for the position, he usually polls fourth behind Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards. Analysts often mention him as a prospective vice-presidential candidate. 5) LATINO COMMUNITY RESPONSES: Latino and immigrant activists strengthened their relationships and flexed their united political muscle in 2007 following massive grass-roots protests nationwide the year before against House passage in December '05 of an enforcement-only immigration bill. Participation in '06 demonstrations in hundreds of cities was topped by Chicago, Los Angeles and Washington, each estimated at about half a million. 6) ALBERTO GONZALES RESIGNS: Embattled U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, the nation's first Latino to hold the position, resigned Aug. 27 after enduring months of press criticism and calls for his resignation from Democratic and some Republican elected leaders. Gonzales was targeted for the firings of nine U.S. attorneys, some reputedly motivated by politics. Civil-rights groups cheered his resignation as they related his term to controversies such as the abuses in Abu Ghraib. National Latino organizations remained mostly silent about his resignation. 7) ELVIRA ARELLANO DEPORTED: During her year in a Chicago church sanctuary after defying a deportation order, Mexican Elvira Arellano symbolized the plight of undocumented parents whose children were born in the United States. Her son, Saul, 7, is one of 3 million U.S.-born children of undocumented parents. After leaving her sanctuary to travel and meet with activist supporters, Arellano was seized in Los Angeles Aug. 19 and immediately deported. She visits with her son and continues to organize migrants in the border city of Tijuana. 8) BORDER WALL: Mexican government leaders joined U.S. Latino groups in opposing construction of a 900-mile wall sealing off Mexico from the United States. 9) MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE: The federal minimum wage increased for the first time in 10 years -- from $5.15 to $5.85 an hour, with increments of 70 cents, to $6.55 by July 2008 and $7.25 by July 2009. Advocates project 1.3 million Latino workers and their families will be helped. 10) CITIZENSHIP DRIVE: Latino organizations are credited with drives that added a million persons to U.S. citizenship roles in 2007. The Tomas Rivera Policy Institute estimates 9.3 million Hispanics will vote in '08. 11) HAZLETON ORDINANCE STRICKEN: An ordinance approved by the Hazleton, Pa., city council that would have forced landlords and employers to require proof of legal status before renting or hiring was struck down by a federal judge July 26 as unconstitutional. The American Civil Liberties Union and Puerto Rico Legal Defense & Education Fund led the battle in court. 12) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DEBATES: Most Republican candidates ducked public debates on Hispanic and race issues, while candidates of both parties ignored addressing matters of importance to the Latino community or gave evasive responses when questioned. 13) USCIS SERVICE FEE INCREASES: Costs to obtain citizenship increased from $475 to $675 and $300 to $1,010 for permanent residency. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services claimed the boosts were needed to provide better service and to strengthen its technology. Hispanic groups lobbied extensively to block the hikes, arguing they would leave citizenship and permanent residency out of reach for many Latino families. USCIS warned that processing delays were likely. This set off an uproar among Hispanic leaders who fear the backlogs will keep thousands from voting in 2008. (Alex Meneses Miyashita is editor of the national Hispanic Link Weekly Report. Reach him at editor(at)hispaniclink.org.)   Sent by Charlie Erickson ------------------------------------------------------- Pew Hispanic Center Releases Three Demographic Fact Sheets January 23, 2008 A D V I S O R Y The Pew Hispanic Center today released Statistical Portrait of Hispanics in the United States, 2006 and Statistical Portrait of the Foreign-Born Population in the United States, 2006. These fact sheets are based on the Center's tabulations of the Census Bureau's 2006 American Community Survey. The ACS is the largest household survey in the United States, with a sample of about 3 million addresses. It covers virtually the same topics as those in the long form of the decennial census. The ACS is designed to provide estimates of the size and characteristics of the U.S. resident population, which includes persons living in households and, for the first time, persons living in group quarters. The statistical portraits consist of 36 tables each on the social, economic and housing characteristics of the Hispanic and foreign-born populations. They also present estimates by state and, for the foreign born, by region of birth. In addition to the national portraits of Hispanics and foreign-born persons, the Center also released a demographic portrait of Arizona. This fact sheet--Arizona: Population and Labor Force Characteristics, 2000-2006--is also based on data from the 2006 ACS and the 2000 Decennial Census. Arizona is the first state in the nation to enact a law that penalizes businesses for knowingly hiring unauthorized immigrants. The Legal Arizona Workers Act took effect on Jan. 1, 2008. The three fact sheets are available on the Center's website. The Pew Hispanic Center, a project of the Pew Research Center, is a non-partisan, non-advocacy research organization based in Washington, D.C. and funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Foreign-Born Populations, 2006 The most up-to-date compilation of statistics on the Latino and foreign-born populations in the United States is based on the Pew Hispanic Center's tabulations of the 2006 American Community Survey. Statistical Portrait of Hispanics in the United States, 2006 Statistical Portrait of the Foreign-Born Population in the United States, 2006    http://pewhispanic.org/factsheets/factsheet.php?FactsheetID=36 Sent by Juan Marinez

What is the Statistical Abstract?
	Read this excerpt from a Romanian Newspaper. The article was written by Mr. Cornel Nistorescu and published under the title 'C'ntarea Americii, meaning 'Ode To America ') in the Romanian newspaper Evenimentulzilei 'The Daily Event' or 'News of the Day' & nbsp; ~An Ode to America ~   Why are Americans so united? They would not resemble one another even if you painted them all one color! They speak all the languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of civilizations and religious beliefs. Still, the American tragedy turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart. Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the Army, or the Secret Se rvice that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to empty their bank accounts. Nobody rushed out onto the streets nearby to gape about. Instead the Americans volunteered to donate blood and to give a helping hand. After the first moments of panic, they raised their flag over the smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of the national flag. They placed flag s on buildings and cars as if in every place and on every car a government official or the president was passing. On every occasion, they started singing:'God Bless America !' I watched the live broadcast and rerun after rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she was, or of the Californian hockey player, who gave his life fighting with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a target that could have killed other hundreds or thousands of people. How on earth were they able to respond united as one human being? Imperceptibly , with every word and musical note, the memory of some turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone call, millions and millions of dollars were put into a collection aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit, which no money can buy. What on earth can unite the Americans in such a way? Their land? Their history? Their economic Power? Money? I tried for hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases with the risk of sounding commonplace, I thought things over, I reached but only one conclusion... Only freedom can work such miracles. Cornel Nistorescu (This deserves to be passed around the internet forever.) It took a person on the outside - looking in - to see what we take for granted ! GOD BLESS AMERICA ! ! Sent by     Telger6
	http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/ The Statistical Abstract of the United States, published since 1878, is the authoritative and comprehensive summary of statistics on the social, political, and economic organization of the United States. Use the Abstract as a convenient volume for statistical reference, and as a guide to sources of more information both in print and on the Web Sources of data include the Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bureau of Economic Analysis, and many other Federal agencies and private organizations

Pew Hispanic Center Names New Deputy and Associate Directors January 8, 2008

The Pew Hispanic Center has named political scientist Susan Minushkin as its new Deputy Director and economist Mark Lopez as a new Associate Director. "Susan and Mark each come to the Center with a wealth of experience in conducting and disseminating timely and original research that is of interest to the press, the policy community and the general public," said Paul Taylor, Acting Director of the Pew Hispanic Center and  Executive Vice President of its parent organization, the Pew Research Center. "We're delighted to have them join a very strong team of demographers and economists who will continue to meet the Pew Hispanic Center's mission of improving public understanding of the diverse Hispanic population in the United States and to chronicle Latinos' growing impact on the nation." Minushkin joins the Center from the Centro de Investigaciones y Docencia Economicas (CIDE) in Mexico City, where she was a professor of international studies and director of the first, ongoing public and elite survey in Mexico on foreign policy and Mexican attitudes toward international issues. Her research expertise includes Mexican public opinion and foreign policy, economic globalization, as well as trade and investment policy in developing countries. She has a PhD in political science from Columbia University. Lopez joins the Center from the University of Maryland, where he was Research Director of the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) as well as a Research Assistant Professor at the School of Public Policy at the University of Maryland. His areas of expertise include labor economics, civic engagement, voting behavior and the economics of education. He received his PhD in economics from Princeton University. The Pew Hispanic Center <http://www.pewhispanic.org>  is a nonpartisan research organization and does not take positions on policy issues. It is part of the Pew Research Center <http://www.pewresearch.org> , a nonpartisan "fact tank" based in Washington, D.C., and it is funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts <http://www.pewtrusts.org> , a Philadelphia-based public charity.

Abstract:  Blacks and Hispanics  Live Longer With Alzheimer's

Reason for their added survival remains unclear, scientists say   HealthDay, Wednesday, November 14, 2007 While men and women of Asian and American Indian descent diagnosed with the disease were found to have survival expectancies equivalent to that of white Alzheimer's patients, patients of Hispanic or black ethnicity were found to live 40 percent and 15 percent longer, respectively. The observation held up even after accounting for a wide range of factors -- including age, gender, and living environment -- that could influence post-diagnosis longevity. "This study didn't address all of the reasons why, and there's a lot more work that needs to done in this area, but we found that African-Americans and Latinos with Alzheimer's lived on average longer than white patients with Alzheimer's," said study lead author Kala M. Mehta, an assistant adjunct professor at the University of California, San Francisco. "We were surprised by the finding," she added. "In fact, we had hypothesized that it would be in the other direction. So, now we're hoping to do more research in the area of racial and ethnic differences and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's to get at the reasons for why differences occur." Mehta and her team reported their findings in the Nov. 14 online issue of the journal Neurology. According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than five million Americans now have Alzheimer's. The study team pointed out that by 2050, estimates suggest that more than three million Alzheimer's patients will be of non-white origin. Currently, the disease ranks seventh among causes of death in the United States. To assess potential differences in Alzheimer's outcome among races, Mehta and her team analyzed data collected between 1984 and 2005 at more than 30 Alzheimer's Disease Centers (ADCs) across the United States. ADCs are standardized Alzheimer's care facilities funded by the U.S. National Institute on Aging, many of which are affiliated with local universities. The study was large, including information on more than 31,000 men and women aged 65 and older, all of whom had received a possible or probable Alzheimer's diagnosis. Patient ethnicity, race, age, gender, educational background, marital status, living situation, and cognitive function scores were recorded at initial diagnosis, as was the first subsequent evidence of dementia onset. The authors reported that 81 percent of the patients were white, 12 percent were black, 4 percent were Hispanic, and 1.5 percent were Asian. The average patient age was about 78, and 65 percent were women. During the observation period, patients lived an average of 4.8 years following diagnosis, and almost 39 percent of the patients died. Autopsies were conducted on 3,000 of the deceased. Overall, deaths were more common among patients who were older, male, and had poorer initial cognitive skills scores. With respect to race and ethnicity, the research team found that white patients were more likely to die than patients of other backgrounds. The death rate was 41 percent among whites compared to 30 percent among blacks and 21 percent for Hispanics. After accounting for all the demographic factors that might influence outcome, the researchers concluded that black and Hispanic Alzheimer's patients had a lower risk for mortality than their white counterparts. Mehta and her colleagues stressed, however, that the pool of ADC patients examined was not necessarily representative of U.S. Alzheimer's patients as a whole. Most patients received care outside the confines of a government-funded medical center, she said, and as such they would presumably have received a much more varied, non-standardized level of care. The researchers cautioned, therefore, that the findings might not be applicable to all Alzheimer's patients. Just why blacks and Hispanic patients live longer with Alzheimer's remains unclear, Mehta said. "For example, we might consider the differing amounts of social support from family members in the differing ethnic groups," she observed. "And also the different amounts of other diseases found in these patients, and the treatment of those other diseases, which could be different between groups." "But what's really important here is that, if we do find the underlying factors that account for the differences, we might be able to improve survival for patients, regardless of their race," she added. Greg M. Cole is a neuroscientist with the Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare System and an associate director with the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center in the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. He expressed surprise at the study results. "In general, things run in the opposite direction for some pretty well-understood reasons," he noted. "That black and Latino populations as a group have less access to health care, more metabolic syndrome, more cardiovascular risk factors putting them at risk for earlier mortality, lower socio-economic backgrounds, a lot of hypertension, diabetes, and these sorts of things. So, we're accustomed to seeing more rapid decline and more mortality and shorter life expectancy among those minorities." HealthDay Copyright (c) 2007 ScoutNews, LLC.   Sent by Willis Papillion

 

New Immigration Analysis Uncovers Startling Trends: Immigration Leveling Off and Aging U.S. Workforce Needs Immigrants

By Marisa Trevino, http://www.latinalista.net/palabrafinal/ January 24, 2008 Dr. Dowell Myers, professor of urban planning and Demography at the University of Southern California, held a telephonic press briefing this afternoon, sponsored by the Washington D.C.-based Immigration Policy Center.   The occasion was the release of Dr. Myers' report: "Thinking Ahead About Our Immigration Future: New Trends and Mutual Benefits in Our Aging Society."   In a kind of folksy, self-deprecating manner, Dr. Myers laid out the facts about immigration, as the numbers show them to be. He wonders why there is such a rabid intensity to expel the very population who will be the saving grace of this country in a few years. According to Dr. Myers' research, the U.S. is getting older - fast. Dr. Myers says this is the real crisis facing the United States today. One number that puts this crisis into perspective is 67 percent - the degree to which the ratio of seniors (age 65 and older) to working-age adults (25 to 64) will be thrown out of balance over the next 20 years. Since seniors depend on the labor of working-age adults to live comfortably in their retirement years, Dr. Myers' data shows that retirement may have to wait for many, many people.  With such an imbalance in society, seniors will exasperate the problem by leaving the workforce en masse, and thus leave a workforce struggling to find replacements for them.  This is a new story that has emerged from the immigration debate. Dr. Myers noted that the foundation of today's current rhetoric is based on old stories that once were true regarding immigration but are no longer substantiated by the numbers.   Truth be told, Dr. Myers says that immigration is in fact leveling off. Mexico which used to have a very high fertility rate, now has a very low rate - 2.4. It disturbs Dr. Myers because he says that the immigrant labor is what will sustain the United States when more Baby Boomers retire but with such a low birthrate in Mexico, the pool of available labor will change dramatically in the future. If Mexico doesn't have the supply of ready labor to send to this country, the US economy will truly be in a crisis.   Because towns and cities should not see educating immigrant children as a drain on their economy but rather an investment in their future workforce. The goal of any state/city/town should be an educated workforce. As Dr. Myers noted, the purpose of any legislative policy is not to address the past, but prepare for the future to make it better.  A true immigration reform bill must take into account the realities that lay ahead for this country and not be a reaction to the distortions presented by some who don't like progress or the changing face of America.   Sent by Dr. Carlos Muñoz, Jr  and Howard Shorr howardshorr@msn.com

 

NATIONAL ISSUES

Increasing Need for Post-military service for Latinos A Chicano in Vietnam  by Dr. Manuel Caro Ode to Our Forgotten Chicano/Latino Soldiers of WWII

 

Increasing Need for Post-military service for Latinos Twenty years ago, the government was questioning the figures pertaining to post- traumatic stress among Hispanic/Latino veterans.  Of the 3 million Americans who served in Vietnam, 15% or about 470,000 required treatment for PTSD, but of those approximately 27% of were Hispanic/Latinos.  Dr. Manuel Caro sent this information at a time when I was becoming more and more aware of the trauma suffered by the entire family soldier returning resulting from PTSD, and the government is allocating more funding to meet the need. The article below by Dr. Caro was published in Newsweek in 1986. The government's inability to explain the proportional imbalance is explained quite simply:  [[Dr. Guzman, a former deputy assistant secretary for the U.S. State Department and a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, found not only that Mexican-Americans were "over-represented" among those that were drafted and those who enlisted but that there were more of us on the front lines as well.  After he analyzed casualty reports from January 1961 to February 1967 and found that "Mexican-Americans have a higher death rate in Vietnam than all other servicemen."  During this latter period there were 6,335 casualties who had homes in the Southwest, and 19 percent had distinct Spanish surnames.]] We are all fully aware that Hispanic/Latinos are also over-represented at this current time.  Our young men and women are returning home, greatly in need of supportive intervention. At issue is whether the resources are available to meet their needs.  Unfortunately, we are dealing with the same issue and problem that Dr. Richard Tapia pointed out in the first article of the issue, True Diversity Doesn't Come From Abroad.   Editor: Many doctors filling positions in Veteran's Hospitals are not Americans.  They are foreign doctors who were able to get into residency programs in American hospitals, and for the same reason, the hospital's desire for diversity.   The end result are hospitals staffed with foreign doctors (Middle East, Pakistan, India, China, etc.) with no understanding of the Hispanic/Latino character.  Case in point, the closest Veterans Hospital in my area has three psychiatrists listed, two are Middle Eastern surnames.  This is not to imply that they are not qualified physicians, but do those foreign doctors have the needed sensitivity to the Hispanic/Latino culture?

 

From Homer to Homeboy, Heroism, War, and Memory in Chicano Life and Letters

Editor: Recently, an incident was shared with me by a WW II veteran seeking supportive psychological help.  He said he walked in the door and was asked brusquely, "What do you want?"  The same questions was repeated several times.  Finally Ben suggested that the doctor whose eye was on the clock most of the time to go to lunch, and just set up an appointment for him.  He would come back. When Ben requested his appointment date information, no appointment had been made for him.   "Ben, you are a WW II vet, successful in life, you've been through much.  How would that kind of treatment be received and what would it do to a young, insecure 19-20 year old Latino to be treated so rudely by an assumed superior?  I doubt he would return.  We are not brought up to complain."  That is why Dr. Caro's information was is so timely.  From Homer to Homeboy, Heroism, War, and Memory in Chicano Life and Letters is the title of  Dr. Caro's doctoral  dissertation, completed in 1999 at Bowling Green State University, Ohio. Dr. Caro's dissertation examines the theme of war in Chicano literature and explores within that theme how the idea of heroism (and what it means to be a man) was expressed as service to one's country: to home and homeland: family and oneself.  Click to a letter from Dr. Caro to his mother.  Dr. Caro gave Somos Primos permission to post the entire dissertation on the web,  Please come back to this site and click.

Ode to Our Forgotten Chicano/Latino Soldiers of WWII

Dr. José “Pepe” Villarino Professor Emeritus, San Diego State University and “Los Románticos “ have just released their CD “Los Soldados Olvidados de La Segunda  Guerra Mundial”, a historic educational ,cultural and social justice tribute to our Latino/Latina elders and warriors of WWII as written by “Pepe” Villarino and sung by “Los Románticos”   Friends and Supporters of the Defend the Honor Campaign:   This first ever CD recording of a new Latino and Latina WWII corrido/ballad protesting Kens Burns’ exclusion of our WWII Chicano/Latino heroes in his 15 hour documentary, “ the War”. This film excluded our Latino heroes, the most decorated  than any other ethnic group,  19 Medals of Honor, numerous silver and bronze stars plus a montage of other awards too many to mention here. This CD incorporates the history, emotions, coraje, and hope as felt and experienced  by our WWII warriors and supporters  of the Defend the Honor Campaign. The “artistic decisions made by “Pepe” Villarino and “Los Románticos” in creating this corrido/ballad are of the highest quality and pay deep respect to our WWII elders and their families and in particular to our almost 200 Chicano veterans of WWII from our barrios of “Redonda”, Coopertown “Palomas”, Southside “Chicana”, and Taylortown. Our deepest respect also to our Native American, African American and Anglo American veterans from our  little home town of Winslow, Arizona.   The families of our Chicano/Latino veterans can join “The Defend the Honor Campaign” celebrate and experience this new corrido by purchasing one or more CD’s for yourself and your friends. It is a keepsake momento in honor of all Latinos and Latinas who served our country before,during and after WWII. Please contribute to our “War” effort by mailing a $20.00 check  payable to: Gus Chávez, 4674 Esther Street, San Diego, CA. 92115 (guschavez2000@yahoo.com)  or to” “Pepe” Villarino, 5775 Amarillo Ave. La Mesa, Ca. 91942. (pepev@cox.net) In memo section of check, print: DTH Corrido. A copy of the written corrido (Spanish and English) will be sent to you via your email. Postage included in the cost of the CD. Important: Most of the proceeds will go to “The Defend the Honor Campaign” For delivery of CD’s please contact Milton Baca at: 928-380-7919 or 928-289-2911. Thank you.   “Pepe” Villarino Gus Chávez Defend the Honor Campaign

ACTION ITEMS

Legendary Aztec Eagles Mexican Fighter Squadron 201 Online Help for Vets' Pension Program Fair Ruling for Immigrant Vets Seeking College Aid! Hispanic Higher Education Association Honors Dr. Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez Defend the Honor, Goals and Activities Defend the Honor Cartoon Contest  Citizenship Waiting Time We Are The Ones We Have Been Waiting For

The Forgotten Eagles: Legendary Aztec Eagles Mexican Fighter Squadron 201

Smithsonian Film Screening: Aztec Eagles of WWII The Smithsonian Latino Center and the National Air and Space Museum Cordially invite you to the The Forgotten Eagles Film Screening Washington, DC January 28th, 2008 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm The Forgotten Eagles (2006, USA, 70 min.), is a newly released documentary film about the legendary Aztec Eagles Mexican Fighter Squadron 201 that helped free the Philippine islands from the Japanese occupation in World War II. This event is part of the Mexico at the Smithsonian program series, a collaboration with the Mexican Cultural Institute and other organizations in Washington, D.C., to highlight different aspects of Mexican and Mexican American culture. This event, the last in the series, is also being organized with the National Air and Space Museum. The Forgotten Eagles was made by Mexican-American director/producer Victor Mancilla of Los Angeles and is narrated by actor/director Edward James Olmos. Mancilla will be present along with surviving members of Squadron 201 and other distinguished guests for a Q&A session, immediately after the screening. As part of this celebration of Latino military heroes, the Smithsonian Latino Center will also be launching Latino Patriots in American Military History, an educational publication highlighting the contribution of Latinos in military history from the American War of Independence to the Vietnam War. Latino Patriots in American Military History will be sent to over 8,000 educators nationwide and be available on the Centers website for download on Monday, January 28, 2007. To RSVP for this free event, please call the Smithsonian Latino Center at 202-633-0925 and mention Forgotten Eagles, or email SLCevent@si.edu and include the subject note Eagles Screening. January 28, 2008 Doors open at 7:30; the film will begin promptly at 8 p.m. National Air & Space Museum, Lockheed Martin IMAX(r) Theater Independence Ave. at 4th St. S.W. Washington, D.C.

Online Help for Vets' Pension Program
	Online Help for Vets' Pension Program Thousands of veterans and their families now have another way to find help when filing for pension benefits.  Project VetAssist (www.vetassist.org), a free online service, guides vets or their survivors applying for the VA Improved Pension program. The website provide forms to downoad and step-by-step advice to complete them. "People tell us it's making life a lot easier for them," says Tara Dixon-Engel, co-founder of the American Veterans Institute in Tipp City, Ohio, which sponsors the VetAssist site. Financially limited veterans who are 65 or older or physically disabled - and had at least 90 days of service during World War II or the Vietnam, Korean or Gulf wars - can apply for the penison program.  Applicants also can email to: info@VetAssist.org Source:  AARP Bulletin January-February 2008
Fair Ruling for Immigrant Vets Seeking College Aid!
	Dear neighbors,   When American soldiers returned from World War II, our nation's leaders knew it was only fair to reward veterans with college aid through the GI Bill.  They also knew it was a smart investment in education - one that built today's middle class.   Now, thanks to a recent decision by the state Attorney General, Texas is also honoring these values by restoring the Hazelwood college tuition program for non-citizen veterans.   Many of you know Texans who recently returned from Iraq and want to attend UTSA or another school. If you do know a veteran or the child of a veteran who might be eligible, more information on the program is available here.   Texas State Representative Mike Villarreal www.leaderslisten.org -
Hispanic Higher Education Association Honors Dr. Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez
	For Immediate Release, 2008.01.27 Hispanic Higher Education Association Honors Dr. Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez By Rogelio Reyes, San Diego State University-Imperial Valley Campus Calexico, California. The American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education has announced this year recipient of the Outstanding Support of Hispanic Issues in Higher Education Award: Dr. Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, associate professor of Journalism at the University of Texas in Austin.  This coveted award will be presented to Dr. Rivas-Rodriguez during the Third Annual Conference of the AAHHE in Miami, Florida, March 6-8. Dr. Rivas-Rodriguez, director of the Research Project on Latinos in World War II at the University of Texas-Austin, has distinguished herself by, almost single-handedly, starting a movement in the US—Defend the Honor Campaign—to protest the use of public funds by the Public Broadcasting System and other publicly funded agencies for programs that omit or distort the participation of Latinos in US history.  The focus of the DHC has been on, but not limited to, Ken Burns’ 15-hour documentary “The War”, which initially had no mention of the 500,000 or more Latinos who fought, and many of whom died, in WWII for what they were told was a war for “freedom and democracy”.  The argument of the Defend the Honor movement is more or less as follows: How can Latinos, the very people who fought for that “freedom and democracy”, now be excluded from the decision-making in public broadcasting and educational materials that depict US history? (Burns’ “The War”, its companion book, and other related materials are publicly promoted—again, with tax-payers’ funds—by the California State Library and the California Center for the Book.) Dr. Rivas-Rordiguez’s presentation at Imperial Valley College last September during Hispanic week, co-sponsored by San Diego State University-Imperial Valley Campus, sparked the beginning of a new branch of Defend the Honor in southern California led by DHC co-founder Gus Chavez, former director of the Educational Opportunities Program at San Diego State University.  Dr. Jose “Pepe” Villarino, professor emeritus of Chicano Studies at SDSU, has produced a commercially available CD—“Los soldados olvidados de la Segunda Guerra Mundial: An Ode to a Forgotten Soldier”—which depicts the DHC movement in musical terms.  For details on the AAHHE conference, visit http://aahhe.org/conference.aspx.

Defend the Honor, Goals and Activities

Goals: As a broad goal of Defend the Honor, we will continue to act as a watchdog and advocacy group to ensure that the mass media, particularly television and the movie industry, includes accurate representations of Latinos. When there is a problem in this regard, we will be prepared to immediately voice our concerns at national and local levels. ·         We will facilitate coordination among national and local organizations, and individuals, to confront publicly and privately funded projects which minimize, distort or fail to include the role and contribution of Americans of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban and other Hispanic/Latino origins. ·         We will reach out to broad-based national Latino organizations, political leaders, scholars and artists to commit themselves to joining our educational and informational efforts as they apply to diverse areas of our society. ·         If timely and appropriately informed, we intend to make sure that whenever a research project, an educational program, a documentary or history book, or any other major public informational venture is proposed, Latinos/Hispanics we will be included, where it is appropriate.   Activities:      Below are some of the activities we will undertake, as a coordinating group and clearinghouse. We will be calling on some of you to help. Short Term ·          Brochure­We will distribute a brochure via the Web detailing guidelines for local actions in schools, communities and public forums. This brochure will be posted on the Defend the Honor website for free downloads. It will also be distributed at conferences where Defend the Honor is represented.  This will be posted by the second week of February, 2008. ·         Traveling Display -- Defend the Honor will make available a traveling exhibit about the Defend the Honor campaign. Organizations and groups affiliated with Defend the Honor may request the exhibit and will be required to pay transportation costs. This will be featured at different conferences in the spring 2008. ·         Conferences and other events-- Members of the coordinatingon committee are scheduled to address major conferences and smaller venues where they discuss the problems of including Latinos in our nation’s historical consciousness. At those events, they will distribute information about the reasons that Defend the Honor was created.   Long-term ·         Action Booklets-- With the help of supporters across the country, who will tell the coordinating committee of their work and ideas of activities, an  action guide booklet will be developed in the coming year. Pending funding. ·         James E. Garcia of Phoenix, has offered his play, “Voices of Valor,” based, in part on excerpts from interviews from the U.S. Latino & Latina WWII Oral History Project, to any theater groups who would be interested in staging it at schools, colleges or community centers. The two-act play includes composite characters and tackles issues of identity, the repatriations of the 1930s, language discrimination, and civil rights efforts. It was staged in 2006 at Arizona State University and the University of Texas at Austin. Please contact Garcia at: jgarcia@americanlatino.net for details.   The Defend the Honor coordinating committee heard from many persons with important talents and skills who offered to lend those personal resources to our continuing efforts. As we move forward, we intend to call upon these and other members of Latino communities throughout the country to help us carry out these efforts. But please don’t wait on us, get going in your local community and let us know how it goes. Keep the lines of communication open and give us suggestions and recommendations. A future planned activity is a series of regional symposiums on the causes for the near invisibility of Latinos in U.S. history and the public consciousness, especially focusing on methods to address the problem and educate the public about the Hispanic experience and role in the formation of the U.S.A.   For the time being, we will continue to operate as a Coordinating Committee, focused on the key underlying issues that were revealed in our campaign. The survey revealed great support for creating a formal organization and the Coordinating Committee debated the advantages and disadvantages. In the end, it was decided that the Coordinating Committee doesn’t have the time required to create the organization. At this point, we choose to remain an informal network of individuals and organizations. Thanks for your great support and we look forward to a great year of raising awareness of the contributions of U.S. Latinos, Signed, The Defend the Honor Coordinating Committee Gus Chavez, co-founderchair, Defend the Honor, San Diego, CA, guschavez2000@yahoo.com; Armando Rendon, armandorendon@sbcglobal.net; Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, co-founder, Defend the Honor, Austin, and director, U.S. Latino & Latina WWII Oral History Project, UT-Austin, mrivas@mail.utexas.edu

Defend the Honor Cartoon Contest
	Description of the 2008 Southern Califas Defend-the-Honor Cartoon Contest What: A contest that will award a prize (first, second, third, or fourth) to each of four cartoons about Defend the Honor that receives the highest number of votes from the public at large. How: Electronically, via the internet and, specifically, via the website somosprimos.org.  The contest will be announced through the mass media, through university and student websites, newsletters, etc., through military-base newspapers and, especially, through the website defendthehonor.org.  Digitized cartoons will be submitted electronically, one cartoon per contestant, on a special web page at somosprimos.org.  Submitted cartoons will be voted on electronically by the public at large, one vote per person, and the four cartoons with the highest number of votes will receive one of the following prizes (the ranking of the prizes will be decided by Pepe Villarino, Balloting/Prize Awards Supervisor): •    “Latino stories of World War II”, CD documentary by Mario Barrera (emeritus, UC Berkeley); •    “Soldados Chicanos in Vietnam”, CD documentary by Charley Trujillo (Chusma House Publications) •    “Los soldados olvidados de la Segunda Guerra Mundial: An ode to our forgotten soldiers”, musical CD by Pepe Villarino (emeritus, San Diego State University) and Los Románticos; •    “La Raza rides again”, musical CD by Los Tres Reyes (old-time but ne’er forgotten Chicano activists and musical performers). Dr. Felipe Razo (California State University, East Bay) will advise Project Coordinator on matters related to making adjustments, modifications, etc. of somosprimos.org in order to conduct the contest. Why: In order to educate and involve the public at large in the Defend-the-Honor movement and, specifically, to protest through artistic creativity, the Public Broadcasting System’s omission of Latinos from the historical record of World War II by airing and promoting Ken Burns’ “The War” with taxpayer’s dollars. When (proposed timeline, 2008): •    May 1 (or earlier, if feasible): announcement of the contest •    May 1 – August 1: uploading of cartoon entries—one per contestant—and the respective artists’ personal data on a special web page at somosprimos.org •    August 1 - September 1: electronic voting—one vote per person—on a special web page at somosprimos.org •    September 2 – 10: Counting of submitted electronic ballots and selection of the four cartoons with the highest number of votes. •    September 16: announcement of the four winning cartoons and their respective artists’ prizes. •    September 17 -30: mailing of the four prizes to the winners. Criteria to be used by the voting public for selecting the best cartoon 1)    Relevance to the Defend-the-Honor movement 2)    Artistic value 3)    Originality 4)    Wording must be in English, Spanish, or both Co-sponsors of the contest: Defend the Honor Coalition, Southern Califas Branch, Rogelio Reyes, rreyes@mail.sdsu.edu
Citizenship Waiting Time
	Dear Mimi and friends, The NY time web site below is directly form the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee's comments from Emilio T. Gonzalez, the Director of Citizenship and Immigration Services. The waiting time for citizenship application has triple up to 18 months, while the time for Visas has double up to one year.  For those that are assisting on these application process, we might as well get use to longer delays. On the positive side, The hiring of more bilinguals employees for the FBI and for the immigration (1800) more employee should be a great opportunity for Latinos to apply. Rafael Ojeda Tacoma,WA http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/18/us/18immig.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin

 

Invitation & Request for Nominations: Recognition Certificate Award 'We Are The Ones We Have Been Waiting For' IWD, March 8, 2008, 2nd Annual

Preamble: Recognition Certificate, 'We Are The Ones We Have Been Waiting For' Companera/os, allow our inspiring your joining with this effort in convening social and political activists, grass roots and global humanitarians, solidarity workers, volunteers, poets, artists, teatro, writers, performing artists, maestros, trabajadores de la cultura to our cultural circle in acknowledgement and gratitude for the work of heroes and heros on behalf of humankind. Please accept this request for nominations in awarding the recognition certificate from our circle in its 2nd annual recognition campaign, 'we are the ones we have been waiting for'. To accept a certificate, you need not be present in receiving, and this will be done in various ways: at announced regional events throughout the year, online, and or by snail mail. and, all one needs now is sending a statement of acceptance, bio and pic, (digital is fine.) Indeed, it has taken some 40 years from this circle of companeras in achieving this cornerstone award ceremony, and we are grateful for your participation. also, for support getting the word out in your respective community.                      Peaceful Resolution to Global Conflicts     Esteemed Friends and co-conspirators, Human Rights & Peace Activists, Indigenous/Traditionals, people of color, social change artists, movers & shakers, whistle blowers - and good people everywhere on our Mother Earth fighting the good fight in your locales for peace and justice and against war, violence, hunger, poverty, aids, discrimination, racism/sexism/ageism, homophobia, oppression and repression. In these tragic times, we applaud our elders and wise one's in guiding the grass roots community towards connecting the conflicting issues in meaningful ways, and in becoming the spirit of hope the world is needing. In the most harsh of circumstances, you are an example of teaching the youth and others the survival skills necessary in overcoming and breaking through the prevalent adversity faced daily, and for this we bestow praises for your voices in proclaiming -  Peace, Friendship, and Reconciliation, and for taking a prodigious stand in global solidarity, against war, hunger, and oppression . Your wisdom has impacted on the community and inspired many so profoundly, and is vital in bringing to the forefront the potentiality of women coming forward in a global force and promoting peaceful coexistence with the support of her brethren - together holding up the sky and calling for an end to violence against women and children, in peaceful resolve sharing mother earth in peaceful coexistence. It is our intent honoring the unsung 'heroes and heroes', women and men, and grass roots workers, for deserved global acknowledgment on March 8th, 2008, International Women's Day-- presenting each dedicated individuals in community service, and at this momentous occasion celebrate their commitment. Each represents a loud shout-out chorus in joyous proclamation: "We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For!" Mentors/Honorary Board/Steering Committee: Dr. Armando Ayala, Dennis Brutus, Margaret Cruz (RIP), Esteban Delgadillo, T ina Flores, Mercedes Soca Gil, Swaneagle Harijan, Mesha Monge Irizarry, Norma Knight, Azarra Lanteri, Mimi Lozano, Yolanda Miranda, Gracia Molina de Pick, Carl Rising Moore, George Polisner, Dr. Robert Robinson, Betty Reid Soskin, Mario Torero,  Roberto Vargas... Afectuousamente, Dorinda Guadalupe Moreno fuerzamundial@gmail.com   Fuerza Mundial Collaborative, Hitec Aztec Communications, Elders of 4 Colors 4 Directions, Sybersysters and Brothers, Bibiotecaria Arbol de Vida/ Memorium:Yolanda Retter Vargas,

EDUCATION:  " A little learning is indeed a dangerous thing--but the want of learning is a calamity for any people"  by Fredrick Douglass Sent by Willis Papillion

Learning Crisis Data Washington State Office of Education (OSPI) Numbers of Minority Law Students Dropped Resegregation of U.S. schools deepening

From Diverse Online Current News Hispanic Educational-Reform Group Offers Data on Learning Crisis By Diverse staff Jan 17, 2008, 07:27 The Hispanic Council for Reform and Educational Options, based in Washington, D.C., compiled the following data on what it calls the "Crisis in Latino Education." The council says its mission is "to improve educational outcomes for Hispanic children by empowering families through parental choice in education." More information is available at the Web site www.hrcreo.org   What is the Crisis in Latino Education? ·         One of every three Hispanic students fails to complete high school. ·         26 percent of Hispanic students in the 8th grade and 34 percent of Hispanic students in the 12th grade reported in 2000 that they had been absent three or more days in the preceding month. ·         13 percent of Hispanic students in kindergarten through 12th grade in 1999 had repeated a grade. ·         The dropout rate for Hispanics in 2000 was 28 percent, higher than the 7 percent rate for Whites and the 13 percent rate for Blacks. ·         Average scores among Hispanic 9-year-olds were 13 percent below Whites' scores (a gap of 28 points in 1999, and among 17-year-olds they were 8 percent below Whites' scores (a gap of 24 points). ·         Math performance for Hispanic students was lower than that of White students in mathematics in 1999, but Hispanic 13- and 17-year-olds scored higher than Black 13- and 17-year-olds. ·         Fifty-nine percent of Hispanics completed middle-level mathematics courses, 8 percent took low-level courses and 7 percent completed nonacademic or no mathematics courses. ·         Hispanics scored below the national average on the SAT in 2001. Hispanics accounted for 9 percent of the SAT-taking population. ·           Sources: U.S. Department of Education. National Center for Education Statistics. Status and Trends in the Education of Hispanics.   Sent by Dr. Carlos Muñoz, Jr.

Washington State Office of Education (OSPI)

Spain has a special Spanish Representative in our State Ed Office with other programs, such as student and Teacher exchange and Spanish Teacher who want to teach in the U.S. and Canada.  The web site below has a great opportunity for Grants for Teachers to travel to Spain. http://www.mec.es/sgci/usa/en/programs/us_assistants/default.shtml If you want to see the WA OSPI web site and link please visit: http://www.k12.wa.us/spanish/Default.aspx   Sent by Rafael Ojeda

Numbers of Minority Law Students Dropped

Abstract: The Chronicle of Higher Education January 18, 2008 MINORITY ENROLLMENT: Numbers of first-year black and Mexican-American law students dropped from 1992 to 2006. http://chronicle.com/weekly/v54/i19/19a02202.htm  < article http://www2.law.columbia.edu/civilrights    <Data Conrad Johnson, recognized nationally as a leader in innovative legal education, access to justice and technology, is available to speak with the media about the new Web site and the story behind the statistics. He can be reached at 212-854-2141 or cjohnson@law.columbia.edu The statistics help people focus on the numbers, not on ideology. Nowhere else on the Web are these statistics pulled together in such depth,** Johnson said. The site includes 12 graphs and nearly 200 data points based on Law School Admission Council statistics for each year. The concern about the trend because a less diverse body of law students leads to a number of poor outcomes, including a less diverse pool of lawyers and judges to serve the public, diminished faith in the administration of justice and a less productive, creative workforce. In addition, a diverse classroom experience helps to teach students about the world beyond their own lives and to work with people very different from themselves - a key asset to being a lawyer, Johnson said. ``We need our students to see more than one perspective and develop their critical thinking skills. You can*t do that if all they see is the same small cut of society in class after class,** Johnson said. Source:  Roberto Calderon. Sent by Carlos Muñoz Jr., Ph.D.

Resegregation of U.S. schools deepening

Districts in big cities of the Midwest and Northeast undergo the most change. By Amanda Paulson | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor from the January 25, 2008 edition   Chicago - At one time, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District in North Carolina was a model of court-ordered integration.   Today, nearly a decade after a court struck down its racial-balancing busing program, the school district is moving in the opposite direction. More than half of its elementary schools are either more than 90 percent black or 90 percent white.   "Charlotte is rapidly resegregating," says Carol Sawyer, a parent and member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Equity Committee.   It's a trend that is occurring around the country and is even more pronounced than expected in the wake of court cases dismantling both mandated and voluntary integration programs, a new report says. The most segregated schools, according to the report, which documents desegregation trends, are in big cities of the Northeast and Midwest. The South and West - and rural areas and small towns generally - offer minority students a bit more diversity. Suburbs of large cities, meanwhile, are becoming the new frontier: areas to which many minorities are moving.  These places still have a chance to remain diverse communities but are showing signs of replicating the segregation patterns of the cities themselves.   "It's getting to the point of almost absolute segregation in the worst of the segregated cities - within one or two percentage points of what the Old South used to be like," says Gary Orfield, codirector of the Civil Rights Project and one of the study's authors. "The biggest metro areas are the epicenters of segregation. It's getting worse for both blacks and Latinos, and nothing is being done about it."   About one-sixth of black students and one-ninth of Latino students attend what Mr. Orfield calls "apartheid schools," at least 99 percent minority. In big cities, black and Latino students are nearly twice as likely to attend such schools. Some two-thirds of black and Latino students in big cities attend schools with less than 10 percent white students; in rural areas, about one-seventh of black and Latino students do. Although the South was the region that originally integrated the most successfully, it's beginning to resegregate, as in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg district.   While resegregation has been taking place for some time, Orfield says the latest numbers are worrisome both for the degree to which they show the trend is occurring and in light of the US Supreme Court's most recent decision on the issue last June, which struck down several voluntary integration programs and made it more difficult for districts that want to work at desegregating schools to do so.   "If you [as a district] are going to ask your lawyer what's the easiest thing to do, it's to just stop trying to do anything," Orfield explains. "That's a recipe for real segregation."   Not everyone feels that way. Some groups applauded the Supreme Court's decision last summer as another step toward taking race out of school admission policies and allowing parents to send their kids to the schools most convenient for them. If schools start reflecting neighborhood makeup - which often means nearly all-white or all-minority - that doesn't have to matter, they say.   "Segregation means people are being deliberately assigned to schools based on skin color," says Roger Clegg, president of the Center for Equal Opportunity in Falls Church, Va. "If it simply reflects neighborhoods, then it's not segregation."   Mr. Clegg questions some of the resegregation research, noting that the percentage of white students in schools is often going down simply because they're a decreasing portion of the population. He also quibbles with the notion that an all-black, all-Hispanic, or all-white school is necessarily a bad thing.     "I don't think that the education that you get hinges on the color of the person sitting next to you in the classroom," Clegg says. "What educators should focus on is improving schools."   That sounds great in theory, say some experts, but the fact is that segregated schools tend to be highly correlated with such things as school performance and the ability to attract teachers.   "Once you separate kids spacially from more privileged kids, they tend to not get the same things," says Amy Stuart Wells, an education professor at Columbia University's Teachers College in New York. "And we need to start thinking about how a school that's racially isolated can be preparing students for this global society we live in."   Still, many of the programs that worked to achieve integration - such as busing - have been highly unpopular over the years. And in big cities, real integration is often virtually impossible: Many cities have largely minority populations, and the districts don't extend to the suburbs.   Suburbs, though, offer potential. The Civil Rights Project report noted that big-city suburbs educate 7.9 million white students along with 2.1 million blacks and 2.9 million Latinos. "This is the new frontier for thinking about how to make diverse schools work," says Professor Wells.   But so far, the data for suburbs are not encouraging, showing emerging segregation. Some integration advocates say this shows a need for more diversity training for teachers and students and for policies that encourage integrated housing, not just schools.   "Each affects the other," says Erica Frankenberg, the co-author on the Civil Rights Project study. "Unless we think about this jointly, we're probably not going to be able to create stable racial integrated neighborhoods and schools."  Sent by Dr. Carlos Munoz  cmjr@berkeley.edu

 

BILINGUAL EDUCATION

Book: "Voices from the Classroom," Ramon Moncivais

Ramon was one of 32 Hispanics that managed to graduate from high school out of 694 graduates. He was not able to further his education until he returned from serving 2 years as a medic in Korea, where he graduated from a business collage in Austin, Texas.       Ramon's experience in giving advice cames from years as a Scoutmaster, and counseling of younger employees while a supervisor/manager with an insurance company for 35 years.            Looking at questions…..and finding answers! “Voices from the Classroom,” will take you into the lives of students and the many problems and questions they struggle with daily. With most parents working, and living over-scheduled lives. There is little to no time to answer questions, and many are reluctant to give advice to their students. Lost in a sea of peer pressure, immaturity, confusion, worries, and doubt, these children are left to seek answers and advice from each other.      Here you will find some very troubling questions as well as answers that parents should have provided. There appears to be cases where some parents have literally left the duty of raising a student to the teachers with little thought that the duty of the teacher is to teach, not to raise a student.      In round-table sessions with the author, students were given a sheet of paper and told they could ask up to 5 questions and not include their name. Each question was read out loud, and an answer or solution was provided. This is a compilation of approximately 400 questions with over 300 students participating in lecture and/or round tables held at 6 different middle and high schools. Schools and students will remain anonymous.  "Voices from the Classroom," Ramon's new book will be available on/about February 22th. You may order by sending check for $14.95 plus $2.55 postage, ($17.00) to Ramon Moncivais, 5110 Meadow Creek Drive, Austin, Texas 78745, rmoncivais@austin.rr.com. If you order before February 22th we will pay postage. The book is approximately 110 pages. A second printing of Ramon's first book was published in late September 2007 and details the discrimination against Hispanics, and their inability to get even the most basic education in the 30', 40's, and 50's.

CULTURE

Fountain of Uke Four Generations of Charro Los Lobos songwriters tell their stories in Irvine, California

Fountain of Uke Photos and story by Steve Zylius The Orange County Register Jan, 06 2008
	Bill Tapia of Westminster, California celebrates his 100th birthday by playing a concert. I'll just be glad if I can chew at 100 years old.  OK. I'll just be glad if I make it to 90 … or 87, the age at which Bill Tapia quit smoking … after 75 years. But people don't buy reserved tickets at $35 a pop to see senior citizens for the heck of it. They did fill an auditorium to see Bill Tapia play his jazz ukulele. And with good reason. This guy really swings. He's been playing jazz since, well … Since jazz was a youngster. To celebrate his 100th birthday, which officially happened Jan. 1, he played a concert for his fans on Nov. 18 at the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro. It wasn't the first time he'd played there, Bill noted. That was in 1935. Sent by Ricardo Valverde
Four Generations of Charro
	Great story on the history of Charro with Jerry Diaz who shares his legacy of this great grandfather who in the late 1800 had been the horse handler for the Mexican President stables before coming to the US. I think you will find it interesting.. Juan http://weekendamerica.publicradio.org/   Four Generations of Charro Saturday Jan. 12, 2008 The Mexican charro has had considerable influence on the American version of the cowboy and his rodeo traditions. Weekend America's Michael May profiles Jerry Diaz, a fourth-generation charro in New Braunfels, Texas.
	Recorded mariachi music pours out of an enormous barn and rolls across the fences and dusty prairie of Jerry Diaz's ranch in New Braunfels, Texas. It's the music that Jerry uses in his show, and he wants the horses to feel it in their bones before they enter the ring. Jerry stands at the end of a long row of horse stalls in a wide sombrero and a bola tie embossed with his initials. He's carefully shaving the ears of his horse, Pajaro, in preparation for the show. "They've got to be in great shape," he says. "They have to feel very confident about what they're going to do in the. You can see this horse's eyes, the sincereness in his eyes." Then he turns to Pajero. "Almost done with your ears, Pajaro. Pajero give me a kiss! He gave me a big kiss, good boy." This weekend Jerry will get Pajaro to dance and do pirouettes in the show. And for the finale he does a trick called the wedding ring, where he spins a 65-foot lasso around himself and his horse at full gallop. Jerry mounts another horse named Bandito and sits tall. It's hard to even notice the subtle directions he's giving the animal. "I cue the horse with my right foot, and I extend my left foot to the left, and I make the horse go towards you. You can see him crossing his front legs towards you." Bandito pranced directly sideways, right into my microphone. I ask what is the most difficult trick to teach. "The 'tricks' are the easiest," Jerry says. "Putting a good handle, a good reins, good control on the horse, is the most difficult. And the most difficult on top of that is to learn what's going through his mind. We only think we've gotten into his mind. How do we know that we have?" Jerry's great-grandfather was a rancher in Jalisco, Mexico, where he learned how to rope and ride by working on the ranch. Jerry grew up in the United States competing in the ring, as a rodeo charro, even riding bulls. But he's had a few opportunities to rustle cattle on the open range, and he says that's where the true charro is made. "In the arena, you have a second chance. Out in the open, you don't. You may never see that cow, steer or bull again. When you go out on the open range -- and there are bulls that possibly have never seen a human being -- and you show up on horseback, and you separate one out there, you and it alone. That's a whole different ballgame. And no one to see you." On the other side of Jerry's property are two ranch-style homes -- one for his family, and the other for his parents. His father, Don Pepe Diaz, was the man who took the charro tradition from the ranch to the stage. He left Jalisco to train horses for the president of Mexico before moving to Texas in the 1940s. He got picked up by Ringling Brothers and was a stunt double on the 1950s-era TV series "The Cisco Kid." Inside his house, 89-year-old Don Pepe sits tall and proud, still dapper with a bandanna tied around his neck. He can no longer walk, but he still rides. Jerry reveres his dad, and his father is hoping future generations keep up the family tradition. It would be a wonderful thing that would make him happier than anything, he says in Spanish. And then he emphasizes that everything he's passed on, he learned from his own father in Mexico. Outside, Jerry's wife Staci and his young son Nicolas are getting ready for the trip. Nicolas is already part of the family act. "I spin my rope. And then I throw it. And then I sell it," Nicolas proclaims. "And what does the crowd do?" I ask. "They go 'walken wok! Walken wok!'" The crowd also goes "walken wok" -- whatever that means -- for his mom. Staci Diaz comes from a riding family too. Her specialty is Roman riding, where you straddle two galloping horses while standing up. The sight is part of everyday life for Nicolas. "We came out of the hospital, he was only five days old when my husband takes him for his first ride in his arms," Staci recalls. "He's four years old [now], and we still never just turn him loose and just ride." But Nicolas does get to stand up on a horse. "He stands up on a horse and spins his rope, but his daddy's right there, and I'm right there to catch him if he goes one way or another," she laughs. Staci and Nicolas go back to loading the trailer. Inside, next to bridles decorated with silver medallions, is an ancient hand-stitched saddle with a horn inlayed with mother of pearl. Jerry's great-great uncle back in Mexico made the saddle. Now Nicolas will ride it into the ring in Denver. Sent by Juan Marinez   marinezj@anr.msu.edu

Los Lobos in Irvine, California Orange County Register,

Saturday night brings a rare encounter for Los Lobos fans – specifically those who have long admired the gem-rich sonSagwriting of David Hidalgo and Louie Pérez, who at this point are surely the Lennon-McCartney of Latin rock. Not as a commercial force, of course. The only smash Los Lobos has had is a remake of "La Bamba," an albatross that took years to remove from their necks. But if you think of Lennon and McCartney primarily as the heart and soul of the Beatles, and George Harrison the group's spirit, then a reasonable parallel can be drawn to Los Lobos.

For more than a quarter-century the songs of sweet-voiced guitarist Hidalgo and his partner, drummer-guitarist Pérez, ave gone places few other songwriters (Latin or otherwise) have dared. Profound yet never pompous or pretentious, faithful to the roots of folk music and rock 'n' roll yet penned by men who have insatiable interests in sonic adventure (evident in bot h Lobos and the duo's cultishly cherished side project the Latin Playboys), the Hidalgo-Pérez canon puts forth a crucial chronicle of Chicano life, set in Southern California but easily relatable nationwide. Their best songs – it's a long list, but I'd start with "One Time One Night," "Will the Wolf Survive?" and anything off 1992's "Kiko" – have consistently served as poetic reality-checks, expressed with enough universal emotion to bridge both cultural and generational gaps. And, as a necessary complement to that, changes of pace from fellow wolf Cesar Rosas function more like Harrison's do in the Fabs' catalog. Rosas' earthier forays into traditional blues and R&B may not be mystical or so complex, but time and again they add color and texture – and down 'n' dirty fun – to Los Lobos' overall aesthetic – lest any Hidalgo-Pérez endeavor grow too somber or contemplative.   Louie is flattered when I share this comparison during another of our hourlong phone chats, even if he'd never characterize his work so loftily. We've been given pause for thought on the subject, however, because he and Hidalgo are taking a moment away from their ever-touring main gig to embark on a small jaunt of their own, presenting acoustic shows, in two parts each night, with a question-and-answer audience-participation segment to follow. (The tour's sole SoCal stop is Saturday night at Irvine's Barclay Theatre.) "If you think about what has really kept Los Lobos just from being the coolest bar band in the world, it's been the songs," Louie points out. Setting out to make those songs meaningful, not just entertaining, was something the partnership determined early on, not long after the group's debut EP, "… And a Time to Dance," arrived with a critically triggered bang in 1983. When it came time for Los Lobos to follow it up, "David and I sat down and, without saying much to each other, we just felt like we are at this crossroads. We can either be this jump-blues, fun, garage-y kinda band, and go down that road. Or we can go down this other road, and really take some responsibility for who we are and where we come from – take on what really amounts to a challenge." Choosing the latter path is what led to their pivotal rise as a critics' favorite. Ever since, "It was the songs that transformed us." And, in the process, they altered American music. Louie is a typically modest guy when pressed about the value of key songs or albums, but taken as a whole he can't deny the lasting impression Los Lobos continues to have. "This band has been historically significant," he says. "If it's not saying too much, it has changed how people view (Mexican-Americans). It threw American music a little off its axis." But these intimate shows (dubbed, simply, "Stories in Song") aren't "anything to edify Dave and Louie," he insists. "This is really to celebrate the songs. Whenever we're recording something, and it starts to get all murky, all the colors start to bleed together … we say, 'OK, let's go back to the song.' And then David sits down, plays the guitar … and we get back on track again." Lately, that retreat to basics has led them back to a batch of songs they set aside nearly 20 years ago – eight or nine cuts, to be exact, that they had begun to prep after the exquisite traditionalism of "La Pistola y Corazón." Though fairly fleshed out, those songs were abandoned once the full band entered the studio to work on 1990's "The Neighborhood." Now, packaged with some radio appearances the pair made while promoting their two Latin Playboys albums, they are being sold as a souvenir, called "The Early Years." Putting it together, Pérez reports – and finally getting around to this minitour after a decade of discussing it – has also got them thinking about at long last donning their Playboys personae again. (A new site for the project, latinplayboys.org, will launch soon, at least.) I suppose someone will ask about that Saturday at the Barclay. "It's not gonna be precious," Louie promises, "and it's not gonna be academic. You know, I can talk to you and other music critics and talk about the songs and how it all came about … and then the fans are able to maybe read a few columns about that in a newspaper or magazine." But typically a fraction of what Louie and I discuss makes it into print. "So this is a chance to share this whole experience with everybody. People can ask whatever they want. We'll just go up there and fly by the seat of our pants. That's the best way to do it. That's the way songs happen." And that's almost always when the most interesting details about Los Lobos spill out of Louie. Just heard this one for the first time, for instance: Some 40 years since they started writing songs together as boyhood pals, Hidalgo and Perez still engage in a nervous, childish practice of ding-dong-ditching each other whenever they have new songs to share with one another. Never mind the drive back to L.A. Louie has to make from his home in Yorba Linda. (Originally from East L.A., the members of Los Lobos – including bassist Conrad Lozano and saxophonist Steve Berlin – now live in various SoCal spots, though only Pérez, who moved from Whittier to Laguna Beach 16 years ago, has settled in O.C.) "To this day, whenever I have something new, I will take it over to David's house, drop it in the mailbox and run. He does the same thing – he comes over, puts something by the door, rings the bell … and runs away." And when they've already entered the studio and are subjecting themselves to "that crazy thing" of writing songs while cutting a new record? They'll steal away to David's car to play demos. Each will sit, barely breathing, until the other renders a verdict. All these years later, they still strive to impress each other first – and dread disappointment. "It's weird, isn't it?" he asks. Maybe – but look what it has produced.

 

BUSINESS

Jobs For A Future/ Homeboy Industries Chicago loses more black kids than soldiers in Iraq to gun violence Website for the History of migrant farm workers

Jobs For A Future/ Homeboy Industries
	Father Gregory J. Boyle, S.J. is a Jesuit priest who is Founder / Executive Director of Jobs For A Future / Homeboy Industries, an employment referral center and economic development program.  Begun in 1988, for at-risk and gang-involved youth, Jobs For A Future is, today, a nationally-recognized center that assists 1,000 people a month in re-directing their lives.  Through its unique and multi-service approach, Jobs For A Future offers hope to those for whom hope is often foreign.  Located in Boyle Heights, a community with arguably the highest concentration of gang activity in Los Angeles, Jobs For A Future provides employment opportunities, counseling, and many services (including free tattoo removal). By seeking to address the root causes of gang violence, Jobs For A Future creates opportunities so that at-risk youth can plan their futures and not their funerals. “Nothing stops a bullet like a job” is the guiding principle.   Editor: I happened to catch an interview of Father Gregory on television. One of the comments that he made lays the foundation for his very dedicated commitment to the work. Father Gregory said that he recently buried the 154th victim of gang warfare in his parish.    Please note the article below.  I do not know of any comparative studies concerning Latinos.  I would very interested in publishing the data.
Chicago loses more black kids than soldiers in Iraq to gun violence
	Recently in Chicago, a teen gunman boarded a crowded public bus near a high school and opened fire with a handgun. I imagined this scene must have been similar to the bus bombings that are so common in war torn Iraq . As I researched this analogy, I found striking similarities between what is happening in black communities across the United States and what is happening in a full-fledged war zone in Iraq . The major difference is that far more black children are dying in Chicago than Chicago soldiers are dying in Iraq . At about 24 deaths a year, Chicago children are being killed 24 times the rate that Chicago soldiers are being killed in Iraq . Statistics from Military Genealogy Trails show that during the five-year period between September 2001 and July 2006, six soldiers from Chicago were killed in Iraq combat. In a startling comparison, however, during an eight-year period between 1998 and 2007, 190 Chicago Public School children, mostly black, died in gun-related incidents. This year, the violent death toll in nine months totals 27 for Chicago 's public school students, again, mostly black youth. Chicago is no different than any other city, because deadly violence in the lives of black children today is a constant, overwhelming reality in America .     May 24, 2007  By Phillip Jackson

Website for the History of migrant farm workers

I was looking through my files when I came across this report "history of migrant farmworkers" I thought some of you may enjoy reading this bit of history that continues to be written as you read, if you may know of students who are involved in Labor, Chicano studies who might find this report useful. Juan Marinez "We have fed you all for a thousand years" history of migrant farmworkers http://www.farmworkers.org/strugcal.html

Anti-Spanish Legends

Media Aggressions Against the Latino Community

In "Toward a Decolonizing Pedagogy: Social Justice Reconsidered" by Carlos Tejeda, Kris D.  Gutierrez, and Manuel Espinoza, they defined violence as "any relation, process, or condition by which an individual or group violates the physical, social, and/or psychological integrity of another person or group."  They further stated that, "violence inhibits human growth, negates inherent potential, limits productive living, and causes death."

Media Aggressions Against the Latino Community by Efren Paredes, Jr.

In typical fashion, Monday, December 31, 2007, an Associated Press article launched a media assault on the Latino community and used it's article title to demonize them and fuel tensions between the Latino and Black community.  It was also an attempt to generate hysteria. The article, "Some Latino Gangs Kill on Race Alone, Authorities Say," (available at http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071231/NEWS07/712310337/1009) used a single act of violence to paint a grim picture of the state of the Latino community and evoke anti-Latino sentiment. This has been a recurring theme as various media outlets have vigorously worked to ratchet up their campaign against immigrants in this country, particularly Latino immigrants.  Highlighting crime and violence committed by any member of the Latino community has been a tool utilized by the media to effectuate their nefarious campaign. The article's author could have elected to select a title that highlighted the fact that inter-racial crime is actually rare in contrast to intra-racial crime.  Or, the reality that there has been a decline in crime in recent years in the Latino neighborhood that was the subject of the writing.  Instead, the author opted for a denigrating title. The persistent malicious actions by anti-Latino media must be countered with a strong response from the Latino community.  Any assault against a single member of the Latino community by the media is an assault on the entire community.  With their sweeping generalizations and pools of ink, they create stories inaccurately portraying the entire Latino community.  It is always a broad application. It is because of this that their actions must be condemned immediately by Latino media outlets and writers, by Latino leaders and organizations, and anyone else who seeks to defend and protect the image of Latino people.  The best defense is a good offense.  Mounting an effective media offensive in defense of our beloved gente will curtail the attacks unfairly targeting us. When Latinos are vilified in the media, along with condemning their actions, we need to demand apologies, write letters to the editors voicing our opposition, post responses on blogs, web sites, and social networking sites, call for boycotts against them, etc.  They need to know that our collective voice will not tolerate their actions, and they will not be rewarded for mistreating us. Let the new year usher in the dawn of a new day, a new beginning; a year of healing in our community.  Let it be the impetus to transform divisions into unity.  We are one people with a shared legacy of victories and success.  Our roots are deeply entrenched in a reservoir of infinite possibilities that races through the sangre in the veins of our brown bodies. Divisions have left us vulnerable to attacks through the media from myriad angles and sources.  We have invited these onslaughts by being disjointed, disorganized, and putting individuality over the community.  In essence we have fueled our demise through our ignorance. I also ask that no Latino look down on any other members of the Latino community, and that we become more instrumental in assisting the less fortunate.  Many of these people are seeking ways to be rescued from their unfortunate situations.  They need our compassion and opportunities, not rejection and myopia.  We do a disservice to ourselves when we look down upon other Latinos because they are struggling. If any member of the Latino community is struggling you and I are struggling as well.  We are part of the shared struggle.  There is no panacea for this situation.  However, actively working to combat the negative stereotypes that seek to cast us in a negative light, and fostering cohesion, are steps in the right direction. Self-preservation is the first law of nature.  Nature has long held that a thing which does not protect itself does not deserve to live.  Thus, it withers away and dies.  The culmination of neglect, willful disregard for our future, and failure to thrive give birth to self-annihilation. Our silence has been interpreted as acceptance and docility.  As the acceptance of assaults and aggressions against our total existence mentally, physically and spiritually.  The response to our complacency has been the aggressor waging full-scale psychological warfare over the control of our psyche and collective consciousness. Violence, microaggressions, and invisible violence manifest in many forms, and their tentacles are widely felt.  Left unchecked and they mutate into stronger, more sophisticated weapons to inflict harm upon us. In "Toward a Decolonizing Pedagogy: Social Justice Reconsidered" by Carlos Tejeda, Kris D.  Gutierrez, and Manuel Espinoza, they defined violence as "any relation, process, or condition by which an individual or group violates the physical, social, and/or psychological integrity of another person or group."  They further stated that, "violence inhibits human growth, negates inherent potential, limits productive living, and causes death." I join the argument advanced by these writers that we can not ignore this violence when calling for social justice.  It is necessary for us to explicitly define our struggle and the components thereof, so that we properly develop effective ways to combat the various assaults inflicted upon us. When we allow others to define our struggle the framework established never allows us to triumph.  We are given space and time to work within, and within such a system there exists only room for us to conform and succumb to what is made available to us in our borrowed space. If history has taught us anything it is that we are a continually evolving people with a resilient spirit.  We have never suffered from a paucity of determination.  We learn from our errors and we build upon them.  We have prevailed before and we will prevail again.  Adverse media portrayals and aggressions will not define or defeat us. Efren Paredes, Jr., is currently serving life in prison for a crime he did not commit.  This injustice occurred in St. Joseph, Michigan (USA).  He has been incarcerated since age 15 and will turn 35-years-old in April.  To learn more about him you can visit www.4Efren.com. Sent by Dr. Carlos Munoz, Jr.  Ph.D.

 

Military and Law Enforcement Heroes

5 Hispanics who deserve the Medal of Honor Tony Santiago, honored by the Puerto Rican Senate Latinos/Latinas - Ultimate Sacrifice Brothers Pay Tribute to the Men Behind Medals of Honor Adding names to the WW II Memorial Archives General Pete Quesada

 

5 Hispanics who deserve the Medal of Honor                                 By: Tony (The Marine) Santiago     Last year I wrote the series “Hispanic Medal of Honor recipients” for “Somos Primos”, where for 12 months I presented the profiles of  43 heroes. This month I will tell you  about 5 Hispanics who fought in 5 different wars and who deserve our nation’s highest military decoration. They are Pvt. Marcelino Serna, PFC. Guy Gabaldon, S/Sgt. Modesto Cartagena, Sgt. Angel Mendez and Sgt. Rafael Peralta. I cannot understand why these men have not been awarded the Medal of Honor. Maybe it is because of the racism and prejudice of the time. Maybe it is because of the Anti-Hispanic sentiment in our country that is even present now. Or maybe it is because our Hispanic community is not united into one powerful political force. I mean, we are Hispanics yet, we seem more concerned in our rights as individuals divided into groups such as Mexican-Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans and so on, instead of uniting into one powerful group as the African-Americans and Asian-Americans have done. Come on, we are the largest minority in the United States and it is believed that by the year 2050 most Americans will have Hispanic blood in their veins, so what are we waiting for?. Let’s take a look at the African-Americans. Their ancestors were forced to come to our country as slaves from all parts of Africa, yet that did not keep them from uniting as one people with a common cause. They fought for their Civil Rights and even if they have differences amongst themselves they are still united as African-Americans. During World War II there were at least 10 African-Americans who deserved the Medal of Honor, yet none were given. The African-American community protested this injustice and  on January 13, 1997,  President William Clinton, in a ceremony presented 7 of those men with the medal. How about the Asian-Americans. Their ancestors also came from different countries and backgrounds and even if they have their differences they are united as Asian-Americans when it comes to asking that their rights as citizens of this country be respected. During World War II only two Asian-Americans were awarded the Medal of Honor, even though many of them fought with courage and were worthy of such an honor. The Asian-Americans as a community also protested this injustice and on June 21, 2000 President William Clinton awarded the Medal of Honor to 22 Asian-Pacific Americans. Now why can’t we do the same? We are a people who as a group have a lot more in common then any other group in the United States. Here are 5 Hispanic men who without a doubt deserve the Medal of Honor and if we don’t get our act together, this nor the coming administration will listen to our pleas. Private Marcelino Serna was an undocumented Mexican immigrant who joined the United States Army and became the most decorated soldier from Texas in World War I. Serna was the first Hispanic to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. His actions in combat would have guaranteed him a Medal of Honor if he was anything but a Hispanic. The excuse that they gave him was that he was a private and privates were not awarded said decoration. Yet,  Private David Bennes Barkley, who belonged to the same division as Serna  was awarded the Medal of Honor after completing a scouting mission behind enemy lines.  Barkley didn’t face enemy gun fire nor captured enemy soldiers as Serna did, as a matter of fact he drowned as he swam back across the Meuse River which is a shame. However, Barkley was awarded the Medal of Honor because until recently it was believed that he was a Caucasian and decades later it turned out that he was a Hispanic. What about PFC Guy Gabaldon? Here we have a Marine who in World War II risked his live and captured over 1,500 enemy soldiers and civilians. I mean for God’s sake, he was a Marine in uniform who risked his life. Do you think that the enemy would really  care if a person knew how to speak Japanese and not shot him especially if the person in question was not  Japanese and wearing a Marine uniform? He was lucky, but he sure had guts. By capturing 1,500 enemy personnel how many American lives did he save? The Japanese were ordered to kill at least seven American soldiers, so you do the math.  Who else in history has single-handed captured so many enemy soldiers?  Why wasn’t he awarded the Medal of Honor? In what mind has it occurred to not award him the medal? Has it ever occurred to our president to read about or learn about him and the others? Then we have Sergeant First Class Modesto Cartagena , the most decorated Puerto Rican soldier in history, who served in the 65th Infantry Regiment, an all Puerto Rican regiment also known as "The Borinqueneers", during the Korean War. He charged directly into devastating enemy fire and single-handedly destroying two enemy emplacements, then  after taking out the emplacements, he was knocked to the ground twice by exploding enemy grenades, nevertheless, he got up and attacked three more times, each time destroying an enemy emplacement until he was wounded. His only sin was that he did not know how to speak English. Since when is speaking English a requirement or a parameter used to determine who is worthy of the Medal of Honor? What do you tell me about Sgt. Angel Mendez, a Marine during the Vietnam War? Mendez not only saved the lives of his men who were pinned down under enemy fire, but he went into the battle field exposing himself to save the life of his platoon commander, Lieutenant Ronald D. Castille, by shielding his commander against enemy fire with his own body. Can you imagine that ? I mean what greater love can a person have for his follow men? Lieutenant Ronald D. Castille  lived to raise his family and to become the district attorney of Philadelphia (1986-91) and is currently one of the seven justices of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Mendez didn’t have that chance because he made the ultimate sacrifice for his men and for his Lieutenant. Then we have the heroic story of Sgt. Rafael Peralta another Marine , but this time in the Iraq War. He was mortally wounded, yet despite his wounds he threw himself on a grenade and absorbed the blast, thereby saving the lives of the two men who were with him on patrol. What is taking our president and the Department of the Navy so long in awarding him the Medal of Honor? For this reason and for many others is that I have always stated that we Hispanics or Latinos must unite as one group and make our voices heard. Maybe then we will gain the respect and recognitions that other groups have earned. Maybe then the 5 men that I have mentioned will get the true recognition, which not only do they deserve, but have earned with their blood.  I have a mission and that is to fight for the recognition that these five men deserve, but I can’t do it alone, I need your help.  I want you to make copies of this article, to write to our president, your Senators and Congressmen, to the Departments of the Navy and Army  and tell them that these five men deserve the Medal of Honor. Yes, not one but all five men. I want our Latino organizations to unite in this cause. Yes, I am talking about La Raza, LULAC, Defend the Honor and everybody else. Do not only ask for Serna and Gabaldon, ask for all five as a united Hispanic effort. “En la Union Esta la Fuerza”. For Gabaldon, Mendez and Peralta write to:  Department of the Navy Headquarters United States Marine Corps 2 Navy Annex Washington, DC 20308-1775 For Serna and Cartagena write to:                   Department of the Army Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region US Army Military District of Washington                                         103 Third Ave. Fort Lesley J. McNair, DC 20319-5058

World War I                     Marcelino Serna                                By: Tony (The Marine) Santiago
	SERNA, MARCELINO                                              Private, U.S. Army Company B, 355th Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, A.E.F. Date of Action: September 12, 1918 Citation: "The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Marcelino Serna, Private, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in action near Flirey, France, September 12, 1918. Private Serna displayed exceptional coolness and courage in single handed charging and capturing 24 Germans."         General Orders No. 27, W.D., 1919 Home Town: Fort Morgan, CO.  Later years  Serna returned to the U.S. as the most decorated soldier from Texas and was discharged at Camp Bowie, Texas in May 1919. In 1924, Serna became a citizen of the United States and soon after he married and settled down in El Paso, Texas. There he went to work at the Peyton Packing Company. In 1960, he retired as a plumber from William Beaumont Hospital. On February 29, 1992, Marcelino Serna died at the age of 95. He was buried with full military honors at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, of El Paso, Texas. On January 17, 1995, Congressman Ronald D'Emory Coleman introduced legislation before the House of Representatives that requested that Serna be awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously, to no avail. In 2007 at the 78Th Annual LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) Convention the following resolution was adopted by the National Assembly: Congressional Medal of Honor Recommendation for Guy Louis Gabaldon, Rafael Peralta and Marcelino Serna. Military decorations and awards Among Serna's many military decorations are the following: *Distinguished Service Cross *Purple Heart Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.| * World War I Victory Medal *French Croix de Guerre with Palm medals (2) *French Medaille Militaire *Italian Cross of Merit *French Commemorative Medal| *Victory Medal with three campaign bars, *St. Mihiel Medal *Verdun Medal   Note: According to some cited references, Serna was awarded the "British Medal of Honor". There is not, nor has ever been, such a decoration.
World War II   Guy Gabaldon                                 By: Tony (The Marine) Santiago
	PFC Guy Louis Gabaldon   PFC Guy Louis Gabaldon ( March 22, 1926 - August 31, 2006) was a United States Marine who was credited with capturing (or persuading to surrender) about 1,500 Japanese soldiers and  civilians during the Battle of Saipan (1944) in World War II. He was nominated for the Medal of Honor but was instead  awarded the Silver Star which was later upgraded to the Navy Cross, for these actions. Early years Gabaldon was born in Los Angeles, California into a Mexican-American family, he was one of seven children. He was raised in East Los Angeles where as a ten year old he would earn a living by shining shoes on Skid Row.  Gabaldon who was a member of a multiethnic gang called the Moe gang,  moved out of his house at the age of 12 and moved in with the Nakano family of Japanese-American heritage whom he considered his extended family. He attended language school everyday with their children and learned to speak Japanese. He also learned about their customs and culture. World War II   At the outbreak of World War II the Nakano's, his "adopted" family,  were sent to a relocation camp in Arizona. He went to Alaska to work in a cannery. In March 22, 1943, Gabaldon's 17th birthday, he joined the United States Marines Corps. After receiving his basic training at Camp Pendleton he was assigned to Headquarters & Service Company, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division. Pied Piper of Saipan   The United States considered the possibility of a full scale invasion of the Japanese mainland and realized that such a feat would be costly with a loss estimated at one million American lives. The capture of Saipan was considered essential for the establishment of airfields which would accommodate the B-29 Super fortress bombers to be used for the planned invasion. On June 15, 1944, an armada of 535 ships carrying 127,570 U. S. military personnel which included Marines from the 2nd and 4th Divisions. Japanese soldiers seldom surrendered during World War II and were ordered by their superiors on Saipan to kill seven U.S. Marine and Army troops for every man they lost, or commit suicide. Gabaldon began bringing in prisoners the very first day that he arrived on Saipan. According to Gabaldon:  "The first night I was on Saipan, I went out on my own," said Gabaldon, "I always worked on my own, and brought back two prisoners using my backstreet Japanese". He was reprimanded by his superior officers and threatened with a court-martial for leaving his post however, the next night he went out and once more repeated his actions. His routine consisted of the following: carefully approach a cave, shoot any guards outside, move off to one side of the cave and yell in Japanese: "You're surrounded and have no choice but to surrender. Come out, and you will not be killed! I assure you will be well treated. We do not want to kill you!"   The next morning he returned with 50 Japanese prisoners. As a result Gabaldon was permitted by his commanding officer to act as a "lone wolf" operator.   This was the situation when on July 7, 1944, after spending a night near Saipan's northern cliffs, Gabaldon heard and listened to thousands of Japanese troops and civilians preparing for a large banzai charge. The attack was unsuccessful and the surviving Japanese returned to their positions. On July 8, Gabaldon, captured two guards and convinced one of them to return to the cave with an offering of surrender. Shortly after, a Japanese officer showed up and after speaking to Gabaldon accepted the conditions of surrender. Over eight hundred soldiers and civilians surrendered to Gabaldon and were turned over to the United States military authorities. Gabaldon became known as the "Piped Piper of Saipan". Gabaldon continued to capture more Japanese soldiers until the day that he was wounded in a machine gun ambush. He was credited with the capture of 1,500 enemy personnel and was recommended for the Medal of Honor by his commanding officer, Capt. John Schwabe, on the justification that he single-handedly captured more than ten times the number of prisoners taken by Sgt. Alvin C. York in World War I, Gabaldon however, was awarded a Silver Star Medal instead. Post World War II Gabaldon received an Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps as a result of his combat wounds. After he returned to civilian life, he moved to Mexico and ventured into various businesses such as a furniture store, fishing, and the import-export of Mexican goods. Gabaldon, whose first marriage to June Gabaldon ended in divorce, met the person who was to became his second wife, Ohara Suzuki while working in Mexico.   Gabaldon's World War II exploits became public when in 1957, he was the invited guest of "This is Your Life", a popular television sitcom transmitted by NBC in the 1950's which presented the life stories of entertainment personalities and "ordinary" people who had contributed in some way to society, hosted by Ralph Edwards. The fact that he captured at least 1,500 Japanese prisoners was verified on the national program by Marines Corps intelligence officers Colonel Walter Layer, Colonel John Schwabe, Major James High and several enlisted men from military intelligence.   Hollywood producers became interested in Gabaldon's story and in 1960 released the film Hell to Eternity where his actions on Saipan were memorialized. He was portrayed by Jeffrey Hunter as an adult and by Richard Eyer as a boy. Gabaldon himself served as an adviser in the filming of the movie.   On November 23, 1960, after his exploits became widely known through the television program and the movie, the United States Government upgraded his Silver Star Medal to a Navy Cross Medal which is the Marine Corps second highest military decoration to the Medal of Honor.                             Navy Cross citation                                                                             GABALDON, GUY L.                       Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve) Headquarters & Service Company, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2d Marine Division                          Date of Action: June 15 - August 1, 1944                                                    Citation:   “The Navy Cross is presented to Guy L. Gabaldon, Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism while serving with Headquarters and Service Company, Second Marines, Second Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan and Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands, South Pacific Area, from 15 June to 1 August 1944. Acting as a Japanese Interpreter for the Second Marines, Private First Class Gabaldon displayed extreme courage and initiative in single-handedly capturing enemy civilian and military personnel during the Saipan and Tinian operations. Working alone in front of the lines, he daringly entered enemy caves, pillboxes, buildings, and jungle brush, frequently in the face of hostile fire, and succeeded in not only obtaining vital military information, but in capturing well over one thousand enemy civilians and troops. Through his valiant and distinguished exploits, Private First Class Gabaldon made an important contribution to the successful prosecution of the campaign and, through his efforts, a definite humane treatment of civilian prisoners was assured. His courageous and inspiring devotion to duty throughout reflects the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.”   Approved by the Secretary of the Navy on November 23, 1960 (Upgraded from Silver Star)   Later years                                                                                                          Guy Gabaldon speaking at Pentagon                                              ceremony honoring Hispanic WW II veterans                                                                           September 2004 Gabaldon ran unsuccessfully for United States Congress in California in 1964. In 1970, he moved to Saipan with his wife where he established a seafood business. There he authored two books — Saipan: Suicide Island and America Betrayed. Gabaldon returned to California in 1995 and moved to Old Town, Florida in 2003. On September 2004, he was among the Hispanics honored by the Pentagon in a ceremony honoring Hispanic American World War II veterans. On July 7, 2006, Gabaldon was honored by the Mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa and the entire Los Angeles City Council. The Mayor and the City Council prepared a resolution which was sent to the White House requesting the Medal of Honor for Gabaldon. That same year the World War II Veteran’s Committee in Washington D.C., a prominent organization that showcases the veterans of World War II and their history, featured Gabaldon on the cover of their quarterly magazine. Gabaldon was also honored by "The National Council of La Raza", a national organization and a leading Latino civil rights advocate at their annual conference that July. Various organizations have requested the Medal of Honor for Gabaldon, but their request have been rejected. After lobbying by the Hispanic community, the case is currently under review by the Department of Defense so that his Navy Cross Medal be upgraded to the original recommendation, the Medal of Honor. On August 31, 2006, Gabaldon died in Old Town, Florida of heart disease. He was was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. Gabaldon is survived by his wife, Ohana; his sons Ray, Tony, Yoshio, Jeffrey and Russell; his daughters Aiko, Hanako and Manya. Awards and recognitions During his lifetime, Gabaldon received many awards and recognitions. Among them resolutions honoring him from the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas, the City of Chicago and the City of Los Angeles. He was also the recipient of the Chesty Puller Award. Hollywood producer Steve Rubin, made a documentary film about Gabaldon titled "East L.A. Marine: the Untold True Story of Guy Gabaldon" and military artist, Henry Godines unveiled “Pied Piper of Saipan, Guy Gabaldon”, a commissioned portrait of Guy Gabaldon. Military decorations Among Gabaldon's military decorations are the following: Navy Cross Medal   Silver Star Meal   Purple Heart Medal   Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal National Defense Service Medal Presidential Unit Citation   World War II Victory Medal

Korean War Modesto Cartagena                                           By: Tony (The Marine) Santiago

Staff Sgt. Modesto Cartagena   Sergeant First Class. Modesto Cartagena (born 1920), is a former soldier who served in the 65th Infantry Regiment, an all Puerto Rican regiment also known as "The Borinqueneers", during World War II and the Korean War. He is the most decorated Puerto Rican soldier in history.   Early years Cartagena was raised in the mountains of Cayey, Puerto Rico to a poor family during the Great Depression. Cartagena enlisted in the U. S. Army in San Juan and was assigned to the 65th Infantry, which was also known as the Borinqueneers, because it was made up entirely of Puerto Rican enlisted men. During World War II he served in units guarding military installations in the Caribbean and later in the Allied occupation of Germany. Cartagena was discharged after the 65th Infantry Regiment returned to Puerto Rico.   Korean War Upon the outbreak of the Korean War in 1951, Cartagena reenlisted and entered the Army with the rank of Buck Sergeant. He was assigned to Company C, 65 Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Divisio. Cartagena, "with no regard for his own safety", as the official record states, left his position, and charged directly into devastating enemy fire, single-handedly destroying two enemy emplacements on Hill 206, near "Yonch'on", North Korea. After taking out the emplacements, he was knocked to the ground twice by exploding enemy grenades, nevertheless, he got up and attacked three more times, each time destroying an enemy emplacement until he was wounded. On October 19, 2002, during a ceremony honoring the 65th Infantry, when he was asked about the battle, Modesto responded that he just hurled back at the Chinese the grenades thrown at him. He thought that the rest of the squad was behind him, and didn't realize most of them had been wounded and forced to take cover. According to 1st Lt. Reinaldo Deliz-Santiago: "Sgt. Cartagena's actions prevented much heavier casualties within my platoon and I feel that his courage and superior leadership and own initiative were decisive factors for the accomplishment of the mission of the unit"   Cartagena was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) which is the second highest military decoration of the United States Army (second to the Medal of Honor), awarded for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force.                   Distinguished Service Cross Citation                                       CARTAGENA, MODESTO Citation:  “The Distinguished Service Cross is presented to Modesto Cartagena (RA10404100), Sergeant, U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy of the United Nations while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division. Sergeant Cartagena distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism in action against enemy aggressor forces in the vicinity of Yonch'on, Korea, on [[19 April]] [[1951]]. On that date, Company C was assigned the mission of capturing Hill 206, a terrain feature dominating a critical road junction. When the company assaulted the summit, it encountered stubborn resistance from a well-entrenched and fanatically determined hostile force. Sergeant Cartagena, directed to move his squad forward in order to approach the enemy positions from another ridgeline, led his men toward the objective, but, almost immediately, the group was forced to seek cower from an intense and accurate volume of small-arms and automatic-weapons fire. Locating the hostile emplacements that posed the greatest obstacle to the advance of the friendly forces, Sergeant Cartagena left his position and, charging directly into the devastating enemy fire he hurled a grenade at the first emplacement, totally destroying it. Ordering his squad to remain under cover, he successfully and single-handedly assaulted the second enemy position. Although knocked to the ground by exploding enemy grenades, Sergeant Cartagena repeated this daring action three more times. Finally, an increased volume of fire from the remaining hostile emplacements was concentrated on him and he was wounded. The extraordinary heroism and completely selfless devotion, to duty displayed by Sergeant Cartagena throughout this action enabled the company to secure its objective successfully with a minimum of casualties, reflect great credit on himself and are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service. Headquarters, Eighth U.S. Army, Korea: General Orders No. 698 (September 16, 1951) Home Town: , Puerto Rico” Later years   Modesto Cartagena spent 20 years in the Army before retiring as a Sergeant First Class, in 1971. As of 2004, he lives in his native Cayey. Although long retired, he continues to be an active figure around the 65th Infantry Headquarters in Puerto Rico. He also has family in El Paso, Texas. His family, upon learning of Modesto's actions, have taken it upon themselves to make a request to Congress, that he be awarded the Medal of Honor. They have received support on this quest from the Republican Veterans Committee. His supporters argue that the segregation policy of the army, at the time, and the limited English capacity of his company members when filling out the forms for the application, resulted in the awarding of the nations' second highest decoration, "The Distinguished Service Cross".[3] January 4, 2007, was officially declared as "SFC Modesto Cartagena Day" in the City of Hartford, Connecticut.[4] The proclamation by Mayor Eddie A. Perez can be viewed here: "SFC Modesto Cartagena Day" Proclamation.   Military awards and decorations Among Cartagena's numerous decorations are the following:   Distinguished Service Cross   Silver Star Medal   Legion of Merit   Bronze Star Medal   Purple Heart Medal   Army Good Conduct Medal   American Defense Service Medal   American Campaign Medal   World War II Victory Medal   Army of Occupation Medal National Defense Service Medal   Korean Service Medal   United Nations Service Medal   Army Service Ribbon   Army Overseas Service Ribbon   Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation Meritorious Unit Commendation   Presidential Unit Citation   Military Medal of Honor of the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico Foreign decoration   The Greek Gold Medal of Bravery (Bravery Gold Medal of Greece)   Badges:   Combat Infantryman Badge Rifle Marksmanship Badge

Vietnam War                                Angel Mendez                                            By: Tony (The Marine) Santiago
	Sgt. Angel Mendez Sergeant Angel Mendez, (August 8, 1946-March 16, 1967) was a United States Marine who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. In 1967, during the Vietnam War, Mendez saved the life of his platoon commander, Lieutenant Ronald D. Castille, district attorney of Philadelphia (1986-91) and currently one of the seven justices of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has recommended that Mendez' award be upgraded to Medal of Honor, the United States highest military decoration. Early years                                                                                             Cpl. Angel Mendez (1966) Angel Mendez' parents — Antonio Mendez Pomales, a native of Fajardo and Martina Rivera Garcia from Naguabo, Puerto Rico — moved from Puerto Rico to New York City seeking a better life. His father owned and attended a grocery store in the South Bronx while his mother cared for their eight children at home. When Mendez' mother became ill and the family's economic situation worsened, his father could not raise him and his siblings, therefore 2 were sent to foster homes and 6 were placed in the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin, an orphanage on Mount Loretto, Staten Island. There he received his primary and secondary education. Mendez was a member of the cadet corps along with his brothers and many of the "Mount" kids. At a young age, he became fascinated with military life and with his friends would often imagine that he was on a "patrol" while camping at Stokes State Forest and Worthington State Forest.   In 1964, he was among the young men during the Vietnam War era who volunteered to join the Marine Corps right after graduating from high school. Mendez received his basic training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. After he graduated from his recruit training, he was sent to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to attend the School of Infantry. Mendez was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division.                                     Vietnam War Operation DeSoto Operation DeSoto, initiated in late December 1966, was the last major battle for Marine units in the Quang Ngai Providence of Vietnam. The 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines was part of the Special Landing Force (SLF) and took part in operations throughout the Marines Corps area of responsibility and saw extensive action throughout the 4 month long operation. The 7th Marines, with elements of the 5th Marine Regiment, bore the brunt of most of the patrolling and contact with the enemy, whose presence continued in Chu Lai.   Upon his deployment to Vietnam, Mendez was assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division. On March 16, 1967, Mendez was conducting a Search and destroy mission with his company when they came under attack from a Viet Cong battalion. Half of his platoon was pinned down in a rice paddy under enemy fire, and Mendez volunteered to lead a squad to assist the pinned-down Marines in returning to friendly lines with their two dead and two seriously wounded men. Mendez exposed himself while returning fire with his M79 grenade launcher on the enemy. His Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Ronald D. Castille was seriously wounded and he fell, unable to move. Using his own body, Mendez shielded Lt. Castille as he applied a dressing to the wound, he then picked up the Lieutenant and started to carry him to friendly lines, which were more than seventy-five meters away. Mendez was hit in the shoulder and two of his comrades rushed to help him with their commander, Mendez however refused to let go of his platoon commander and chose to act as rear man. Mendez continued to shield his Lieutenant with his own body until he was mortally wounded. Mendez was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross and promoted to Sergeant.                              Navy Cross citation                                       The President of the United States takes pride in the NAVY CROSS posthumously to: SERGEANT ANGEL MENDEZ UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS for service as set forth in the following Citation: “For extraordinary heroism while serving as a Platoon Right Guide of the Third Platoon, Company F, Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, in the Republic of Vietnam on 16 March 1967. During Operation DE SOTO in Quang Ngai Province, Company F was conducting a search and destroy mission when the rear elements of the company were taken under intense 50-caliber machine gun and automatic weapons fire from an estimated hard-core Viet Cong battalion. One half of the Second Platoon was pinned down in an open rice paddy and all attempts to relieve the pressure on the beleaguered Marines had proven futile. Sergeant (then Corporal) Mendez, unhesitatingly volunteered to lead a squad into the face of the devastating and extremely accurate machine gun fire to assist the pinned-down Marines in returning to friendly lines with their two dead and two seriously wounded. The Viet Cong fire increased to a fever pitch as Sergeant Mendez calmly and courageously moved out onto a paddy dike, completely exposed to the intense fire, and commenced firing his M-79 at the enemy positions with deadly accuracy. He fired round after round as he stood, bravely defying the enemy, to give covering fire to his comrades. Sixty meters across the rice paddy from Sergeant Mendez, his Platoon Commander was seriously wounded and he fell, unable to move. Immediately Sergeant Mendez raced through the hail of bullets to his Platoon Commander's side. Shielding him with his body as he applied a dressing to the wound, he picked up the Lieutenant and started to carry him to friendly lines, which were more than seventy-five meters away. Exhibiting exceptional courage he moved toward the lines as the Viet Cong attempted to hit this double target. Twenty meters short of his goal, he was hit in the shoulder and two of his comrades ran out to assist him. Even though painfully wounded, Sergeant Mendez chose to be the rear man, refusing to relinquish his hold on his Lieutenant's legs as they carried him toward the hedgerow. He was shielding his Lieutenant with his own body when he was mortally wounded. By his dauntless courage, initiative and selfless efforts on behalf of another, Sergeant Mendez saved his Platoon Commander's life and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.” Postscript In March 1967,  Mendez's body was sent to Puerto Rico for funeral services upon the request of his father. Mendez's siblings believed that their brother should be buried in New York and two weeks later his body was sent to Staten Island where he was buried with full military honors on the grounds of the mission where he grew up at Mount Loretto.  He was survived by his parents and his siblings, Ismael, Edwin, Carmen, Anibal, Maria, Betty and Anthony.   Senator Charles Schumer, senior U.S. Senator from the state of New York prompted by the men of the Island's Marine Corps League detachment and supported by the man whom Mendez saved, the Honorable Ronald D. Castille, former district attorney of Philadelphia and now one of the seven justices of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, are calling for Mendez to be recognized with the highest military honor of the United States, the Medal of Honor.   The request lacked some vital information and in 2003, a meeting was held in Mt. Loretto, by Mr. Al Richichi, President and the Board of managers of the Mt. Loretto Alumni Association, Bruce W. Barraclough, Sr., John C. Gallo and Ismael Mendez and his wife Aida Mendez next of kin to Angel Mendez. This meeting was held to bring those involved up to date on the intentions of Barraclough and Gallo quest to honor Angel Mendez, and to get the family's permission to submit a new request for the Medal of Honor. In October, 2003 Barraclough and Gallo had finished writing up the new request which had presented only the facts, and added a petition signed by many organizations, Society's, along with many signatures from Staten Island, New Yorkers.   Awards and decorations:   Among Angel Mendez's awards and decorations are the following:   Navy Cross Medal   Purple Heart Medal   Air Medal   Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with "V" Device for Valor   Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal   Navy Presidential Unit Citation   Navy Unit Commendation | Navy Meritorious Unit Comendation   Combat Action Ribbon National Defense Service Medal   Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Vietnam Service Medal with two (2) Campaign Stars   Vietnam Campaign Medal   Military decorations of the Republic of Vietnam   Vietnam Military Merit Medal   Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal 1st Class Unit Citation with Palms   Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal 2nd Class (Individual Award) Vietnam Wound Medal Others   New York State Conspicuous Service Cross Medal with Silver Cross Device New York State Conspicuous Service Star Medal   Cold War Victory Medal and Certificate
Rafael Peralta                                                By: Brian H
	Sergeant Rafael Peralta  Sergeant Rafael Peralta (April 7, 1979–November 15, 2004) assigned to 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, was a United States Marine killed in combat during Operation Phantom Fury in the city of Fallujah, Iraq. Sgt. Peralta is under consideration to receive the Medal of Honor.  Personal history Peralta was born on April 7, 1979 in Mexico City. Son of Rafael and Rosa Peralta, the oldest of four siblings Icelda, Karen and Ricardo. He immigrated to the United States and joined the United States Marine Corps as soon as he had a green card. He later became an American citizen while serving in the Marine Corps.  According to accounts, Peralta served the United States with enthusiasm and patriotism: "In his parent's home, on his bedroom walls hung only three items - a copy of the United States Constitution, the Bill of Rights and his boot camp graduation certificate. Before he set out for Fallujah, he wrote to his 14-year old brother, 'be proud of me, bro...and be proud of being an American. On April 24, 2006, William Lansdowne, chief of police for the San Diego Police Department posthumously awarded Sgt. Peralta the honorary title of San Diego police officer for his heroic actions in Iraq. The badge was presented to Rafael's mother, Rosa Peralta. Sgt. Peralta always wanted to be a San Diego police officer. Killed in action On November 15, 2004, 25 year old Sgt. Peralta, deployed to Iraq as a scout team leader assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, along with his team was ordered to clear houses in the Operation Phantom Fury. Peralta was not assigned to enter the buildings, but chose to do so anyway. Sergeant Peralta led his team through a series of house clearings before charging into the fourth house. He found two rooms empty on the ground floor. Peralta opened a third door and was hit multiple times with AK-47 fire, leaving him severely wounded. He dropped to the floor and moved aside in order to allow the Marines behind him to return fire. The insurgents responded by throwing a grenade at the Marines. The two Marines with Sgt. Peralta tried to get out of the room but could not. Sgt. Peralta was still conscious on the floor and despite his wounds was able to reach for the grenade and pull it under his body absorbing the majority of the lethal blast and shrapnel which killed him instantly, but saving the lives of his fellow marines. In December 2004, U.S. Congressman Bob Filner of California introduced legislation to award Sgt. Peralta the Medal of Honor. On September 21, 2007, the 31st MEU Command Post, building 2533 Camp Hansen, Okinawa, was christened Peralta Hall in his honor.
Tony (The Marine) Santiago,  honored by the Puerto Rican Senate
	Next month I will tell you about some of our Hispanic World War II commanders who for some reason are never mentioned in our history books. Til then “Que Dios los Bendiga”                                     On November 28, 2007, I, Tony (The Marine) Santiago,              was honored by the by the Puerto Rican Senate for my work     on Hispanic military history. The President of the Puerto Rican Senate,        the Honorable Kenneth McClintock presented me with a Resolution.

 

Latinos/Latinas - Ultimate Sacrifice Part I  By Mercy Bautista-Olvera

Marine Sgt. Alejandro Carrillo, 22, of Carson , Calif. died Jan. 30, 2007 while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.  Alejadro graduated from Carson High. His wife Maria said that Alejandro was planning to return to school as a psychology major and spend more time with their son Alejandro Jr., now 3 years old. ROTC instructor, Master Sgt. Phillip Zamora, said Carrillo would revisit the school and inspired students to pursue their education. On Feb 8, 2007 in Al Fallujah, Iraq , Marines and sailors paused operations for a memorial service for Sgt. Alejandro Carrillo and paid their final respects. Sgt Carrillo influenced junior Marines under his charge, and worked with and helped those along his side. "That was one of the big reasons why I could not have been more proud than I was to promote him to sergeant, then step aside and watch him take over the squad he had helped me shape," recalled Sgt. Norman Lorete.     CIVILIAN Geraldine Marquez, 31, from Victorville , Calif. died on Feb. 27, 2007 at Bagram Air Base when a bomb exploded at the front gate on the same date that Vice President Dick Cheney visited. Civilian Geraldine Marquez was born in Nogales , Sonora , Mexico , and then moved to Azusa , California when she was age 3 years old. The family then moved to Glendora , than to Victorville , California . Geraldine earned her High School diploma through a Christian home-schooling program. The family knew she wanted the opportunity to see the world. She joined the Air Force and eight years later, in June 2003, was honorable discharged. She then accepted jobs as a civilian contractor for several companies working in Turkey , Germany , and finally, Afghanistan . Civilian Geraldine Marquez was a civilian contractor for Lockheed Martin and had previously served in the US Air Force. Her birthday was the day before her death. She was escorting several Afghan truck drivers inside the gate when a suicide bomber approached and blew himself up killing many people. She had been in Afghanistan since October 2006. Her main job was handling the paperwork for incoming shipments of supplies for the base. Military friend Jennifer Mueller, said, "She had a heart of gold."   Army Pfc. Alberto Garcia Jr., 23, of Bakersfield Calif. died on March 13, 2007. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Schweinfurt , Germany . He died in Baghdad of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked from enemy forces using small-arms fire and an improvised explosive device. Family members and friends described Alberto as a religious young man.                                    Army Pfc. Jason M. Morales, 20 of La Puente, Calif, died April 18, 2007. Morales from the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Riley , Kansas , died when his unit encountered the enemy in Baghdad.   Army Pfc. Justin A. Verdeja, 20, of La Puente , Calif. died June 5, 2007. Pfc. Verdeja was assigned to the Second Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, second Brigade Combat Team, second Infantry Division, from Fort Carson, Colorado. Verdeja died in Baghdad.  He was born and raised in East Los Angeles and attended Garfield High School , where he played wide receiver on the football team. He graduated from Garfield High School in 2005 and enlisted in the infantry, arriving at Fort Carson in April 2006. Justin, who had been attending Cerritos Community College , when he enlisted, he comes from a family of an older brother and four younger brothers. He was a family oriented young man that took family seriously, on his my space web he sent this message. “I’m in the military, the Army to be exact,” he wrote, like my familia, it is the most important thing in my life. I believe that in the end, you will always have family.”                      Army Sgt. Michael J. Martinez, 24 of Chula Vista , Calif , died June 28, 2007 of wounds sustained when insurgents using improvised explosive devices attacked his unit in Baghdad . Sgt. Martinez was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, and 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Carson , Colorado . Michael played varsity baseball and football at Eastlake High School , including golf, snowboarding and paintball. After high school, he attended classes at Southwestern College. His father said, "He originally joined the Army because he felt it was the right thing to do. The first time he went to Iraq, he felt they were getting a lot accomplished and helping people. The second time, it was more violent, and very different. But he wasn’t afraid to die." Martinez planned to become a police officer after his military service, which was scheduled to end in January 2008. He served in the military for 4 ½ years. Just days before his son died, Mr. Martinez received a Father’s Day card from Michael, it read, "Dad, I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for me. I just hope I’ve turned out to be a son you can be proud of,” with tears in his eyes, Manuel Martinez spoke of just how proud he was of his son.   Marine Cpl. Cristian Vasquez, 20, of Coalinga , Calif. died Aug 2, 2007, of wounds suffered in a gun battle with insurgents while conducting combat operations in Anbar Province , Iraq . Vasquez, a Lance Corporal in the Marine Corps, was to return home in September 2007 after a seven-month deployment. Vasquez entered the Marines after graduation from Cambridge Continuation High school in Coalinga, where he had developed some expertise with computers, teaching kids swimming and soccer. He was making plans to go to college to begin the road to medical school. During memorial services for Vasquez, Lt. Christopher Ferguson, who was also wounded in the same attack, said Vasquez "made the decision to sacrifice his own life" for a comrade. "He will always be remembered for that." Marines, soldiers and sailors of the task force stood voluntarily in line for their turn to approach the helmet and boots display. Throughout that period, the hymn "Amazing Grace" played continually over the loudspeaker. "Everyone who knew Cristian will remember his ready smile, his understanding, his compassion and his honor," the funeral program read. "His infectious attitude and kind spirit touched everyone he met." (Left, family & friends mourn the over the casket of Cristian Vasquez in Coalinga, California . (Photo Courtesy of Christian Perle/Fresno Bee)   Army Cpl. Victor A. Garcia, 22 of Covina, Calif. died July 1, 2007. Cpl. Garcia died in Baghdad from wounds sustained from enemy small arms fire. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) from Fort Lewis , Washington. Victor Garcia spent much of his youth in Rialto. After high school, he attended Chaffey College and then enlisted in the Army in 2004, hoping for some help with college tuition. Garcia, a sports fan, loved the Atlanta Braves, the San Francisco 49ers and Manchester United soccer club in England. “My brother just wanted to get out and see the world,” said his brother Daniel Garcia “Victor was the one destined to do a lot more.”     Marine Pfc. Rogelio Ramirez, 21 of Pasadena, Calif, died Aug. 26, 2007, when his Humvee hit an improvised explosive device. Growing up in Oceanside , California , he regularly saw Marines at the nearby Camp Pendleton . Being 5 feet 5 inches tall, he was determined to realize his dream of becoming a Marine. Ramirez attended Wilson Middle School before going to Pasadena High School. He always wanted to join the Marines, but he was encouraged to finish high school first. His sister Irene recalls, "He wanted to be the first one in," he said, "If I go, I don’t want to be the handle on the sword, I want to be the tip of the sword." "He wanted to be an American Hero, a cousin said, "He had more heart than other men and people liked to be around him. He was always looking to get the maximum potential out of every situation."     Army Specialist Marisol Heredia, 19, of El Monte , Calif. died Sept. 7, 2007. Marisol held the rank of specialist 4; she died at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio , Texas from injuries suffered in Baghdad . Marisol was assigned to the 15th Brigade support Battalion, 2nd brigade combat Team and 1st Cavalry Division from Ft. Hood , Texas . On July 18, an accident occurred while she was fueling a generator. Marisol attended Mountain View High school in El Monte , California . In French, she earned straight A’s ands served as Vice President for the school’s French club. One teacher, Ms. Kris Hanna recalled that after Heredia graduated in January 2005, she traveled to Zacatecas, Mexico and "it was almost like a religious experience. She just soaked up everything about it." For a younger person, she was very passionate about the things she did." Marisol Heredia knew what she wanted, in the words of her older sister Claudia Billiot, "if she wanted to do something, she was going to do it, no matter who said no.” Marisol wanted to experience other parts of the world, which led Heredia to follow her sister into the Army after graduating from high school. Special thanks to Alan Lessig, Director of Photography, for the website, “Military   Times, Honor the Fallen” (www.militarycity.com) for granting permission to reproduce photos for this article.

Brothers Pay Tribute to the Men Behind Medals of Honor

By Anita Mabante Leach http://www.latinopm.com Latino-Perspectives-Magazine/November-2004 In the late 1970s, Rick Leal was a serviceman whose destiny would soon become intertwined with the heroic deeds of other Latinos who served in the military.  During an event sponsored by the American GI Forum in California, Rick listened as several Medal of Honor recipients spoke about their experiences. Among the honorees was Master Sgt. Roy Benavidez, with whom Leal would later become good friends. Benavidez had received the medal in recognition of his Loc Ninh, Vietnam battlefield action, during which he rescued, despite being seriously wounded more than 40 times, eight comrades, including his commanding officer. Leal was inspired by Benavidez’s speech and wanted to learn more about other Latinos who had earned the Medal of Honor. He also decided young people should know about the role Hispanics have played in American military action. “I started putting together all the information. I wrote to the National Archives…. It took me some time,” he said.  The time Leal invested was well worth it. The result of his efforts is now an elaborate “photomural” exhibit called The Legacy of Valor. “This is my fourth exhibit, along with the digital photomural.” The exhibit features Dr. Hector Perez Garcia, a notable Hispanic civil rights activist and founder of the American G.I. Forum, a now legendary organization that helped protect the civil rights of WWII Hispanic veterans, along with helping them secure basic medical and educational benefits. A California-based real estate developer, Leal has spent his own money to create the tribute. He also enlisted his brother, David, who owns a Phoenix auto repair shop.   “Wherever it goes, I go,” said David Leal. “I volunteer to help wherever (Rick) needs me, I’ll be there.” AIMING TO MOTIVATE KIDS “It started as a hobby, but I can’t stop. I’m into it for about $50,000,” Rick Leal said. “It’s been the love of my life.” Leal now is paid by the Army and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) to escort Medal of Honor recipients and his exhibit all over the country. He recently filed to become a non-profit 501C-3 entity. “My big aim is to bring out to the American people the tremendous contribution that Hispanics have done in the military. We’re part of the American fabric. When the country calls, we’re first in, last to leave,” he said. “My biggest thing is to talk to school kids and instill some motivation and keep them in school.” Of the 3,459 Medal of Honor recipients in U.S. history, 37 are Hispanic; of that number, 28 Latinos died in battle. Today there are seven living Latino Medal of Honor recipients, including Silvestre S. Herrera, who resides in Phoenix, and Jay Vargas, who lives in California, but is originally from Winslow, Arizona. Both Herrera and Vargas were among medal recipients honored at a special tribute dinner during the veterans summit Oct. 23 at the Phoenix Civic Plaza. The dinner was the high point of a two-day veterans’ summit hosted by the Silvestre S. Herrera LULAC Veterans Council, the Arizona Department of Veterans Services and the City of Phoenix. AWARD MAY TAKE YEARS Some medal recipients may wait years to receive their award, David Leal said. Many wait 50 years or more, although Herrera received his within five months of his heroism. The reason for the usual delays? “Government bureaucracy,” David said. “You’ve got to know the right people. (The nomination) goes to the Department of Defense, to a special committee. That committee takes its time to check everything out and that everything is truthful. Because there is such a huge amount of information about those wars, it takes years to check.” Ramon Rodriguez, for example, was nominated in 1982 and has not yet received his Medal of Honor. During a 32-month tour of duty in Vietnam, Rodriguez earned three Bronze Stars, five Purple Hearts and most remarkably, three Silver Stars in three days. Yet a crucial clerical error stopped the award process. “Someone lost his paperwork,” David Leal said. But he’s determined to see that Rodriguez gets recognition. “I’m going to push to get it from the president. I’m just waiting for the election to be over. We brought it up to the Pentagon several months ago.” No medals have been given for Desert Storm, Afghanistan or current Iraq war action. The last Medals of Honor were awarded posthumously to the families of Gary I. Gordon and Randall D. Shugart. The two were members of Delta Force, also known as Special Forces Operational Detachment Delta, which had been assigned to Mogadishu, Somalia. Their bravery on Oct. 3,1993 is portrayed in the 2001 film Blackhawk Down. SHARING HISTORY The Leals are not alone in sharing the legacy of Medal of Honor recipients. The first convention of the Family and Friends of the Medal of Honor was held Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 in Puebla, Colorado, and PBS is scheduled to air American Valor, a documentary about Medal of Honor recipients, at 9 p.m. on Nov. 11, Veterans Day. While the two brothers support different White House candidates (David roots for Bush, Rick supports Kerry) both agree that sharing the stories of Latino Medal of Honor winners is an important educational and historical endeavor. “The story is to invigorate and shape those young people that we’re losing by the wayside,” Rick said. “When I see little kids, I talk to them about three things you have to do: 1. Got to love yourself. 2. Have to be yourself. 3. Got to know yourself and have goals in life. (You must) motivate yourself and education is how you’ll do it.” “For me, it is recognition of our veterans and what they have done for this country to keep us free,” David said. “We’ve got to honor their heroism. They saved a lot of lives. These guys went back and got their friends out. It’s something we cannot forget.

Adding names to the WW II Memorial Archives

My Dear friends, I searched for Col Manuel J. Fernandez's name in the WWII Memorial archives but his name has not been registered. It is up to us, the family members or the individuals that know or knew these Latino and Latina that served our country to get their names registers. The individual that submit a names get a code or password to keep updating that records with photos or other documents. The more names that we can add to all our military records the easier it will be for love ones and historians to do searches in the future. We don't ever want the Ken Burns' of this world to say that they did not know of our Latino contributions. Thanks. Rafael Ojeda http://www.wwiimemorial.com/  Click the "Registry" to search or add a name. Please click the menu to the left for other stories and headlines on Capt Pete Fernandez and his father Colonel Maunel Fernandez. http://home.comcast.net/~fernandezjetace/wsb/html/view.cgi-home.html-.html You have to click the "Photos" link to see the movies and a photo of his father: Col.M.J. Fernandez http://home.comcast.net/~fernandezjetace/wsb/html/view.cgi-photos.html-MerchantID- 803786-Publish-t-makestatic-true-skip Sent by Rafael Ojeda

General Pete Quesada  http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/erquesada.htm

Juan, Rafael, and Mimi, Thanks for the item on Gen. Quesada.... of very personal interest to me....read the Paragraph starting with "Going to England in 1943. . ."  (about the 5th Paragraph below his photograph) Reference is made to his command of the 9th Air Force and his participation in the D-Day invasion.... The 1st Signal Service Battalion (Avn) (Provisional), of which I ended being Battalion Personnel Sergeant Major, handled during the Invasion, all combined  communications for SHAEF, General Eisenhower's Headquarters, for the 9th Air Force, and for ground forces. - - - Some of our guys also landed in Normandy during the night of June 5, and served as the radio "beacons" for the invasion forces that came in by air.... gliders, C-47's with paratroopers, and the may other components of the air assault. - - - After landing at Omaha Beach, some fighting, and then setting up our mobile communications radio and teletype unit, stilI at the beach at Grand Camp Le Bans, I  operated a teletype... we received messages from our men with the ground forces asking for the air support they needed.  We turned these messages over to the War Room (this was part of SHAEF at the beachhead) and they in turn decided the ordnance to be used, gave us back the message and we sent it by teletype or radio (Morse code) to the 9th Air Force and they took care of removing whatever was holding up the ground forces. - - - On several occasions Gen. Quesada flew low over us at  Omaha Beach... some of the soldiers that handled communications at the 9th Air Forced Hq would keep us informed as to the identity of the pilot. Saludos and thanks..... an excellent article on General Quesada.                     Pancho Vega

 

Patriots of the American Revolution

Patriots of Peru During the American Revolutionary War Bernardo de Galvez Spanish Hero of the American Revolution

PATRIOTS OF PERU DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR BY Granville Hough, Ph.D. (continued, surnames beginning with B.) Ambrosio Bacareza.  Lt, Milicias Disciplinadas Dragones de Lima, 1790. Leg 7283:IX:47. Cayetano Bacareza. Lt, Milicias Discip de Dragones de Lima 1800. Leg 7288:XXIV:35. Jacabo Badaran.  Capt, Inf Real de Lima, 1793.  Leg 7284:IX:25. José Maria Badillo y Guerra.  SubLt, Milicias Discip de Inf de Cuzco,1800.  Leg 7286:XXIV:28. Francisco Baella.  Capt, Milicias Prov de Dragones de Chota, 1797.  Leg 7287:XIII:12. Ignacio Baez.Sgt, Milicias Prov Discip Cab de Arnero y Chancay, 1800. Leg 7288:III:30  Antonio Baeza.  Lt, Milicias Discip de Dragones de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXIV:42. Miguel Bahamonde.  SubLt grad, Inf Real de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXII:81. José Antonio Balao.  Sgt 1st Cl of Grenaderos, Milicias Prov Urbanas Inf de Huánuco, 1796.  Leg 7286:V:32. César Balbiana. Lt Col, Comp Veterans de la dotación de Chiloe, 1800. Leg 7288: XI:15. Pedro Baldelomar.  Lt de Carabineros, Milicias Discip de Cab de Ica, 1800. Leg 7288:XX:12. Mariano Baluarte.  Sgt, Inf Real de Lima, 1800. Leg 7288:XXII:103. Matías Baluarte.  Audante Mayor, Milicias Discip Dragones de Arica, 1800.  Leg 7288:II:25. Tomáa Ballesteros.  ???, Inf Real de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXII:96. Francisco Banda.  Capt, Milicias Discip de Pardos y Morenos Inf de Lambayaque, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXIII:5. José de la Banda.  Ayudante, Milicias Prov Discip de Cab de Cuzco, 1797.  Leg 7287:X:18. Miguel Bandin.  Sgt, Milicias Prov de Dragones de Carabayllo, 1797.  Leg 7287:VII:39. Angel Francisco de Baraibar.  Cadet, Escuadrón de Cab de Milicias Urbanas de Moquegua, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXVII:14. Joaquin Baraibar.  SubLt, Milicias Urbanas Inf Moquegua, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXVI:22. José Baraibar.  Capt, Milicias Urbanas Inf Moquegua, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXVI:11. Juan Ignacio de Baraibar.  Lt, Escuadrón de Cab de Milicias Urbanas de Moquegua,  1800.  Leg 7288:XXVII:8. Juan de Dios Baraona.  Sgt, Bn Prov Milicias Discip Inf Española de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXIII:58. Nicolás Barba.  Sgt, Bn Prov de Milicias de Pardos Libres de Lima, 1796.  Leg 7286:XII:57. José Barberis.  Alférez, Milicias Prov Discip de Cab de Arequipa, 1797. Leg 7287:II:42. Andrés Barbero.  Sgt, Inf Real de Lima, 1793.  Leg 7284:IX:86. Manuel Barbosa.  Lt, Milicias Urbanas, Cab San Pablo de Chalaquez, 1798.  Leg 7287:XI:21. Leandro Barbosa.  Sgt, Milicias Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Huambos, Partido de Cajamarca, 1792.  Leg 7284:XIV:35. Francisco Barcenas.  Cadet, Comp Sueltas Milicias Discip de Inf de Ica, 1795.  Leg 7285:XVI:26. Manuel Barcenas.  Cadet, Comp Sueltas de Milicias Discip Inf de Ica, 1800.  Leg 7288:XIX:20. Buenaventura del Barco.  Capt, Escuadrones Cab Milicias Urbanas de los territoros de Huancabamba, Chalaco, y Piura, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXXIV:4. Gabriel Bartolome.  SubLt, grad, Inf Real de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXII:80. Pablo de la Barra.  Lt, Milicias Prov Discip de Inf de Arequipa, 1800.  Leg 7288:I:28. Francisco Barragan.  Alférez, Milicias Discip Cab de Ferreñafe, 1797. Leg 7287:XIV:34. José Barragan.  Capt, Milicias Discip Cab de Ferreñafe, 1797.  Leg 7287:XIV:13. Fernando Barrantes.  Lt, Inf Real de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXII:33. José Barrantes.  Cadet, Inf Real de Lima, 1788.  Leg 7283:II:128. Vicente Barrantes y Valera.  Alférez, Milicias prov Urbanas de Dragones de Chota, 1797.  Leg 7287:XIII:33. Dionisio Barraza.  Lt, Milicias Discip Dragones de Lima, 1796.  Leg 7283:IX:49. Manuel Barreda Bustamante.  Alférez, Milicias Prov de Dragones del Valle de Majes, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXV:29. Manuel Barrena.  Ayudante Mayor, Milicias Urbanas Cab San Pablo de Chalaquez, 1798.  Leg 7287:XI:22. Carlos Barreneche.  SubLt, Milicias Prov Urbanas Inf de Huanca, 1800.  Leg 7288:XVIII:52. Laureano de la Barrera.  Ayudante Mayor Milicias Discip Cab de Trujillo, Peru, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXXI:9. Matías Barrera.  Sgt, Bn Milicias Urbanas Inf de Andahuailas, 1801.  Leg 7286:XXII:27. Santiago Barreto.  Sgt, Milicias Discip Cap Ferreñafe, 1797.  Leg 7287:XIV:45. Sebastian Barreto.  Lt, Bn Milicias Prov Discip Inf de San Miguel de Piura, 1800.  Leg 7286:XXV:15. Francisco Javier Barria.  SubLt, 2d Comp, Inf Discip de San Carlos de Quetalmahue, Chiloe, 1800.  Leg 7288:VII:3. Juan Bautista Barria.  Capt, 2d Comp, Inf Discip de San Carlos de Quetalmahue, Chiloe, 1800.  Leg 7288:VII:1. Modesto Barria.  Sgt, Milicias Prov Discip de Inf de Castro, Chiloe, 1800.  Leg 7288:IX:93. Vinancio Barria.  Sgt, Milicias Discip de Inf de Castro, Choloe, 1800. Leg 7288:IX:94. Andrés Barrientos.  Lt, Bn Milicias Urbanas Inf de Andahualilas, 1799. Leg 7286:XXII:11. Francisco Barrientos.  LSgt, Escuadrón Milicias Discip de Cab de Castro, Chiloe, 1800.  Leg 7288:X:8. José del Barrio.  Sgt Major, Milicias Prov Urbanas de Inf de Calca, 1797.  Leg 7287:V:2 bis. Camilo de Barrios.  Cadet, Escuadrón Milicias Urbanas Dragones de Moquegua, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXVII:17. Justo Barrios.  Lt, Milicias Prov Discip Inf de Arequipa, 1800.  Leg 7288:I:37. Pedro Barrios.  Lt, Milicias Discip Dragones de Arica, 1795.  Leg 7285:XI:31. Alejandro Barrios y Liendo.  Capt, Milicias Discip Dragones de Arica 1800.  Leg 7288:II:8. Pedro Barrios y Liendo.  Lt, Milicias Discip Dragones de Arica, 1800. Leg 7288:II:22. Rafael Gabino Barrios y Liendo.  Capt, Milicias Discip Dragones de Arica, 1800, Leg 7288:II:9. Manuel Barrios y Machin.  Cadet, Milicias Discip Dragones de Arica, 1800.  Leg 7288:II:70. Antonio Barrios y Nieto.  Lt, Dragones Milicias Discip de Arica, 1800. Leg 7288:II:26. Francisco Barrios y Nieto.  Capt, Milicias Discip Dragones de Arica,1800.  Leg 7288:II:13. Pedro Barrios y Nieto.  Alférez, Milicias Discip Dragones de Arica, 1800.  Leg 7288:II:44. Nicolás Barrios y Rejas.  Lt Col, Milicias Discip, Arica, 1800.  Leg 7288:II:2.  Pedro Barron.  Cadet, Inf Real de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXII:110. Joaquin Basauri.  Alférez, Milicias Urbanas Comp de San Pablo de Chalaquez, 1792.  Leg 7284:XVIII:42. (Alf = Alférez) Juan Bascones.  SubLt, Escuadrones Mil Urbanas Dragones de Moquegua, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXVII:10. (Mil = Milicias) José Bascones y Vizcarra.  Alf, Mil Prov Discip Cab de Arequipa, 1797. Leg 7287:II:39. Atanasio Basombrio.  Capt, 7th Comp Mil Discip de Cab Prov de Cañete, 1797.  Leg 7287:VI:7. Atanasio Bata y Pineda.  Sgt, Mil Discip de Cab de Ica, 1800.  Leg 7288:XX:36. Juan Bautista Bayeto.  SubLt, Mil Discip Dragones de la Ciudad de Piura,  1795.  Leg 7285:XXIII:17. Fabián Bayon.  Alf, Mil Prov Discip Cab de Arequipa, 1797.  Leg 7287:II:37. José Bayon.  Capt, Mil Discip Cab de Camaná, 1795.  Leg 7285:XII:6. Pedro Bazaldua.  Sgt, Bn Prov de Mil de Pardos Libres de Lima, 1800. Leg 7288:XXV:10. Pacifico Bazan.  Sgt, Mil Urbanas Cab de San Pablo de Chalaquez, 1792. Leg 7284:XVIII:59. Victor Bazan.  Cadet, Mil Prov Urbanas Dragones de Celedin, Partido de Cajamarca, 1792.  Leg 7284:XV:41. Anselmo Beasoain y Casa Mayor.  Lt Col, Mil Urbanas Inf de Moquegua, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXVI:2. Basilio Bejar.  Capt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Inf de Abancay, 1793.  Leg 7284:II:42. Jacinto Bejar.  SubLt, Mil Urbanas Inf de Abancay, 1793.  Leg 7284:II:21. Mateo Bejar.  Lt, Mil Prov Inf de Abancay, 1793.  Leg 7284:II:49. Faustino Bejarano.  SubLt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Inf de Calca, 1797.  Leg 7287:V:16. Manuel Bejarano.  Lt, Mil Discip de Pardos y Morenos de Inf de Lambayeque, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXIII:9. Narciso Bejarano.  SubLt, Bn prov de Mil de Pardos Libres de Lima, 1796.  Leg 7286:XII:40. Pedro Bejarano.  SubLt, Inf de Real Asiento de Paucartambo, 1798.  Leg 7286:XIX:27. José Gregorio Belaunde. Alf, Mil Discip Dragones de Arica, 1800.  Leg 7288:II:46. Manuel Vicente Belaunde.  Capt, Mil Discip Dragones de Arica, 1800.  Leg 7288:II:10. Pedro Ramón Belaunde.  Cadet, Mil Discip Dragones de Arica, 1800.  Leg 7288:II:67. Juan Belzunce.  Comandante, 4th Escuadrón, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Carabayllo, 1797.  Leg 7287:VII:4. Manuel Ambrosio Belzunce.  Alf, Mil Discip de Dragones de Lima, 1800. Leg 7288:XXIV:50. Pedro Belzusarvi.  Ayudante Mayor, Mil Urbanas de Inf de Huancavelica, 1800, Leg 7288:XVI:14. Antonio Bellido.  Capt, Mil Prov Urbanas Inf de Huanta, 1800.  Leg 7288:XVIII:6. Francisco Maria Bellido. Sgt, Mil Prov Urbanas Inf de Huanta, 1800. Leg 7288:XVIII:69. Antonio Bello.  Lt Col, Subinspector, Bn Prov de Mil de Pardos Libres de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXV:1. José Bello.  SubLt, grad, Inf Real de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXII:78. Mariano Bello.  Cadet, Inf Real de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXII:115. José Bellodas.  Sgt, Mil Discip de Cab, Prov de Cañete, 1797.  Leg 7287:VI:30. Pascual Bellota.  Alf de Granaderos, Mil Prov de Dragones de Quispicanchi, Cuzco, 1798.  Leg 7288:XX:21. José Cecilio Benavides.  Sgt, Mil Discip de Cab de Ica, 1800.  Leg 7288:XX:33. Manuel de Benavides.  Capt, Mil Prov Discip, Inf de Arequipa, 1800.  Leg 7288:I:8 Toribio Benavides.  Lt, Mil Discip de Cab de Ica, 1800.  Leg 7288:XX:13. Eugenio de Benavides y Vilches.  Capt, Mil Prov Discip Inf de Arequipa, 1792.  Leg 7284:III:20. José Bendezu.  Lt, Mil Prov de Cab de Huanta, 1798.  Leg 7286:XVII:13. Mariano Bendezu.  Sgt, Mil Urbanas Inf de Huamanga, 1800.  Leg 7288:XV:32. Pedro Bendezu.  Capt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Cab de Huanta, 1789.  Leg 7288:XVII:3. Tomás Bendezu.  Alf, Mil Prov Urbanas de Cab de Huanta, 1798.  Leg 7286:XVII:18. Martin de Bengoechea.  Comandante del 3rd Escuadrón, Mil Prov Urbanas de Cab de Huamalies, 1800.  Leg 7288:XVII:2. Antonio Benitez.  Lt, Mil Dragones Prov de las fronteras de Tarma, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXIX:14. Nicolás Benitez.  Sgt, Mil Prov Urbanas Inf de Huanta, 1800.  Leg 7288:XVIII:60. Tomás Benjumea.  Sgt, Bn Prov de Mil de Pardos Libres de Lima, 1796. Leg 7286:XII:54. Antonio Beramendi.  Sgt Major, Mil Prov Urbanas de Cab de Huanta, 1788. Leg 7286:XVII:2. Martin Beramendi.  Capt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Cab de Huanta, 1798.  Leg 7286:XVII:5. Baltasar Beraun.  Porta-estandarte, Mil Prov Urbanas de Cab de Huánuco, 1797.  Leg 7286:VI:24. Manuel Beraun.  Lt, Mil Prov de Cab de Huánuco, 1797.  Leg 7286:VI:12. Silvestre Beraun.  Lt, Mil Urbanas de Dragones de Palma, Partido de Juaja, 1800.  Leg &288:XXI:16. Francisco Berdijo.  Capt, Mil Prov urbanas Dragones de Carabayllo, 1792.  Leg 7284:XVI:11. Buenaventura Berenguer Gomez de Ortiz.  Cadet, Mil Prov Discip Inf de Arequipa, 1800.  Leg 7288:I:96. Juan Berindoaga.  Lt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Carabayllo, 1800. Leg 7288:IV:14. Juan Félix Berindoaga.  Comandante de escuadrón, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Carabayllo, 1800.  Leg 7288:IV:3. Martin Bermejo.  Capt, Mil Prov Discip de Cab de Arequipa, 1797.  Leg 7287:II:17. Antonio Bernal.  Capt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Chota, 1797.  Leg 7287:XIII:9. Francisco Bernal.  Sgt, Comp sueltas de Inf y Cab de Morenos Libres de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXVI:4. Gregorio Bernal.  Cadet, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Chota, 1797. Leg 7287:XIII:53. José Bernal.  Lt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Chota, 1797.  Leg 7287:XIII:24. Manuel Bernal.  Ayudante Mayor, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Chota, 1797.  Leg 7287:XIII:21. Juan Bautista Bernales.  Capt, Mil Prov Discip de Cab del Valle de Chincha, 1797.  Leg 7287:XII:8. Pedro Bernales.  Capt, Bn Prov Mil Discip Inf Española de Lima, 1800. Leg 7288:XXIII:13. Antonio Bernedo.  Sgt, EscuadronesMil Urbanas Dragones Moquegua, 1797. Leg 7287:XXVII:14. Nicolás Bertiz y Cordoba.  Alf, Mil Discip Dragones de Arica, 1800.  Leg 7288:II:33. Tomás Bertiz y Cordoba.  Lt, Mil Discip Dragones de Arica, 1800.  Leg 7288:II:20. Felipe Berrocal.  SubLt de Granaderos, Mil Urbanas Inf de Huamanga, 1800.  Leg 7288:XV:24. Miguel Francisco Berrogaray.  Capt, Mil Prov Discip de Cab de Arequipa, 1797.  Leg 7287:II:13. José Berros.  Alf, Mil Prov Discip de Cab del Valle de Chincha, 1797. Leg 7287:XII:25. Domingo Berrospi.  Lt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Cab de Huánuco, 1797.  Leg 7286:VI:15. Manuel Berrospi.  Sgt Major, Mil Urbanas de Cab de Huánuco, 1797, Leg 7286:VI:3. Martin Berrospi.  Sgt, Mil Prov Urbanas Cab de Huamalies, 1800. Leg 7288:XVII:26. Carlos Berru y Contreras.  Capt, Escuadrones Cab Mil Urbanas de los territoros de Huancabamba, Chiaco, y Piura, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXXIV:6. Marcos Betallelluz.  Lt de Granaderos, Mil Bubanas Inf de Huamanga, 1800.  Leg 7288:XV:11. Diego Bethancour.  Capt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Inf de Calca, 1797.  Leg 7287:V:3. Jose Bilbao.  Capt, Bn Prov de Mil de Pardos Libres de Lima, 1796.  Leg 7286:XII:25. Felipe Biscarra.  Sgt, Mil Urbanas Inf Moquegua, 1797.  Leg 7287:XVI:29. Juan Manuel Biscarra.  Sgt, Inf Real de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:?XXII:106. Pablo Biscarra.  Capt, Mil Urbanas Inf Moquegua, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXVI:10. Andrés Blanco.  SubLt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Inf de Urubamba, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXXVIII:27. Ignacio Blanco.  Capt, Mil Discip de Cab de Huara, 1797.  Leg 7287:XIX:7. Pedro Blanco.  Alf, Mil Discip de Dragones de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXIV:46. José Blanco y Azcona.  Capt de la 5th Comp, Mil Discip de Cab Prov de Cañete, 1797.  Leg 7287:VI:8. Joaquín Blasco.  Capt, Inf Real de Lima, 1790.  Leg 7283:VIII:32. Juan Ignacio Blazquez.  Lt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Carabayllo, 1792.  Leg 7284:XVI:22. Andrés Bobadilla.  Sgt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Inf de Urubamba, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXXVIII:36. Gregorio Bobadilla.  Lt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Inf de Cajamarca, 1797. Leg 7287:IV:15. Tadeo Ignacio Bocardo.  Lt, Mil Urbanas Cab San Pable de Chalaquez, 1798.  Leg 7287:XI:20. Eugenio Bohorques.  Lt, Bn Prov Mil de Pardos libres de Lima, 1796.  Leg 7286:XII:32. José Joaquín Bohorques.  Sgt, Comp sueltas de Mil Discip de Inf de Ica, 1795.  Leg 7285:XVI:19. Andrés Bolaños.  Lt, Mil Prov de Cab de Huanta, 1798.  Leg 7286:XVII:15. Francisco Bolaños.  Capt, Mil Prov Discip de Dragones del Valle de Majes, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXV:4. Juan Bautista Bolaños. Alf, Mil Prov Urbanas de Cab de Huanta, 1798. Leg 7286:XVII:22. Juan de Bolinaga.  SubLt, Comp sueltas de Mil Discip de Inf de Ica, 1800k Leg 7288:XIX:14. Benito Bonifaz y Velasco.  Col, Mil Prov Urbanas de Inf de Cajamarca, 1797.  Leg 7287:IV:1. Francisco Bonifaz y Velasco.  Cadet, Mil Prov Urbanas de Inf de Cajamarca, 1797.  Leg 7287:IV:38. Pedro Bonilla.  Sgt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de huambos, partido de Cajamarca, 1797.  Leg 7287:XVII:30. Juan Bontes.  Sgt, Escuadrón Mil Discip de Cab de Castro, Chiloe, 1800. Leg 7288:X:10. Felipe Borbolla. Sgt, Inf del Real Asiento de Paucartambo, 1798.  Leg 7286:XIX:32. Raimundo Borda.  Alf, Mil Discip Dragones de Acari y Chala, 1796.  Leg 7286:I:17. José Borda y Guillen.  Capt, Mil Discip de Inf de Cuzco, 1800.  Leg 7286:XXIV:9. Bautista Borjes.  SubLt, Mil Prov Discip de Inf de Castro, Chiloe 1800. Leg 7288:IX:73. Ignacio Borjes.  SubLt de Granaderos, Mil Prov Discip de Inf de Castro, Chiloe, 1800.  Leg 7288:IX:12. Marcelo Borjes.  Capt, Mil Discip de Inf de Castro, Chiloe, 1800.  Leg 7288:IX:12. Ventura Borjes.  Lt de Granaderos, Mil Prov Discip de Inf de Castro, Chiloe, 1800.  Leg 7288:IX:50. Manuel de Boza.  Dapt de Carabineros, Mil Discip de Cab de Ica, 1800. Leg 7288:XX:5. Jerónimo Boza y Boza, Comandante, Mil Discip de Dragones de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXIV:3. Juan Brabo.  Lt de Granaderos, Mil Prov Urbanas de Inf de Abancay, 1793.  Leg 7284:II:19. Jean Antonio Bracamonte.  Lt, Mil Discip de Cab de Trujillo, Peru, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXXI:14. Manuel Bracamonte.  Capt, Mil Discip Cab de Trujillo, Peru, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXXI:6. Nicolás Bracamonte, Marqués de Herrera y Vallehermoso.  Capt, Mil Discip Cab de Trujillo, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXXI:4. José Joaquín Brasuel.  Capt, Bn Mil Urbanas Inf de Andahuaylas, 1799.  Leg 7286:XXII:10. Agustin Bravo.  Sgt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Quispicanchi, Cuzco, 1798.  Leg 7286:XX:34. Diego Bravo.  Capt, Inf, Real de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXII:16. Pedro Bravo.  Sgt, Mil Dragones Prov de las fronteras de Tarma, 1800. Leg 7288:XXIX:40. Ignacio Breta y Anivar.  Cadet, Mil Prov Discip Cab de Arequipa, 1797. Leg 7287:II:67. Diego Briceño.  Sgt, Mil Discip Cab de Camaná, 1798.  Leg 7286:XIV:27. Francisco Briceño.  Porta-estandarte, Mil Discip Cab de Camaná, 1798.  Leg 7286:XIV:22. Nicolás Briceño.  Capt, Mil Discip de Cab de Camaná, 1798.  Leg 7286:XIV:9. Juan Francisco Bringas.  Cadet, Mil Urbanas Cab de San Pablo Chalaques, 1792.  Leg 7284:XVIII:46. Pedro Bringas.  Cadet, Mil Urbanas Cab de San pablo de Chalaques, 1792. Leg 7284:XVIII:44. Diego Brunengo.  Lt de Granaderos, Bn Prov de Mil Discip Inf Española de Lima, 1800.  Leg 7288:XXIII:26. Francisco Bruno Lopez.  Lt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Inf de Urubamba, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXXVIII:22. Pablo Bruny.  Ayudante Mayor, Mil Prov Urbanas Inf de Huanta, 1800.  Leg 7288:XVIII:18. Tomás Bueno.  Col, Mil Urbanas Cab San Pablo de Chalaquez, 1798.  Leg 7287:XI:1. Mariano Buttron.  Alf, Mil Discip de Cab de Arnero de Chancay, 1800. Leg 7288:III:21. Antonio Ciriaco Burga.  Col, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Huambos, partido de Cajamarca, 1797.  Leg 7287:XVII:1. Francisco Angel Burga.  Alf, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Huambos, Partido de Cajamarca, 1797.  Leg 7287:XVII:20. José Timoteo de Burga.  Sgt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Huambos, Partido de Cajamarca, 1792.  Leg 7284:XIV:30. Juan de Burga.  Capt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Celendin, Partido de Cajamarca, 1797.  Leg 7287:IX:8. Luis de Burga.  Sgt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Huambos, Partido de Cajamarca, 1792.  Leg 7284:XIV:34. Mariano Burga.  Capt, Mil Prov de Dragones de Celedin, Partido de Cajamarca, 1797.  Leg 7287:IX:9. Pedro Pablo Burga.  Capt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Huambos, Partido de Cajamarca, 1792.  Leg 7284:XIV:9. Domingo de Burgos.  Comandante Mil Prov Urbanas de Dragones de Chota, 1797.  Leg 7287:XIII:3. Ausencio Bustamante.  SubLt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Inf de Urubamba, 1797. Leg 7287:XXVIII:25. Bartolomé Bustamante. Sgt, Mil Prov de Dragones de Caraveli, 1796.  Leg 7287:VIII:36. Ignacio Bustamante.  Lt, Mil Prov Discip Inf de Arequipa, 1800.  Leg 7288:I:26. Juan Manuel Bustamante. Capt, Mil Prov Discip Inf de Arequipa, 1792. Leg 7284:III:5. Manuel Lorenzo de Bustamante.  Capt y Lt Col grad, Mil Prov Discip Inf de Arequipa, 1800.  Leg 7288:I:17. Diego Bustinza Calderon de la Barca.  Capt, Mil Prov Urbanas de Inf de Calca, 1797.  Leg 7287:V:6. Juan Bustios.  Porta-guión, Mil Discip Dragones de Arica, 1800.  Leg 7288:II:37. José Butron.  Lt, Mil Prov Discip Inf de Arequipa, 1800.  Leg 7288:I:40. Mariano Butron y Calderon.  Alf, Mil Prov Discip de Dragones del Valle de Majes, 1797.  Leg 7287:XXV:25. (to be continued.)
Bernardo de Galvez Spanish Hero of the American Revolution   by G. Roland Vela Muzquiz, Ph.D.
	BOOK REPORT BY JACK COWAN This book has content directly related to the Spanish contribution to the American Revolution and thus is of interest to the Texas Connection to the American Revolution Association (TCARA) as well as all interested in early American History.          The book begins by stating that Spain did not enter the American Revolution to help the new Americans but rather to fight the British enemy of long standing. Mr. Muzquiz makes this premise based on the several wars between Spain, France and Britain over land and trade, which called for the enlistment of other countries as well as Indian tribes depending on the location of the disputes. Spain’s involvement in the American Revolution was one of opportunity to regain lands lost during the Seven Years War (French and Indian War), and to take advantage of England’s otherwise occupied military to derail England’s growing presence in Spanish lands bordering the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.   The first part of the book deals with the early settlement stages of America stating the first permanent colony on the American mainland was Veracruz (La Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz), officially recognized in 1519 by the King of Spain. While the entire American continent was claimed for Spain, the French and later English settled in various areas and made claim to Spanish lands.   Muzquiz includes the fascinating story of Luis de Velasco, an Indian born on the James River in present day Virginia. Velasco was educated at the Spanish mission near Jamestown and made trips to Spain and Mexico before returning to the James River where he changed his name to Opechancanough (man whose sole is white) and in 1571 killed the Spanish priests. It was Velasco who welcomed the English settlers at Jamestown in 1607 and lead the many hostilities against that colony.   With the early history set down, Muzquiz goes on to explain the build up to the American Revolutionary War and the wait and see aspects of France and more so of Spain. While Spain was reluctant to join forces with the Americans due to a fear of promoting anti-King government, Spain saw the benefit in distressing England by helping the Americans while remaining outwardly neutral.   Bernardo Vicent Apolinar de Galvez Y Gallardo was born July 23, 1746 to Matias de Galvez and dona Maria Josefa de Madrid Gallardo in Macharaviaya, Spain. The book tells of Galvez’s early life and his military activities prior to coming to America. As a young captain, he was wounded twice in the war with Portugal in 1762 at age 17. Later, in 1766 he was attached to Don Jose de Galvez, his uncle, who was the Visitor General of New Spain and fought the Indian in what is now West Texas. Having received more battle wounds from the Indians, Galvez was recalled to Spain and assigned to a French Regiment in France, where he became aquatinted with French culture and fought in Algiers, receiving still more battle wounds.   In 1775 Galvez sailed to America and his new post as Colonel of the Louisiana Regiment in New Orleans. The author now introduces us to the personal side of Galvez and the “…17 year old Marie Felicite de Saint Maxent d’Etsrehan, widow of Jean Baptiste Honore d’Estrehan and mother of two-year-old Adelaide d’Estrehan”.  Marie Felicite was the daughter of a prominent French family whose farther, Gilbert Antonio de Saint Maxent, founded San Luis (St. Louis) and later played a major part in stopping the British advancement on New Orleans during the American Revolution. In December of 1772, Galvez, evidently on his near deathbed, married Felicite, not waiting for the King’s approval. However, he did survive and later, in a formal ceremony, repeated the marriage with the King’s approval in the cathedral in Havana, Cuba. They had three children. Matilde (1778), Miguel (1782), and Guadalupe (1786 - one week after Galvez’s funeral).   As should be expected, the book goes into great detail in explaining Spain’s participation in the American Revolutionary War. While those who are supporters of Galvez and TCARA know most of these facts, there are some surprising events that have not been exposed to most of us. I will leave this for you to read, not to take away from the book. Judge Robert Thonhoff is mentioned in the book as are the Texas cattle drives which gives the impression Muzquiz wanted to be complete in the telling while not distracting from the main topic of Galvez. He does talk to the Bahmas victory, which utilized American ships but without the detail given by James A. Lewis’ book, Neptune’s Militia – The Frigate South Carolina during the American Revolution or The Final Campaign of the American Revolution – Rise and Fall of the Spanish Bahahas. He also includes Spain’s contribution to the Battle at Yorktown, again without the details one finds in Thomas E. Chavez’s book, Spain and the Independence of the United States – An Intrinsic Gift. But all said, Muzquiz’s book is exceptional in its inclusion of the world surrounding Bernardo de Galvez.   The last part of the book is devoted to Galvez’s return to Spain and his last assignment as Viceroy of New Spain. It talks of the problems confronting Galvez in Mexico and his attempts to reform its failings. Loved by the people of Mexico, his body lay in state for a year for the endless line of people paying their respects. Felitice and the children returned to Spain and another very interesting story unfolds of her involvement in the French Revolution and because of it, being exiled to Zaragoza until 1799. She died on May 21, 1799 in Spain. The fate of the daughters is touched on as well as the one and only son who died in 1825 at 43 leaving no heir to the Galvez name. Thus is given new meaning to the term “YO SOLO”   I found Bernardo de Galvez – Spanish Hero of the American Revolution, both interesting, entertaining and revealing. It is well written and obviously also well researched, backed with references and footnotes. It should be noted that the book is dedicated to the Granaderos y Damas de Galvez – San Antonio, Texas; Founding Chapter y Al Pueblo de Macharaviaya, Malaga, Espana a guien Los Estados Unidos de America debe una antigua deuda. The Acacia Press | P.O. Box 51164 Denton, TX 76206   $20.50 + T&S

Cuentos

A Soldier's Letter to Mom From "This I Remember" by Maria Urias Munoz

A Soldier's Letter to Mom

September 10, 1987 Dear Mom, Every morning I have coffee, a woman passes who looks like you. Sometimes, I want to go outside and get her to sit and talk with me. As I get older, I get more conscious of your aging, and worry, that someday, when I call - you won't be there. Sometimes I wan to call, and tell you how often I wish that things had turned out different.  And even though you and other kids tell me  to stop feel so guilt about everything, I keep thinking that I have have done more for you than I have - made your life more comfortable.  But I know that in so many ways I'm still that ten year old who can't forget how little you had.  Who can't forget all those shoddy things you wore, or the bits of underwear that you just washed, over and over. The ten year old boy who still remembers how often you'd tell us that you wee good in school and that if you had more money and shoes - you could have gone past the seventh grade.  The ten year old who still sees you fixing the toilet and sin, or with a hammer in hand busting through this wall of that.  Who remembers, when the little kids left to live at St. Anthony's, the visits with Dad and other big  kids to the state hospital, where you'd gone to rest. And the times we'd steal you off the grounds for hot dogs, the park and visits home, where Anita was conceived . .  . your sixth cesareans and those beatings . . . I remember, I remember. As I write this, I keep thinking of the promises I had as that small boy.  Like most kids, I wished you wealth, a new house and car, and the idea that you'd never worry about anything again.  Every now and then, I send something but never feel it's enough. Saturday I called "home" twice, and almost called again.  It's been so long since I've seen you.  But I know that visiting Toledo, is like my writing.   I stay away from both too long because they hurt too much. I know that when I get there, the house will be that much older. And even though Anita paints your room, I'd still see a million projects to be done when I leave.  Even with the temperature in the nineties, I know I'd still think of winder coming, and fragile walls, the heater in the dining room, cold halls and blanket-covered doorways,  when you section off the house. I keep looking at what I've written and things I know I haven's said.  And think that there are so many memories, or things to say looked inside.  When I feel crazy, lost or lonely, it's mostly because I know - I'm not doing what I'm supposed to be doing.   I'm supposed to be writing, but I'm scared . . .   In my mind, I keep writing poems or stories that never get out!  I drive to work or sit behind my desk and play at words or phrases.  I only hum the songs that Dad sang out loud . . . I know that all these memories stay inside, because remembering huts that much or because the truth I feel or remember could be wrong or painful to peopale I love.   I know that some things I've written or thought aobut our family, seem to almost need an apology, or explanation. When I feel this way I almost always think about O'Neil's play, A Long Day's Journey Into Night, and his wish to have it published only after he died.  Someone once said that he wrote it as "an act o forgiveness" to his family.  Someone once said that he wrote it as "an act of forgiveness" to his family.  But more than this, I believe writing that play was for him, an act of forgiveness to himself.  It was in some way, I think, his coming to terms with the battle of ambivalence that raged insde him for years about his family.  A battle between love and hate; rejection and acceptance; fear and understanding.  I think he must have cried a lot when he wrote it, when he allo2wed all the hurt and anger he felt come through.   Yet in the agony of that process, in the wail f his mother's madness, his brother's rebellion, and his father's wasted life - I believe he saw himself and all that had touched or helped from him.  I think he found love. The first time I saw the play performed was when Nena and I went to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, that summer in '74.  I remember holding her hand in the dark and bouncing back and forth in my seat crying... whispering... "that's my family, that's my family!" Inside my head, I've started writing this play about the house on St. Clair Street, where I was born - I even change the scenes on state. I write lines for Anne, and the rumors about how she sued to be a Madam.  An how she owned that house, when memory began, and Mexican in Toledo first stayed ... Where I first learned to pray.  I talk about how she lived with Lorenzo, and his kids, and that she was your friend.  Especially when Dad would get drunk and beat you. I think of Cila, and her baby that died in that hot tina of water or Dona Magge, when she put a curse and pulled a shotgun on Dad ... But I haven't written any of it yet, or finished that book about our family. "Big Kids, Little Kids", of the book about Vietnam that I always talk about.  And I've started thinking how much you've been kidding me lately about seeing something in print before you die. Last week, going through the letters I sent you from "Nam" I remembered that I hadn't written you since then - over twenty years ago.  And write this now because, lie then, I miss you, but also because I haven't written anything in so long that I'm afraid I'm dying inside.  In another sense, I know that this is also a letter requesting permission.   Permission to tell the stories I need to tell - raise memory from the dead.  And yet, it's not really the kids and your permission I'm looking for, but permission from myself to follow through.  I hurt more and more thinking that if I don't write about us - no one else will. And someday, when I'm famous, and they ask me how and why I started writing...   I'll tell them everything I just told you, but add that  it all really started with your reading, the stories you used to tell.  While I'll talk to them about the books I would bring home, that, like half the furniture and toys in our house never stopped smelling like the city dump we found them in, I'll always tell them that the first books I ever turned the pages to were the "Front Page Detective" magazines you used to read. Bur mostly, I'll tell them about those stories, how you grew up in El Paso... but never knew your Mom: that your Dad was a carpenter (who helped build the courthouse downtown) and how, when you were two, he left you, with Tia Concha and Mateo - for "another" woman.  And I'll always, always tell them how smart you were, how well you did in school, and how you really could have gone further then the seventh grade - if it hadn't been for ... those shoes.                                               Love, your son,                                                                          Manuel Sacramento, California

 

From "This I Remember" by Maria Urias Munoz

"Dear rosalio, this is very beautiful.  Thank you. Am passing on to mimi lozano somos primos, for her awareness and online publishing, with your permission. dorinda"  .    Permission was granted.   On 1/23/08, Rosalio Munoz rosalio_munoz@sbcglobal.net wrote: Compas, Today is my mothers birthday, she would have been 93. She died in 2005 at the age of 90. I miss her and appreciate her more as time goes on, my dad too his birthday is Jan 21, he passed away in 2004 at 91. Recently my niece Maria Estela produced some bound copies of my mothers memoirs of her early life that are a family treasure and also I think of some historical interest as well.  I had read much of the memoirs in the original longhand form years ago, but now and in print I appreciate it more. Below is an excerpt on her starting teaching in St Johns Ariz in the fall of 1937.  Somehow Mexican Americans came to constitute the school board there, I wish I had asked her and my dad what they knew about how this took place.  The story below I think speaks for itself with a special part of her meeting my father. I hope you enjoy it as I do From "This I Remember" by Maria Urias Munoz ,,,Much later I learned the details of how I had been offered the job at St. Johns.  The new board of trustees was made up of people of Mexican descent who were truly dedicated to improving the education for their children, and heading the board was Benjamin Lopez who had started but had not completed training to become a teacher at Flagstaff Teachers College. They hired as many teachers as possible of Mexican descent who were qualified.  Heretofore the teachers had been Anglo-Mormon and many were just high school graduates – not credential teachers.  I must point out that St. Johns was a community of two main elements – almost as if it were divided in two half – one being Anglo-Mormon; the other Mexican-Catholic.  When the latter became aware that most of the teachers hired were Mexican-American, they became very interested in the school, whose building had just been renovated.  The enrollment greatly increased – especially of the younger children of kindergarten age.  The enrollment was large enough to require the addition of a teacher as provided by state law.  The Trustees had asked for recommendation of Mexican-American candidates from the University of Arizona Placement Office but received none. Clarita and Cecilia Barth, who were very influential in the community and also in the Catholic Church, were the ones who told me the following.  The trustees were, of course, interested in a Mexican-American and they in someone who could play the organ in the church.  The Barth family owned the main general store, hotel, motel, and newspaper in St. Johns.  Since Cecilia was in charge of the hotel, when the representative from Peterson, Steinwist and Brooke, a company that sold school supplies, stayed at the hotel, they asked him to go to the placement office at U. of A. to see if there was someone with the aforementioned qualifications.  My name was given to him, but the placement office did not inform me of the opening.  And so Mr. Lopez, who managed the motel and gas station for the Barths, wired me to offer me the job.  Of course he did not mention to me what my assignment would be. I didn't ask.  I was anxious to have a job... I believe it was October 7, when I arrived in St. Johns and on the 10th I reported for work at school. I was assigned to kindergarten (I believe it was the first year for kindergarten as the children usually weren't entered in school until they were six or seven, teaching music (singing) 3rd thru 8th, and being in charge of girls sports 4th thru 8th at recess time.  The principal was Apolinar Rodriguez who had graduated from Flagstaff.  The staff included William Gracia Lerma, grades 5-6; Carlos Arciniega grade 4; Mrs. Brown, grade 3; Alma Patterson, grade 2, and Inez Gomez, grade 1.  Mr. Rodriguez taught grades 7-8 and Miss Gomez took over his class after dismissing first grade. 8/15/85 The school building had recently been repaired and painted and was in tiptop shape.  The community was proud of it, and we teachers instilled in the children pride in their school and the responsibility for keeping it clean and attractive.  At the end of the school year when the representative from Peterson, Steinwist, and Brooke (correct name") came he was amazed that the building was so clean – not writing on the walls, finger marks, etc.  He said, I know where I can find some.  So he went into the restrooms to check and to his amazement found no scribblings, scratches, etc. anyplace.  He thought it was remarkable.  The board of trustees had done something very good for the school children in hiring teachers of Mexican descent.  They had set models for them to emulate.  They began to see that Mexicans could attain heights, amount to something through education and hard work.  Heretofore many of the Mormon teachers were not qualified; some were only high school graduates; some were only interested in a paycheck and not in helping the children to learn.  For the most part they did nothing to motivate the students.  Few students from District 1 completed the eighth grade and even fewer went onto high school.  A great change took place in the school and community. As starting teachers in a small town so different to us, we were eager to do well and to succeed.  We were challenged to improve the lot of the students and the community and the parents showed us respect and appreciation, a great source of satisfaction and reward to us teachers. I must say that I was over awed by my assignment – I knew I was not prepared or trained to teach kindergarten.  I, myself, had not attended kindergarten and had met only the minimum requirements for an elementary credential.  I had no preparation in pre-primary and primary training, which was offered at the teacher colleges at Tempe & Flagstaff but not at the University.  The Arizona State Course of Study was more like a bulletin of less than 100 pages – not much over 50 and 1 _ pages were devoted to kindergarten – not much help.  There was no store where I might find things for teaching aids – a few toys, coloring books etc.  And besides I didn't have the money to buy them. People in our part of town did not subscribe to magazines from which I might have found suitable pictures.  My art skills were very limited.  About the only thing left to me was the use of common sense.  I realized my main objectives  were to teach the children to learn English – to acquire a speaking vocabulary – and to become socialized.  Many of my students were not legally school age and some were often absent.  So I resorted to the use of the nursery rhymes (I had no book with them), which I remembered from childhood days and had the children dramatize them.  We played games and sang songs – some from my early school years.  Eventually we did get songbooks for the teacher only.  As best I could and when I went to Holbrook & Tucson (not often) I bought coloring books, colored them myself, using the pictures to put up on the wall and that way teach the children the names of objects, colors, etc.  I felt very inadequate, ill prepared for my assignment but the children were learning to speak and to get along with one another. Where Lucinda Muñoz(RM-my aunt)  came to teach kindergarten the next year, I realized how much more I could have done if I had been properly trained and prepared for the job of teaching kindergarten. 8/18/85  (Our 45th Wedding Anniversary) It was on October 10 that I met Rosalio Muñoz, who in a little less than two years was to become my husband. Although I did not know it at the time, he had tried in vain to get a teaching job for which he had prepared and for which he was well qualified and had superior recommendations – such were the times – Discrimination.,,

Literature

Pirates of the Caribbean by Vicente Riva Palacio The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love

 

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN Two views by Vicente Riva Palacio,  translations by Ted Vincent fsln@aol.com
The adventurous spirit of the Caribbean pirates of the colonial era that is seen in recent years in Hollywood films, was captured in the late 19th Century by Vicente Riva Palacio in his. "Piratas del Golfo,." title of the fourth of his many novels. A romantization of the buccaneers is presented in the first of the two volume novel. However, in the subsequent volume the earlier heroes, Captain Henry Morgan and his men descend into gruesome horrific butchery.   Riva Palacio had a fascination with pirates and their contradictions. His personal archives contain books on them in many languages and date from the late 16th Century. In "Piratas del Golfo" Captain Morgan first appears an idealist, sympathetic with the people of the Caribbean who suffer the yoke of European colonial domination. Morgan is, thus, one more outlaw hero among many in the writings of Riva Palacio. A half way into the first volume, Morgan has a discussion with Antonio, the Mexican sailor in his ranks. Morgan says he has a vision of independence for the West Indies.    "Independence?" Antonio asks, incredulous.
SPEECH ON INDEPENDENCE BY CAPTAIN MORGAN
"Yes. I have traveled through all the colonies that Europe possesses on dry land. I have seen the people divided by tyranny and slavery. And I have glimpsed for these people a freedom, and I have a conviction that I can bring this emancipation to the light of day. How. Listen, there are in the ocean certain islands that sprout in the middle of the waves. You know them well, Cuba, Hispanola, Jamiaca, in the end, all those where today their inhabitants and their garrisons tremble to hear our name, and shudder to see a sail on the horizon. Well, these islands are the key to the sea, they are the wall between the two worlds. So, would it not give freedom to half the world to form between these (islands) one nation, powerful in riches and terrible for its navy; to cut the communication between Europe and its colonies, to destroy the armadas of the oppressors, to animate the oppressed and to aid them and to advise them in an insurrection that their dominators can not suffocate."	Si,.. Yo he viajado por todas esas colonias que la Europa posee en tierra firma; yo hevisto la tiranía y la esclavitud dividirse a los habitantes; yo he vislumbrado para esos pueblos una era de libertad, y tengo la convicción de que yo puedo hacer que luzca ese día de emancipación. ¿ Como? Mired: hay en el océano unas islas que son parecidas, que han brotado en medio de las ondas, ya las conocéis. Cuba, la Española, Jamaica, en fin, todas esas, cuyos habitantes y cuyas guarniciones tiemblan ahora al escuchar nuestro nombre y se estremecen al ver una vela en el horizonte; pero bien, estas islas son la llave del mar, son la muralla entre los dos mundos; formar de todas ellas una sola nación, poderosa por sus riquezas y temible por su marina, cortar la comunicación entre Europa y sus colonias, destruir las armadas de los opresores, animar con esto a los oprimidos, y ayudarles y aconsejarles la insurrección que sus dominadores no podrán sufocar, ¿no es esto dar la libertad a medio mundo?

Henry Morgan was by no means the only champions of "freedom" among the pirates of 16th to 18th centuries. A brief "Republic of the Pirates" was created by Blackbeard, (Edward Teach). But a feature of buccaneer life was that so-called fighters for freedom from one country were pirates to another, Sir Francis Drake was a hero in his English homeland, and a pirate in the eyes of the Spaniards. The Britisher, Henry Morgan, eventually retired to Jamiaca, which the Spanish considered an outlaw outpost, but which the British claimed as a legitimate colony. Morgan’s last days were spent managing his Jamaican slave plantation. The transition in Morgan from proponent of freedom to cruel and barbaric human being is captured in Riva Palacio’s second volume of "Piratas del Golfo." However, the transition is seen from the vantage point of the pirate ship, and thus the full contrast between good and evil is missing, somewhat in the manner that Johnny Depp pirate movies show screaming civilians, but with little of the depth needed for audiences to identify with them.     Riva Palacio presented the vantage point of the victims of Caribbean piracy, without qualifications or excuses for the perpetrators, in his description of the 1683 pirate raid on Spain’s major port in Mexico, an event orchestrated by a consortium of three pirate captains, and detailed in Riva Palacio’s footnoted encyclopedia, "Mexico a traves de los Siglos."
THE PIRATE RAID AT VERACRUZ by Vicente Riva Palacio	LOS PIRATAS A VERACRUZ
Notwithstanding continuous warnings, pirates surprised the port of Veracruz, committing  there such excesses and horrible cruelties that, perhaps, this could be considered the saddest episode in the life of the colony.   Monday, the 17th of May 1683, in spite of the Royal order that a few boats sail out to identify ships that appear on the horizon, and although there were seven fishing boats in the bay, none of these, nor the lookout went out to scout tall ships that were coming windward some two leagues from the port. Since the town folk were expecting the (Spanish) flotilla, the ships sighted were considered those and their appearance was received with joy in the city of Veracruz.     Nevertheless, some began to suspect these were enemies, because at the arrival at the entry canal they doubled back, in spite of a favorable blowing wind. But these fears were rejected by others, who said that the reason that these boats did not enter the port was that they belonged to the flotilla and were waiting for their captain. And so, night arrived without anyone thinking of taking precautions, and with the greatest tranquility and neglect the authorities and residents gathered in their homes.   Tuesday at four in the morning the pirates who had disembarked in the night close to the city surprised it, throwing themselves at once upon the streets and bulwarks, cheering the King of France, discharging fire arms and loudly making the noises of war.   The surprise and resulting fear made any defense impossible. No one gave the least thought to resist. Those who dared to go out onto the street, or to show themselves on balconies and windows, were killed by the French without the least compassion, and quite soon they controlled the city. The doors of the homes were opened with ax blows and all the families and people were yanked from their habitation and without giving them the least chance to dress themselves, they were taken to the church, where, by nine in the morning there were more than six thousand prisoners, who scarcely had sufficient space to move.   The generals leading this expedition were Nicolas de Argramont, who others called, Banoven; Lorenzo Jacomen, a mulato fugitive from justice, famous for the name Lorencillo, and a Frenchman who went only by the name Mr. Ramon.     The pirates arranged to arrive at Veracruz when there were deposits of wealth in the city, jewels, carved silver, market goods and presents that ought to have gone with the flotilla. Thus, the loot was extraordinary.     Hunger and thirst began to torment the prisoners in the church, their sufferings made worse by the heat of the ardent climate of the season, and from the agglomeration of such a great number of people in such reduced space. Soon the children began to die of suffocation. And groups of pirates came constantly to grab women prisoners of all classes of society to make them personal captives the better to help themselves satiate their brutal appetites, and such terror had possessed the hearts of the men that there is no record of a single case of one killing his woman or daughter before having to see her profaned by the clumsy embraces of the unbridled fighters.   The shouts of the women, the weeping of the children, and the moans of the wounded led the local priest to ask for relief. He succeeded, after great labor and terrible insults, in being permitted to leave the prison and speak with the general, from whom he managed to obtain bread and water for the prisoners, but in such short quantities that there broke out among them terrible fights to secure a little of such insignificant aid.     The residents remained in their frightening situation for three and a half days, the pirates managing to make it worse by obliging all to divulge the money, jewels and merchandise that they had hidden, at times even putting coffins and kegs of power inside the church, threatening to blow up the building. Others rolled up artillery that could be fired and bring down the structure. Still others gathered immense quantities of kindling and arranged it to engulf all the prisoners in flames. The frightening result was poignant scenes. Men threw themselves to their death from the tall windows, women died of terror, or suffocated in the heat and the poisoned and rotten atmosphere. A few rich were taken from the church by the pirates and they and their slaves were tortured to make them reveal the secrets of riches supposed hidden.           The pirates gathered their loot for embarking, including the men they had apprehended and separating out the most beautiful women leaving the rest behind in their prison.     On Friday the pirates proceeded to sail, carrying their prisoners, many of whom died in transit to the boats. The operation continued until Saturday at ten in the morning, the pirates hurrying because of activities of a number of guerrillas from the fields, who though not able to attack resolutely, were at times able to penetrate the city and kill who they could of the enemy.   Loaded with loot and prisoners, the ships of the French command arrived at the Islas de Sacrificios, immediately outside the port of Veracruz. There they unloaded their prisoners from the city and demanded from them an enormous sum for return. The island offered no cover nor comfort of any kind, lacking food or drinking water, and the unfortunate prisoners were exposed to the burning tropical sun. They were trapped while the pirates waited for the 150,000 pesos they demanded in ransom for the 3,000 people, among them blacks and mulatos of both sexes and the better part of the free children of slaves of eight to nine years of age.       On Sunday the pirates permitted the unfortunates to return to Veracruz, but they had to stay on the Isla de Sacraficios for lack of a boat to carry them to the port, or to give notice of their situation   While on Isla de Sacraficios a fight broke out between Lorencillo and Nocolas Agramont, that resulted in the mulato gravely wounding the French chief.   The pirates had landed more than 900 men at Veracruz, among whom were all nationalities, French, English, Spaniards, Mulatos and Indios. When word of the landing arrived in Mexico City, Viceroy Count de Paredes immediately ordered that all residents capable of service in the military be put in arms, and he comissioned the judges Delgado and Solis to lead an expedition that left for Veracruz, the infantry, numbering two thousand men, under the lead of Count Santiago, and the cavalry under the orders of elder Urrutia de Vergara. But the aid arrived late. Translation by of Ted Vincent	No obstante tan continuadas alarmas, los piratas sorprendieron el puerto de Veracruz, cometiendo allí tales excesos y tan horribles crueldades, que quizás sea ese el más triste de los episodios de la vida de la colonia.   El lunes, 17 mayo de 1683, a pesar de que por costumbre y por mandato real salían algunos barcos a reconocer las embarcaciones que aparecían a lo lejos, y aunque había en la Caleta siete barcas de pescadores, ninguna de estas ni el vigía salieron a reconocer navíos de alto bordo que se avistaron por barlovento como a dos leguas del puerto.  Como los vecinos estaban en espera de la flota, con señales de alegría se recibió en la ciudad de Veracruz la noticia de haber aparecido aquellos navío; sin embargo, algunos comenzaron a suponer que eran enemigos, porque en llegando a la boca del canal tomaron vuelta afuera, a pesar de que el viento soplaba favorable; pero esos temores desechabanlos otros, diciendo que si aquellos navios no entraban desde luego al puerto era porque perteneciendo a la flota quedaban fuera en espera de la capitana. Asi llego la noche sin que nadie hubiera pensando en tomar precauciones, y con la mayor tranquilidad y descuido recogieronse en sus casas autoridades y vecinos.   El martes a las cuatro de la mañana los piratas que habían desembarcado en la noche cerca de la ciudad la sorprendieron, precipitándose al mismo tiempo por las calles y sobre todos los baluartes, vitoreando al rey de Francia, descargando las armas de fuego y haciendo sonar estrepitosamente las cajas de guerra..        La sorpresa y el temor consiguiente a ella hicieron imposible toda defensa: nadie pensó siquiera en resistir; mataban los franceses sin compasión alguna a cuantos se atrevían a salir a la calle o a presentarse en los balcones y ventanas, y muy pronto se apoderaron de la ciudad.   Las puertas de las casas fueron abiertas a hachazos y todas las familias y toda la gente arrancada de sus habitaciones, y sin darles tiempo siguiera a verterse llevadas a la iglesia, en donde a las nueve de la mañana había ya más de seis mil prisioneros, que apenas tenían el espacio suficiente para poder moverse.   Mandaban aquella expedición como general Nicolás de Agramont, a quien otros llamaban Banoven; Lorenzo Jácomen, mulato fugitiva de la justicia, famoso con el nombre de Lorencillo, y un frances a quien solo se da el nombre de Mr. Ramón.     Los piratas acertaron a llegar a Veracruz cuando estaban depositados en la ciudad los caudales, las joyas, la plata labrada, las mercaderías y los regalos que debían embarcarse en la flota, y por eso el botín que hicieron fue extraordinario.     El hambre y la sed comenzaron a atormentar a los prisioneros en la iglesia, agravándose aquellos sufrimientos por el calor de la estación en tan ardiente clima y por la aglomeración de tan gran números de personas en sitio tan reducido. Pronto principiaron a morir sofocadas los niños, y constantemente llegaban a la iglesia grupos de piratas que escogían entre las mujeres de todas las clases de la sociedad que allí estaban presas las que mejor les agradaban para saciar sus brutales apetitos, y tanto había el terror ganado aquellos corazones, que no se registro el caso siquiera de un hombre que hubiera matado a su mujer, a su hija ó a su novia antes que verla profanada por las torpes caricias de aquella desenfrenada soldadesca.   Los gritos de las mujeres, los llantos de los niños y las quejas de los heridos animaron al cura para pedir socorro; después de grandes trabajos y de terribles ultrajes consiguió que le permitiesen salir de la prisión y hablar con el general, de quien alcanzo que llevasen a los prisioneros agua y pan, pero en tan cortas cantidades, que se trababan entre aquellos desgraciados terribles luchas por conseguir algo de aquel insignificante socorro.     Tres días y medio permanecieron los vecinos presos en aquella espantosa situación, procurando los piratas hacerla más terrible, con objeto de obligar a todos a que descubriesen dinero, joyas o mercancías que tuviesen ocultas; válianse para ello unas veces de poner cajones a barricas de pólvora dentro de la iglesia, amenazando con hacer saltar el templo; otras, rodeando con la artillería para hacer fuego hasta arrasar el edificio; amontonando otras en derredor inmensas cantidades de leña para que pereciesen entre las llamas todos los prisioneros. El espanto produjo allí escenas conmovedoras; hombres hubo que se arrojaron por las ventanas matándose del golpe; morían las mujeres de terror ó sofocadas por el calor y envenenadas por aquella atmósfera corrompida. Algunos ricos fueron sacados por los piratas de la iglesia y se les dio tormento a ellos y a sus esclavos para arrancarles el secreto de riquezas que se suponían ocultas.   Los piratas hicieron cargar y embarcar el botín, valiéndose para ello de todos los hombres que habían aprendido, y separaron las mujeres que les parecían más bellas dejando el resto en las prisiones.     El viernes procedieron los piratas a embarcarse llevándose a todos los prisioneros, de los que muchos murieron en el transito antes de llegar a los navios. Hasta el sábado a las diez de la mañana no termino aquella operación, que precipitaron los piratas por haber comenzado ya a presentarse por los medanos algunas guerrillas de las gentes del campo, que no se atrevían a atacar resueltamente, pero que algunas veces penetraban en la ciudad matando a los que podían de los enemigos.   Cargados de botín y de prisioneros los navios franceses llegaron a la isla de Sacrificios, inmediata al puerto de Veracruz. Allí volvieron a desembarcar esperando el rescate de los vecinos de la ciudad que llevaban y por los que exigían una gruesa suma. La isla no prestaba abrigo ni comodidad alguna; faltaban los alimentos y el agua potable, y los desgraciados prisioneros expuestos al ardiente sol de los trópicos fueron abandonados allí por los piratas, que se retiraron después de haber recibido en Veracruz ciento cincuenta mil pesos a cuenta de los rescates, y se llevaron tres mil personas entre negros y mulatos de ambos sexos y la mayor parte de los niños libres ó esclavos de ochos a nueve anos de edad.   Hasta el domingo no pudieron volver a Veracruz los desgraciados que habían quedado en la isla de Sacrificios, pues ni se encontraba embarcación que por ellos fuese para llevarlos al puerto ni pudieron ellos tampoco dar aviso de su situación.     En la isla de Sacrificios moviese una riña entre Lorencillo y Nicolas Agramont, de la que resulto que el mulato hiriera gravemente al jefe frances.     No se pudo calcular el monte del rico botín que hicieron los piratas; quizás no hay un ejemplo de asalto que les produjera tan pingüe resultado. Los perdidas sufridas en Veracruz se calcularon en más de cuatro milliones de pesos; el numero de muertos entre los vecinos de la ciudad paso de trecientas personas.   Los piratas desembarcaron más de novecientos hombres, en los que había de todas nacionalidades, franceses, ingleses, españoles, mulatos e indios. La noticia del desembarco de los piratas llego a Mexico y el virrey, conde de Paredes, dispuso inmediatamente que se levantasen en armas todos los vecinos capaces de servir en la tropa; comisionaronse los oidores Delgado y Solís para mandar la expedición que salia a Veracruz, la infantería, en número de dos mil hombres, estaba al mando del conde de Santiago, y la caballería a las ordenes del mayorazgo de Urrutia de Vergara; pero el auxilio era tardío.
Consequence of the 1683 horror was the formation of more militia units along the Mexican coast. Historian Ben Vinson III notes that militia units of free blacks, previously rare, proliferated after the the raid. The coastal populations was heavily Afro-Mexican, and the need for additional militias contributed to a trend toward manumission (to free) of slaves in Mexico.

 

ANSWER to what was the first novel written by a Hispanic American to win a Pulitzer Prize: THE MAMBO KINGS PLAY SONGS OF LOVE, written by Oscar Hijuelos. Oscar Hijuelos is among the younger writers of Cuban heritage enriching the American literary scene. The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love was published in 1990. It was the first time that a major publishing house, Simon and Schuster, had ever invested heavily in  novel by a Hispanic writer.  The company brought the novel out at the top of its list and promoted it widely.  Hijuelos went on to publish many more acclaimed novels, including The Fourteen Sisters of Emilio Montez O'Brien in 1993, Mr. Ives' Christmas in 1995, Empress of the Splendid Season in 1999, and a Simple Habana Melody in 2002. Source of information:  Reference Library of Hispanic America, Elementary School Edition, Almanac, Vol.1. pg. 175-176  Publisher: African American Publications, 2003

 

SURNAME

 

CHAPA RESEARCHERS

1/16/08 Hi Mimi, Just want to tell you that I also managed to confirm my dad's mother's lineage utilizing the "SOMOS PRIMOS" site. My grandmother whose name was Josefina Rodriguez-Villareal was the granddaughter of Isabel Jasso-Botello.b 1830  and Pedro Serna Villareal b.1828. From the site I can trace the family tree back to Don Jose Luis Jasso & Nicolasa de Luna.  Once again those written records that I got from interviewing my elderly aunts and uncles were proved correct.   I have allot of information that I can share with those that feel their ancestors are of the same family branch. Maybe one day I can put my information on some website for others to see what I have.   Thanks again for the help that you have provided and the wonderful work that you are doing.   Art Chapa-Arrambide Dear Primo Art . . .   How wonderful.  Great account.  Thank you so much for sharing.  If it is OK with you, I will include your story under the file- Surname.  Maybe you'll have some readers contact you and share their connections to you. .   more primos. God bless, Mimi. Dear Mimi Thank you so much for responding and of course you can do anything you want with the information that I provided. Also, I am available to help anyone who needs information, and will gladly share it. Primo Art  Dear Ms Mimi,  I just want to say thanks for the great help I received utilizing the Website and links from "Somo Primos". I want to share with you a little story.    In researching our family name Chapa , I hit a Dead End of sorts. I started the family search in 1978 and on and off I would work on gathering materials. I did the usual interviews and visits to known relatives who could share some history. I would record all this on paper and I kept a loose file. In 1980 I went to a little town in Sombretio N.L to interview a lady named Maria Chapa de Chapa who was blind and about 94 years old. I was looking for information on my Grandfather who's name was Nieves Chapa-Rodriguez. All I new was that Nieve's father was named Pablo and that he had married Martina Villareal-Jasso and that Nieves' had nearly died at the hands of some revolutionary soldiers when he was 13 years old after guiding them through the mountains passes.( It was the custom to get rid of witnesses.) He was to be executed in Sombretio but since he had relatives there, all the aunts and cousins and uncles intervene to save him. My dad would tell me this story when we use to go hunting. To be honest I was skeptical of the story but it was a good story and my dad enjoyed telling it. His name was Fausino Chapa-Rodriguez.  After introducing ourselves to Mrs Chapa (my uncle and I) I proceeded to asked her if she could tell me anything about Nieves and she retold the story about his near death with the Revolutionary Soldiers. She recalled that she was about 10 or 11 and that her cousin Nievitos was nearly killed. I then asked her if she remembered his father Pablo. She told me that Pablo had eight brothers and sisters and was married to Martina. She then proceeded to name all of Pablo's brothers and sisters. Well I wrote the names with my chicken scratch and filed the papers away for another time. This was in 1980. No computers for me at the time. I then reported to my dad about what I had learned. He had no idea he had that many folks scatter about.! I moved to Mexico City with my job and worked 14 years there and I retired in June of 2006. A week ago I decided to start my work again with the family tree. This time with a computer I accessed the Juan Bautista Chapa file through the Internet. Imagine my surprised when I found Pablo Chapa-Salazar listed with all the names of his brothers and sisters that I had written by hand on a piece of paper when Mrs Maria Chapa de Chapa gave me the information. I had found the missing links!!!! and now I can concentrate on tying up the loose ends. Pablo (gen 8) is a direct decedent who father was (gen 7) Agapito Chapa de la Barrera who married Salvadora Salazar who I swear that these two names were also given to me by Mrs. Maria Chapa de Chapa. I had also wrote these on my sheet with question marks!!!! I just had to share this with you and to thank you. You folks are number one 1 ! Yours very truly   Jose Arthur Chapa-Arrambide artspitex@yahoo.com South Padre Island, Texas 78597

The Descendents of Count Cristobal de Narriahondo Perez de Onate Compiled by John D. Inclan

Generation No. 1 1. COUNT CRISTOBAL4 DE NARRIAHONDO-PEREZ-DE-ONATE (JUAN3 PEREZ-DE-ONATE, CRISTOBAL2 PEREZ-DE-NARRIAHONDO, PEDRO1 DE BAEZA) was born Abt. 1500 in Onate, Guipuzcoa, Spain, and died 06 Oct 1567 in Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico. He married CATALINA SALAZAR-DE-CADENA 1545 in Spain, daughter of GONZALO DE SALAZAR and CATALINA DE-LA-CADENA-Y-MALVENA. She was born Abt. 1510 in Granada, Andalucia, Spain, and died in Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico?. Notes for COUNT CRISTOBAL DE NARRIAHONDO-PEREZ-DE-ONATE: In 1524, he and his family arrived in Mexico. By 1526, he was an offical in Mexico City. In the summer of 1539, he gave his friend, Coronado, two handsome horses. Only one horse survived Coronado's long expedition. Hero of the Mixton War. Inspector of finances for Nueva Galicia. In 1540 he succeeded Coronado as Governor of Nuevo Galicia, New Spain (Mexico). Guadalajara was it's capital city. In 1548, Don Cristobal was one of the founders and the wealthiest silver miner of Zacatecas, Mexico. Father of Juan de Onate, the celebrated founder of New Mexico During the era of the Viceroy Don Antonio de Mendoza, he was the Conquistador of Suchilila. Source:From the book's, New Mexico Royal Road by Max L. Moorhead; Origen de los Fundadores de Texas, Nuevo Mexico, Coahulia, y Nuevo Leon, by Guillermo Garmendia Leal. (page 66 & 67). Coronado, Knight of Pueblos and Plains by Herbert Eugene Bolton; The Last Conquistador, Juan de Onate and the Settling of the far Southwest, by Marc Simmons. New Mexico's First Colonists, compiled and arranged by David H. Snow. Glory, God, and Gold, edited by Lewis Gannett. With All Arms by Carl Laurence Duaine; Historia del Nuevo Reino de Leon, by Eugenio del Hoyo. and the Texas Handbook Online. A.K.A. Cristobal de Onate y Narria. Notes for CATALINA SALAZAR-DE-CADENA: Her grand-parents were members of the royal court of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. Source:With all Arms by Carl Laurence Duaine. Her father was the lieutenant governor of all of New Spain and factor of the royal treasuary in Mexico. Source:From the book, Don Juan de Onate Colonizer of New Mexico, by George P. Hammond. Dona Catalina was twice married. 1st. Don Ruy Diaz de Mendoza. 2nd.Governor Cristobal de Onate. In the book,The Last Conquistador, Juan de Onate and the settling of the far Southwest, the author, Marc Simmons, list her 1st husband as Don Ruy Diaz de Mendoza. From both of her marriages, she left descendents who now live in Texas. Source:Origen de los Fundadores de Texas, Nuevo Mexico, Coahuila, y Nuevo Leon, Saltillo Tomo II, by Guillermo Garmendia Leal. Page 66. Glory, God, and Gold, edited by Lewis Gannett. Children of CRISTOBAL DE NARRIAHONDO-PEREZ-DE-ONATE and CATALINA SALAZAR-DE-CADENA are: 2. i. ALCALDE MAYOR FERNANDO5 DE ONATE, b. Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico; d. Tacambaro, Michoacan, Mexico. 3. ii. MARIA DE ONATE-SALAZAR. iii. ANTONIA DE PEREZ-DE-ONATE-SALAZAR, b. Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico; m. BERNARDO VASQUEZ-DE-TAPIA, Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico. Notes for BERNARDO VASQUEZ-DE-TAPIA: His niece, Dona Guiomar Vasquez de Espinosa, was married to Don Luis Cortez. (Hernan Cortez's son). iv. CATHALINA DE PEREZ-DE-ONATE-SALAZAR, b. Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico. v. LUIS PEREZ-DE-ONATE. 4. vi. ALONSO DE ONATE, b. Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico; d. New Mexico ?. vii. CRISTOBAL PEREZ-DE-ONATE1, b. 1552, Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico. Notes for CRISTOBAL PEREZ-DE-ONATE: Twin brother to Juan de Onate. Attended the University of Salamanca, Spain. No further information has been found on his life. Source:From the books, Portraitsof Basques in the New World, edited by Richard W. Etulain and Heronima Echeverria. A History of New Mexico by Gaspar Perez de Villagra, Alcala - 1610, translated by Gilberto Espinosa. 5. viii. GOVERNOR JUAN PEREZ-DE-ONATE, b. 1552, Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico; d. Abt. 03 Jun 1626, Guadalcanal, Spain.   Generation No. 2 2. ALCALDE MAYOR FERNANDO5 DE ONATE (CRISTOBAL4 DE NARRIAHONDO-PEREZ-DE-ONATE, JUAN3 PEREZ-DE-ONATE, CRISTOBAL2 PEREZ-DE-NARRIAHONDO, PEDRO1 DE BAEZA) was born in Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico, and died in Tacambaro, Michoacan, Mexico. He married LEONOR DE RIVADENEIRA-Y-MERIDA, daughter of HERNANDO DE RIVA-DE-NEIRA and MARIA DE MERIDA. Notes for ALCALDE MAYOR FERNANDO DE ONATE: Source:Origen de los Fundadores de Texas, Nuevo Mexico, Coahuila, y Nuevo Leon, Saltillo Tomo II, by Guillermo Garmendia Leal. Page 67. A History of New Mexico by Gaspar Perez de Villagra, Alcala - 1610, translated by Gilberto Espinosa. Notes for LEONOR DE RIVADENEIRA-Y-MERIDA: A.K.A, Dona Leonor Riva de Neira. Children of FERNANDO DE ONATE and LEONOR DE RIVADENEIRA-Y-MERIDA are: i. CATALINA6 DE ONATE-RIVADENEIRA. ii. CRISTOBAL DE ONATE-RIVADENEIRA. iii. FERNANDO DE ONATE-RIVADENEIRA, m. ANA DE MERIDA-Y-MOLINA, 02 Dec 1635, Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico. iv. JUAN DE ONATE-RIVADENEIRA, b. 06 May 1581, Sagrario Metropolitano, Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla, Mexico. 6. v. ANTONIA DE ONATE-RIVA-DE-NEIRA, b. 02 Apr 1583, Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico.   3. MARIA5 DE ONATE-SALAZAR (CRISTOBAL4 DE NARRIAHONDO-PEREZ-DE-ONATE, JUAN3 PEREZ-DE-ONATE, CRISTOBAL2 PEREZ-DE-NARRIAHONDO, PEDRO1 DE BAEZA) She married JOSE-ANTONIO DE ORDAZ, son of DIEGO DE ORDAZ-VILLAGOMEZ. He died in Puebla, Mexico. Child of MARIA DE ONATE-SALAZAR and JOSE-ANTONIO DE ORDAZ is: i. MARIA6 DE ORDAZ, b. 05 Jan 1657/58, Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico.   4. ALONSO5 DE ONATE (CRISTOBAL4 DE NARRIAHONDO-PEREZ-DE-ONATE, JUAN3 PEREZ-DE-ONATE, CRISTOBAL2 PEREZ-DE-NARRIAHONDO, PEDRO1 DE BAEZA) was born in Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico, and died in New Mexico ?. He married INEZ DE RIVA-DE-NEIRA, daughter of GASPAR DE RIVA-DE-NEIRA and LEONOR DE CASTILLA-Y-ONATE-RIVA-DE-NEIRA. She was born 03 Sep 1640 in Cuauhtemoc, Distrito Federal, Mexico. Notes for ALONSO DE ONATE: In the book's, Origins of New Mexico Families by Fray Angelico Chavez, and The Last Conquistador by Marc Simmons, it is stated that he is the yougest of the brothers. A History of New Mexico by Gaspar Perez de Villagra, Alcala - 1610, translated by Gilberto Espinosa. and in the book, Don Juan de Onate, Colonizer of New Mexico, by George P. Hammond, Don Alonso is listed as a brother. Children of ALONSO DE ONATE and INEZ DE RIVA-DE-NEIRA are: 7. i. CATALINA6 DE ONATE-RIVADENEIRA, b. Abt. 1592, Zacatecas, Mexico. ii. ALONSO DE ONATE-RIVADENEIRA, b. 31 Oct 1606, Asuncion Catolica, Cuauhtemoc, Distrito Federal, Mexico. Notes for ALONSO DE ONATE-RIVADENEIRA: Source:LDS Film #35168, Batch Number C619581.   5. GOVERNOR JUAN5 PEREZ-DE-ONATE (CRISTOBAL4 DE NARRIAHONDO-PEREZ-DE-ONATE, JUAN3 PEREZ-DE-ONATE, CRISTOBAL2 PEREZ-DE-NARRIAHONDO, PEDRO1 DE BAEZA) was born 1552 in Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico, and died Abt. 03 Jun 1626 in Guadalcanal, Spain. He married ISABEL DE TOLOSA-CORTEZ-MOCTEZUMA Abt. 1588 in Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico, daughter of JUANES DE TOLOSA and LEONOR DE CORTEZ-MOCTEZUMA. She was born in Mexico City, F.D., Mexico, and died 1620 in Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico. Notes for GOVERNOR JUAN PEREZ-DE-ONATE: Explorer and founder of the first European colony in the upper Rio Grande valley of New Mexico. Twin brother to Cristobal de Onate. In 1567, at 15 years of age, he took over the responsibility of managing his family properties and mining business. On August 27, 1592, the Viceroy of New Spain, named him as alcalde mayor of San Luis Potosi. In July 23, 1596, at the mines of Avino, Durango, he organized his force that would be part of the entrada into New Mexico. Source:A History of New Mexico by Gaspar Perez de Villagra, Alcala - 1610, translated by Gilberto Espinosa. On April 30, 1598, as Conquistador and in the name of King Felipe II of Spain, he took possession of all the kingdoms and provinces of New Mexico. His explorations extended from the Colorado River to the plains of Kanasa. From 1598 to 1607, he served as governor of New Mexico. By 1607, he had lost favor with the Spanish government, and on August 24, 1607, he resigned his post. Source:Kiva, Cross, and Crown by John L. Kessell. He was the first to give the name "Apache" to the indian tribe of New Mexico. A Zuni word for "Enemy". Exiled from New Mexico, he returned to Spain. In in Spain, and on October 4, 1625, he signed his last will and testament. He was both, uncle and cousin to Juan and Vicente de Saldivar. Cousin to Fray Cristobal de Salazar. Source:From the book's; A History of New Mexico by Gaspar Perez de Villagra, Alcala - 1610, translated by Gilberto Espinosa. Arizona, A History by Thomas E. Sheridan. Origen de los Fundadores de Texas, Nuevo Mexico, Coahuila, y Nuevo Leon, by Guillermo Garmendia Leal. Coronado, Knight of Pueblos and Plains by Herbert Eugene Bolton Spanish Texas 1519 - 1821 by Donald E Chipman. Great River - The Rio Grande in North American History by Paul Horgan. Historia del Nuevo Reino de Leon, by Eugenio del Hoyo. The Last Conquistador, Juan de Onate and the settling of the far Southwest, by Marc Simmons. Beyond the Frontier, Exploring the Indian Country, by Stan Hoig. Northern New Spain, A Research Guide by Thomas C. Barnes, Thomas H. Naylor and Charles W. Polzer. Mexico's Miguel Caldera, the Taming of America's First Frontier (1548-1597) by Philip Eayne Powell. Nueva Vizcaya, Heartland of the Spanish Frontier, by Oakah L. Jones, Jr. Portraitsof Basques in the New World, edited by Richard W. Etulain and Heronima Echeverria. New Mexico's First Colonists, compiled and arranged by David H. Snow. Glory, God, and Gold, edited by Lewis Gannett. Rio del Norte by Carroll L. Riley The Texas Handbook Online. A.K.A. Juan de Onate y Salazar and Juan de Onate. Notes for ISABEL DE TOLOSA-CORTEZ-MOCTEZUMA: Grand-daughter to Hernan Cortez and great-grand-daughter of Moctezuma, Emperor of the Aztec. Her father, Captain Juanes de Tolosa, was a prominent figure in the conquest and settlement of Nueva Galicia, New Spain. (Mexico) Her death in 1594, is mentioned in the book, Land of the Conquistadores by Cleve Hallenbrek. Source:Historia de la Nueva Mexico, 1610, by Gaspar Perez de Villagra. Spanish Texas 1519 - 1821 by Donald E Chipman. Source:The Last Conquistador, Juan de Onate and the settling of the far Southwest, by Marc Simmons. Kiva, Cross, and Crown, the Pecos indians and New Mexico 1540-1840 by John L. Kessell. Glory, God, and Gold, edited by Lewis Gannett. The Texas Handbook Online.   Marriage Notes for JUAN PEREZ-DE-ONATE and ISABEL DE TOLOSA-CORTEZ-MOCTEZUMA: Marriage source:Origen de los Fundadores de Texas, Nuevo Mexico, Coahulia, y Nuevo Leon, by Guillermo Garmendia Leal. (page 66). The Last Conquistador, Juan de Onate and the settling of the far Southwest, by Marc Simmons. Children of JUAN PEREZ-DE-ONATE and ISABEL DE TOLOSA-CORTEZ-MOCTEZUMA are: 8. i. LIEUTENANT CRISTOBAL6 DE ONATE, b. 1589, Mexico City, F.D., Mexico; d. 1612, Jornada desert, New Mexico. 9. ii. MARIA PEREZ-DE-ONATE-CORTEZ, b. Bet. 1590 - 1594, Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico; d. Zacatecas?.   Generation No. 3 6. ANTONIA6 DE ONATE-RIVA-DE-NEIRA (FERNANDO5 DE ONATE, CRISTOBAL4 DE NARRIAHONDO-PEREZ-DE-ONATE, JUAN3 PEREZ-DE-ONATE, CRISTOBAL2 PEREZ-DE-NARRIAHONDO, PEDRO1 DE BAEZA) was born 02 Apr 1583 in Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico. She married BERNARDINO VASQUEZ-DE-TAPIA-Y-CASTILLA, son of BERNARDINO VASQUEZ-DE-TAPIA-Y-PERALTA and LUISA DE CASTILLA-OSORIO. Child of ANTONIA DE ONATE-RIVA-DE-NEIRA and BERNARDINO VASQUEZ-DE-TAPIA-Y-CASTILLA is: i. LEONOR7 DE CASTILLA-Y-ONATE-RIVA-DE-NEIRA, m. GASPAR DE RIVA-DE-NEIRA, 29 Oct 1628, Sagrario Metropolitano, Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla, Mexico; b. Abt. 1610.   7. CATALINA6 DE ONATE-RIVADENEIRA (ALONSO5 DE ONATE, CRISTOBAL4 DE NARRIAHONDO-PEREZ-DE-ONATE, JUAN3 PEREZ-DE-ONATE, CRISTOBAL2 PEREZ-DE-NARRIAHONDO, PEDRO1 DE BAEZA) was born Abt. 1592 in Zacatecas, Mexico. She married DIEGO DE TREMINO-BANUELOS-SALDIVAR in Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico, son of BALTAZAR DE TREMINO-DE-BANUELOS and MARIA DE SALDIVAR-Y-MENDOZA. He was born Abt. 1570 in Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico. Notes for DIEGO DE TREMINO-BANUELOS-SALDIVAR: A.K.A. Diego de Banuelos. Marriage Notes for CATALINA DE ONATE-RIVADENEIRA and DIEGO DE TREMINO-BANUELOS-SALDIVAR: Marriage source:From the book's; Fundadores de Nueva Galicia - Guadalajara - Tomo I, by Guillermo Garmendia Leal. Page 144. Mil Familias III by Rodolfo Gonzalez de la Garza. Page 316. Child of CATALINA DE ONATE-RIVADENEIRA and DIEGO DE TREMINO-BANUELOS-SALDIVAR is: i. CATALINA7 DE ONATE-Y-BANUELOS, b. Abt. 1609, Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico; m. JUAN DE MEDRANO, 20 Aug 1629, Madrid, Spain; b. Abt. 1609, Santo Domingo. Marriage Notes for CATALINA DE ONATE-Y-BANUELOS and JUAN DE MEDRANO: Marriage source:Fundadores de Nueva Galicia - Guadalajara - Tomo I, by Guillermo Garmendia Leal. Page 144.   8. LIEUTENANT CRISTOBAL6 DE ONATE (JUAN5 PEREZ-DE-ONATE, CRISTOBAL4 DE NARRIAHONDO-PEREZ-DE-ONATE, JUAN3 PEREZ-DE-ONATE, CRISTOBAL2 PEREZ-DE-NARRIAHONDO, PEDRO1 DE BAEZA) was born 1589 in Mexico City, F.D., Mexico, and died 1612 in Jornada desert, New Mexico. He married MARIA GUTIERREZ-DEL-CASTILLO Abt. 1611 in Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico. She was born 1589 in Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico. Notes for LIEUTENANT CRISTOBAL DE ONATE: Christened, Cristobal de Naharriondo Perez Onate y Cortez Moctezuma. Great-grand-son to Hernan Cortez and great-great-grand-son of Moctezuma, Emperor of the Aztec. In 1598, he was part of his father expedition into New Mexico. He was about 10 years old and commissioned as Lieutenant. Dressed in complete armor for himself and his horse, he is listed among the soldiers. Between 1608 and 1610, he served as Governor of New Mexico. After a return trip into New Mexico, he was killed. Historia de la Nueva Mexico, 1610, by Gaspar Perez de Villagra. Page 49. In the book, Origen de los Fundadores de Texas, Nuevo Mexico, Coahuila, y Nuevo Leon, by Guillermo Garmendia Leal, his parent are listed as the Don Cristobal de Onate and Dona Catalina de Salazar. Northern New Spain, A Research Guide by Thomas C. Barnes, Thomas H. Naylor and Charles W. Polzer. In the book, The Last Conquistador, Juan de Onate, by Marc Simmons, his parents and marriage are detailed. Land of the Conquistadores by Cleve Hallenbeck. New Mexico's First Colonists, compiled and arranged by David H. Snow. Portraitsof Basques in the New World, edited by Richard W. Etulain and Heronima Echeverria. Notes for MARIA GUTIERREZ-DEL-CASTILLO: She died in poverty. Source:The Last Conquistador, Juan de Onate and the settling of the far Southwest, by Marc Simmons. Marriage Notes for CRISTOBAL DE ONATE and MARIA GUTIERREZ-DEL-CASTILLO: Marriage source:Origen de los Fundadores de Texas, Nuevo Mexico, Coahulia, y Nuevo Leon, by Guillermo Garmendia Leal. (page 66). The Last Conquistador by Marc Simmons. Child of CRISTOBAL DE ONATE and MARIA GUTIERREZ-DEL-CASTILLO is: i. JUAN7 PEREZ-DE-NARRIAHONDO-Y-CASTILLO, b. 1612, Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico; d. Aft. 1679, Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico. Notes for JUAN PEREZ-DE-NARRIAHONDO-Y-CASTILLO: In 1679, he signed his last will and testament. He died in poverty. Source:The Last Conquistador, Juan de Onate and the settling of the far Southwest, by Marc Simmons.     9. MARIA6 PEREZ-DE-ONATE-CORTEZ (JUAN5 PEREZ-DE-ONATE, CRISTOBAL4 DE NARRIAHONDO-PEREZ-DE-ONATE, JUAN3 PEREZ-DE-ONATE, CRISTOBAL2 PEREZ-DE-NARRIAHONDO, PEDRO1 DE BAEZA) was born Bet. 1590 - 1594 in Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico, and died in Zacatecas?. She married SERGEANT MAJOR VICENTE DE SALDIVAR-ONATE-MENDOZA 17 Aug 1616 in Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico, son of VICENTE DE SALDIVAR-Y-ONATE and MAGDALENA DE MENDOZA-SALAZAR. He was born 1573 in Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico, and died Abt. 1650 in Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico. Notes for MARIA PEREZ-DE-ONATE-CORTEZ: Great-grand-daughter to Hernan Cortez and great-great-grand-daughter of Moctezuma, Aztec Emperor. Source:The Last Conquistador, Juan de Onate and the settling of the far Southwest, by Marc Simmons. Portraitsof Basques in the New World, edited by Richard W. Etulain and Heronima Echeverria. A.K.A. Maria de Onate and Maria de Onate y Cortez Moctezuma. She did not join her father into New Mexico. Notes for SERGEANT MAJOR VICENTE DE SALDIVAR-ONATE-MENDOZA: Nephew and second cousin to Juan de Onate, founder of New Mexico. Conqueror of the Acoma Indians of New Mexico. He held the title, Maese de Campo. In 1626 he was admitted to the prestigious military order of Santiago. Source:From the books, Historia de la Nueva Mexico, 1610, by Gaspar Perez de Villagra. Page XXVIII and XXX. The Last Conquistador, Juan de Onate and the settling of the far Southwest, by Marc Simmons. With All Arms, A Study of a Kindred Group by Carl Laurence Duaine. History of Texas Online. On December 11, 1601, at the pueblo of San Gabriel, New Mexico, the Maese de Campo, Vicente de Saldivar presented as witness before Governor Don Juan de Onate, the reverend father, Fray Francisco de Velasco, of the order of Saint Francis and guardian of the convent of this pueblo. The priest swore that he had known the maese de campo, Don Vicente de Saldivar, and this he knew that he was the legitimate son of Don Vicente de Saldivar and Dona Magdalena de Mendoza; that his father had been the viceroy's lieutenant general during the peace time in Zacatecas, Nueva Galicia. This staement was signed by Don Juan de Onate, Fray Francisco de Velasco, and notarize by Juan Gutierrez Bocanegra. Source:From the book, Don Juan de Onate, Colonizer of New Mexico, by George P. Hammond. Page 788. PETITION OF ZALDIVAR Petition of the Maese de Campo, Vicente de Zaldivar Mendoza May 14, 1602. Mexico City. Mighty Lord: I, Vicente de Zaldivar Mendoza, your maese de campo general in the provinces and kingdoms of New Mexico, state that I came to this court by order of the adelantado, Don Juan de Onate, who is also your governor and captain general of the said provinces and kingdoms, and by order of your viceroy in Mexico, to inform your highness of the state of affairs of the said conquest, in regard to which the viceroy and the audiencia of Mexico made investigations in order that it might thus he better understood. And, at my behest, testimony was taken before the said royal audiencia which I am presenting with this letter in order that it may be considered, together with all the other papers. I beg and entreat your highness to place these papers with those sent by the viceroy and audiencia of Mexico in order that the most fitting measures may be taken for the royal service of your highness as soon as possible. This is essential both because of the importance of this business and because of the great danger in which the adelantado, Don Juan de Onate, was left, owing to the small number of people in his garrison and town of San Gabriel, and in order to prevent the Indians of the larger settlements from getting arms or uniting and marching on the place where the governor is, which may be feared if the Indians should hear of the small force under the command of the adelantado. Should this happen, all the effort and expense, as wall as the great services which the adelantado has rendered to your highness, would be lost. So , I request justice, and so forth. Vicente de Zaldivar Mendoza. [Rubic]. Original document is at the Archivo General de Indias, Seville, Spain. Don Juan de Onate Colonizer of New Mexico, 1595-1628, by George P. Hammond Portraitsof Basques in the New World, edited by Richard W. Etulain and Heronima Echeverria. Rio del Norte by Carroll L. Riley Marriage Notes for MARIA PEREZ-DE-ONATE-CORTEZ and VICENTE DE SALDIVAR-ONATE-MENDOZA: Marriage source:Source:The Last Conquistador, Juan de Onate and the settling of the far Southwest, by Marc Simmons. Children of MARIA PEREZ-DE-ONATE-CORTEZ and VICENTE DE SALDIVAR-ONATE-MENDOZA are: i. NICOLAS7 DE SALDIVAR-Y-ONATE, b. Panuco, Zacatecas, Mexico. Notes for NICOLAS DE SALDIVAR-Y-ONATE: Source:The Last Conquistador, Juan de Onate and the settling of the far Southwest, by Marc Simmons. ii. ANA DE ONATE. iii. ISABEL DE ONATE. iv. JUAN DE SALDIVAR-Y-ONATE.     Endnotes 1. Portraits of Basques in the New World, edited by Richard W. Etulain and Heronima Echeverria..

 

ORANGE COUNTY, CA

400 attend funeral services for Alfred Aguirre   Abrazar Free Tax Filing   Anaheim dedicates Yorbas' star   Mexican American Calendar images inspire pride   Chicano Art and South Exhibition

400 attend funeral services for Alfred Aguirre Placentia's first Hispanic council member,  a World War II vet, fought for desegregation in city schools. By ERIC NEFF and HEATHER McREA The Orange County Register, January 15, 2008 Photo by NICK KOON
	PLACENTIA – About 400 people attended Tuesday's services for a Placentia patriarch. Alfred Aguirre – a city native, community leader and World War II veteran – died of renal failure Jan. 9 at 87. At St. Joseph's Catholic Church here, one of the eulogies was by Aguirre's son Frederick, an O.C. Superior Court judge.“The legacy that he leaves can be summed up in three words: devotion, dedication and patriotism," Frederick Aguirre said of his dad.  Born in Placentia in 1920, Alfred Aguirre saw the community's growth from a small town amid orange groves to a modern city. As a teen he scrambled up and down ladders picking Valencia oranges. His future wife, Julia, worked in the packing houses. They married in 1944 before he left with the Army for Okinawa, Japan. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor in the Battle of Okinawa. In 1946, he learned that the Placentia Unified School Board grouped Hispanic students in certain schools, saying it didn't want the children to lose confidence when they couldn't keep up with white children. Aguirre said he had no problem keeping up with whites in the military, and he was sure the students would do just fine. “I said, ‘It's about time we let the school board know we are not happy about it,'” Aguirre said in a 2004 interview. “We were born here; we are Americans.”   More returning Hispanic veterans were saying the same thing, and they banded together to create the Veterans and Citizens of Placentia. For months, the group pleaded with trustees to let their children join in classrooms with white students, even threatening a lawsuit. Aguirre's seven children benefited from the group's successful lobbying. “We never would have been able to pursue studies in law, architecture, psychology and teaching had we not been able to go through the Placentia public school system in an integrated setting,” Frederick Aguirre said in his eulogy. In 1958, Alfred Aguirre became the first Hispanic elected to Placentia's City Council – the second Hispanic elected to any city council in Orange County. He also helped with the formation of the city's library and was active with the American Legion. After the services, Aguirre was buried at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the California LULAC Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 797, Stanton, 90680.
Timeline 1919: Aguirre family moves to Placentia. 1920: Alfred Aguirre is born. 1934: Aguirre drops out of school because of his father's death. 1941: Begins work at Vultee aircraft company. 1943: Joins the military. 1944: Marries his wife, Julia; leaves for Okinawa. 1945: Sent to a convalescent hospital for shell shock; begins a lifelong career in masonry work. 1958 to 1962: Serves as Placentia city councilman. 1946: Builds his home on what is now Aguirre Lane; first son Frederick Aguirre born. 1947: Begins his fight to desegregate Placentia schools. 1950: Schools desegregate. 1968 to 1974: Is a member of the library board that helps build the Placentia Library. 1989 to 2001: Serves on American Legion color guard. 2006: Aguirre's wife of 62 years, Julia, dies. Source: Alfred Aguirre

Somber Mood: Rick Aguirre, an Orange County  Supreme Court  Judge, waits  before the service at St. Joseph's  Catholic Church.

 

 

Abrazar Free Tax Filing

Please help us get the word out that people can E-file their taxes for free at Abrazar.  We are hosting four community tax days again this year.  The dates are attached but the 1st one will be February 2nd, 2008 (Saturday) 10:00 am - 4:00 pm We also will have our computer lab available M-F 9:00 - 4:00 pm for those clients that just need the internet connection to do their taxes They can do it from home if they have internet connection through the following link www.icanefile.org?caller=485   Mario A. Ortega   Abrazar - Chief Operating Officer                             7101 Wyoming Street   Westminster, CA 92683 | Work: 714-893-3581x106   Fax:   714-893-4819   Email: m.ortega@abrazarinc.com

 

Anaheim dedicates Yorbas' star Bernardo Yorba once owned huge swaths  of Spanish California.   By ADAM TOWNSEND THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

The Yorba family, who were among the early settlers of Spanish California  and once owned much of the present day Orange County, California,  on January 15th received a Walk of Stars granite star on the  Anaheim City Walk of Stars in front of Disneyland.   Click for more information.   ANAHEIM – The Yorba family, who were among the early settlers of Spanish California and once owned much of the land in present day Orange County, received a star Tuesday on the OC/Anaheim Walk of Stars. The public ceremony on Harbor Boulevard in front of Disneyland's 15-minute parking lot recognized the family's contributions to the county's rich history. The Walk of Stars, meant to honor leaders, entrepreneurs and celebrities who have left their mark on Anaheim and Orange County, was unveiled in November 2006 with Walt Disney's star. Anaheim Mayor Curt Pringle and Anaheim/OC Walk of Stars President Bob Alexander conducted the ceremony. Margaret Yorba and approximately 20 family members were present. The Yorba family is the fourth entity to be honored on the Walk of Stars. Past honorees are Disney, Carl and Margaret Karcher, founder of the Carl's Jr. Restaurant chain, and Henry and Susan Samueli, owners of the Anaheim Ducks. The 3-by-3-foot polished granite stars are embedded in sidewalks of the resort district and will eventually extend down Harbor Boulevard and Katella Avenue. The star cost $15,000, which the city voted 4-1 Jan. 8 to pay for.

Mexican American Calendar images inspire pride

Calendar illustrates county's Latino roots. By ANDREW BOWEN The Orange County Register    January 21, 2008   Mexican American history in Orange County has a new place on your refrigerator. The Orange County Mexican American Historical Society released its annual calendar for 2008, titled "Images of Orange County, California." The organization's goal is to collect, preserve and share historical information on the Mexican American presence in Orange County. The first calendar came about in 2005 as a collection of family photos belonging to the society's board and membership, most of whose families have lived in Orange County for several generations. "(The calendar) preserves the history and the stories of each of the communities we venture into," said Harvey Reyes, president of the OCMAHS board. A number of members came forward when the calendar was printed in September to say they have relatives or friends in the some of photos, said Marty Grajeda, who worked on the calendar, and described being a board member as a second job. "I could sense the pride they felt in seeing the photos of their families and knowing they were long-time residents of Orange County and a part of its history," he said. According to Grajeda, some areas of Mexican American history in Orange County are relatively well-documented, in part because of Mission San Juan Capistrano. But he said there hasn't been a major effort to collect information from around the 1860s up to the present day. Each of the calendar's months presents a theme important to the Mexican American community, like the Catholic Church or fraternal organizations, called mutualistas. Sociedad Mexicana Recreativa Mutualista. Members paid monthly dues to ensure a burial for them and their families.             September shows a class photo from John C. Freemont Elementary School in Santa Ana. The 1930s photo was taken when many Orange County's schools were segregated. Grajeda pointed out that some of the children in the photo aren't wearing shoes, which, he said, shows the value they placed on education. Although the Mexican American population in Orange County has grown significantly in recent years, the community's history has deep roots in the area. "We've been around for a while, and we've been an intricate part of the development of this county," said Reyes, who said he has had family in Orange County as far back as 1905. Grajeda said it is up to citizens interested in their own history to keep the past alive. "If we don't do our job to collect as much of it as we can, it may be lost forever," he said. To order a calendar: Visit the OCMAHS Web site at www.ocmahs.orgor call 714-697-4544. Cost:$10

TRAINING, VOLUNTEER, OUTREACH AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The Cesar Chavez Foundation Workshop, February 19   The Cesar Chavez Foundation has approached Volunteer Center Orange County with an opportunity to have a free workshop and training session on the life of Cesar, with Cesar Chavez Day on March 31, the Foundation has some wonderful lessons and resources that they will provide free to classroom and after school program educators.  Included in this workshop will be ways to make teaching about Cesar Chavez a service-learning project. The Foundation will provide this free workshop on February 19.  The program would take place from 4:30 – 6:30 PM.  If you would like to attend this workshop, you will need to go on our website www.volunteercenter.org and register.  Just go to the “Training” link on our website. That will take you to a page with a tab that says “Course Calendar.”  Go to the date, February 19th and you will see the workshop listed. Just click on the workshop and follow the directions to register. Space is limited so sign up soon. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Bette Weinberg - Director, Community Programs Volunteer Center Orange County - www.volunteercenter.org 1901 E. 4th Street, Suite 100; Santa Ana, CA 92705 714*953-5757 ext. 135 - bweinberg@volunteercenter.org  Sent by Ricardo Valverde

Chicano Art and South Exhibition

Cheech Marin book signing on January 26th  launched the Chicano Art and Soul Exhibition the second exhibit mounted at the newest Art Museum in Southern California, The MUZEO.   Chicano Art and Soul is three exhibitions in one.  Interactive Art for the next generation! ·  Jump behind the wheel and take the hydraulic '57 Chevy for a spin ·  Hop on the floor for some salsa dancing lessons ·  Be your own DJ and spin songs on the jukebox ·  Get your hands on remote-controlled classic cars ·  Marvel at short independent films by renowned artists, including Culture Clash, Guillermo Gómez-Peña, Lourdes Portillo and Gustavo Vazquez ·  Get up-close with a colorful and diverse collection of Chicano items and icons that have significantly ·  influenced American customs, food, fashion, music, language, religion and sports   ·  And more hands-on fun to keep your family entertained!   A new model for urban cultural centers, the MUZEO will feature a unique variety of changing exhibitions, special events, lecture, classes and weekend festivals.  The 25,000 square foot complex encompasses Anaheim's original Carnegie Library (built im 1908) and a new state-of-the-art gallery space which has been seamlessly integrated into an urban setting, intimately surrounded by two connecting court yards, apartment loft living and street-level retail outlets. 241 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 714-956-8936 Sent by Ruben Alvarez, stayconnected2004@yahoo.com

LOS ANGELES, CA

President Signs Los Angeles H.R. 2764 Bill

President Bush signed H.R. 2764 into law, which bars commercial development on the large West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs campus in Brentwood and Westwood. VA officials have been trying to open portions of the property to commercial development for several years, and White House officials estimated that doing so could have generated as much as $4 billion in revenue. However, those who opposed the commercial development said it went against the original intent of donors who gave the property to the VA in the 1800s for veterans' services. (Week of January 07, 2008) Visit the Legislative Center on Military.com for more information on issues and legislation. Sent by rudysgt@verizon.net

CALIFORNIA

The Dream – a Remembrance by Robin Collins            Obituary of Rosamond E. Griffith The WAVE Virtual Surname Wall Database

 

The Dream – a Remembrance                 Heritage Discovery Center       Robin Collins

I am hoping to preserve a unique window of time nearly lost for humanity to recognize. Many often refer to it, as the ‘golden’ period in our western history and civilization. However, true as that is, it has yet to see the remembrance that it so greatly deserves. So much of this rich colonial cultural heritage has vanished, and many of the fragments that do remain are obscure or misunderstood. To re-claim this history for everyone to appreciate is to fill a dark hole of time with beauty, majesty, perseverance, and the reality of change. Francisco at La Purisima Mission   I have been graced with custodianship of a noble and honored survivor of this period...a remnant of the original Spanish horse. This fundamental priceless thread of our cultural past still exists and has enriched my life in a way unsurpassed by anything except the birth of my Son. With time these Spanish horses have led me to view history from an exceptional place from the heart, spirit and soul of our World. They arrived with the peoples of an unequaled period of history and this glimpse of a golden moment of world history still remains with their presence.                      HDC On Location – Portola and Father Serra Documentary Since being given the responsibility of their precious lives, these horses have gifted me with an awareness of who they are and where they are from and empowered me with a desire to become more knowledgeable about my own heritage. That is why I am giving back to them by trying to conserve the quickly fading segments of their history, re-create their distinguished past and tell of the stories of the peoples they served and the lives they changed by founding the Heritage Discovery Center (a 501(c) 3, non-profit since 1992). Through the years I have found that this is a task that I cannot achieve alone. Until now the project has been limited to our site at Rancho Del Sueno, the equine division of the Heritage Discovery Center. However, through time and dedication, we now have the opportunity for ‘Living History Museums’ in two historical locations in California. Lompoc/La Purisima Mission in Santa Barbara for our early Colonial Center and Pacheco Pass near Monterey for our Californios Ranching Center. So, as I enter my 18th year of personal dedication to these horses and to our colonial history I am reaching out to you, the people of this treasured historical heritage to assist in the conservation of these time honored icons of our past and to help me preserve and re-create an opportunity where this western Colonial history comes again to life from which everyone can share and learn. I reach out to you not for blind donations, instead I invite you to become personally involved in the very heart of this mission. Information on our opportunities CHUMASH DOCENT WITH FRANCISCO AT LA PURISIMA La Purisima Mission and State Park – In beautiful historic Santa Barbara County, Purisima Mission State Historic Park represents our exploration, colonization and mission period of California. It was the eleventh mission of the twenty-one Spanish Missions established in what became California. Franciscan Padre Presidente Fermin Francisco Lasuen founded Mission La Purisima Concepcion de Maria Santisima on December 8, 1787. It also aids in representing the influential Chumash culture, who’s home was the Central Coast. This impressive interpretive center would be a significant advantage to be associated with because with their mission experience in conjunction with our Heritage Discovery Center it would create a complete revival of a time long ago. Pacheco Pass – Pacheco Pass is one of the few easy passages between the coast and the great central valley. It serves as a convenient route for people of the San Joaquin valley, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz and southern Santa Clara regions. It also serves as the home for the Central Valley Yokuts tribe. This pass was a favorite haunt for the infamous Joaquin Murieta and played a huge role in the Butterfield Transcontinental Stage Line and was part of the first Overland Mail Route.                                                  Pastoral View of Pacheco Park Pacheco State Park is the last remaining portion of the Mexican land grant.  His his son Juan was granted the property and built the first house in Merced County on this land in 1843. At the time of Francisco Pacheco’s passing, he was the richest ranchero of Monterey County and his land grants included more acreage than any other individual in the state. The land remained in the Pacheco family through five generations until Paula Fatjo, the great-great granddaughter of Francisco Pacheco, donated the land in 1992 to be a park for future generations who share her love of animals, horse back riding, history, and unspoiled land. This land has been a horse and a cattle ranch since 1843. Because of the spirit behind her donation, I believe that this would be a perfect partnership with our Ranchero Period Center to ensure that her intentions for this property would be fulfilled. What you can do to get involved You can visit our website, www.heritagediscoverycenter.com and become a member. There are two different types of membership, donor and sponsor. As a donor member you will be supporting the development of the Heritage Discovery Center, ‘Living History Museum’ Projects and of course, our horses. Upon donation to any of these categories you will receive a letter with explanations of what your donation has done for the Heritage Discovery Center.  Mustano – Inspiration of the dream……… As a sponsor member you will be able to view a list of pictures and descriptions of all of our horses and choose from a vast selection of foals, juveniles, mares, stallions and our select performance horses to sponsor. Upon sponsorship you will receive a certificate, photo and a monthly update on your sponsored horse as long as your sponsorship is sustained. All donations are tax-deductible. It is with my deepest gratitude that I acknowledge the time you have taken to even, just for this moment, share my dream and the dreams of these horses along with the many lives they have enhanced. As you read these words, I invite you to join us and live the dream …                                                  Libre – an ambassador from the past to the future… Contributions are needed to preserve this rare and unique herd of horses. Just imagine – if on this site of  80,000 readers alone, each subscriber donated just $1.00 to the dream.  Just Imagine………  CONTACT: Robin Collins Heritage Discovery Center, Inc. 40222 Millstream Lane, Madera, CA 93636  559.868.8681 - Telephone 559-868-8682 - Fax hdcinc@netptc.net www.heritagediscoverycenter.com

 

Obituary of Rosamond E. Griffith
	Obituary of Rosamond E. Griffith, Descendant of Early California and New England lines, died 17th of January 2008 in San Pedro, California.       Rosamond Essa Giffin a 4th great-granddaughter of Lieutenant Jose Francisco de Ortega and Maria Antonia Victoria Carrillo, the first commander of El Real de Santa Barbara, Alta California on 21 April 1782, and commander of the Royal Presidio of San Diego.        Rosamond Essa Griffith, was born on June 8, 1928, in Santa Barbara, grew-up in Southern California,  married a James Ashley Smith III, in January 1949, San Pedro, 3rd marriage to a Stacy W. Griffith in 1965, Las Vegas, who was assigned to the 306th Bomber Group, England in 1944, who earned 21 medals in WWII, with 3 purple hearts.  She died on January 17, 2008, at the Little Company of Mary Hospital in San Pedro of Cancer with complications.       Rosamond Essa Griffith (nee Giffin), was mother of three, with her first daughter, Vivian Essa Green, who preceded her of Cancer in October 1966.  Survived by her son, Robert E. Smith, of Wilmington, a past President of the Los Pobladores 200, a Member of the House of Stewart, The Los Californianos, The Vietnam Veterans of America, The Winthrop Society of Boston, and the Los Soldados de Cuera de Santa Barbara.  Her youngest daughter, Danelle Ellen Delgado (nee Smith) of Wilmington and son-in-law, Antonio Vasquez Delgado.  Three granddaughters, Rosemary A. Delgado, Selena C. Delgado and Amber M. Delgado, two great-grandsons, Arturo Bonales and Joseph Delgado.  And two other grandchildren by Robert E. Smith, Susan K. Smith and Michael E. Smith, both of San Francisco.  She loved her cats and was kind to all animals, loved people, and many other things in life.       Rosamond E. Griffith was a member of the Los Pobladores 200, an Association of the Spanish Founders of Los Angeles in 1781, a noted Artist of Oil, Pastels & water colors, vice-President of the San Pedro Art Association in 1977, and the Carson Art Association, Carson, she taught at the Boys & Girls Club in San Pedro. A descendant of the founders of  Royal Presidio and Mission of San Diego, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Mission San Buenaventura (Ventura), Mission San Luis Obispo, that the families were rich in land in Alta California, under the Spanish Empire, were related to most of the earliest Spanish in California and many of the earliest founders of New England in the 1600's.  She was very proud of her ancestry, had wished that she had been raised with her knowledge of her families past, but always enjoyed what she found out in her later years.  She also enjoyed traveling, painting pictures of the various missions, of the many different aspects of nature, and was known as a great artist by many of her friends and associates.        Rosamond Essa Giffin a 4th great-granddaughter of Lieutenant Jose Francisco de Ortega and Maria Antonia Victoria Carrillo, the first commander of El Real de Santa Barbara, Alta California on 21 April 1782, and commander of the Royal Presidio of San Diego.  A 4th great-granddaughter of Luis Manuel Quintero (of mixed ancestry dating back to Spain in the 1400's, of Spanish, Moorish and native Indian background-Colonial Spain) and Maria Petra Rubio of El Pueblo de Los Angeles on 4 September 1781.  A 3rd great-granddaugher of Midshipman George Stewart of the H.M.S. Bounty and Princess Margaret (Pegue/Peggy) of Tahiti, and of their only child, Maria Antonia de la Ascension Stewart of Tahiti, who married Jose Antonio Secundino de Olivera of Santa Barbara in 1817. With her ancestry including some of the Kings and Queens of England, Ireland, Scotland, Normandy - France, Russia, Prussia.  Kings Robert de Bruce of Scotland; James Stewart IV of Scotland and Princess Margaret Tudor of England; Robert de Brecc of Scotland; William the Conqueror of Normandy; Alfonso VIII, King of Castile, Raimund Berenger III, King John Plantagenet of England (brother of King Richard III, "the Lion Hearted"), and signer of the Magna Carta of England in the 1200's.        She was also a 9th Cousin, once removed from Queen Elizabeth Windsor II of England and 10th Cousin, once removed from King Juan Carlos III of Spain, and another ancestor included: Donnall MacAlpin II, King of Alba (Scotland in the 800's), and Gilbert Burns, the brother of Sir Robert Burns, the Poet of Scotland.  She also a direct descendant of Edward Breck of Dorchester, Massachusetts, one of the early families of Boston in the early 1630's, of Thomas Oliver of England who settled in Boston in the 1630's, of several New Englander families who fought in the American Revolutionary War on three sides, American, British and Spanish.  Was eligible to join the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Native Daughters of the Golden West and the First Families of America.       In addition, one of her ancestors was known as "El Cid" of Castile, Spain, Maria Antonia de la Asencion Stewart (Stuard) was the only Tahitian Native Born, buried at the Santa Barbara Mission/Old Spanish Cemetery in 1871.  Her family owned what became part of President Ronald Reagan's Ranch in Santa Barbara, the original ranch which became a part of the US Air Forces Missile Range, Vandenburg Air Force Base in San Luis Obispo.  Some of her surnames were: Tudor, Stewart, Alfonsez, Rodriguez, Carrillo, de Ortega, de Brecc, Breck, Edmondstoune, Kerr, Kennedy, Normandy, Plantagenet, de Olivera, Oliver, Quintero, Rubio, Lopez, Hanover, Wetten, and many others of early European ancestry.  Cousins included 26 presidents of the United States of America, many of the early families of America, Colonial Spain, and Europe dating back to about 286 AD. Robert E. Smith, Past President of the Los Pobladores 200 and Editor of the El Mensaje, Newsletter. Rsmith1022@aol.com Rosamond Margaret Breck and Elroy Purl Giffin in 1916
The WAVE Awards Ceremony
	The following article is in the News section of the Palomino Productions website: www.palominopro.com Going to southern California to receive the WAVE Finalist award for "Weaving with Spanish Threads."   by Jaime Cader On October 26, 2007 I traveled from the San Francisco Bay Area to Ventura , California to attend the WAVE Awards ceremony.  WAVE is the acronym for Western Access Video Excellence and it works with public access television programs covering a region from Arizona to Hawaii.   Palomino Productions' documentary "Weaving with Spanish Threads" was a finalist in the Documentary Profile/ Community Producer category.  It did not win the final prize in this classification, however it was an honor to be a finalist in this competition where 300 films had been enterred.  Prior the announcement of the winner, the title and the producer's name of Weaving With Spanish Threads was shown on a large screen along with those of the other films this in category. [There were only three finalists. ED] Before the presentation of the awards, there was a reception with appetizers and live musicians.  I was able to meet the producer of one of the other films in "Weaving's" category.   Subject of Weaving with Spanish Threads is Spanish immigration to Hawaii and to California in the early 1900s.  I first became interested in this subject after a coworker of mine, Pilar Lopez, first told me about this immigration back around the mid 1980s.  I finally approached Palomino Productions' Eve Ma about working on this and I arranged for setting up the interviews.  The Spanish-American community has shown us their appreciation for having produced this documentary.
Virtual Surname Wall Database
	We are very pleased to announce the roll-out of the searchable Virtual Surname Wall database, sponsored by the Southern California Genealogical Society. Although it took a little longer than we anticipated or wished, entries from over a thousand genealogists from around the world are now searchable by family name, by geographic region, and by each participant's Submitter ID.  Access the Virtual Surname Wall at www.SCGSGenealogy.com. To see if any of your surnames are listed: 1.  Click on the link to "Search the Virtual Surname Wall." 2.  Search by surname, location, or Submitter ID or any combination of the three. It is a "begins with" search. For example, if you search for the last name Mill, it will return the names beginning with the letters Mill. (i.e.. Millan, Millard, Miller). 3.  Be sure to read the search tips that are listed on the search page. If you haven't yet added your names to the database, or if you want to add more: 1.  Have your family information available for reference. 2.  Click on the link to "Add Your Surnames" 3.  Enter the following information for each surname you are reporting:     Surnames (including spelling variations).     Geographic area in which they lived, or the migration path.         List your geographic information in order by city, county,         state and country. To avoid confusion, please do not use         two-letter state abbreviations.     Time Frame.  Use abbreviations (approx., or abt., or ca.) to indicate         approximate time frames. 4.  Submit as many names as you want. Each entry screen will accept up to 10 surnames but you can enter multiple screens. If you get a message that the survey has already been completed, just click "Take the survey again" and continue adding names. You do not need to limit your entries to California. As entries are added to the database, the Virtual Surname Wall will become an even more valuable resource for family historians and genealogy researchers.  Check back often to see if you find a match. Your participation in the Virtual Surname Wall project is completely voluntary. Your contact information is not displayed online. You have the option of asking SCGS to serve as intermediary, or authorizing SCGS to release your contact information in the event that we receive an inquiry regarding a possible family connection. Please feel free to forward this email to your cousins, friends, fellow genealogists or others who would be interested in the Virtual Surname Wall project. Genealogy and historical societies are welcome to post this announcement in newsletters or journals.  Reprint permission is granted but please include contact information (phinkel@scgsgenealogy.com). We thank you for your contributions to the Virtual Surname Wall. Here's to making lots of connections! Paula Hinkel Southern California Genealogical Society P.S. - and while you're at the website, check out the program for the 2008 Genealogy Jamboree, which will be held June 27-29 in Burbank, California! Visit the California-Spanish website at http://www.sfgenealogy.com/spanish/

NORTHWEST UNITED STATES

Carving marks first European (Hispanic) expedition in Utah   Yakima County, Washington

Carving marks first European (Hispanic) expedition in Utah  The words left behind by the Dominguez-Escalante party have been marred by vandals By Mark Havnes The Salt Lake Tribune Article Last Updated: 01/22/2008 03:45:56 AM MST GLEN CANYON NATIONAL RECREATION AREA - The Dominguez-Escalante expedition left its mark on maps, in history books and, it appears, on a sandstone wall near Lake Powell .     The simple Spanish inscription "Pasa Por Aqui" - meaning "pass by here" - followed by the year "1776" can be found in soft stone near the Crossing of the Fathers on the Utah-Arizona state line.     Jim Page, leader of a grafitti-mitigation group that found the carving, said the style of the letters and scientific analyses, along with journals kept by the Catholic priest Silvestre Velez de Escalante, make it 98 percent certain that someone in the small band of early explorers chiseled the unsigned message.     If so, it represents the only physical evidence of the first European exploration of Utah .     "The diary pinpoints them being in the area Nov. 6 or 7," Page said. "They were impacted by a storm system on their way back to Santa Fe and were on the verge of starvation. My supposition is that one of them, not knowing if they were going to survive the journey or if Escalante's documents would perish with them, went into the alcove and left the carving."     The expedition, led by the priest Francisco Atanasio Dominguez, left the Spanish settlement in Santa Fe , N.M. , on July 29, 1776, in search of a new overland route to a mission in Monterey , Calif.     After the group made its way north through Colorado , it turned west into Utah , crossing the Green River near present-day Jensen in Uintah County . The small band of 10 ventured as far as today's Utah County before heading into southwestern Utah . Along the way its numbers grew to 11 or 12 members, including American Indian guides.     Near Lund , in Iron County , the snow began to fly and the members cast lots on whether to return to Santa Fe or continue hunting for a route to Monterey .     They decided to return to New Mexico , arriving back in Santa Fe on Jan. 2, 1777.     Page - who heads the Graffiti Removal and Intervention Team, which removes illegal carvings in the sandstone around Lake Powell - says two female GRIT volunteers found the inscription in September 2006.     Although showing severe wear after two centuries of sun, wind and rain, the "1776" mark's style captured their attention. Since then, the inscription has been authenticated through study of its cursive style and measurement of the amount of lead from the atmosphere deposited on the carving.     The inscription near Padre Bay is in a slot canyon that today stands as a virtual gallery of modern, illegal graffiti, including a scrawling scratched over the Dominguez-Escalante writing that reads "Rob and Kathi 1994" chiseled in the outline of a heart.     "It's a terrible thing," Page said. "I don't think people understand the damage they have done."     The graffiti over the inscription cannot be removed, but GRIT plans to rub out nearby carvings that include the names of rock bands, other lovebirds, even an image that looks like a beer can.     Despite all the illegal graffiti, the famous Dominguez-Escalante carving still can be detected. Kevin Schneider, a spokesman for the National Park Service, said 3 million people a year visit the park and until recently no one had recognized the significance of the inscription.     "It's a priceless piece of history," he said, "and should be protected."     To that end, Schneider said the inscription is in the process of being nominated for the National Register of Historic Places.     Even so, Schneider said that to protect the historical inscription from further vandalism, it is doubtful its precise location will be made public.     Craig Fuller, a historian with the Utah State Historical Society, said this marking is the only physical evidence remaining of the party's passing through the area.     Fuller said the steps carved into a cliff at the Crossing of the Fathers - described in Escalante's journal as allowing the party to reach the Colorado River - have been documented, but have since been covered by the lake.     He said the extensive testing of the recently discovered chiseled text leaves little doubt of its authenticity.     "It's been verified," he said. "It's not a hoax."     mhavnes@sltrib.com Joseph I. Bentley

Yakima County, Washington
	I thought I'd share this web site with you to share with families that may have lived in Yakima County WA. There are many Latino WWII veterans names listed. Rafael Ojeda     http://www.rootsweb.com/~wayakima/cemetery/grandview/blk5.txt

SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES

Latino Legends of Leadership Honored in New Mexico Spanish Night Watch El alcalde de Zalamea  Land Grants & Lawsuits in Northern New Mexico California Mission Studies Association Conference The Jesus Otero Family of Arizona  Horse Thieves Caught

 

AT&T honors  Latino Legends of Leadership in New Mexico

” in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Pictured l-r are Richard J. Bela, Mari-Luci Jaramillo, Ed Romero and Henry J. Casso, who were honored at a reception held Saturday, January 26, 2008, prior to the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce’s Noche Encantada Dinner & Gala.  Also recognized, but unable to attend, were New Mexico Chief Justice Edward L. Chavez and Dr. Vicente Ximenes. The recognition of these nationally-recognized “legends” is part of AT&T’s community outreach initiatives, which emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion in promoting sustainable business and community development.

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, January 28, 2008 — AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) hosted a reception for community leaders and VIPs in honor of New Mexico’s nationally-renowned Latino Legends of Leadership Saturday, January 26 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The recognition of these “legends” is part of AT&T’s community outreach initiatives, which emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion in promoting sustainable business and community development. The goal of the Latino Legends of Leadership event was to focus attention on the historic efforts and contributions by individuals whose community service activities have helped to establish economic, educational and political opportunities for Latinos throughout New Mexico and the USA. The honorees included: Richard J. Bela, community and economic development advocate; Dr. Henry J. Casso, educator, community organizer, mentor; New Mexico Chief Justice Edward L. Chavez, jurist, educator, public servant; Dr. Mari-Luci Jaramillo, educator, administrator and former Ambassador to Honduras; Dr. Ed Romero, community advocate, entrepreneur and former Ambassador to Spain and Andorra; and Dr. Vicente Ximenes, decorated veteran, public servant, co-founder of the American GI Forum. (Bios available.)   “We’re honored to pay tribute to some of Albuquerque’s most respected leaders, which is just one of the many ways in which we support the Hispano community in New Mexico and beyond,” said Jeff McElfresh, vice president and general Manager for wireless services, AT&T. “These individuals are truly “Latino Legends of Leadership” – not only in this city and the state of New Mexico, but also throughout our nation.  We’re proud to organize this event as part of our continuing efforts to contribute to the continuing progress and development of the nation’s Latino community.”   AT&T has been widely recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion.  In 2006, AT&T ranked No. 1 among DiversityBusiness.com’s “Top Organizations for Multicultural Business Opportunities.”  Hispanic Business magazine has listed AT&T as one of the top corporations for U.S. Latinos every year since 1989. DiversityInc ranked AT&T No. 3 among its 2007 “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” based on the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in both the workplace and marketplace.   © 2007 AT&T Knowledge Ventures. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Knowledge Ventures. For more information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.    For more information and detailed disclaimer information, please review this announcement in the AT&T newsroom at http://www.att.com/newsroom.     Estrada Communications Group, Inc. Tel: 512-335-7776 / E-mail: maria@estradausa.com

Spanish Night Watch When: Saturday, Feb 2, 2008 Evening activities begin just after dark. Where: Downtown Tucson at the corner of Church & Washington in the recreated Presidio      Join the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Garrison for Spanish Night Watch!     The Tucson Presidio will come alive at night on Saturday, February 2nd. The Tucson Presidio Trust for Historic Preservation will host an evening of living history in the recreated Spanish fort in downtown Tucson .     The soldiers will lead a candle-light parade around the perimeter of the original fort and perform a flag lowering and a changing of the guard ceremony complete with musket volleys. Other activities will include drill demonstrations and daily skills used by the residents of the old Presidio.    The flash and thunder of cannon and musket fire will light the night sky!   http://tucsonpresidiotrust.org Contact: Richard Collins 520-760-8350    The Presidio was established in 1776, the year of the American Declaration of Independence, and served both Spain and Mexico in defense of the frontier until 1856. The City of Tucson has rebuilt the northeast corner of the formidable Spanish fort as part of the downtown revitalization.    This activity is sponsored by the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation and the Tucson Presidio Trust for Historic Preservation. Sent by Monica Smith  Tortelita@aol.com Upcoming Events ebruary 2, 2008, Living History at the Presidio. SPANISH NIGHT WATCH. The Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Garrison and La Gente bring the Presidio alive in the evening. Night time firing demonstrations, a candle light procession around the perimeter, and more! Bring your old time lantern. Special Hours: 5pm-9pm. Location: Tucson Presidio. SW corner, Church and Washington. Parking is free on nearby streets after 5pm.  February 9, 2008 Living History at the Presidio-Today's Feature: Spinning and Weaving and Textiles.  Join Spanish Colonial period women and learn about spinning with hand spindles and spinning wheels.  Women of the Territorial period will be practicing their weaving. Hours: 10am-3pm. Location: Tucson Presidio. SW corner, Church & Washington. Parking is free on nearby streets on the weekends.  Saturdays through April. February 16, 2008 Living History at the Presidio-Today's Feature: Baking and Cooking at the Presidio.  We’ll fire up the adobe horno (outdoor oven) and try our hand at baking a variety of types of bread.  We’ll also be making handmade tortillas on the comal (outdoor stove).  Hours: 10am-3pm. Location: Tucson Presidio. SW corner, Church & Washington. Parking is free on nearby streets on the weekends.  Saturdays through April. February 20, 2007, Trust Board Meeting. 5:30pm Location: Tucson Presidio. SW corner, Church & Washington. Parking is free after 5pm. February 23, 2008 Living History at the Presidio-Today's Feature: Food and Medicine in the Presidio.  Demonstrations of food and traditional medicines from the Spanish Colonial period as well as soap making. Hours: 10am-3pm. Location: Tucson Presidio. SW corner, Church & Washington. Parking is free on nearby streets on the weekends.  Saturdays through April. March 1, 2008, Living History at the Presidio-Today's Feature: Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Garrison. A chance to watch Spanish Colonial period soldiers practicing drilling and demonstrating a variety of military activities. Special Hours: 9am-3pm. Location: Tucson Presidio. SW corner, Church & Washington. Parking is free on nearby streets on the weekends.  Saturdays through April. March 8, 2008, Living History at the Presidio-Today's Feature: Baking and Cooking at the Presidio. We’ll fire up the adobe horno (outdoor oven) and try our hand at baking a variety of types of bread.  We’ll also be making handmade tortillas on the comal (outdoor stove).  Hours: 10am-3pm. Location: Tucson Presidio. SW corner, Church & Washington. Parking is free on nearby streets on the weekends.  Saturdays through April. March 15, 2008 Living History at the Presidio-Today's Feature: Spinning and Weaving and Textiles.  Join Spanish Colonial period women and learn about spinning with hand spindles and spinning wheels.  Women of the Territorial period will be practicing their weaving. Hours: 10am-3pm. Location: Tucson Presidio. SW corner, Church & Washington. Parking is free on nearby streets on the weekends.  Saturdays through April.

El alcalde de Zalamea

El alcalde de Zalamea (originalmente El garrote más bien dado), una de las obras fundamentales de Pedro Calderón de la Barca y del teatro clásico español, será presentado el próximo 2 de marzo, 2008, (ARTS 111, 7 p.m.), por la compañía de teatro 2RC de las Islas Canarias, España.  Compuesta por el gran dramaturgo en los últimos años de la década de 1630, la obra se centra en temas tan atemporales y universales como son el poder, la política, las relaciones familiares y el honor del individuo.  Esta importante compañía de teatro, 2RC, ha deleitado ya con sus sólidas y conseguidas interpretaciones a públicos de toda España.  Ahora se disponen a emprender una gira por EE.UU. y México, haciendo su debut ¡en San Marcos!  (Para más información, entradas, etc., contacte a la Profesora D. Strother, 760. 750-4160, strother@csusm.edu).   LA LECTURA ASISTIDA de la obra, en inglés o en español,  estará a cargo de un profesor especialista de CSUSM, el Dr. Francisco Martín (España).  TODOS son bienvenidos (estudiantes, administradores, profesores, y público en general).  Las cuatro sesiones de lectura bilingüe son GRATUITAS.  (Para más información, reservas, etc., contacte a la Profesora D. Strother, 760.750-4160, strother@csusm.edu).   Sent by Maria Angeles O’Donnell Olson   spainhcsd@cox.net

LAND GRANTS & LAWSUITS IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO

Malcolm Ebright draws on his wide experience as a historian and attorney to examine the history of New Mexico's land grants from their antecedents in Spain and Mexico down to present-day land and water lawsuits. Ebright narrates specific cases involving fraud, forgery, and injustice, as well as courageous acts by land grant communities. Land Grants & Lawsuits in Northern New Mexico presents a comprehensive and clear account of clashing legal systems. Complete text online. Introduction, Conclusion, Index, Bibliography and Glossary. From the unkept promises of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo to the legal machinations of Santa Fe Ring attorneys, Ebright documents a pattern of land loss and inequities that remain major issues in current lawsuits. Through his examination of the role of custom in Hispanic law, the unique history of Northern New Mexico, and the failure of the United States courts to recognize common land ownership, Ebright helps general readers understand the complex problems facing northern New Mexico's traditional communities. He discusses the San Joaquin, Embudo, Las Trampas, Las Vegas, Ramon Vigil, and Jacona grants, among others, and relates them to the background of New Mexico history. "Essential for anyone wishing to understand the historical and legal strata underlying land and water disputes still raging today across the landscape of northern New Mexico. This book is scholarship at its best, which is to say that justice is served at last." -- Stanley Crawford, author of Mayordomo. 380 pages. UNM Press, 1994.

The California Mission Studies Association

California Mission Studies Association Conference  February 15-16, 2008  Tumacacori Mission and the Esplendor Resort, Rio Rico  The California Mission Studies Association will hold it's annual meeting in  southern Arizona and northern Sonora from February 15-18, 2008.  This will  be an exceptional meeting - as it is only the third time in the  association's history that the meeting has been held outside of California. The conference hotel, the luxurious Esplendor Resort, is only a ten minute drive from Tumacacori Mission, where a reception will be held on Friday evening, featuring a concert of 17th and 18th century Spanish Colonial music performed by the Camerata Tucson.  On Saturday, the conference program will feature a roundtable discussion of  comparative mission systems in California, Sonora, Nuevo Mexico, and Texas. A second presentation will describe the exhibition of the Arts of Colonial  Northern New Spain, curated by Clara Bargellini and Michael Komanecky,  opening in September 2008.  The Saturday program will include a picnic lunch in Tumacacori's recently recreated orchard and garden. While lunching,  participants will hear about archaeological excavations in the orchard rea,  tree and plant selection for the recreation, the search for historic  rootstocks in northern Mexico and southern Arizona, and comparative  gardening and farming strategies in Sonora and California.  Several exciting field trips are scheduled.  On Friday, early arrivals in  Tucson will be treated to a tour of San Xavier Mission and its recent  restoration, guided by the architects and architectural historians who  conducted the remarkable restoration.  Participants in the tour will then  travel north a few miles along the Santa Cruz River for an insiders' view of archaeological excavations and reconstruction of the Mission San Agustin  and its garden, near downtown Tucson. Archeologists and historians who excavated the cultural remains and contributed to the reconstruction design  will discuss the site's 4000-year agricultural history.  On Sunday and Monday following the conference, the Southwestern Mission  Research Center (SMRC) is offering a special Kino Mission Tour for conference participants. The tour bus will leave the hotel Sunday morning  and return Monday evening. Guided by anthropologists and architectural  historians, the tour will visit missions originally founded by Eusebio Kino,  but more fully developed by the Franciscan order.  On Sunday the group will  visit the missions at San Ignacio, Magdalena de Kino, Pitiquito, and  Caborca, where the head of the local Patronato will provide a detailed  discussion of the recent restorations. Sunday's luncheon served in the home of San Ignacio's long-time sacristana.  Sunday evening, the group will be treated to a margarita party and carne asada around the swimming pool at the Hotel El Camino in Caborca.   On Monday, the tour will visit Oquitoa, til, and Tubatama, where there will be a picnic lunch on the banks of the  cottonwood-lined river below the Tubutama Mission. Birders, be sure to bring your binoculars!  On Tuesday, a second optional tour will be held. Diehards are invited to  meet at the Arizona State Museum for a behind-the scene view of museum  exhibits, followed by a day-trip to the Tohono O'odham Nation's beautiful  new cultural center and museum in Topawa, Arizona, with its breathtaking view of the sacred Baboquivari Peak.  Please note: Passports are now required for travel to Mexico.  A more detailed schedule of events, complete with maps, directions,  information about room reservations, special rental car rates, and tour  prices can be viewed on the CMSA website at www.ca-missions.org  http://www.ca-missions.org.     Attached is the registration form and other information for the CMSA conference at Tumacacori. Please note the program is not completely finalized as yet - it's till in its draft form.    Diana Hadley, Local Arrangements Chair  Director, Office of Ethnohistorical Research  Arizona State Museum  University of Arizona  P.O. Box 210026  Tucson, AZ 85721-0026  520 621-6279   Fax 621-2976  hadleyd@email.arizona.edu  www.statemuseum.arizona.edu Sent by Monica Smith

 

The Jesus Otero Family of Arizona

As given to James M. Barney in an interview with Arthur M. Otero. "My father, Jesus Otero, came to Phoenix from California about the year, 1872, and soon after bought the property on the northwest corner of Washington Street and First Avenue. Here he built a block of adobe houses; with his own residence—a building of a story and a half—standing a little north of Washington Street and facing First Avenue. My brother, Joe, was the first of the family to be born in Phoenix, in the year 1873; I was the next one born here and then followed a sister. The other children were all born in California. My father conducted meat markets at various locations in town and at one time had a meat market about where Kress and Co. are now located. He also had a ranch to the southwest of town where his slaughter house was maintained. This ranch now belongs to Maricopa County and the County Hospital has been built upon the land. My father also had a cattle ranch in the Four Peaks country and owned it at the time of his death." (From the Carl Hayden collection – ASU Library)
THE ARIZONA REPUBLICAN.   PHOENIX, ARIZONA SATURDAY MORNING, JUNE 27, 1896 VOL. VII NO. 84   HORSE THIEVES CAUGHT   The Mad Exploits of Two Lads _____ How They Stole Stock from Otero’s Ranch ____ Captured in Tonto Basin by the Man They Had Tied Down _____ Yesterday afternoon a half dozen dust- covered cowboys rode through Phoenix escorting two prisoners who were placed in the county jail, charged with grand larceny. The men were those who held up the Otero ranch beyond McDowell last Tuesday. They had been unmolested with their plunder for just twenty-four hours when they were surprised by a party of cowboys and captured. Ignacio Uges, an intelligent Mexican, well known in the city, is the hero of the occasion. Uges had been left in charge of the Otero farm and range. Tuesday morning two young men rode up to the house which is but a few feet from the main traveled road into Tonto Basin by way of Reno Pass They dismounted and entered into conversation as travelers on the lonely road often do and stayed the day with Uges. The rancher during the afternoon rode out on a short trip around the range and on his return found the young men still lying about the house. He invited them to take supper with him and prepared the meal. As Uges was concluding his share of the repast, he became aware of a sudden change in the demeanor of his two guests, who had their revolvers leveled upon him before he had any idea of any hostile intentions on their part. Uges is no fool and so threw up his hands. The two then bound his arms behind him. The younger fellow suggested that his legs be also bound, but the elder thought him safely enough secured. Then the place was ransacked. Uges was robbed of his revolver and rifle and $22 in cash. The thieves then placed a bucket of water where he could reach it and decamped, taking with them the saddle horse Uges had ridden and ten head of horses that were in the pasture near by. As soon as he was sure the others had gone the cowboy got on his feet and hunted up a butcher knife in the kitchen. By a little contortion he succeeded in cutting the cords that bound him and started on the trail. He found a horse and arms at a ranch a few miles away and soon found that the thieves were taking the regular Tonto Road eastward. Being well acquainted with the region he took a short cut that saved him a dozen miles travel and by morning was in Tonto Basin. Here he secured help, including Bob Schell, Alex Cline and a cowboy from Moore’s ranch. The fugitives were soon located. They had crossed at Reno Gap and were having trouble in driving the horses. The animals had just been turned out, after the conclusion of the roundup. All were in poor condition and many were unshod and sore footed. The pursuers rode around their quarry and established themselves in a clump of sycamore trees, in a small canyon, through which the road passed, not far from Tonto creek. The two thieves came slowly along, urging the tired horses with difficulty and were under the rifles of the four cowboys before they were aware of any danger impending. One of them showed fight, but the situation was hopeless and they surrendered. With them was all the stolen property and money and none of the horses had been dropped. One of the horses was so tired, however, that he had to be left behind on the return trip. Three of the party brought the fellows to Jeff Adam’s ranch, on the lower sunflower, three miles above McDowell. Where they were joined by Deputy Sheriff Billy Moore and by Leopold Otero who had started to join in the chase, but who had occasion only to enlist in the guard of the captured. The evening of their capture the young men were downcast at the non-success of their venture, and sullen, but in the morning upbeat in a degree. They said they were brothers named Hannigan and respectively 20 and 16 and that they were from California though originally from Washington. They would not tell where they had come from to Otero’s but a Mexican friend of young Otero avers he saw the men when they passed McDowell on Tuesday morning. He was riding a gray mare, the other a pinto horse. It seems certain that the lads came from Phoenix but they were not recognized by any who have seen them here. The deed was one of recklessness such as youth could have been guilty. The horses were only an encumbrance to them in their flight and furnished the cowboys with a track that could not be lost. The country into which they ignorantly headed is not one that is sparsely settled and by men who hate a horse thief above all other vermin. It is generally considered that the lads are fortunate in escaping from their scrape alive.
THE ARIZONA REPUBLICAN.   PHOENIX, ARIZONA TUESDAY MORNING, JUNE 30, 1896 VOL. VII NO. 87     THE OTERO HORSE THIEVES   They will Now Await The Pleasure of the Grand Jury   The Hannigan lads, who stole the Otero’s horses, were examined yesterday before Justice J_________ and were held over for the grand jury with bail set at $730 each. Not having bondsmen they went to jail. From the story told by the lads themselves, their escapade is shown to have been one of the most foolish imaginable. During the twenty-five hours that elapsed between the start from Otero’s ranch and their capture they had traveled about 70 miles and every foot of the way had been over well traveled roads, past dozens of habitations and through a country where everyman instinctively looks at the brand of every passing animal, the Otero’s being known to many. The lads did not know the country through which they were traveling, so departed in no place from the wagon road. Though there were dozens of places where the initiated horsemen of the region were want to make short cuts saving miles of distance. The way was by Reno Pass then southward along the regular mail road of Gila county, along Tonto Creek to Salt river.The days travel ended at Pinto creek, about 30 miles from Globe, and where one of the lads had worked a year ago. Camp was made at an old round-up corral, a short distance from the road. The horses were penned and the lads lay down behind the stockade to sleep. They heard the noise of an approaching party, and looking through the stockade they saw a Tonto Basin cowboy, Alexis Cline, leading a party of cowboys, among whom was recognized, Uges the cowboy they had tied down at Otero’s the night before. To say that they were surprised at the appearance of Uges on the scene would be to put it mildly and they were captured without a shot being fired. "We could have killed the whole of them ," said the elder horsethief, "for they came riding up without knowing where we were and we had them covered with our sixshooters." "Why didn’t you stop them?" was asked. "Well we didn’t want to kill anybody" But why didn’t you get the drop on them, hold them up and take their horses and arms?" "By gosh", was the regretful reply, "we never thought of that."
GERALDO ORTIZ FAMILY   First Generation   1. Geraldo Ortiz Cortés del Rey. Geraldo married Nicolasa Corella. They had the following children: i.Agustín Ortiz died 9 Jan 1817 .   Second Generation  2. Agustín Ortiz (Geraldo) died 9 Jan 1817 in Tucson, Pima Co., AZ and was buried 10 Jan 1817 in Tubac, Santa Cruz Co., AZ. Agustín deeded land filed for land grant 10 Oct 1812 in Arivaca Ranch, Pima Co., AZ. Agustín married Maria Reyes de la Peña estimated 1789. They had the following children:  i. Tomás Ortiz was christened 27 Aug 1790 .             ii. Ignacio Ortiz was born about 1792.   Third Generation  3. Tomás Ortiz (Agustín Ortiz, Geraldo) was born in Mexico and was christened 27 Aug 1790 in Arzipe Parish. Tomás deeded land granted land 15 Dec 1821 in La Canoa Ranch, Pima Co., AZ. He deeded land title issued 2 Jul 1833 in Arivaca Ranch, Pima Co., AZ. He signed a will 1876. Tomás married Josefa Clemente Elías Gonzáles, daughter of Ignacio Elías Gonzáles and Maria Soledad Grijalva, on 25 Feb 1821 . They had the following children:  i. Maria Rosa Anacleta Ortiz " Rosa " was born 1822.  ii. Jesús María Ortiz.Jesús married Encarnación Comadurán, daughter of Capt. Antonio Comadurán and Ana María Ramírez. Encarnación died 1902 in Tucson , Pima Co., AZ and was buried 1902 in Holy Hope Cemetery, Tucson , Pima Co. , AZ. iii. María Carmen Esquipulas Ortiz was christened 1845 in Tucson , Pima Co., AZ.   4. Ignacio Ortiz (Agustín Ortiz, Geraldo) was born about 1792 in Tucson , Pima Co., AZ. Ignacio deeded land granted land 15 Dec 1821 in La Canoa Ranch, Pima Co., AZ. He was counted in a census1 1830 in Tubac, Santa Cruz Co. , AZ. He deeded land title granted 2 Jul 1833 in Arivaca Ranch, Pima Co., AZ. He deeded land sold to Samuel P. Heintzelman 26 Dec 1856 in Arivaca Ranch, Pima Co., AZ. Ignacio married Francisca Villanueva. They had the following children: i. Anna Joaquina Ortiz "Annie"2 was born3,4, 5 Nov 1840 in Tubutama , Sonora , Mexico and was christened 17 Dec 1840 in Tubutama , Sonora , Mexico . She died6 23 May 1927 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA from Cerebral Hemorrhage and was buried7 in Calvary Cemetery, East Los Angeles, CA. Annie was counted in a census8,9 1860 in Tucson, Pima Co., AZ. She was counted in a census10 1862 in Agua Frio , Santa Cruz Co. , AZ. She was counted in a census111866 in Agua Frio, Santa Cruz Co., AZ. She was counted in a census12 1867 in Tubac, Santa Cruz Co. , AZ. She was counted in a census13 1870 in Warner's Rancho Dist., San Diego Co., CA. She was counted in a census14 1880 in Agua Caliente, San Diego , California . She was counted in a census15 1900 in 312 Adams St , Phoenix , Maricopa Co. , AZ. She resided15 about 1900 in Globe, Gila Co., AZ. She resided16 about 1901 in Albuquerque, Bernalillo Co., NM. Annie married17 Joseph Trotter Yancey18,19, son of Tryon Milton Yancey and Louisa Ann Flournoy, on 3 Sep 1859 in Tubac, AZ. Joseph was born20,21,22,23,24,25,26 Oct 1823 in Pulaski, Giles Co., TN. He died27 3 Sep 1904 in National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, Sawtelle, Los Angeles, CA and was buried28,29 in Plot 10 G-1, National Cemetery, Los Angeles, CA. Joseph emigrated30 about 1828 from Pulaski, TN to Holly Springs, Marshall Co., MS. He served in the military31 Sgt., Taylor 's Co. , 1st MS Volunteers 15 Jun 1846 - 24 Nov 1846 in Vicksburg , MS to Mexico . He was employed mounted policeman  1850 in Los Angeles , CA . He emigrated Oct 1854 from Los Angeles to Sonoita, Santa Cruz Co., AZ. He deeded land32 160 acres adjoining Tubac on the south 12 Apr 1858 in Tubac, Santa Cruz Co., AZ. He had incident: "Indians took eleven mules from Mr. Yancy, at Tubac, and being pursued, lanced three mules." 3 Mar1859 in Tubac, Santa Cruz Co., AZ. He had incident: "On the night of the 5th inst.,two pack animals were taken from Mr. Yancy, at Tubac, by Apaches, and two days after retaken from the Apaches by the Papagues. Within the past twenty months Mr.Yancy has had over a hundred mules stolen by Indians." 10 Mar 1859 in Tubac, Santa Cruz Co., AZ. He deeded land33 sold 6 acres 4 May 1859 in Tubac, Santa Cruz Co., AZ. He had incident: "On the afternoon of Thursday, the 29th ult. [Sep.29th] the Arivaca Ranch, the property of the Sonora Exploring and Mining Company, was visited by and band of Apaches. ... Mr. Yancey of Tubac, lost a valuable mule..." 6 Oct 1859 in Arivaca Ranch, Santa Cruz Co., AZ. He was counted in a census34 1860 in Tucson , Pima Co., AZ. He was employed35 Trader,$2500 personal estate 3 Aug 1860 in Tucson , Pima Co., AZ. He was counted in acensus36 1862 in Agua Frio , Santa Cruz Co. , AZ. He was counted in a census37 1864in Tucson, Pima Co., AZ. He was counted in a census38 1866 in Agua Frio , Santa Cruz Co. , AZ. He was counted in a census39 1867 in Sacaton, Pinal Co. , AZ. He was counted in a census13 1870 in Warner's Rancho Dist., San Diego Co., CA. He was counted in a census40 1880 in Agua Caliente Twp., San Diego Co., CA. He wasemployed40 teamster 1880 in Agua Caliente Twp., San Diego Co., CA. He was counted in a census41 Jun 1900 in Vanderbilt Twp., San Bernardino Co., CA.
	Global Search Results Name                               Spouse                      Marriage Date          Marriage Location      Efren Gonzales               Aurora Otero            30 Sep 1889 Phoenix, Maricopa Co., Arizona                     Secundrico Hamada       Trinidad Otero          29 Nov 1875              Ustacia Leon                  Abundio Otero          28 Apr 1897              Isaac Orosco                   Rafaela Otero           19 Nov 1881 Phoenix, Maricopa Co., Arizona                     Abundio Otero                Ustacia Leon              28 Apr 1897              Athilito Otero                 Mark Stephens          2 May 1892               Aurora Otero                  Efren Gonzales         30 Sep 1889 Phoenix, Maricopa Co., Arizona                     Belen Otero                     Manuel Sasueta        19 Jan 1892               Isabel Otero                                     Gabriel Peralta 25 Dec 1886                 Rafaela Otero                 Isaac Orosco             19 Nov 1881 Phoenix, Maricopa Co., Arizona                     Rosando Otero                Senida??? Romero    15 May 1888             Tucson, Pima Co., Idaho                     Rosario Otero                 Lenora Romero         15 May 1888             Tucson, Pima Co., Idaho                     Trinidad Otero                Secundrico Hamada 29 Nov 1875              Gabriel Peralta               Isabel Otero              25 Dec 1886              Lenora Romero              Rosario Otero           15 May 1888             Tucson, Pima Co., Idaho                     Senida??? Romero         Rosando Otero          15 May 1888             Tucson, Pima Co., Idaho                     Manuel Sasueta              Belen Otero              19 Jan 1892               Mark Stephens               Athilito Otero           2 May 1892

 

African-American

Are Mexicans "Great Race" Indians? First Black President in North America was in Mexico, 173 years ago

 

ARE MEXICANS "GREAT RACE" INDIANS?

The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal in San Francisco decided Westminster School District et al v. Mendez et al on April 14, 1947.  The Legislative Counsel of the State of California, in a May 19, 1947, response to a query by Assemblyman Glenn M. Anderson, explained that the opinion of the court was NOT consistent with Anderson's pending legislation (AB 1375) that would repeal California law authorizing segregated schooling of children of  Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian or Indian parentage:: The said decision quite definitely upholds such segregation, since they are members of "the great races" referred to by the court. Are all four (i.e., Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian, Indian) identified as "great race" children subject to then California school segregation law (Education Code 8003 and 8004)? What constituted a "great race" of mankind at the time this legal reasoning was being applied?  On what basis was such determination made? For example, are not the Uto-Aztecan peoples part of one of the "great races" of mankind? To examine this question, consider the case of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau aka "Pompey," who was three-quarters  Shoshonean.  His mother, Sacagawea, guided the Lewis and Clark Expedition from the Missouri River to the mouth of the Columbia River  with this boy infant in a cradleboard on her back. When Sacagawea died a few years after returning from the Pacific, "Pompey" became a ward of William Clark.  At the age of 18, he came to the notice of  German Prince Wilhelm of Wurttenberg, who was enjoying recreational shooting during an amateur scientific expedition in the American Far West. (2) The Prince took him home to Germany for six years, where the young Shoshonean picked up French and German.  He returned to make a living as a trapper.  At the time of the Mexican-American War, he guided the Mormon Battalion from New Mexico to San Diego.  He served a disillusioning year as "Alcalde" (Indian labor boss) at the Mission San Luis Rey. (Indians there spoke a Shoshonean dialect, and he seems to have been bothered by their mistreatment).  He tried his luck in California gold fields and eventually set out for gold strikes in Montana. He died in 1866, at  61,  where the bleak, high desert of the Great Basin  reaches into eastern Oregon. According to the HANDBOOK OF THE INDIANS OF CALIFORNIA, A. L. Kroeber, 995 pp., 1976, Dover Publications, New York, The Shoshonean stock is easily the largest in California in present day numbers as well as in territory. .  . It stretches in a solid belt from the Northeastern corner nearly to the Southwestern. . .actually this group is part of a larger one. . .the Uto-Aztekan family.  This mass of allied tribes, which extends from Panama to Idaho and Montana is one the great fundamental families of aboriginal America, important in the origins of civilization, politically predominant at the times of discovery, and numerically the strongest on the continent today. . .It was the ancestors of the Mexican Nahua and the California Shoshonean some thousands of years ago who were associated. . .(pp 574-575) Now examine the demography of Mexico since the time of Cortez and the Spanish Conquest.  It is important to remember that few Spanish women came to "New Spain."  Its society was and is composed of three ethnic groups: Euromestizos: Those of Spanish-Indian mixture, with European (Spanish) ethnic and cultural characteristics predominating.  Such persons in the early colony were often considered  Spanish or later as Criollo. (3) Indomestizos: persons of a Spanish-Indian mixture, with Indian ethnic and cultural characteristics predominating.  They formed the bulk of those termed  Mestizos. Afromestizos: Persons of mixed bloods of which a black strain was evident.  If Spanish-black, the designation was mulatto.  If black-Indian, the designation was  zambo. THE COURSE OF MEXICAN AMERICAN HISTORY by  Michael C. Meyer and William L. Sherman, Oxford University Press, 1991,  718 pp. pp. 203-204 Today, in strictly ethnic terms, 90 percent of Mexicans are mestizos. DISTANT NEIGHBORS, A Portrait of the Mexicans, by Alan Riding, 1985, Alfred Knopf, New York , 385 pp. Page 3. Jean Baptiste Charbonneau ("Pompey") was three-quarters Shoshonean. Plessy (of Plessy v. Ferguson) the separate-but-equal Supreme Court segregation ruling applied for more than half a century was one-eighth "colored" and had so to identify himself to the train conductor in order to get himself arrested for this test case. Benito Juarez, who was elected to four terms as President of Mexico, was Zapotec Indian. Profirio Diaz, who followed Juarez for more than 30 Years either as President or controlling a stand-in presidernt, was mestizo.  Only a small minority of Mexicans are without  some Uto-Aztecan or Maya ancestry. There was slight foreign born population in Mexico Megacity (i.e., Mexico City and its surrounding urbanization in the State of Mexico), with a mean of 0.3 percent.  This is much higher than the mean percent foreign born in Mexico (as a whole).  By comparison, foreign born in the United States in the decade 1981-1990 was 8.0 percent.  The percent foreign born in the U.S. urban states in 1990 was even higher with 16 percent of residents of New York and 22 percent of California residents foreign born.    Page 124, MEXICO MEGACITY, James B. Pick and Edgar W. Butler, Westtview Press, Boulder, Colorado, 2000, 411pp. (4) The foregoing suggests that Euromestizo and Indomestizo components have long constituted an overwhelming majority in the Mexican population in Mexico and the United States. None of this is of any relevance, legal or otherwise, today.  However, in the first half  of the Twentieth Century during which Plessy v. Ferguson typified and was a leading legal precedent for racial segregation in all its forms, racial ancestry was cited for all sorts of discriminatory institutions and practices. For more than a quarter of a century, the California Education Code (Sections 8003 and 8004) authorized local school districts the option of operating segregated schools to which children of Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian or Indian ancestry would be required to attend.   In "Westminster et al v. Mendez et al" on which the Ninth Circuit U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal in San Francisco ruled April 14, 1947, there appeared problematic recourse to Education Code Sections 8003 and 8004.  The court did not condemn this school segregation law but used it in its argument by claiming it did not apply to school children of Mexican descent because they were not of any of the "great races of mankind" specified therein. Fortuitously, after an attempt to repeal this school segregation law had been allowed to die in the State Senate two years earlier, another bill to accomplish this had already unanimously passed the California Assembly before the Appeal Court decision was handed down.  Thereafter, the repeal was unanimously approved by the State Senate and signed by the Governor. The Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeal issued a "corrected" opinion on July 1, 1947. which lined out reference to the Education Code segregation provisions and noted their pending repeal (90 days after passage).  This did nothing for the logic of the court's reasoning.  Galal Kernahan                                                              Galal@Kernahan.org

First Black President in North America was in Mexico, 173 years ago

It was during their war for independence from Spain when a warrior emerged, a black Indian named Vicente Guerrero. In his first battle, he was commissioned a captain. As the independence war raged on, many of the leading revolutionaries were either killed or captured. Guerrero fought on, leading some 2,000 men into the Sierra Madre mountains to continue the fight. By 1821, the Mexicans were prevailing over the Spanish, and Guerrero was hailed as an incorruptible independence fighter. In 1829 he became president of Mexico, and as scholar William Loren Katz writes in his 1986 book, "Black Indians": "He began a program of far-reaching reforms, abolishing the death penalty and starting construction of schools and libraries for the poor. He ended slavery in Mexico. Yet, because of his skin color, lack of education and country manner, he was held in contempt by the upper classes in Mexico City." This president, who had, according to U.S. historian M.H. Bancroft, "a gentleness and magnetism that inspired love among his adherents," was still "a triple-blooded outsider." Black historian J.A. Rogers summarized Guerrero's striking accomplishments by calling him "the George Washington and Abraham Lincoln of Mexico" (page 48). Guerrero, who in his youth was an illiterate mule driver, once bitten by the bug of Mexican independence, rose to the highest office in the land. He learned to read when he was about 40 and helped craft the Mexican Constitution, of which he wrote the following provision: "All inhabitants whether white, African or Indian, are qualified to hold office." He wrote this in 1824, over 30 years before the U.S. Supreme Court's infamous Dred Scott decision, which announced, emphatically, that "a black man has no rights that a white man is bound to respect," and that Black people weren't, and could never be, citizens of the United States. Abstract: San Francisco Bay View, Commentary, by Mumia Abu-Jamal, Posted: Jan 11, 2008    Sent by Dr. Carlos Munoz,

INDIGENOUS

Celebrando El Centenario de Torreon, Coah.1907-2007 Seguimos Slaves of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico,  Featuring slave Antonio de la Trinidad Andres Descendents of Don de Berrio y Berrio Viscount of Santa Ana y an Miguel El Proyecto Digital Regeneración de la Dirección de Estudios Históricos Descendents of Don Jose Tiburcio Diaz  Descendents of Captain Miguel Flores de Valdez  Photos of Old Chihuahua

Climate Change affected the Pre-Columbian peoples of the Andes

The NuestraFamiliaUnida.com podcast has put up new audio on "Climate Change in History," The audio is specifically about how Climate Change affected the Maya and the Pre-Columbian peoples of the Andes. Have a listen at: http://nuestrafamiliaunida.com/podcast/Climate.html Contact info: NFU@JosephPuentes.com; http://NuestraFamiliaUnida.com; or short messages can be left at: 206-339-4134 Joseph Puentes http://h2opodcast.com (Environment Podcast) http://h2opodcast.blogspot.com/ (Blog for above) http://PleaseListenToYourMom.com (Women's Peace Podcast) http://NuestraFamiliaUnida.com (Latin American History Podcast) http://NuestrosRanchos.com (Jalsco, Zacatecas, and Aguascalientes Genealogy)

American West No More, Lakota Nation Releases National Map
	January 2008 Abstract: The  American West No More, Lakota Nation Releases National Map Lakota Natural Land-Base Divides 5 U.S. State Boundaries "As long as the grass grows, and the rivers flow, this land will always be yours." Lakota - Lakota Oyate, a continuing effort of the Lakota Freedom Delegation, released a map of national boundaries which will force state and Federal government in five states to begin the process of planning their governmental initiatives without tens of thousands of acres of land. Meanwhile, the Lakota people begin the process of recovering their natural land-base without U.S. government interference. Protection of sacred sites and confrontation with exploitative government and private enterprises that have been removing or polluting Lakota lands comes to the forefront. The map, which can be found at http://www.lakotaoyate.com/ provides an initial glimpse into a free and independent Lakota. "The free Lakota nation is regaining the original natural territory of its unceeded land," said Lakota Freedom Delegate Canupa Gluha Mani (Duane Martin Sr.). "The white man promised that as long as the grass grows and the rivers flow this land will always be yours[the Lakota].This promise still lives within the heart of the Lakota Nation." The northern and western boundaries of Lakota run along the Yellowstone and Big Horn rivers in North Dakota and Montana. The southern boundaries run along the North Platte and Platte rivers in Wyoming and Nebraska, while the eastern boundary of Lakota shares the bank of the Missouri River. Canupa Gluha Mani added, "The He Sapa will never be for sale, its just returning to its natural owners, the Lakota Independent Nation." Lakota Oyate emerges from the work of the Lakota Freedom Delegation and continues to ensure the voice of the oyate - the Elders, children and all people - are respected and heard in the rebirth of the Lakota Nation. For more information, please visit our new website at www.lakotaoyate.net . Media Contacts: Naomi Archer, Communications Phone: (828) 230-1404 | Email: lakotafree@gmail.com   http://www.lakotaoyate.net
Tribe members come from across nation to reunify in Robstown
	Tribe members come from across nation to reunify in Robstown By Mike Baird (Contact) Sunday, January 6, 2008 http://caller.com/news/2008/jan/06/apache-reunion/ ROBSTOWN — If you thought the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas was extinct, it's not. About 200 tribal members from Texas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Alaska and New Jersey gathered Saturday in Robstown. At the homecoming, the largest gathering of Lipan Apache in South Texas since 1873, they logged into the tribe's roll book and declared themselves a unified nation. Organizers also announced their hope that Nueces County would be home to the tribe's new corporate headquarters. "It's no different than red wolf or black bear coming back to Texas," said Bernard Barcena, 46, the tribe's general council chairman. "Despite being a conquered people believed extinct, our ancestral connection to this land was before the government was formed. And our young warriors are giving their blood in Iraq, so we're here and we're happy to be back." The tribe's aim is to unify the nation to focus on health, education and social services, said tribal administrator Bill Larew, 51. The tribe aspires to acquire land to develop a cultural center, religious facility and social services office, but hasn't set a timeline. On Saturday, fancy dancers in full regalia came from neighboring states and tribes to share their heritage. Eddie Two-Clouds, 57, a Lipan from Choctaw, Okla., has danced for half a century. "And I still kick it," the electrician and part-time mechanic said while spreading black face paint across his cheekbone. He's been building the feather-flocked bustle of his stars-and-stripes regalia for decades, he said. Two-Clouds had a vision of embracing a patriotic theme while he served as a Navy corpsman during the Vietnam era, he said. "It reminds me I'll fight for my country until I die," he said. "And my tribal dancing teaches my children to embrace their heritage." Apaches had relatively cordial relations with Anglos when Texas gained its independence, according to "The New Handbook of Texas," compiled by the Texas State Historical Association. Apaches often served as guides for the military. Texans drafted a 1838 treaty with the Lipans, but the alliance dissolved in 1842 when 250 of approximately 400 Lipans left Texas for Mexico, where they joined the Mescaleros on destructive raids across the border for several decades. In 1873, Col. Ranald S. Mackenzie led a force of 400 soldiers into Mexico to destroy the Lipan villages. His army killed or captured nearly all of the surviving Lipans, and they were deported to Mescalero Reservation in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico. "We called it the 'Day of Screams,' " said Barcena, who traveled from San Antonio for Saturday's gathering. "Families disbanded. Many had Spanish last names and they moved to Mexico, while others scattered north. My family never spoke about being Lipan because my great-grandfather was hunted for trying to repatriate the group." The tribe has chosen Nueces County because of its central location for tribal members in the Rio Grande Valley and Central and North Texas. Andy Villarreal, 59, came from Alaska, where he works as a welder. "I was raised in Alice, but just recently found out we're Lipan Apache," he said. "It's good finding my roots." Tom Brown Jr., 57, came from New Jersey to teach tribesman the ancient survival skills he learned in his youth. His best friend's grandfather -- a Lipan Apache -- was 83 when Brown met him at age 7, and he studied with "grandfather" for 11 years, he said. Brown now has written 18 books and teaches law enforcement, border patrol and military personnel the tribe's survival and tracking techniques, including 23 ways of fire-making, stalking and primitive shelter-building at his Tracker School. "Sharing this knowledge with these people is like it's gone full circle," said Brown. "From grandfather to me and back to his people." Contact Mike Baird at 886-3774 or bairdm@caller.com Sent by Viola Rodriguez Sadler  vrsadler@aol.com

SCAM REVEALED - ALGONQUIN NEGOTIATORS CAUGHT “SUCKLING” -  WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES!

MNN.  Jan. 7, 2008.  Eight Mohawks from four communities were invited by Robert “Too Much Mercy” Lovelace, the negotiator for the Ardoc Lake Algonquins, to attend a public meeting in Kingston Ontario .   They were supposedly hammering out a deal between the Ardoc/Sharbot Lake Algonquins , Ontario government and Frontenac Ventures Corporation to “stop” a uranium mining project that may have never been meant to see the light of day.  “See you there”, he said.   The meeting was to start on Sunday, January 6, from 7:00 to 11:00 pm. at the Holiday Inn.   When we arrived in Kingston at 5:30 pm we phoned Randy Cota, Ontario Provincial Police “chief” of the Ardoc Algonquins to get directions.  He phoned their ambulance chaser [lawyer], Chris “The Calf” Reid, who was already at the hotel.  Reid said he would be waiting for us there at 6:45.      Kingston Ontario is on Mohawk land.  The Algonquins havebeen our allies for a long time.  In July 2007 they sent us a wampum requesting our assistance.  According to the Two Row Wampum protocol, we must remain a part of this issue until it is resolved.      We were more than “observers” to this parlay.  We had questions to ask the “mediators” about the uranium mineon the Ottawa and St. Lawrence River valleys and water sheds.  They go right by four of our Mohawk communities – Tyendinaga, Akwesasne, Kanehsatake and Kahnawake.      Frontenac “Henco INCarnate” Ventures Corporation had a permi from Ontario to mine for uranium on Algonquin land. According to Frontenac Ventures power point presentation, their 2007 exploration program is finished.  They need permission to continue.  Frontenac is threatening to start drilling in 20 days.     What we did not know is that it looks like a deal had already been made.   This consultation or mediation or whatever you want to call it was a farce.   It was just a “big show” to make it look like these “sparring partners” were going to fight out an agreement.  It was far from that.   The “Montello” Room in the Holiday Inn was set up by Chris Reid, the Ardoc ambulance chaser.    He set up 12 chairs around a set of tables in a tiny room on the sixth floor.  At 6:00 PM two people working on a documentary showed up with their cameras.    We sat at the table because there was nowhere else to sit. We waited for the mediators to come in and mediate with each other.  One by one they peeked in and took off for the restaurant down the hall.  They broke into three camps - the government “Trainers” sat next to the bar to keep an eye on the two sparring partners who sat next to the buffet. Big Chief Doreen “Wishbone” Davis for Sharbot sat not far from Robert “Too Much Mercy” Lovelace, the chief negotiator for Ardoc.  They whispered, sent notes to each other and spoke constantly to their “handlers” on their cell phones.  While the Indigenous people remained quiet, the government trainers were getting louder.   At 7:30 one of us did the “ohenton kariwatwen”, the traditional opening of the meeting, as it was taking place on Mohawk land.    Three Mohawk scouts decided to go and find out what the encampments in the restaurant were complaining about. The government clique said, “We don’t want cameras in the room”, meaning, “We don’t want Mohawks in the room”. The other two camps didn’t say much.   Chris Reid asked us to move from the table, except for Rarakwiseres, a big man who was sporting a gustowa head dress.  Where will we go?  On the floor? The photographers went out and found a few chairs for the silent observers who were quietly sliding into the room.  About 15 non-natives had come in carrying chairs and sat against the wall like ghosts. We were into a pretty bizarre saga.    A chair was brought in for Robert Lovelace to sit at the corner of the table on Chris Reid’s left, looking like a bad little boy. There were no smiles or friendly greetings for us.  Lovelace then asked Rarakwiseres to speak.  Since the Mohawk elder had already opened the meeting, he stared straight ahead and said nothing.  Is this sounding kind of strange?  What ‘til you hear what followed.    One of our women went to the restaurant and scolded the government people about their rudeness.  She ordered them to come in to the meeting.  Ten minutes later they reluctantly sauntered in, threw their briefcases on the table like a bunch of bratty kids.  [What is “This-is-Our-Table-Not-Yours” stuff? Our meetings are in a circle where everyone is equal and has a voice.]  When we refused to sit on the floor or leave the room, they picked up their briefcases and stomped out in a huff, followed by their ambulance chasers.  Chris Reid accused us of “hijacking and sabotaging his meeting” [inferring we’re terrorists?]   They all disappeared into their fourth floor executive suites [i.e. 427].       The “meat eaters” [or mediators] were Cam “the Grim Reaper” Clark, former deputy minister of Natural Resources department who works for Ontario as a negotiator, particularly on mining disputes; Ron “Napalm” Ferguson and Andrew “Agent Orange” McDonald, Ministry of Northern Development and Mines; Richard Who-Will-Mediate-Anything-So-Long-As-It-Pays” Moore of Ottawa, a lawyer, who likes to say no side owns the land.  The other ambulance chaser, Stevie “No Wonder” Reynolds, sat against the wall.      Robert Lovelace came back and tried to smooth things out.  With a straight face, he said, “ Ontario must save face.  That’s the kind of people we are!”  He promised to look at the concerns our Women Title Holders had presented and to talk with us the next morning.    We showed up the next morning.  We got off the 6th floor elevator. Someone was waiting in the shadows for us.  He might have been a hotel employee.  He whispered that the meeting had secretly  been moved to the exclusive “River Mill Restaurant” in the Kingston Whig Standard newspaper building a few blocks away from the Holiday Inn.  He quickly got on the elevator and  disappeared.  That’s truly what happened!   We jumped into our van and drove over to the River Mill Restaurant.  We found the gang had broken up into two teams and were meeting in two rooms.  One was the “Voracious Sell-Out Sharks” and the other was the “Frontenac Ventures & Government  Parasites”.  Each team had an Indian mascot, Doreen Davis and Robert Lovelace.   It was hard to tell who the Ontario government, Ministry of Natural Resources, Frontenac Ventures, the Indians or the cops were. The ambulance chasers were running back and forth between the two rooms.  There was a score keeper.  When they saw us, “Oh!  S--t!  They found us.  Let’s get the h—l out of here away from these Injuns”.  They snapped their bags shut, jumped up, grabbed their coats and almost stampeded us in their rush to get out the door.    We followed them like groupies, taking pictures and cheering. They huffed and puffed through their gritted teeth.  “Hey, don’t run away and have secret meetings behind closed doors”, we chanted.  “We are the Mohawks and you are on our land”.   They all bounded into taxis and headed back to the safety of their executive suites at the Holiday Inn.    We returned to the Holiday Inn, got off the sixth floor elevator and found two Ontario Provincial Police officers prancing outside the Montello room.  We posted a sign on the door and then left:   “Notice:  Treason and conspiracy prohibited against our Algonquin allies in Kingston which is on Mohawk land, as per the Two Row Wampum Treaty”.   Later the CBC called asking what happened.  The reporter said that the “gang” had gone back into the Montello Room “behind closed doors”.  The plan for the Algonquins could be one of three possibilities.    To begin with, Robert Lovelace gave us the impression that Ontario plans to pull the permit, give Frontenac, the lawyers and mediators some money and then drop the project?             We don’t think so.  The Ministry of Natural Resources will put the unsurrendered Algonquin land into a park-like regime [like Ipperwash].  This will be “co-managed” by Ontario and the Algonquins for a “cut” of any development.  Chris Reid was heard saying to Robert Lovelace, “Next time, we should meet alone with George White of Frontenac Ventures” without a lawyer to make a deal.  Whichever “Algonquins” are going to carry out this deal need some kind of “accreditation” recognized by Ontario .  That must be why Robert Lovelace [a U.S. draft dodger] and Doreen Davis were so disrespectful to us in front of their “handlers”.  Were they scared of having any Mohawks or true Algonquins around who would surely have interfered with their greedy plans for enriching themselves?           The third scenario is called “Suckling Off the Cash Cow”.   This is how it works.  The government gives one of their friends a permit to drill, dam up, dig, mine, blow up, cut down or build houses on unsurrendered Indigenous land.  The Indigenous people resist and set up barricades.  Negotiations start.  The developer sues the Indigenous people for millions.   The government and developer start to negotiate with the compliant members of the Indigenous peoples.  Bingo!  It’s settled.  The developer gets a big gift of tax payers’ dollars from the government, the development is stopped and the Indigenous people are left alone, as poor as mice in an abandoned church.          Whichever way you look at it, none is legal.  They’re all scams of one kind or another on the Algonquins, the Canadian public and the future generations.    The government “negotiators/mediators”, the developers and the lawyers representing the Indians move on and keep on suckling. Tax payers are told that millions of dollars are being spent on the Indigenous peoples and there is not enough money left for health care, schools, roads or infrastructures.  Outsiders like the Mohawks who ask too many questions are painted as dangerous.  Terrorists even!  The government toadies and corporate elite grow fat.  This “blood sucking” scam has got to be stopped.   Kahentinetha Horn MNN Mohawk Nation News    New MNN Books Available Now!    The books below, email us:  Mohawk Warriors Three - The Trial of Lasagna, Noriega, 20/20  $20.00 usd   The On-Going Confusion between The Great Law and The Handsome Lake Code $20.00 usd   The Agonizing Death of "Colonialism" and "Federal Indian Law" in Kaianere'ko:wa/Great Law Territory $20.00 usd   Who's Sorry Now? The good, the bad and the unapologetic Mohawks of Kanehsatake $20.00 usd   Rebuilding the Iroquois Confederacy Karoniaktajeh  $10 usd   Warriors Hand Book Karoniaktajeh $10 usd   Mail checks and money orders to... MNN P.O. Box 991  Kahnawake, QC J0L 1B0   Purchase t-shirts, mugs and more at our CafePress Store http://www.cafepress.com/mohawknews   Subscribe to MNN for breaking news updates http://www.mohawknationnews.com/news/subscription.php   Sign Women Title Holders petition! http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Iroquois   Link to MNN Get the code and banners to link to Mohawk Nation News. http://www.mohawknationnews.com/pg.php?page=promote.html   http://www.mohawknationnews.com/pg.php?page=donate.html   Kahentinetha Horn Kahentinetha2@yahoo.com  Speaking & Contemporary Native Issues Workshops   Katenies  Katenies20@yahoo.com   Stay tuned!  www.mohawknationnews.com

SEPHARDIC

REVISTA DE LA INQUISICIóN

REVISTA DE LA INQUISICIóN  http://www.ucm.es/BUCM/revistasBUC/portal/modulos.php?name=Revistas2&id=RVIN ISSN ELECTRÓNICO 1988-2785 AUTOR/DEPARTAMENTO Instituto de Historia de la Inquisición EDITOR Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad Complutense PERIODICIDAD anual IDIOMA castellano   Estadísticas del último mes No se edita en la actualidad. Pertenece a la colección histórica ÚLTIMO NÚMERO ELECTRÓNICO DE LA REVISTA - Vol. 10 , 2001 - Click to full text: TÍTULO ( CATEGORÍA ) | AUTORES PÁGINA     Cubierta 0 Sumario 6 Notas sobre la carrera del inquisidor general Diego de Espinosa.   (ARTíCULO)   ESCUDERO, José Antonio 7 La censura inquisitorial a propósito de unas proclamas políticas.   (ARTíCULO)   ALEJANDRE, Juan Antonio 17 Controles aduaneros en el siglo XVIII: conflictos entre la justicia regia y la inquisitorial.   (ARTíCULO)   TORQUEMADA, María Jesús 57 Censura inquisitorial y devociones populares en el siglo XVIII   (ARTíCULO)   COLLANTES DE TERAN DE LA HERA, Maria Jose 75 Os Irlandeses e a Inquisição Portuguesa (séculos XVI-XVIII).   (ARTíCULO)   MENDES DRUMOND BRAGA, Isabel M.R. 165 Problemas del Consejo de la Inquisición en el reinado de Felipe II.   (ARTíCULO)   FERNÁNDEZ GIMÉNEZ, Camino 193 Custodios de la ortodoxia: los calificadores de la Inquisición de Lima, 1570-1754.   (ARTíCULO)   GUIBOVICH PÉRES, Pedro 213 Gaspar Isidro de Argüello. Una vida en los archivos del santo oficio.   (ARTíCULO)   PÉREZ FERNÁNDEZ-TURÉGANO, Carlos 231 La sed de creer produce herejía: reflexiones sobre la «leyenda del gran inquisidor» de F.M. Dostoievski.   (ARTíCULO)   SMOTKI, Eugenia 259 Un familiar del Santo Oficio en un puerto vasco durante la primera mitad del siglo XVII. Ochoa de Otañes en su comunidad.   (ARTíCULO)   PÉREZ HERNÁNDEZ, Santiago 283 Netanyahu y la Inquisición   (ARTíCULO)   ESCUDERO, José Antonio 329 Miscelánea Mexicana. 1) Una matrona judía.   (ARTíCULO)   GARCÍA-MOLINA RIQUELME, Antonio 335 Sent by Paul "Skip" Newfield III   skip@thebrasscannon.com

TEXAS

Who Was Clay Davis? 1849 Texas State Historical Assn, 112th Annual Meeting, March 5-8  Southwestern Historical Quarterly  Redefining the Alamo for the 21st Century Archeologists Remains of Tejano Soldiers from Battle of Medina

Who Was Clay Davis? 1849

Norman Rozeff                                           nrozeff@sbcglobal.net  In his Journal recounting his experiences as a Forty-niner, John Woodhouse Audubon notes briefly his encounters with the dark, handsome (Henry) Clay Davis. Who was this gentleman and what was he doing in the sparsely populated Lower Rio Grande Valley in the year ? Davis was a native Kentuckian, son of Theodore A. Davis and Ida Lund. He was undoubtedly named after Kentucky's famed statesman and orator, Henry Clay, said by John F. Kennedy to be one of the five greatest US Senators. Like Kentuckian before him he was adventurous and by the 1840s was in the fairly new Republic of Texas. In December 1842 he was to become involved in the ill-fated Mier Expedition. Out of a party of 261 that crossed into Mexico on an ill-advised retaliatory mission, 30 Texans were killed or wounded in this south-of-the border skirmish before an offer to surrender to Mexican forces was accepted by the Texans. While Mexican losses were 600 killed and 200 wounded, the Texans simply had run out of supplies. Later, in attempting to escape, 176 Texans were captured, and 17 were executed in the infamous Black Bean Episode.  It wasn't until September 16, 1844 that the remaining prisoners were released by Santa Anna. Clay Davis was among them. Some years later Davis was to travel up river to purchase horses, perhaps for military use. Here he came to the Carnestolendas Ranch on the north side of the river about twenty miles south of Roma. The name is taken from a three week pre-Lent Carnival period where it is customary to "leave the meat" in the second weekly period.  Blas Maria de la Garza Falcon, early explorer and colonizer under Jose de Escandon, established the ranch in 1752 and in a legal document of 1755 deposited in Camargo attested to running cattle on it at a location called Carnestolendas Hill. In time the property would come into the hands of a descendent, Francisco Antonio de la Garza Martinez, who was to die in1821. Francisco was to have a son Teodoro de la Garza who would marry Maria Antonia Garza. One of their nine children was Maria Hilaria de la Garza. It was this young lady whom Clay Davis was to marry. Theodoro, grantee of the "El Alazan" tract in Hidalgo County, was to die in October 1843. An historian from Camargo clarifies how the ranch came into Clay's hands.  He relates that "it was a precondition to marriage that allowed Henry to lay claim to the land" and that "He and Hilaria would oversee the vast parcel of land on both sides of the river."  It was however the north side on which Henry and Hilaria would concentrate and manage for many years until his death. The marriage arrangement was not unusual for the period. "The property rights of women during the nineteen century were dependent on their marital status.  Once women married their property rights were governed by English common law, which required that the property women took into marriage, or acquired subsequently, be legally absorbed by their husbands." A marital separation, regardless of who initiated it, would often leave a woman destitute, but property could be reclaimed if widowhood was the case.  This structure began to change with passage of laws in England in 1882.  In the US changes were piecemeal state by state from 1860 in New York.  Southern states were among the last to incorporate women's property rights into their laws. It was during the Mexican American War, 1846-1848, that steamboats began to ply the Rio Grande in order to re-supply military camps as far north as Laredo, when water levels allowed. The area near the ranch took on the name Davis Landing, probably because it was less of a tongue twister than the original name. It was also called Rancho Davis. Activities picked up sharply when, on 10/26/1848, two US Army companies under Bvt. Maj. Joseph H. LaMotte arrived to establish a post.  Davis leased 33 acres along the river to the government.  The military base was initially called The Post at Davis Landing. It was then named Camp Ringgold, in honor of the first US officer killed in the Mexican American War, this being at the Battle of Palo Alto. When Audubon visited there in March 1849 this is how he referred to it. It changed again to Ringgold Barracks, and in 1878 when the Davis heirs sold 350 acres total at the site to the US government it was renamed Fort Ringgold. The establishment of the military base just to the south was to ensure the growth of the nascent community that Davis laid out in 1847. It was eventually to become the county seat of Starr County and be named Rio Grande City. Clay designed the city with broad, straight streets and a courthouse, somewhat resembling those in Austin, and it had a road directly to the river.  A post office was authorized for it in 1849. Assisting him in this work was Captain Forbes N. Britton, a US Military Academy graduate, veteran of the Mexican American War, and responsible for relocating Texas Indian tribes. Britton would go on to a distinguished business and political career centered in Corpus Christi where his house, constructed in 1850, remains the oldest home in the city. In 1850 Britton had resigned from the army. In 1852 with others he formed a company to build a railroad from Corpus Christi to El Paso.  The Texas Western Railroad Company laid no track. In 1857 he joined with Clay Davis, Brownsville founder Charles Stillman and Frederick Belden, the brother of another of its founders (Samuel Belden), and others to establish the Western Artesian Well Co. Britton, then a Texas legislator, introduced a bill granting rights to the company to drill wells along major roads in a vast area from the Nueces River to the Rio Grande, west to Laredo and San Antonio. Ostensibly these would "promote internal improvements."  The bill apparently went nowhere. Clay and Maria were to have six offspring—three daughters and three sons. These were Louisiana, Rosa, Magie N., George W., Theodore A. and Edward Downey. Edward Downey Davis, and his wife Lucilla Pena, were prolific in that they had nine children. Davis descendents continue to live in the Rio Grande City area and Mission.

The Texas State Historical Association 112th Annual Meeting with the Hispanic Heritage of Texas Project March 5-8, 2008

The Texas State Historical Association will hold its 112th Annual Meeting March 5-8, 2008 at the Omni Bayfront Tower Hotel in Corpus Christi. Two meeting registration options are currently available. You can register and pay by credit card online. Or, you can print the mail-in registration form to register and mail your payment. All TSHA members will receive a printed program in the mail before February 1, 2008. You can make your Hotel Reservations now.  http://www.tshaonline.org/about/meeting/upcoming.html For the first time, TSHA will partner with the Hispanic Heritage of Texas Project to offer additional intriguing sessions. The TSHA Program Committee, under the leadership of Chair Light Cummins, has constructed an excellent meeting program with an impressive group of sessions on all aspects of Texas History.  This year, joint sessions with other historical organizations include the Texas Catholic Historical Society, Texas Oral History Association, the Texas Historical Commission, the Texas Baptist Historical Society, the Texas Archeological Society, the Texas Map Society, the Society of Southwest Archivists, and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department . We also have scheduled the Handbook of Texas workshop, the Quarterly and publications workshop, the business meeting, and various committee meetings. In addition, the Webb Society Annual Meeting will take place Friday with chapter reports and the presentation of papers. Throughout the meeting additional opportunities abound. Join in the lively bidding at the Texana Silent Auction, which usually includes numerous rare books, maps, and artifacts. More recent publications by some of the region's leading publishers of history will be for sale throughout the meeting in the exhibit hall. Mark your calendars now for Wednesday, March 5, 2008 as the beginning of the best four days for enjoying Texas history, the silent auction, book displays and author signings, banquets, special speakers and visiting with old and new friends at TSHA Annual Meeting. My term as president of TSHA will be up in March at the Corpus meeting, but I will remain State Historian for another year after that. I intend to use my time to promote ways in which we can do a better job of teaching Mexican American, African American, and Women's history. I will need the support of the historical community to accomplish this, and I will be hosting a reception for attendees of the upcoming TSHA meeting interested in advancing Chicano history in the next curriculum/textbook adoption cycle. I believe that the TSHA is an important vehicle in carrying out this project. However, Beto is right, it has not been as inviting as it might be of minority membership. A few years back Beto Juárez was given charge of the membership committee and charged with trying to boost diversity. It was an indication of the association's growing awareness of the need to catch up with the times. Before I got caught up being president during a year of transition off the U.T. Austin campus, I had intended to use my presidency to promote membership diversity--I still plan to do some of that in the weeks that remain to me, and I will continue to do so from my position as former president. If the TSHA is to be a relevant academic and educational force in the 21st century, and truly reflective of the state's diversity, it must be more inclusive in its membership and activities. The joint meeting with the Hispanic Heritage of Texas Project is a start. Your membership in TSHA would be a big help, as would your attendance at this year's meeting. You can find the relevant information at www.tshaonline.org. Dr. J. F. de la Teja State Historian of Texas and Chairman, Department of History Texas State University-San Marcos 601 University Drive San Marcos, TX 78666 512-245-2142 512-245-3043 (fax)

Southwestern Historical Quarterly
	On 1/14/08, Roberto Calderon <beto@unt.edu> wrote: Nota: Attached in PDF find the text per the citation, Arnoldo De León, "Tejano History Update (Arnoldo De León's Annual Review)," Southwestern Historical Quarterly  111: 2 (October 2007): 214-216.  Let Arnoldo know what you think of his most recent bibliographic update.  The latest copy of the Texas A&M University Press Consortium's catalogue (Spring & Summer 2008) has several additional new and forthcoming titles that may be added to Arnoldo's late fall 2007 exercise.  In any case, ahí les va.  Adelante. Roberto R. Calderón Historia Chicana [Historia] Arnoldo De León, "Tejano History Update (Arnoldo De León's Annual Review)," Southwestern Historical Quarterly 111:2 (October 2007): 214-216. Tejano history research has increasingly led to the study of intergroup politics, as indicated by three newly finished dissertations.  They are John D. Márquez, "Rethinking Black-Brown Relations: Racial Violence and Unexpected Coalitions in Baytown, Texas" (Ph.D. diss., University of California at San Diego, 2004); Rebecca Anne Montes, "Working for American Rights: Black, White, and Mexican American Dockworkers in Texas During the Great Depression" (Ph.D. diss., University of Texas at Austin, 2005); and Brian D. Behnken, "Fighting Their Own Battles: Blacks, Mexican Americans, and the Struggle for Civil Rights in Texas" (Ph.D. diss., University of California, Davis, 2007).  Scholars during the past year or so also added to the more traditional field of political history with works that included Gabriela González, "Two Flags Entwined: Transborder Activists and the Politics of Race, Ethnicity, Class, and Gender in South Texas, 1900-1950" (Ph.D. diss., Stanford University, 2005), and Paul A. Sracic, San Antonio v. Rodríguez and the Pursuit of Equal Education: The Debate over Discrimination and School Funding (Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 2007).  Women in politics received attention in José Ángel Gutiérrez, et al., Chicanas in Charge: Texas Women in the Electoral Arena (Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., 2006). Due notice went to one of South Texas's trailblazing women, the late Irma Rangel of Kingsville.  Vicente N. Arredondo addressed her campaign style in "Too Much Mud in the Mix: The 1988 Rangel v. Alvarez Election," in Journal of South Texas, 19 (Fall 2006), and her career in general was reviewed in Cecilia Aros Hunter, "Irma Rangel: Eduator, Attorney, Legislator, and Friend," South Texas Studies, 17 (2000); and Daniel A. Williams, "A Teacher, a Lawyer, a Legislator: Irma Rangel's Journey to Raise the Bar for Women in the Work Place," in ibid. The field of biography expanded with coverage given to Tejanos of national standing as well as to others of regional significance.  These works included Bill Minutaglio, The President's Counselor: The Rise to Power of Alberto Gonzales (Scranton: HarperCollins Publishers, 2006); Lupe S. Salinas, "Gus García and Thurgood Marshall: Two Legal Giants Fight for Justice," 28 Thurgood Marshal Law Review, 145 (2003); Gloria Duarte, "Josefa Lara Camúñez: Mexican American Businesswoman," Journal of Big Ben Studies , 18 (2006); Douglas Lee Braudaway, "Santos Garza: The Father of San Felipe Schools," Journal of South Texas, 19 (Fall 2006); and Ricardo D. Palacios, Tío Cowboy: Juan Salinas, Rodeo Roper and Horseman (Austin: University of Texas Press, 2007).  Most welcomed in the biography category was the publication of Jerry Thompson's long awaited Cortina: Defending the Mexican Name in Texas (College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 2007). The subject of Tejano identity received careful explication in Neil Foley's edifying "Straddling the Color Line: The Legal Construction of Hispanic Identity in Texas," in Nancy Foner and George M. Frederickson (eds.), Not Just Black and White: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Immigration, Race, and Ethnicity in the United States (New York: Russell Sage Foundation, 2004).   Timothy Matovina published still another work on Tejano religion and identity titled Guadalupe and Her Faithful: Latino Catholics in San Antonio, from Colonial Origins to the Present (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2005).   Tejano religion gained further elaboration in Paul Barton, Hispanic Methodists, Presbyterians, and Baptists in Texas (Austin: University of Texas Press, 2006). Two additions to military history point to the growing appeal of a long neglected area of Tejano involvement.  First, there is the second volume on Mexican Americans in World War II by Maggie Rivas-Rodríguez, et al. (eds.).   Given the title A Legacy Greater Than Words: Stories of U.S. Latinos & Latinas of the WWII Generation (Austin: University of Texas Press, 2006), this work contains numerous interviews with surviving Tejano soldiers.   A most welcomed piece of scholarship on military matters is José A. Ramírez, "To the Line of Fire, Mexican-Texans!: The Tejano Community and World War I" (Ph.D. diss., SMU, 2007), the first full-length investigation of a time period and event woefully understudied. Texas Mexicans in sports is another aspect of history attracting scholars and during the past year it saw expansion with Joel Huerta, Red, Brown, and Blue: A History and Cultural Poetics of High School Football in Mexican America (Texas)," (Ph.D. diss., University of Texas at Austin, 2006); Jorge Iber, "on-field Foes and Racial Misconceptions: The 1961 Donna Redskins and Their Drive to the Texas State Football Championship," in Jorge Iber and Samuel O. Regalado (eds.), Mexican Americans and Sports: A Reader in Athletics and Barrio Life (College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 2007); and Alexander Mendoza, "Beating the Odds: Mexican American Distance Runners in Texas, 1950-1995," in ibid. Adding to the bibliography on Tejanos during the recent past are works on journalism, mainly Rosie Mirabal Garza, El Progreso, 1939-1940: The Work of Rodolfo Zepeda Mirabal and Dora Cervera Mirabal (Corpus Christi: Printer's Unlimited Press, 2004), and Ana Luisa Martínez, "A Mexican Run Amuck: The Portrayal of Gregorio Cortez in the Texas White Press," Journal of South Texas, 20 (Spring 2007).  On urban history, Harold Rich this year published, "A Distinctive Legacy: Settlement Patterns of Fort Worth's Hispanic Community," West Texas Historical Association Yearbook, 82 (2006).  Mary Margaret McAllen Amberson looked at farmworkers' discontent in "'Better to Die on Your Feet, Than Live on Your Knees': United Farm Workers and Strikes in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, 1966-1967," Journal of South Texas, 20 (Spring 2007).
Redefining the Alamo for the 21st Century
	By Eric Moreno ericmoreno@hotmail.com              In 1724, Spanish missionaries began construction of the Misión San Antonio de Valero to serve as the home for Fray Antonio de Olivares and the native Indian converts he was able to bring to the side of the Lord.             For nearly three centuries the mission, which changed its name to the Alamo in honor of the Spanish cavalry unit which was garrisoned there and their hometown of Alamo de Parras in Coahuila, has served as the literal and figurative heart and center of the city of San Antonio.             Because of the battle fought on March 6, 1836, the Alamo has achieved legendary status as a shrine of gallantry and valor and has become a global icon, the source of several motion pictures and the subject of an incalculable number of fiction and non-fiction books.             It is arguably the city of San Antonio’s most identifiable landmark – the face of the city. Now, the Alamo is about to get a facelift, one worth $60 million.     The Capitol Campaign              In May of this year, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas – stewards and caretakers of the Alamo for 100 years – nearly unanimously approved a history-making expansion plan for the Alamo compound. The plan will significantly upgrade the existing buildings and infrastructure in place, but also to greatly add to the compound with a new library, educational facilities, a new auditorium, a television studio and additional curatorial space for the Alamo’s already overflowing historical and cultural collection. “This will be a $60 million effort,” says Craig Stinson, the Marketing and Development Manager for the Alamo. “A good portion of that will go to the construction of the 48,000 square foot library/education center. Another good chunk will go to the preservation of not only the Shrine, but the Long Barracks and other structures on the grounds.” Many of the existing structures on the compound were constructed as part of the Civil Works Administration and date back as far as 1934. Recent figures have shown that the Alamo has hosts over two million visitors a year and the number continues to grow alongside San Antonio’s abundant tourism trade.             In a nutshell, the complex will engulf all of what is present day Alamo Plaza (where the Cenotaph monument currently exists) as well close off a portion Houston St. The current home of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library would be phased out in lieu of the newly constructed building that will be housed on the Crockett St. side of the compound. Funding is also being earmarked to improve the landscaping and signage on the compound.             “Everybody who visits San Antonio comes to the Alamo. It’s just one of the things you have to do,” says Stinson. “So, in terms of economic impact and creating a location that will compliment all of the city’s other cultural institutions, this is going to be a major undertaking.”  What’s Next?            At this point, Daughters and the Alamo are in what is known as the “Silent Phase” of the Campaign. As could be imagined, when it comes to funding in the amount that has been proposed there is a lot of behind the scenes work that has to be done. “I have spent the past year contacting foundations and corporations and select individuals throughout Texas to let them know what our plan is, in other words, our Master Plan,” says DRT Campaign Chairman Erin Gardner Bowman. “Every single person that I have talked to has been supportive of the plan. The Alamo belongs to everyone in Texas and we are confident that everyone will support this campaign.” The estimated timetable at this point is between two to five years before any construction takes place. Before any further steps can be taken, there is the matter of the acquisition of property on Houston St. and its subsequent closing. “It [the expansion] is important for such a significant institution and heritage site to be able to better accomplish their mission,” says Ben Brewer III, President of the Downtown Alliance of San Antonio. “Downtown has grown significantly around this landmark, and their growth would I believe be a positive economic factor for downtown and San Antonio.”             It will be at least five years before San Antonio sees the finished product behind this ambitious plan and it will be up to future generations to decide whether or not its twin missions of education and preservation are successful.             “In the end, the lasting legacy of this campaign will be the creation of an endowment – an additional source of funding that will continue to support our educational and preservation programs,” says Bowman. “Our hope is that this will position us for the next 25 to 50 years. Every single person in the world knows what ‘Remember the Alamo’ means. This is going to be huge for San Antonio and for Texas.” The Daughters of the Republic of Texas are a non-profit organization. Currently 90-92% of the Alamo’s annual operating budget is achieved through revenue generated by the Alamo Gift Shop. Donations can currently be made to: The Daughters of the Republic of Texas P.O. Box 1401| San Antonio, TX 78295-1401 (210) 212-7747  The facts of the new library/education center An Auditorium for 250 people New Exhibit Space Second Floor to House New DRT Library New Texana Bookstore
ARCHEOLOGISTS  SEARCH FOR REMAINS OF TEJANO SOLDERS  FROM BATTLE OF MEDINA
	I wanted to share the article that appeared in our neighborhood  paper on the Battle of Medina.  Since I was not able to scan it, I typed it for you.  Prima Mage   From the Southside Reporter Paper: ARCHEOLOGISTS  SEARCH FOR REMAINS OF TEJANO SOLDERS FROM BATTLE OF MEDINA Special to the Southside Reporter   The Battle of Medina was one of the biggest and bloodiest battles ever fought on Texas soil.  More than a thousand Tejano soldiers sacrificed their lives during the battle on Aug. 18, 1813.  It took place 20 miles south of San Antonio in a sand oak forest region then called "El Encinal de Medina"   To this day, thousands of the Tejno soldiers remain unknown and unrecognized for their sacrifice.  A group of archeologists will search for remains of Tejano soldiers on January 26.   The volunteers for the research will assemble at 8:30 a.m. at the northwest intersection of Interstate 281 South at Loop 1604 at the Shell McDonalds station.  From there we will be led to a private ranch where it has been rumored that artifacts have been discovered identifying this area as the possible location of the Battle of Medina.  Andres Tijerina, a Texas History Professor at Austin Community College and Dan Arellano, author of Tejano Roots" will lead the team.  Amateur and professional historians are invited to participate in the historical events.   It is an isolated location and volunteers are asked to bring their own lunch and water.  Bring your metal detectors and shovels.  "Occurring during a very confused and turbulent period of world history, the Battle of Medina affected the destines of Spain, Mexico, the United States, England and France," According to the Texas State Historical Association.   The battle was between Spanish royalists and defenders of the Republics of Texas.  During the fighting, Spanish troops coming from Laredo ambushed Texas soldiers who had set out from San Antonio in hopes of surprising the Spanish.    The exact whereabouts of the Medina battlefield and the burial sites of some 800 missing Texas soldiers has never been archeologically confirmed.  Forwarded by John Inclan Prima Mage is Margarita Garza married to Arturo Garcia

EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI

New Orleans Convention and Visitor's Bureau Collection of Photos  How a small town in Mexico came to call Indianapolis home

New Orleans Convention and Visitor's Bureau Collection of Photos
	http://www.neworleanscvb.com/phototour/phototour/index.cfm
	Mardi Gras 2006 Misc Images Audubon Park/New Orleans City Park Balconies Bourbon Street Carriages Cemeteries Christmas Holidays Courtyards/Gardens Food and Restaurants General Street Scenes Halloween Homes and Architecture Jazz & Heritage Festival Landmarks Mardi Gras Music Riverfront/Boats/ Skyline/Bridge Shopping and French Market Signs St. Louis  Cathedral/Jackson Square Streetcars	Editor: This is a website rich with  beautiful photos.   You can create and send postcards. Download images. The NOMCVB'S IMAGE USE POLICY allows the use of any of their images for editorial, non-commercial purposes.   Sent by Bill Carmena

How a small town in Mexico came to call Indianapolis home by Michael Snodgrass, Nuvo, Indy's Alternate voice, Nov 28, 2007 Michael Snodgrass, associate professor of Latin American history at IUPUI

The immigrant population in Indianapolis has more than doubled in the past two decades, and not since a wave of German immigrants arrived at the turn of last century has the city faced the task of acknowledging and integrating more foreign residents than it does today.  Russians, Bosnians, Indians and Africans from a variety of countries account for a significant number of the new arrivals, but no single group has changed and challenged the cultural landscape of Indianapolis more than Mexican immigrants who now constitute nearly half of the city's foreign-born population.   And while the influx of this large group of Mexican immigrants is most certainly transforming Indianapolis, their exodus is altering Mexico, too ” particularly rural communities like Tala, a small town deep in Mexico's heartland with very close ties to our own.   Like much of Indiana, Tala is a mixture of farming and the industry related to farming, a place where drivers share the road with a few tractors and a large number of pickup trucks, just as we do. What distinguishes Tala from other Mexican towns, however, is that these pickups frequently feature Indiana license plates.   That's because Tala sends the majority of its emigrants to Indiana. By some estimates, nearly 10,000 former residents of this small Mexican community, or one-sixth of its population, call Indianapolis their second home. Welcome to Tala No region of Mexico is more quintessentially Mexican than the central-western state of Jalisco (hah-LEES-ko). Home to the tourist destinations of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco is also the birthplace of mariachi music, rodeo and tequila, and the people take great pride in the fact that their regional culture is synonymous with national identity ” going so far as to adorn the state™s license plate with the triumphantly succinct motto: Jalisco Is Mexico.   Among Mexicans, Jalisco is more renowned for another export: migrants to the United States. Only the neighboring state of Guanajuato sends more. Spend time in Guadalajara, as I did this year, and mention to your neighbors, a taxi driver or your waiter that youre researching the history of emigration, and nearly all will tell you of family in the States, if not their own years working in Chicago or Los Angeles.   But Jalisco's state capital actually attracts more migrants than it sends north. And if you really want to understand the roots of emigration, and its effects on Mexico, you must head to the countryside. Driving west out of Guadalajara, the gated communities, golf clubs and suburban malls give way to industrial parks and then a rural landscape of reddish clay soil planted with neat rows of blue agave, the spiky-leaved cactus from which tequila is derived. Like much of Jalisco, the climate is arid, and the terrain mountainous. This is ranching country.   But as one turns south off the four-lane highway to Tequila and its distilleries, the road descends quickly into a semitropical valley. In early summer, as the rainy season begins, the landscape is awash in the green hues of young sugar cane, this region's staple. Swaying gently in the afternoon breeze, the cane extends for miles on both sides of the highway. Then, some 25 miles southwest of Guadalajara, the massive smokestacks of a sugar mill punctuate the horizon.   Welcome to Tala, a small town comprised of the schools, churches and businesses that serve the county, also called Tala, of 60,000 residents.   The culture of migration in Tala dates to the 1940s when locals signed up for the Bracero Program (see sidebar) to supplement seasonal farming and millwork. The program matched the region's economy perfectly. Every year around May, young men went north to earn money and returned in time for the six-month sugar harvest.   Seasonal migration became a way of life for the men of Tala, many of whom saved enough to buy land, and grew corn, peanuts and cane. The mill workers used the earnings to build or renovate homes. Old-timers agree that their hard work in America's fields brought a little prosperity and a new outlook to the people of Tala. That example was then passed down to future generations.   Pressures to migrate to America escalated in Tala during the 1990s. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexico opened its market to corn, but the U.S. didn't reciprocate with sugar until 2008. As the price for corn plummeted, many local farmers switched to growing sugar cane. For a time, the town™s two mills were able to sustain the market, but eventually there was a much greater supply then there was demand.   Today, there is only one mill in Tala, and it is the main source of employment for the region. The mill operates with 600 workers and openings are reserved for the sons of current union member employees. This leaves working-age youth with what they perceive as two options: They can move or commute to Guadalajara, where 40 percent of locals earn $10 a day at electronics plants, food processors or Wal-Mart, Mexico's No. l employer, or they can do what their grandfathers and fathers did, and look for work in the U.S. Chasing the American Dream As with any small town, some leave Tala to escape trouble or to seek adventure. But most are guided by the desire to find a better life for themselves or their family, the American Dream.   Growing up, they learn that a dishwasher in America can save enough in five years to build a home in Mexico. They also hear relatives celebrate those features of Indianapolis that attract small-town Hoosiers or transplanted Americans, from its cleanliness to its affordable housing to its tolerance.   Migration from Tala to Indianapolis began as a trickle by pioneers who arrived in the l970s and spent months living in cultural isolation. The earliest pioneers still joke about having to drive to Chicago to find Mexican grocery staples.   Soon, however, immigrants like Javier Amezcua fixed their entrepreneurial sights on the city and began forging an economy based on Mexican goods and services in Indianapolis. If the name Tala rings familiar with Indianapolis residents, perhaps it is because Amezcua is the owner of the city's first authentic Mexican restaurant, El Sol de Tala on East Washington, named for his hometown in Jalisco.   Immigrant Fabian Alonso came to Indy 16 years ago, after a sister opened Don Victor's Taco House on East English Avenue. Not long after, another Tala family, the Aguayos, opened their first store nearby. Soon a community was established on the near Eastside, comprised mostly of families from the same Tala neighborhood, La Calandria.   Everyone knew that in the 1990s Indianapolis started to grow at a much faster pace, which attracted a lot of emigrants,� Alonso recalls. I remember around '92, when I first visited, that wherever you went you saw ˜Now Hiring signs and you could afford to change jobs whenever you wanted. These guys saw that in Indy there were a lot of steady jobs for their relatives. And that's when the massive exodus began, attracted by Indy's charms and the wages they paid back then.�   The allure of the American Dream and the benefits of its wages continue to sustain many Tala families as they endure the hardships associated with dividing a family between two countries ” particularly as the wages earned by family members in Indianapolis are routinely sent home.   In 2006, such remittances throughout the U.S. sent to Mexico reached a record $23 billion, a figure that matched U.S. foreign aid to the entire world. Mexico City's La Jornada summarizes the effects: This influx of capital has helped reduce poverty and maintain basic spending levels in various regions ... [as such] it has become the basis of stability in the country and can determine whether a family lives above or below the poverty line.� Tala is no exception. Mayor Cipriano Aguayo, one of the immigrant pioneers to Indianapolis in the l970s, returned to Mexico when he was able to save enough money to support his family. Aguayo still has two brothers in Indianapolis. According to residents of Tala, including the mayor, nearly every home in the small town has a family member in the United States and the great majority of those are in Indianapolis. The money they send back is extremely important for Tala's economic sustainability.   More money circulates in this region due to remittances than anything else,� Aguayo says, so we depend a good deal on the cash that comes from Indianapolis.�   Some of it supports civic projects, an increasingly common trend in Mexico. Lucila Madrigal, a Tala municipal official whose sons live in Indianapolis, reports that emigrant savings helped finance a bridge, renovate the cemetery and pave streets in the county. Local families depend even more on money sent home by their absent sons.� Welcome to Talapolis While Tala's immigrants to Indianapolis maintain strong familial, cultural and financial ties to Mexico, they have also helped build the sort of cultural foundations here in Indianapolis that both facilitate assimilation and maintain the ties that bind this transnational community together.   We Mexicans aren't used to being without some family nearby,� says Fabian Alonso, who divides his time between Tala and Indianapolis. So we all try to get someone from here to move up there and that's how we created our neighborhoods that replicate those in Tala.�   Religious tradition has been central to Mexican immigrants in Indianapolis, as evidenced by the dramatic transformation of many local Catholic parishes. In 1994, St. Patrick Parish organized its first Spanish mass and 13 people attended. Within three years, the number of faithful had increased to the point where a second mass was added and the archdiocese renovated the 143-year-old church that it once considered closing. Today, 1,800 immigrants attend Spanish masses at the former Irish parish.   Much like ethnic parishes forged by earlier immigrants, St. Patrick adopted the holidays that Mexicans celebrate back home. The first was the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, on Dec. 12.   Early on, church members hired a mariachi band and Javier Amezcua, the restaurateur, flew in his uncle, a priest from Guadalajara, to preside at the ceremony.   Like the church, Hispanic media also bridges that gap between Indiana and Mexico. No medium serves the community better than radio, and Ulises Santiago, better known to his Radio Latina listeners as El Richie,� is one of the city's best-known Mexican media personalities.   Santiago migrated from Tala to Indianapolis with his wife, Adriana. The city is tranquilo, it's safe, and one can live well here,� he explains. I want my children to grow up here and have a better future.�   Santiago's mother, a retired nurse, and his mill-worker father saved enough to put him through college, but with no economic future in Tala, Santiago and his wife decided to join family members in Indianapolis. Santiago arrived here with a communications degree, but labored at a warehouse before getting his break at the station.   By 2006, El Richie's morning show ranked third in the key 18- to 34-year-old demographic. Meanwhile, as production director, he helped oversee big changes at FM 107.1. Last year, WEDJ embraced a new format ” More Mexican Than Ever� ” and dedicated its play list exclusively to Mexico's diverse regional music. But there was also a change in attitude.   Now it's more focused on helping the community, not just making money,� Santiago explains. So Radio Latino issues public service warnings on drunk driving and deportations, and opens its airwaves to the Mexican consulate and community activists.   Equally important for its listeners, Radio Latina remains a forum where immigrants call in, request a song and give a shout out to their compatriots from states like Jalisco, Veracruz or Durango, an audible testimony to the growing diversity of Indy™s Mexican community.   Out of a small storefront on East English, Roberto Aguayo also serves the immigrant community of Talapolis. Decorated with posters of his beloved Chivas soccer club, Aguayo's money-exchange store sends wires totaling about $25,000 weekly back to places like Tala. He arrived in Indy 11 years ago. But his family goes way back and so his money exchange is a trusted business where immigrants go to send their savings home.   Like many middle-class Mexicans, Aguayo saw his Guadalajara business ruined by economic depression in 1996. So he joined his brother in Indianapolis, started his new business and then brought his family. Today, his sons own a used car lot, while a daughter teaches Spanish at the International School. He has nine grandchildren, and more on the way.   When asked if he's here to stay, Aguayo says, œIt looks like we're headed down that road.� While he helps fellow immigrants maintain their ties to Tala with his business ventures, Aguayo and his wife also devote themselves to community activism in Indianapolis. She participates in the city's pro-life movement, while Don Berto hosts a Catholic radio program on AM 810.   Aguayo also helped organize the city's first immigrant rights march in spring 2006, which, in many ways, marked a coming of age for the city's Mexican community. Prior to the event, Aguayo predicted a turnout of 4,000. To everyone's surprise, including his, 25,000 Mexican immigrants participated in the Indianapolis rally, many risking their jobs, to perhaps declare that their roots in Indy were growing as strong as their ties to Mexico. The dream's realities Migrants from Tala aren't only forging communities in Indianapolis, but in smaller manufacturing towns like nearby Shelbyville, which has a reputation in Tala for plentiful and well-paid work. Among those residing there are Rogelio and Fernando Ortega.   Rogelio labors in a cold-storage warehouse, where 85 percent of the 500 employees are immigrants. He considers it one of the roughest places to work,� for its sub-freezing conditions, dangerously fast pace, 12-hour days and mandatory overtime. Some work 20 days straight. Most suffer through injuries, since accident claims prompt demands for proof of legal residency.   But those who endure on the job accept the risks and overtime, because they can earn $1,000 per week. His own hard labor and sacrifices have allowed Rogelio to pay off his truck and afford a tract home in a new subdivision, in anticipation of having his wife join him here.   Life can be hard away from the job. In comparison to Indy, young men from Tala sense greater hostility down in Shelby County. The lack of temptations� means they save more money. But they resent the discrimination, ranging from police harassment to racial slurs.   œJust because you have a Latino name they think you don't speak English,� Fernando says.   Moreover, says his roommate Ernesto, they think we only came here to take their jobs or sell drugs. We know,� he continues, œthat it really bothers them to see us in their streets, or living in their houses. I can tell you from experience that racist comments are made every day in the factories, even though it's punishable, and especially towards those who don't speak much English and will just keep quiet ... Its really notorious how much people willingly submit themselves to it for fear of being deported.�   But the Ortegas and their roommate Ernesto don't have that fear. They are in the U.S. legally, and are not afraid to speak candidly. They hold little sympathy for those who claim they steal jobs. There are opportunities for everyone here,� Ernesto insists. If Mexicans take lower-paying jobs it's because of their greater hunger for earnings. Moreover, Fernando adds, "In Mexico we can't afford NOT to work."�   We migrants aren't here on vacation, Ernest insists out of economic necessity. I can't spend time with my younger brothers and sisters, and I couldn't be back there in Tala for the funeral of my grandmother, who raised me. The price of the American Dream is very expensive.�   But it is a price that young men from Tala seem willing to pay. For all the sacrifices, they recognize the rewards, one of which is a firm grasp on the meaning of that American Dream and a greater appreciation for the homeland they left behind.   The Ortegas are determined to work hard and go back to Jalisco. Rogelio insists that he will stay on until he's 40 and then return to a Mexico that will be much better 20 years from now.�   In the meantime, the subject turns from Mexican soccer to American football. It turns out that Fernando, for inexplicable reasons, supports the Bengals. The more sensible Rogelio follows the Bears. But Fernando has decided its time to take working life in Indiana more to heart. So he tells his brother, "We've got to start wearing the blue and white.�   We're here for the long run, he suggests, "So, the Colts better be our team too."� Sent by Howard Shorr

EAST COAST

Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute Seeking Undergraduate Students, Apply by February 29

The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) invites Hispanic undergraduate students from across the country to apply for the 2008 Ford Motor Company CHLI Leadership Program. Applications can be downloaded at http://www.chli.org. 8 undergraduate students will be selected to become part of this intensive 6-week internship program in Washington, DC. The interns will be placed in congressional offices, federal agencies or public policy organizations. The application deadline is Friday, February 29, 2008. The program begins June 16 and ends July 25, 2008. To apply, applicants must: Be U.S. citizens or Legal Permanent Residents of Hispanic or Portuguese origin; Be enrolled in an accredited 4 year college/university or 2 year community college; Submit a completed application form, personal statement, legislative analysis, resume, two letters of recommendation and official transcripts. Compensation: Airfare and housing accommodations in Washington, DC, $2,000 stipend, Metro card provided. For more information please contact Yisel Cabrera, Program Manager, Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute at ycabrera@chli.org or at 202-429-2033. The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute is a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit and non-partisan organization. .

MEXICO

Celebrando El Centenario de Torreon, Coah.1907-2007 Seguimos Slaves of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico,  Featuring slave Antonio de la Trinidad Andres Descendents of Don de Berrio y Berrio Viscount of Santa Ana y an Miguel El Proyecto Digital Regeneración de la Dirección de Estudios Históricos Descendents of Don Jose Tiburcio Diaz  Descendents of Captain Miguel Flores de Valdez  Photos of Old Chihuahua

Personajes de la historia / SEGUIMOS CELEBRANDO EL CENTENARIO DE TORREÓN, COAH. 1907-2007 Por: José León Robles De La Torre www.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx   El Ing. don Andrés L. Farías Hernández, fue Presidente Municipal provisional en dos ocasiones, la primera los meses de agosto y septiembre de 1912 y la segunda, nombrado por el general Francisco Villa, fue provisional de la era revolucionaria, del cinco de abril de 1914 hasta el 17 de octubre de 1915, fecha en que dejó el cargo porque don Venustiano Carranza designó para ocupar el cargo de Presidente Municipal al Profr. don Ramón Méndez González. Ingeniero Andrés L. Farías Hernández, Presidente Municipal de Torreón, Coahuila. El Ing. Farías era originario de Parras de la Fuente, Coah., donde vio su primera luz el año de 1875. Realizó su instrucción primaria en su ciudad natal, la secundaria en Saltillo, Coah., y los profesionales en la Ciudad de México. Luego de terminar sus estudios, estableció su residencia en la Villa de Torreón, donde se dedicó a obras de beneficio social y a la política. En los años de 1906 y 1907, desempeñó el cargo de vocal en la Junta de Mejoras Materiales. En 1908, fue quinto regidor del Ayuntamiento de Torreón con don Rafael Aldape Quiroz, en su reelección, y para 1909 fue séptimo regidor del Ayuntamiento con don Juan Eugenio Cárdenas Breceda. En el libro Torreón a Través de sus Presidentes Municipales del profesor Pablo C. Moreno, refiriéndose a don Andrés L. Farías, en parte dice: “...El tres de abril de 1814 entran las fuerzas constitucionalistas a Torreón. A las 9:00 de la mañana el general en jefe, acompañado de su Estado Mayor y de su escolta sale de Gómez Palacio para Torreón. En el camino se detiene para admirar el heroísmo de sus soldados, que cayeron sin vida al pie de las trincheras enemigas ordenando, emocionado, que se les dé honrosa sepultura. A las 10:00 a.m. entra el general Villa en la ciudad conquistada a sangre y fuego, siendo saludado por el pueblo y notándose que no aparecieron los que pertenecían a las clases acomodadas en el Banco de La Laguna y Casino de Torreón, donde el enemigo improvisó hospitales de sangre, se pusieron unos cartelones que decían “Quedan bajo la protección de las fuerzas constitucionales del general Francisco Villa y de los cónsules extranjeros”. A las 12 desfila la artillería constitucionalista al mando del general Felipe Ángeles. A la una de la tarde el general Villa tiene una conferencia por telégrafo con el jefe supremo del Ejército Constitucionalista. A las tres de la tarde, recibe Villa al parte que relaciona el botín quitado al enemigo. A las cuatro se dictan órdenes para perseguir a los federales, que en su precipitada huida han dejado casi todos los elementos a los revolucionarios. A las 5:00 p.m. el general Villa visita a los miembros de la colonia Española congregados en los sótanos del Banco de La Laguna. Muchos están densamente pálidos. Les reprocha su actitud para con el pueblo y el Ejército Constitucionalista. Les dice que fusilarlos sería justo por la vehemencia con que moral y peculiarmente, han ayudado a la reacción, pero que quiere probar a sus conciudadanos y al mundo entero que él no es un asesino. Les concede 48 horas para que abandonen el territorio nacional y pone a disposición los trenes que necesiten. El cónsul de los Estados Unidos Sr. Ulmer, que vive aún en Torreón, ayuda, seguramente, a todos para que se cumplan las órdenes del general Villa...”.     En su visita a Torreón, Coah., de don Venustiano Carranza, primer jefe del Ejército Constitucionalista, acompañado del Lic. Gustavo Espinoza Mireles, el señor Carranza impuso como presidente municipal revolucionario, en Torreón, al Profr.  don Ramón Méndez González, quien tomó posesión del cargo el día 17 de octubre de 1915, terminando en diciembre 31 de ese mismo año. Pero en esas fechas se realizaron elecciones y resultó ganador el Profr. Méndez para el año de 1916 (recuérdese que los periodos eran por un año), tomando posesión, ya por elección, el primero de enero de 1916. Ese mismo año de 1915, se efectuaron elecciones para elegir a los diputados Constituyentes, resultando electos, por Coahuila, los siguientes: doctor y general don José Ma. Rodríguez, Profr. don José Rodríguez González, don Jorge Van Bersen, don Ernesto Meade Fierro, Lic. don Manuel Aguirre Berlanga y don Manuel Cepeda Medrano (quien posteriormente fue administrador de la aduana de Torreón por 13 años, y el que esto escribe fue su jefe de juicios). Volviendo al Profr. Méndez, don Eduardo Guerra dice: “...la presidencia municipal fue instalada en el amplio edificio del Banco Chino, ubicado en la avenida Juárez, frente a la plaza Dos de Abril. El señor Méndez inició en Torreón algunas obras materiales, empezando la construcción de la escuela “Alfonso Rodríguez”, bajo la dirección del constructor don Blas Cortinas; el alumbrado y enrejado de la Estación de los Ferrocarriles N. de México, y el ornato de varios jardines públicos... Durante ese año de administración municipal, una de las damas más altruistas de la Ciudad de México, doña Ma. Olivia Garza de Lozano, esposa del comerciante don Francisco J. Lozano, convocó a un grupo de damas que se propusieron remediar, en parte, la penuria de la gente. El comité organizó fiestas, rifas, kermeses y cooperaciones y con eso se fundó “La Casa de Beneficencia, de la que luego se hizo cargo la Cámara de Comercio”. El tiempo pasa rápido y pronto llegó el tiempo de nuevas elecciones para el periodo de 1917, resultando reelecto el profesor don Ramón Méndez, quien continuó su ritmo de trabajo en beneficio de la ciudadanía. El 21 de diciembre de 1916, entró el general Villa a Gómez Palacio y luego tomó Torreón, donde, dice Guerra, lograron un gran botín en los trenes que no alcanzó a mover el gobierno. Luego en el Casino de La Laguna, Villa citó a personas importantes de negocios y les impuso un préstamo forzoso de dos millones de pesos, pero sólo se pudo reunir uno. Luego en la mañana del dos de enero de 1917, Villa abandonó la ciudad. El 16 de abril de 1916, se estableció la Cámara de Comercio, ya reconocida por la Secretaría de Hacienda, quedando integrada por los siguientes miembros: don Alfredo Padilla, presidente; don José Juárez, vice presidente; don Pablo Vázquez, secretario; don Adolfo Salinas, tesorero; y vocales, don Indalecio Silva, don Eduardo L. Arellano, don Ernesto Bredeé, don Othón Wigand, don Luis Espejo, don Marcelino Horgando, don José de la Mora y don Ramiro Galván. Terminado su periodo de 1927, el señor Méndez se trasladó a la ciudad de Saltillo.     Don Eduardo Guerra Peña, primer presidente municipal de Torreón, Coahuila que comenzó los periodos de dos años, pues hasta esa fecha era de uno. En las elecciones para presidente municipal de Torreón, Coah., de 1918, resultó electo don Eduardo Guerra Peña, quien tomó posesión del cargo el primero de enero de 1919. Nacido en Ciudad Mier, Tamaulipas, a los dos años de edad lo trajeron sus padres a vivir en la Villa del Torreón, Coah., el niño Eduardo, quedó bajo la tutoría escolar de su tío paterno don Baltasar Guerra Peña, desconociendo la razón de esa encomienda. Su tío lo mandó a estudiar a Monterrey, N. L., interno en el Colegio Preparatorio, teniendo por maestría al profesor don Abraham Z. Garza. Su tío Baltazar se unió a las fuerzas revolucionarias maderistas en 1910, participando en la toma de Acaponeta, en el territorio de Tepic, Nayarit, junto con los generales Martín Espinosa y Ramón F. Iturbe. Después de esa acción, don Francisco I. Madero nombró a don Nalzar como jefe político del mencionado territorio. Posteriormente fue trasladado a la Ciudad de México, donde falleció y sus restos fueron traídos a la ciudad de Torreón, Coah. Don Eduardo Guerra Peña, en Torreón contrajo matrimonio con la señorita Otilia Peña, con la que no logró procrear familia y decidieron adoptar a dos niñas, Laura, que falleció pequeña y Leticia que se casó y fijó su residencia en la Ciudad de México. Don Eduardo Guerra se dedicó al periodismo desde 1913, publicando artículos en favor de la Revolución, por lo que fue estimado por el primer jefe del Ejército Constitucionalista don Venustiano Carranza. Fundó el periódico El Radical, logrando con sus publicaciones ser bien visto por los revolucionarios y el conocimiento del pueblo, lo que le mereció ser candidato a la presidencia municipal de Torreón. En esos tiempos de muchas divisiones políticas, don Eduardo tuvo algunos conflictos con periodistas contrarios a él y aunque en un principio favoreció a don Enrique C. Villaseñor, propietario del periodiquito El Alacrán, que después, al no conseguir del presidente Guerra todo lo que quería, se volvió en su contra para atacarlo. Pero el conflicto mayor surgió con el periódico La Opinión, que lo atacaba, que Guerra mandó secuestrar al director don Rosendo Guerrero Carlos, por conducto del jefe de la policía, mientras Guerra hacía un viaje a Saltillo, Coah., dejándolo en libertad sano y salvo poco tiempo después. (Hist. de Guerra, Pág. 225). El país estaba convulso. Y los conflictos derivados de la sucesión presidencial Guerra no quiso adherirse al Plan de Agua Prieta, lo que lo obligó a dejar la presidencia municipal y retirarse a los Estados Unidos. En su lugar quedó, interinamente, don Guillermo Belchelmann, designado por la legislatura del Estado, tomando posesión el día 31 de mayo de 1920. Transcurrido algún tiempo, cuando las cosas en la política nacional se calmaron, don Eduardo Guerra Peña regresó a su tierra adoptiva, Torreón, donde se dedicó a escribir sus dos documentados libros: “Torreón, su Origen y sus Fundadores”, que publicó en 1932, y su “Historia de La Laguna”. En 1953, a los sesenta años de edad, falleció en Torreón, Coah., siendo sepultado en el Panteón Municipal. En 1991, la presidencia municipal rindió un homenaje a don Eduardo Guerra, poniéndole su nombre al Archivo Municipal, (ahora) Centro Cultural Eduardo Guerra. El general don Celso Castro participó como candidato a la Presidencia Municipal de Torreón, Coahuila., para el año de 1918, resultando electo por lo que tomó posesión del cargo el primero de enero de 1918 hasta el 31 de diciembre del mismo año. Nació en Cuatrociénegas, Coah., la tierra de don Venustiano Carranza, teniendo por hermano al general de división, don Cesáreo Castro. “El general Castro, de acuerdo con el decir del pueblo, -Cien Años de Presidentes Municipales de Torreón, de José León Robles de la Torre-, era bondadoso y especialmente honrados. Se preocupó por dar a sus gobernados los servicios más indispensables, pero durante su administración, el mes de octubre de 1918, dice Guerra, que llegaron los siniestros jinetes del Apocalipsis, con la peste que cegó cientos de vidas, la influenza española. Así porque fue en España donde apareció primero en forma epidémica”. La epidemia fue desastrosa. De día y de noche andaban las brigadas de auxilio y en muchas ocasiones encabezadas personalmente por el general Castro. El doctor Samuel Silva de León fue nombrado jefe del departamento de Salubridad. Una de las medidas inmediatas, fue que el nueve de octubre, se convocó a una junta de ciudadanos importantes que se reunieron en el cine Pathé, donde después de varias proposiciones y sugerencias, se llegó al acuerdo de formar un comité con atribuciones de “Dictadura Sanitaria” con amplias facultades para reunir fondos y atacar la terrible epidemia, decretando el Municipio un impuesto extraordinario que aunado a los donativos de la gente, se utilizarían para materiales de curación, etc., dando buenos resultados por la buena voluntad del pueblo y en pocos días, las diversas comisiones nombradas, reunieron las siguientes cantidades: don Filemón F. Garza, reunió $730.00, don Alejandro Ruiz Díaz la cantidad de $665.00, don Ricardo Zayas, $1,860.00, don Gabino Calvo, $1,331.25, don Virgilio García, $628.93, don Ciro Meléndez $620.62, don Enrique G. Uranga, $425.95, don Eduardo Orvañanos, $2,365.99, don José de la Mora, $1,380.00, y don Manuel de la Fuente $1,484.72. (Datos de don Eduardo Guerz). “El gobernador del Estado don Gustavo Espinosa Mireles, envió un giro telegráfico por $1,000.00, otras empresas dieron importantes donativos, como la Cía. Metalúrgica, la fábrica de Hilados y Tejidos La Fe, La Continental, La Unión, la Colonia China, etc., reuniéndose un total de $17,136.04, con cuya cantidad se instaló una farmacia provisional, puestos de socorro y limpieza. Activamente andaban de día y de noche, el doctor Silva, jefe de Salubridad, don Juan Castrillón, inspector general sanitario, el tesorero, don José C. Cadena, el secretario don Alberto Talavera. Además, estaba siempre pendiente el presidente municipal”. Por cuestiones políticas, que puede ver en mi libro antes citado, el general Castro desempeñó el cargo de presidente municipal interino del primero de enero al 31 de octubre de 1921. (Los períodos en la presidencia, ya eran de dos años en lugar de uno, a partir de 1918). Sent by Mercy Bautista Olvera

 

The Slaves of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico Featuring the slave Antonio de la Trinidad By Crispin Rendon, Dahlia Guajardo Palacios and Tony Garcia
	You may remember the Trinidad slave family from the first article in this series.  This month we will discover more about them. Revisiting the last Will and Testament of Antonio Lopez de Villegas dated February 11, 1725, in the document we find "Twelve slaves: Antonio de la Trinidad and Teresa de la Cruz, his wife, blacks; Isabel Trinidad, Juan de los Santos, Bernardo, Antonio, Blas, Antonio, Nicolasa Maria, Jose Quintin de los Dolores and Josefa Manuela, their children; Juan Cadena and Miguel de Gracia, mulattos."  Right away we have some confusion with names. The document states twelve slaves and then listed thirteen, with two children named Antonio.  We are not working with primary sources and are well aware that errors can creep into later sources at every turn.  An extra comma in a list of names can quickly add a non-existing person.  We think that happened twice in the document.  A computer search of the protocolos CD records for slaves with the name "Trinidad" yielded five records that we translated from Spanish and appear in chronological order at the end of the article. The earliest document we found (dated twenty years earlier) is a sale transaction that explains where this family had been before. Antonio Lopez de Villegas purchased from General Francisco Baez Trevino "un negro, nombrado Antonio de la Trinidad Irala y Arellano, criollo, de cuarenta años, poco mas o menos, casado con una negra, llamada Teresa de la Cruz, de veinte y siete años; asi mismo una negrita, de cinco años, llamada Isabel Maria; y un negrito, nombrado Juan Antonio, de dos años, hijos legitimos de los susodichos, que han nacido en mi casa, por mis esclavos" a black, named Antonio de la Trinidad Irala y Arellano, Creole, age more or less forty, married with a black, named Teresa de la Cruz, age twenty seven; also a young black female, age five, named Isabel Maria; and a young black male, named Juan Antonio, age two, legitimate children of the aforesaid couple, who were born in my house, by my slaves.  Antonio was Creole, he was not born in Mexico.  Some Creoles come from the Island of Trinidad, perhaps his given name is Antonio de la Trinidad and his surname is Irala y Arellano.  The sales transaction occurs in 1703, therefore Antonio was born circa 1663, Teresa was born 1676, Isabel 1698, Juan Antonio 1701. The next record yields a surprise.  Antonio Lopez de Villegas had two Wills. The one dated June 12, 1723 was not discovered for the Miguel de Gracia article because the computer search for "Miguel de Gracia" could not find the typo "Miguel Graci" in the protocolos records. This earlier document has the slaves "Antonio de la Trinidad, Teresa, his wife and 6 children: Juan, Bernardo, Isabel, Maria Nicolasa, Blas and Jose Quintin". There is a sales transaction in 1787 of the slave Maria de la Trinidad age 36. Is she related to this family? We left the protocolos with many questions hoping to find answers in the IGI at www.familysearch.org Always delighted to find anything, even just one record, we are ecstatic with the results.  Rather than bore the reader with all the details, here is a PAF report bringing together the information from the protocolos, IGI and the book Matrimonios en la Catedral de Monterrey, by Jose Francisco Garza Carrillo. Ancestors of Antonio TRINIDAD First Generation 1. negro esclavo Antonio TRINIDAD IRALA Y ARELLANO was born about 1663. Antonio (marriage record not found) and negra esclava Teresa Sebastiana Jesus CRUZ. Teresa was born in 1677. They had the following nine children: 2 i. negra esclava Isabel TRINIDAD was born in 1698. 3 ii. negro esclavo Juan Antonio Santos TRINIDAD was christened on Nov 11 1701. 4 iii. negro esclavo Bernardo Antonio TRINIDAD . 5 iv. negro eslavo Ambrosio TRINIDAD was christened on Dec 24 1708 in Monterrey,Nuevo Leon,Mexico. IGI Batch C601491, Father: Antonio de la Trenidad, Mother: Teresa de la Cruz 6 v. negra esclava Maria TRINIDAD was christened on Nov 12 1711 in Monterrey,Nuevo Leon,Mexico. IGI Batch C601491, Father: Antonio de Trinidad, Mother: Teresa D. 7 vi. negra esclava Maria Nicolasa TRINIDAD was christened on Jan 10 1716 in Monterrey,Nuevo Leon,Mexico. IGI Batch C601491, Father: Antonio de la Trenidad, Mother: Teresa Juana D. 8 vii. negro eslavo Blas Antonio TRINIDAD . 9 viii. negro esclavo Joseph Valentin TRINIDAD was christened on Apr 8 1721 in Monterrey,Nuevo Leon,Mexico. Matrinmonios en la Catedral de Monterrey, by Jose Francisco Garza Carrillo page 205. Also appears as Jose Quintin Dolores Trinidad. slave of Andres Martinez IGI Batch C601491, baptized as Joseph, Father: Antonio de la Trenidad Mother: Teresa de la Cruz Jose Valentin married Margarita CRUZ June 14,1744 in Monterrey,Nuevo Leon,Mexico. expuesta en la casa Don Andres Martinez 10 ix. negra esclava Josefa Manuela TRINIDAD was born about 1724. She does not appear in list of children in June 1723 but does in Feb 1725, therefore she was born about 1724. Second Generation 3. negro esclavo Juan Antonio Santos TRINIDAD (son of Antonio TRINIDAD) was christened on Nov 11 1701 in Monterrey,Nuevo Leon,Mexico. Named Juan Antonio in protocolos 1703 IGI Batch C601491,Father Antonio de la Trenidad, Mother Teresa de la Pena Juan Antonio Santos (marriage record not found) and Maria CANTU . They had the following child: 11 i. mulata libre Manuela Gertrudis TRINIDAD . [Matrimonios en la Catedral de Monterrey Libros 1y2 by Jose Francisco Garza Carrillo] page 250. Manuela Gertrudis married negro Diego Francisco MENDEZ son of Juan Joseph MENDEZ and Juana Gertrudis BELLUGO on Feb 21 1753 in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Diego was born in Alva,Castilla,Spain. [Matrimonios en la Catedral de Monterrey Libros 1y2 by Jose Francisco Garza Carrillo] 4. negro esclavo Bernardo Antonio TRINIDAD (son of Antonio TRINIDAD). [Matrimonios en la Catedral de Monterrey Libros 1y2 by Jose Francisco Garza Carrillo] Bernardo Antonio Trinidad is deceased on marriage record of his son Simeon . Bernardo Antonio (marriage record not found) and Francisca Javiera GONZALEZ . [Matrimonios en la Catedral de Monterrey Libros 1y2 by Jose Francisco Garza Carrillo] Bernardo and Francisca had the following child: 12 i. mulato libre Simeon TRINIDAD. Third Generation 12. mulato libre Simeon TRINIDAD (son of Bernardo Antonio TRINIDAD). [Matrimonios en la Catedral de Monterrey Libros 1y2 by Jose Francisco Garza Carrillo] page 236. Simeon is a mulato libre when he marries Maria Micaela Lerma. Simeon married mestiza Maria Micaela LERMA daughter of Juan Joseph LERMA and Juliana LEON on May 25 1750 in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Found in the 137,430 record PAF database of Crispin Rendon. One of eight children of Juan Joseph Lerma and Juliana Leon. [Matrimonios en la Catedral de Monterrey Libros 1y2 by Jose Francisco Garza Carrillo] Simeon and Maria had the following two children: 13 i. Juana Maria TRINIDAD was christened on May 16 1751 in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. IGI batch C601492 14 ii. Juana Maria Gil TRINIDAD was christened on Sep 11 1759 in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. IGI batch C601492 The child Jose Quintin de la Trindad has us scratching our heads. The notary documents refer to him as Jose "Quintin" a very uncommon name, while the church records have him as Joseph Valentin de la Trinidad. We think he may have also gone by the name Jose Quintin Martinez, but have not followed that lead. We rediscover him, at the age eight, as the slave of the Cleric Juan Arellano.  Juan Arellano had acquired Quintin from the estate of Antonio Lopez de Villegas and later Ignacio Martinez acquired him from the estate of Juan Arellano. Why would we think Quintin Trindad and Quintin Martinez are the same person? Well, Jose Valentin Trindad married Margarita Cruz and Quintin Martinez and Margarita Cruz are given as parents for a Jose Teodoro Martinez who married Maria Micaela Quintana.  Quintin is such a rare name and for two of them to be married to a Margarita Cruz begs the question of them being the same people. A few final comments are needed. This article is not exhaustive Trinidad family history research.  Other avenues are available. One large document (the Will of Jose Salvador Lozano) was left out because we could not confirm that it was germane to this article. There was a child of a Manuela Trinidad in the IGI but without reading the actual baptism record we could not determine if she belongs to this family. An examination of the baptism records of all of the records found in the IGI may reveal valuable family history information. No effort was taken to look for related records in other regions that the slave owner owned property.  We have highlighted the text in the documents where our slaves appear to help the reader quickly find them.  A careful reading of the entire documents provides pictures of the world our subjects lived in. The Maria Josefa Arellano mentioned in the will of her brother Juan Arellano is the 8th great grandmother of co-author Dahlia Guajardo Palacios. Monterrey September 7, 1703, General Francisco Baez Treviño, Governor and Commander in chief of this Kingdom, sells to Sergeant Mayor Antonio Lopez de Villegas, citizen of this city, "a black, named Antonio de la Trinidad Irala y Arellano, Creole, age more or less forty, married with a black, named Teresa de la Cruz, age twenty seven; also a young black female, age five, named Isabel Maria; and a young black male, named Juan Antonio, age two, legitimate children of the aforesaid couple, who was born in my house, by my slaves, captives and subject to servitude, and free of pawn, mortgages, neither another distraction or burden, special nor general; and without assuring the four referred slaves, of fault, vice neither disease published nor secret"; which were for purchase. The price of the sale is 1,200 pesos in gold reales. Before Sergeant Mayor Pedro Guajardo, Judge. Witnesses, Alferez Real Pedro de los Santos Coy, Lazaro de los Santos Coy and Lorenzo Nuñez del Castillo. In attendance, the Alferez Real Don Francisco Perez de Albornoz and Captain Don Juan Esteban de Ballesteros. Testament of Sergeant Mayor Antonio Lopez de Villegas, legitimate son of Don Pedro Lopez Pacheco and Doña Ana de Villegas, both deceased, we were all natives of and I was a citizen of valle de Toranzo, Arzobispado de Burgos, Montañas de Santander, Cantabria Alta; and of Doña Maria Gonzalez Hidalgo, his wife, legitimate daughter of Captain Bernabe Gonzalez Hidalgo and Leonor Garcia, both deceased, originally all of this Kingdom. Arranges for Don Antonio to be buried "with suitable pomp and proper pageantry", at the foot of the altar of the archangel San Miguel, of the City parish, where he buried Doña Maria, whose testament he grants with the same mutual virtue, made before Captain Jose de la Mota, Ordinary Mayor, on February 26, 1721. Orders that masses be said for nine consecutive days and 100 more masses be said at the Pardon altar, at the cathedral of Mexico. He leaves 500 pesos to build a hospice at Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Boca de Leones. He leaves 8 head of cattle for the chapel of the convent of the Third Order, if it is reconstructed, as it was the intention in the Will of Don Blas de Arrechederra. That for the same convent he leaves all the lead necessary to construct a lead roof as the present guardian priest intends to do. He leaves 200 pesos so that proceeds from it are used to pay for nine masses to be said at Our Lady of the Dolores, and for the celebration of him that day of her congregation in the School of San Francisco Javier, de la Compañia de Jesus. He arranges that after the year of his death, 6 head of cattle and 12 fanegas (a fanega equals about 1.5 bushels) of corn is distributed between the poor men of the City. That the day of San Jose 6 fanegas of dried beans and 6 of corn are distributed; and in the San Miguel 6 head of cattle and 12 fanegas of corn between the poor men "only one time". That his used old clothes, be distributed between the poor men. That to Don Antonio Lopez de Villegas, "my cousin", 600 pesos are forwarded to Toranzo or his heirs, and, if there are none then, to Doña Antonia Lopez Villegas, "my sister", that she should give 100 pesos to Felipa, her sister. He acknowledges the 200 pesos that were left by Sergeant Mayor Pedro de la Rosa Salinas, first husband of Doña Maria, to endow the orphan Catalina de la Garza. Goods: In San Luis Potosi four houses in the hill of San Pedro, "of rough stone and mortar, with a cistern" and three in the city but one in the public plaza, "named the Arquillo". Another one contiguous to the one of Captain Toribio Gonzalez, on Compañia street, and another one on San Agustin street; a property to remove silver, with 4 furnaces, "below Tlaxcalica". In Aguascalientes, one house that I purchased from Francisco Velasco. In Monterrey, two houses, one in the corner of the plaza and another one next, towards the east "both doubles", with a building site that he purchased from Francisco de Escamilla. A property to remove silver, at the edge of this City, with a stone hamlet. Except another house in Monterrey and the property to remove silver in Santa Fe, set aside to generate funds to pay for masses for my soul, left in charge of the cleric Buenaventura Mendez Tovar and of which the grantor is patron; like the one of Santa Catarina and sites of San Martin, who does not remember if they are included in spiritual goods. In Cerralvo: a property to remove silver, that I purchased from Captian Antonio Guerra; the horse pasture in San Jeronimo in the jurisdiction of this town, that I purchased from the Lieutenant Pedro Ramos. In Mamulique: the whole property, a good village, labor with its tools, diary cattle, cattle, horses and mules, a summer pasture but two caballerias (a caballeria is a ranch land unit of about 100 acres) of land that I purchased there from Hilario de Mendiola. In the Sabinas: the property of San Luis, to remove silver, with five horse powered furnaces, sets of tools and mule team and the house to live in". In San Pedro de Boca de Leones: 14 ingots in Our Lady of Dolores Mine; 10 that I donate to Doña Maria Magdalena and 4 to purchase for Antonio Martinez Ledesma. Other goods: all the worked silver, 11 pieces of slaves who are Antonio de la Trinidad, Teresa, his wife and 6 children: Juan, Bernardo, Isabel, Maria Nicolasa, Blas and Jose Quintin; Andres de Elorza and Juan Cadena and Miguel Gracia, "because I freed Juana". 102 prepared mules; accounts that are owed to the Captain Juan de Peña, of lead; Captain Cristobal Flores, Antonio Garcia de la Cadena, in lead; given to Domingo Sanchez Quijano, of Zacatecas; and to Don Joaquin de la Barreda, of the goods of Manuel de Castañeda, depending on the value of the priest of Mazapil; Francisco de Soria and to all those that appear in my accounting book. Debts "his and his wife's": 4500 pesos to the convent of San Francisco, of San Luis Potosi, because his houses, from that city were mortgaged; furthermore the pension of another one in favor of the Priest of San Agustin, of which he has a letter to P. Miguel de Contreras, prior of that convent. 2,000 pesos of the Chaplaincy that was founded by Doña Teresa de Medina, over the salt-marsh pasture; 2,000 over the pasture of Mamuliqui, for masses in the convent of San Francisco, Monterrey; 2,000 annuity towards its territories of Santa Catarina, and of which the Chaplain is Cleric Marcos Gonzalez Hidalgo; 4,755 pesos 4 reales to the Marques Don Luis Saenz de Tagle, with whom I have had many dealings for many years; he commands payment to Francisco de Valdivies, General Administrator of the Marques de Altamira. Another amount to Juan de Vargas; 298 pesos to Don Domingo de la Canal, "more if advised and if confirmation is received from the offices of the Royal standard-bearer and Alderman". Other amounts in cash or cattle to Domingo Monson, Doña Maria de Treviño, widow of Pedro Guajardo, to Captain Martin de Peña, his Administrator; etc. 4,000 pesos that have been agreed to, of Captain Alonso Garcia Mota; the Bachiller Rodrigo de Arizpe, General Administrator of all his properties, 400 pesos per year. Declares that Jose Maldonado has some cattle that belongs to him. He institutes as a universal heir the School of San Francisco Javier, of the Compañia de Jesus, of this City, whose priest request aid of suffrages. Names as executor the P. Ignacio de Treviño, Director of the school. Before Don Juan Jose de Arriaga and Brambila, Governor and Commander in chief. Witnesses, Bachiller Juan Baptist Gonzalez Hidalgo, Francisco Antonio Davila and Marcos Gonzalez Hidalgo. Of attendance, Alonso Garcia Cuello and Felix Salcedo. Monterrey, June 12, 1723 Volume: 11. File: 1. Folio: 340. No. 134, Will of Sergeant Mayor Antonio Lopez de Villegas, taken by attorney Marcos Gonzalez Hidalgo Y Maya, priest and rector of the Real de Minas of San Gregorio, Mazapil, examiner of curates and confessor of the diocese in virtue of his powers. Dated in Monterrey on August 9th this year and whose text is inserted. Declares that he was buried in the parochial of this City, in the altar of San Miguel, dressed in the habit of San Francisco of whose order I profess, with high mass and vigil of the body; a novena in the parish, another one at San Francisco and another sung in Mazapil. Declares that he was a native of the valley of Toranzo, Mountains of Burgos: legitimate son of Pedro Lopez and Ana de Villegas Y Castañeda "deceased for many years in these parts". That he was married in first nuptials with Doña Maria Gonzalez Hidalgo, deceased in February of 1721, who did not have children and of who I left as heir. Estate: two houses with two floors "one near the other, with a street between, making a corner with the plaza" and they are made up of eleven rooms "with a shrine for the saints and other furniture inside". The house in the middle of the block of the street that runs by the spring, contiguous to the foundation to pay for masses for lawyer Ventura Mendez Tovar, and is made up of twelve rooms, "with a corridor of lime and stone, with its patio and orchard that borders on the other street". A silver extractor hacienda, with two furnaces, one powered by water and another by horse, to turn the wheel, and its houses, all of lime and stone, on the water channels, of this City, immediate to the bridges. The hacienda de Mamulique, with its places with water and summer pastures, with houses "in good shape, with living quarters and galleries" and a vineyard, with cattle, horses and mules. The Hacienda of San Luis, in Sabinas, of 4 furnaces, 2 sharpening vessels, with their implements, and a house of 9 rooms. The mine of San Miguel, on the hill of Our Lady of San Juan, San Pedro de Boca de Leones, and in Nuestra Senora de Dolores. The mine of San Antonio, in the hill of Las Mitras, plus others, according to instruments. Twelve slaves: Antonio de la Trinidad and Teresa de la Cruz, his wife, blacks; Isabel Trinidad, Juan de los Santos, Bernardo, Antonio, Blas, Antonio, Nicolasa Maria, Jose Quintin de los Dolores and Josefa Manuela, their children; Juan Cadena and Miguel de Gracia, mulattos, and Andres de Lorza, "free, old and crippled, without leaving the hacienda that sustains him"; what they owe him, according to the accounts book, "because of himself and father Ignacio Treviño, Director that was of the School of this city"; two houses in San Luis Potosi and the hill of San Pedro "where he had smelting property"; the site of this and a cistern; the summer pastures of San Agustin de la Salada, with purchase from Doña Teresa de Medina, for 2,600 pesos. Declares that on the property of Santa Catarina and its aggregates San Roque and San Martin, etc., property set aside for masses for the arrangement of the grantor prevailed "Lawyer Gonzalez Hidalgo", and today has as the latest possessor the Bachiller Bartolome Jose Gonzalez Hidalgo, Priest, "my brother", with the rent of 2,000 pesos of principal. On the haciendas of Doña Maria declares to have bequeathed taxes of 1,000 pesos each, for annual celebrations and masses to San Jose, "on the altar ordered in the church of San Francisco; and another one in the one of San Miguel, the parochial one". Declares is owed 4,500 pesos from the convent of San Francisco, of San Luis Potosi, of which they owe 225 pesos for a year of rent; and 1,300 pesos to the convent of San Agustin, of the same City, that they also owe, 4,000 pesos to Don Alonso Garcia Cuello, of which they are paying five percent interest. Declares to have accounts with the Lawyer Marcos Gonzalez Hidalgo, "my father, was a commercial Trader all of his life", of which 16 matched mules remained, on the hacienda, to carry metals, and 500 breeding goats; ordered delivered. Declares that of 4,755 pesos 4 reales he owes to the estate of Don Luis Sanz de Tagle, Marques de Altamira, there has been paid to Don Pedro de la Fuentes Y Campos 1,102, in vaccinated cattle, as authorized by Don Francisco Valdivieso. That some payments of 3 thousand and so many have also been made that was owed to Don Juan Garcia de Pruneda, as authorized by General Don Luis, his father. Declares that I, Lopez de Villegas was exonerated of the commitment of payment of 4,000 pesos of foundation to pay of massed founded by its wife for the houses of General Martin de Mendiondo and of which is chaplain the Lawyer Buena Ventura Mendez Tovar, to whose principal I add the Hacienda of Santa Fe, of Boca de Leones, according to the affidavits of 24 of March of 1716, made before Francisco de Mier Noriega, Notary public and Town officer. Declares that, in life, they donated to the Bachiller Bartolome Gonzalez Hidalgo, "by having brought up since childhood", one young black girl, Isabel de la Trinidad. The executor and heir the grantor. Before Cristobal Garcia, Judge. Witnesses, Jose de Arriaga, Diego de Aleman and Jose Lazcano. In attendance, Antonio de Guzman and Jose Ramon de Arredondo. Monterrey, February 11, 1725 Will of the Cleric Juan de Arellano, Priest, Vicar and Ecclesiastical Judge of the settlement of Saltillo, legitimate son of Captain Nicolas de Arellano and Doña Lucia de la Garza, native of this Kingdom. Arranges to be buried in this City parish, "in the customary place for the priests, near the altar, with the decency that my state requires", with a mass and two novenarios (nine days of prayers or masses) sung. Goods: a house, corral and orchard, in this City, a pension of 700 pesos "of my chaplaincy, that was founded by Don Sebastian de Villegas Cumplido, citizen of the Linares". His paternal part in the property of San Nicolas, that he has donated to Doña Josefa de Arellano, his sister; 9 plates, two spoons, a saltcellar and two cups, everything made of silver; a medal of Holy Office, made of gold, and silver tankard. A great box with clothes "mine to give". All of his branded animals, less 8 that belong to Blas de la Garza, his nephew. A young black male, slave, Jose Quintin, age 8 years, bought at a public auction of the goods of Don Antonio Lopez de Villegas. The bed, two blankets and a chocolate-pot with leather trunk, chair, shotgun, bridle and spurs. A lot, "across the street from my house", his by donation from the Seminary School that is titled San Francisco Javier, "I being so illustrious when serving him". A new set of stationery; 3 white Mexican boxes and one of periban (?), and a white writing-desk. A hangmat; some books, "that I have on a shelf"; an ivory Sacred Christ; a small table "lined with red sheepskin". He requests adjusted accounts that he had with the Captain Joaquin de Escamilla, deceased, and with his proxy, Mateo de Lafita and Berri; like that with Don Juan Garcia de Pruneda. He names as executor to Jose de la Garza heir to Blas, his nephew. Before Miguel Cantu, Ordinary Mayor. Witnesses Bachiller Juan Baptist Gonzalez Hidalgo, Capitan Nicolas de la Serna and Lieutenant Francisco Javier Galvan. In attendance, Pedro Garcia Guajardo and Pedro Garcia. Monterrey, April 17, 1728. Jose Dionisio Martinez, agent of his uncle Lic. Ignacio Martinez, sells to the Bachiller Juan Jose de Lafita y Berri, "a blacken black named Jose Quintin de la Trinidad, age around forty years". Lic. Martinez acquired him by a written conveyance granted in his favor in Guadalajara, on February 13,1739, before Manuel de Mena, Royal Notary public, by Don Jose de la Garza Falcon. For 340 pesos in reales. Before General Antonio de Urresti, lieutenant of the Governor and Commander in chief, "Sergeant Mayor of the Military services and seat of this Government and Greater Bailiff of the Holy Office of the Inquisition". Witnesses, Jose Ignacio de Berridi, Jose Joaquin de Mier Noriega and Antonio Marcos de Cossio. In attendance, Andres de Goicochea and Pedro Ugalde.  April 2, 1760 Monterrey, May 21, 1787, Pedro Manuel de Llano, republican citizen of this city, with authority of Doña Maria de Jesus Lozano, his wife, sells to the Cleric Jose Crescencio de Torres, Priest at the property of Potosi, a slave, golden brown in color female mulatto, named Maria de la Trinidad, age 35 to 36, that his wife inherited from Don Jose Salvador Lozano and Doña Maria Petra Gomez de Castro, her parents. He sells her without assuring that she is free of vice, flaw or disease, published or secret. For 160 pesos in reales. Before Jose Joaquin de Mier Noriega, Substitute Governor. Witnesses Juan Jose Lozano, Pedro Sorreguieta and Marcos de Arredondo. In attendance Pedro Cuello and Manuel Francisco Arnaiz. More on Slaves from Trinidad can be found at; http://www.afrigeneas.com/forum-carib/index.cgi?noframes;read=440
The Descendents of Don Andres de Berrio y Berrio Viscount of Santa Ana y San Miguel Compiled by John D. Inclan
	Generation No. 1 1. ANDRES2 DE BERRIO-Y-BERRIO (JUAN1 DE BERRIO)1 was born in London, England. He married LOUISA DE ABADIA 1590 in London, England, daughter of DIEGO FERNANDEZ-DE-ABADIA and MARIA SAENZ-DE-ORBE. Child of ANDRES DE BERRIO-Y-BERRIO and LOUISA DE ABADIA is: 2. i. ANDRES3 DE BERRIO, b. 1606, London, England; d. Orduna, Biscay, Spain.   Generation No. 2 2. ANDRES3 DE BERRIO (ANDRES2 DE BERRIO-Y-BERRIO, JUAN1 DE BERRIO) was born 1606 in London, England, and died in Orduna, Biscay, Spain. He married JUANA LANDAZURI-SEGALDE 13 Jan 1631 in London, England, daughter of JUAN LANDAZURI and CATARINA DE SEGALDE. She was born 1609. Children of ANDRES DE BERRIO and JUANA LANDAZURI-SEGALDE are: 3. i. MATIAS4 DE BERRIO-Y-LANDAZURI, b. 13 Feb 1635/36, London, England; d. 16 Apr 1712, Orduna, Biscay, Spain. ii. DIEGO DE BERRIO-Y-LANDAZURI. iii. JUAN-BAU DE BERRIO-Y-LANDAZURI. iv. MARIA DE BERRIO-Y-LANDAZURI. v. CATALINA DE BERRIO-Y-LANDAZURI.   Generation No. 3 3. MATIAS4 DE BERRIO-Y-LANDAZURI (ANDRES3 DE BERRIO, ANDRES2 DE BERRIO-Y-BERRIO, JUAN1 DE BERRIO) was born 13 Feb 1636 in London, England, and died 16 Apr 1712 in Orduna, Biscay, Spain. He married MARIA DIEZ-PALACIOS-AYALA-Y-EGUILUZ 04 May 1666 in Orduna, Biscay, Spain, daughter of GABRIEL DIEZ-PALACIOS and MARIA DE VILLALVA-AYALA. She was born 1643. Children of MATIAS DE BERRIO-Y-LANDAZURI and MARIA DIEZ-PALACIOS-AYALA-Y-EGUILUZ are: 4. i. CAPTAIN ANDRES5 DE BERRIO-DIEZ-DE-PALACIO-Y-LANDAZURI, b. 19 Oct 1669, Orduna, Biscay, Spain; d. 05 Sep 1726, Mexico City, D. F., Mexico. ii. FRANCISCO DE BERRIO-DIEZ-DE-PALACIO-Y-LANDAZURI, b. 1672, Orduna, Biscay, Spain.   Generation No. 4 4. CAPTAIN ANDRES5 DE BERRIO-DIEZ-DE-PALACIO-Y-LANDAZURI (MATIAS4 DE BERRIO-Y-LANDAZURI, ANDRES3 DE BERRIO, ANDRES2 DE BERRIO-Y-BERRIO, JUAN1 DE BERRIO) was born 19 Oct 1669 in Orduna, Biscay, Spain, and died 05 Sep 1726 in Mexico City, D. F., Mexico. He married TERESA-JOSEFA SALDIVAR-Y-RETES-Y-PAZ 16 Jul 1698 in Asuncion, Mexico City, D. F., Mexico, daughter of DAMASO DE SALDIVAR-Y-RETES and BEATRIS-RITA DE PAZ-Y-VERA. She was born 24 Oct 1680 in Asuncion, Cuauhtemoc, D. F., Mexico. Notes for TERESA-JOSEFA SALDIVAR-Y-RETES-Y-PAZ: A.K.A. Teresa de Paz y Vara. Children of ANDRES DE BERRIO-DIEZ-DE-PALACIO-Y-LANDAZURI and TERESA-JOSEFA SALDIVAR-Y-RETES-Y-PAZ are: 5. i. ROSA6 DE BERRIO-Y-SALDIVAR. ii. MARIA-GABRIELA DE BERRIO-Y-SALDIVAR, b. 05 Jan 1707, Asuncion, Mexico City, D. F., Mexico. iii. ANDRES-MATEO DE BERRIO-Y-SALDIVAR, b. 01 Oct 1710, Asuncion, Mexico City, D. F., Mexico. 6. iv. 1ST MARQUEZ JARAL BERRIO MIGUEL DE BERRIO-Y-SALDIVAR, b. 19 Oct 1716, Mexico City, D. F., Mexico. 7. v. GERTRUDIS-TERESA-JOSEFA DE BERRIO-Y-SALDIVAR, b. 25 Oct 1717, Asuncion, Mecico City, D. F., Mexico.   Generation No. 5 5. ROSA6 DE BERRIO-Y-SALDIVAR (ANDRES5 DE BERRIO-DIEZ-DE-PALACIO-Y-LANDAZURI, MATIAS4 DE BERRIO-Y-LANDAZURI, ANDRES3 DE BERRIO, ANDRES2 DE BERRIO-Y-BERRIO, JUAN1 DE BERRIO) She married JOSE DE GORRAEZ-Y-LUYANDO, son of JOSE DE GORRAEZ-BEAUMONT-NAVARRA-LUNA-ARELLANO and MARIA-ROSA DE LUYANDO-GOMEZ-DE-CERVANTES. Child of ROSA DE BERRIO-Y-SALDIVAR and JOSE DE GORRAEZ-Y-LUYANDO is: i. MARIA-IGNACIA7 GORRAEZ-BERRIO-LUYANDO-Y-SALDIVAR, b. 07 Oct 1752, Asuncion, Mexico City, D. F., Mexico; m. JOSE-DIEGO SUAREZ-HURTADO-MALO-DE-VILLAVICENCIO, 08 Aug 1769, Asuncion, Mexico City, D. F., Mexico; b. 04 Aug 1752, Asuncion, Cuauhtemoc, D. F., Mexico.   6. 1ST MARQUES de JARAL BERRIO MIGUEL6 DE BERRIO-Y-SALDIVAR (ANDRES5 DE BERRIO-DIEZ-DE-PALACIO-Y-LANDAZURI, MATIAS4 DE BERRIO-Y-LANDAZURI, ANDRES3 DE BERRIO, ANDRES2 DE BERRIO-Y-BERRIO, JUAN1 DE BERRIO) was born 19 Oct 1716 in Mexico City, D. F., Mexico. He married COUNTESS DE SAN MATEO ANA-MARIA DE-LA-CAMPA-COS, daughter of FERNANDO DE-LA-CAMPA-COS and ISABEL DE CEBALLOS-Y-VILLEGAS. Notes for 1ST MARQUEZ JARAL BERRIO MIGUEL DE BERRIO-Y-SALDIVAR: In 1774, King Carlos III, awarded him the title of Marquez de Jaral Children of MIGUEL DE BERRIO-Y-SALDIVAR and ANA-MARIA DE-LA-CAMPA-COS are: i. MARQUESSA DE JARAL MARIA-DE-GUADALUPE-ANA7 DE BERRIO-Y-CAMPA, b. 17 Feb 1752, Asuncion, Mecico City, D. F., Mexico; m. MARQUES PEDRO MONCADA-Y-BRANCIFORTE, 06 Jan 1768, Asuncion, Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, D. F., Mexico; b. Palermo, Sicily. ii. JOSE-MARIANO-MANUEL DE BERRIO-Y-CAMPA, b. 19 Mar 1758, Asuncion, Mecico City, D. F., Mexico. iii. MARIA-DE-GUADALUPE-MANUELA DE BERRIO-Y-CAMPA, b. 16 Jul 1765, Asuncion, Mecico City, D. F., Mexico.   7. GERTRUDIS-TERESA-JOSEFA6 DE BERRIO-Y-SALDIVAR (ANDRES5 DE BERRIO-DIEZ-DE-PALACIO-Y-LANDAZURI, MATIAS4 DE BERRIO-Y-LANDAZURI, ANDRES3 DE BERRIO, ANDRES2 DE BERRIO-Y-BERRIO, JUAN1 DE BERRIO) was born 25 Oct 1717 in Asuncion, Mecico City, D. F., Mexico. She married MIGUEL-FRANCISCO DE LUGO-Y-TERREROS 05 May 1737 in Asuncion, Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, D. F., Mexico, son of FELIPE-JAVIER DE LUGO and ANA-SIMONA DE TERREROS-Y-TREJO. He was born 15 Sep 1715 in Guatamala. Child of GERTRUDIS-TERESA-JOSEFA DE BERRIO-Y-SALDIVAR and MIGUEL-FRANCISCO DE LUGO-Y-TERREROS is: i. MARIA-MICHAELA7 DE LUGO-Y-BERRIO, m. ANTONIO-JOSEPH DE LECA-Y-GUZMAN, 09 Oct 1768, Asuncion, Cuauhtemoc, Mexico City, D. F., Mexico.   Endnotes 1. Estudios Genealogicos por D. Ricardo Ortega y Perez Gallardo., Page 92..

El Proyecto Digital Regeneración de la Dirección de Estudios Históricos

Asunto: WWW. Colección completa Regeneración (1900-1918) Contacto: Luz María Santos: lsantos.deh@inah.gob.mx El Proyecto Digital Regeneración de la Dirección de Estudios Históricos Tiene el gusto de enviarles la dirección electrónica de la página en donde se ha colgado la colección completa de Regeneración (1900-1918) http://www.archivomagon.net   Jacinto Barrera Bassols Capultitlán # 7 México, DF. México 14648 tel/ fax.(52)55 5676-6779

Descendents of Don Jose Tiburcio Diaz Compiled by John D. Inclan

Generation No. 1 1. JOSE-TIBURCIO1 DIAZ He married MARIA-GUADALUPE SANCHEZ. Child of JOSE-TIBURCIO DIAZ and MARIA-GUADALUPE SANCHEZ is: 2. i. JOSE-BERNARDO2 DIAZ-SANCHEZ.   Generation No. 2 2. JOSE-BERNARDO2 DIAZ-SANCHEZ (JOSE-TIBURCIO1 DIAZ) He married MARIA-GUADALUPE BASURTO-BRISENO 17 Feb 1794 in Santa Catarina Martir, Mexico City, D. F., Mexico, daughter of ANDRES BASURTO and MARIA-DE-LA-LUZ BRISENO. Child of JOSE-BERNARDO DIAZ-SANCHEZ and MARIA-GUADALUPE BASURTO-BRISENO is: 3. i. JOSE-ONOFRE-DE-LOS-ANGELES3 DIAZ-BASURTO, b. 12 Jun 1809, Santa Catarina Martir, Mexico City, D. F., Mexico.   Generation No. 3 3. JOSE-ONOFRE-DE-LOS-ANGELES3 DIAZ-BASURTO (JOSE-BERNARDO2 DIAZ-SANCHEZ, JOSE-TIBURCIO1 DIAZ) was bapt. 12 Jun 1809 in Santa Catarina Martir, Mexico City, D. F., Mexico. He married MARIA-TRINDAD HINOJOSA-MEDINA 20 Aug 1854 in Sagrario Metropolitano, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, daughter of JUAN HINOJOSA and ANDREA MEDINA. Child of JOSE-ONOFRE-DE-LOS-ANGELES DIAZ-BASURTO and MARIA-TRINDAD HINOJOSA-MEDINA is: i. MARIA-GUADALUPE4 DIAZ-HINOJOSA, b. 04 Sep 1843, Sagrario Metropolitano, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; m. EDUARDO VELARDE-MUNOZ, 29 Jan 1866, Sagrario Metropolitano, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; b. 1836.

The Descendents of Captain Miguel Flores de Valdez Compiled by John D. Inclan

Generation No. 1 1. CAPTAIN MIGUEL5 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ (MIGUEL4, DIEGO3 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ-SALAZAR, RODRIGO2 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ-CARBALLO, JUAN-ALVARO1 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ) was born 1675 in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. He married ANTONIA DE ARISPE-CUELLAR 01 Feb 1692 in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico1, daughter of JUAN DE ARISPE-GUTIERREZ and ANA DE LIZARRARAS-Y-CUELLAR. She was born Abt. 1677 in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Marriage Notes for MIGUEL FLORES-DE-VALDEZ and ANTONIA DE ARISPE-CUELLAR: Index to the Marriage Investigations of the Diocese of Guadalajara by Raul J. Guerra, Jr., Nadine M. Vasquez, Baldomero Vela, Jr. Page 28. LDS Film #0167978. Children of MIGUEL FLORES-DE-VALDEZ and ANTONIA DE ARISPE-CUELLAR are: i. CRISTOBAL6 DE VALDEZ, m. (1) JUANA DE-LA-PENA-CABELLO, 26 Mar 1728, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; m. (2) ANTONIA DE-LA-GARZA-DE-LA-GARZA, 19 Jun 1747, Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; b. 1740. Marriage Notes for CRISTOBAL DE VALDEZ and JUANA DE-LA-PENA-CABELLO: Marriage source:Index to the Marriage Investigations of the Diocese of Guadalajara by Raul J. Guerra, Jr., Nadine M. Vasquez, Baldomero Vela, Jr. Page 76. ii. MARGARITA DE VALDEZ, m. YLDEPHONSO DE CARDENAS-PINILLAS, 05 Nov 1751, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; b. Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. 2. iii. GERTRUDIS DE VALDEZ. 3. iv. FRANCISCO-JAVIER VALDEZ-ARISPE, b. Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. 4. v. SANTIAGO VALDEZ-ARISPE. vi. LUISA-ANA FLORES-DE-VALDEZ-ARIZPE, m. NICOLAS DE ZERTUCHE-SANCHEZ, 31 Jul 1729, Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; b. 24 Mar 1693/94, Saltillo, Coahulia, Mexico. Marriage Notes for LUISA-ANA FLORES-DE-VALDEZ-ARIZPE and NICOLAS DE ZERTUCHE-SANCHEZ: Source:Index to the Marriage Investigations of the Diocese of Guadalajara by Raul J. Guerra, Jr., Nadine M. Vasquez, Valdomero Vela, Jr. Page 269. 5. vii. LUSIA FLORES-DE-VALDEZ, b. 1710. viii. MARIA-CATARINA VALDEZ-ARISPE, b. 01 Dec 1713, Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. 6. ix. GERTRUDIS FLORES-Y-VALDEZ, b. 1711, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.   Generation No. 2 2. GERTRUDIS6 DE VALDEZ (MIGUEL5 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ, MIGUEL4, DIEGO3 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ-SALAZAR, RODRIGO2 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ-CARBALLO, JUAN-ALVARO1 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ) She married MANUEL GONZALEZ. Child of GERTRUDIS DE VALDEZ and MANUEL GONZALEZ is: i. MARIA GERTRUDIS7 GONZALEZ-VALDEZ, b. 1758, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; m. RAMON VALDEZ-BOTELLO, 01 Sep 1778, Saltillo, Coahulia, Mexico; b. 1753, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Marriage Notes for MARIA GONZALEZ-VALDEZ and RAMON VALDEZ-BOTELLO: Index to the Marriage Investigations of the Diocese of Guadalajara by Raul J. Guerra, Jr., Nadine M. Vasquez, Baldomero Vela, Jr. Page 245.   3. FRANCISCO-JAVIER6 VALDEZ-ARISPE (MIGUEL5 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ, MIGUEL4, DIEGO3 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ-SALAZAR, RODRIGO2 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ-CARBALLO, JUAN-ALVARO1 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ) was born in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. He married MARIA-JOSEFA DE AGUIRRE, daughter of JUAN DE AGUIRRE-GONZALEZ and MARIA DAVILA. She was born in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Children of FRANCISCO-JAVIER VALDEZ-ARISPE and MARIA-JOSEFA DE AGUIRRE are: i. PEDRO-JOSEPH7 VALDEZ-AGUIRRE, b. Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; m. MARIA-ANTONIA DE CARDENAS, 03 Jul 1750, Saltillo, Coahulia, Mexico; b. Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Marriage Notes for PEDRO-JOSEPH VALDEZ-AGUIRRE and MARIA-ANTONIA DE CARDENAS: Marriage source:From the book, Index to the Marriage Investigations of the Diocese of Guadalajara by Raul J. Guerra, Jr., Nadine M. Vasquez, Baldomero Vela, Jr. Page 118. ii. MARIA TERESA VALDEZ-AGUIRRE, m. JOSEPH-MANUEL DE CARDENAS-PINILLAS, 05 Sep 1781, Saltillo, Coahulia, Mexico; b. Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Marriage Notes for MARIA VALDEZ-AGUIRRE and JOSEPH-MANUEL DE CARDENAS-PINILLAS: Marriage source:Index to the Marriage Investigations of the Diocese of Guadalajara by Raul J. Guerrera, Jr., Nadine M. Vasquez, Baldomero Vela, Jr. 1751-1779. Page 140. iii. ANTONIA-GERTRUDIS VALDEZ-AGUIRRE, m. ANTONIO GOMEZ-DEL-CASTILLO, 02 Oct 1758, Sagrario Metro, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.   4. SANTIAGO6 VALDEZ-ARISPE (MIGUEL5 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ, MIGUEL4, DIEGO3 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ-SALAZAR, RODRIGO2 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ-CARBALLO, JUAN-ALVARO1 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ) Child of SANTIAGO VALDEZ-ARISPE is: i. MARIA7 DE VALDEZ, m. FRANCISCO-JAVIER DE AGUIRRE; b. Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.   5. LUSIA6 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ (MIGUEL5, MIGUEL4, DIEGO3 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ-SALAZAR, RODRIGO2 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ-CARBALLO, JUAN-ALVARO1 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ) was born 1710. She married PEDRO-JOSEPH GALINDO-CEPEDA Mar 1733/34 in Saltillo, Coahulia, Mexico2, son of FELIPE GALINDO and MARIA DE CEPEDA. He was bapt. 02 Feb 1714 in Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Marriage Notes for LUSIA FLORES-DE-VALDEZ and PEDRO-JOSEPH GALINDO-CEPEDA: Index to the Marriage Investigations of the Diocese of Guadalajara by Raul J. Guerrera, Jr., Nadine M. Vasquez, Baldomero Vela, Jr. 1751 - 1779. #79, 11, Page 86. Children of LUSIA FLORES-DE-VALDEZ and PEDRO-JOSEPH GALINDO-CEPEDA are: i. ANA-MARIA7 GALINDO-FLORES-DE-VALDEZ, b. 22 Feb 1739, Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. ii. JOSEPH-CARLOS GALINDO-FLORES-DE-VALDEZ, b. 17 Nov 1748, Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. iii. MARIA-ANTONIA GALINDO-FLORES-DE-VALDEZ, b. 1750, Vallecillo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; m. GREGORIO SOTO-RAMOS, 20 Apr 1768, San Carlos, Vallecillo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; b. 1748, Vallecillo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.   6. GERTRUDIS6 FLORES-Y-VALDEZ (MIGUEL5 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ, MIGUEL4, DIEGO3 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ-SALAZAR, RODRIGO2 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ-CARBALLO, JUAN-ALVARO1 FLORES-DE-VALDEZ) was born 1711 in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. She married PEDRO DE URRUTIA 10 Oct 1739 in Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, son of JOSEPH DE URRUTIA and ROSA FLORES-DE-VALDEZ. He was born Abt. 1711 in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Notes for PEDRO DE URRUTIA: Marriage information from the book, Mil Familias III, by Rodolfo Gonzalez de la Garza. Page 215. On February 18, 1738, he gave $5 pesos towards the construction of San Fernando Church. Source:History and Legends of the Alamo and other Missions by Adina De Zavala. Children of GERTRUDIS FLORES-Y-VALDEZ and PEDRO DE URRUTIA are: i. ANTONIO-JOSEPH-MANUEL7 DE URRUTIA, b. 10 Sep 1740, Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. ii. JUANA-FRANCISCA DE URRUTIA, b. Abt. 1741, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; m. JOSEPH-IGNACIO-MARTIN DE-LA-PENA-VALDEZ, 15 Jan 1759, Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; b. 04 Dec 1737, Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Marriage Notes for JUANA-FRANCISCA DE URRUTIA and JOSEPH-IGNACIO-MARTIN DE-LA-PENA-VALDEZ: SourceLDS Batch Number: M605335; Source Dates: 1757 - 1788;Film or Fiche Number: 605095   iii. JOSEPH-THEODORO DE URRUTIA, b. 07 Apr 1742, Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. iv. JOSEPH-MANUEL-NEPOMUSENO DE URRUTIA-Y-VALDEZ, b. 09 Feb 1743/44, Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico; m. MARIA-JOSEFA-DE-TRINIDAD HERNANDEZ-DE-LA-GARZA, 08 Jan 1774, San Fernandol, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas; b. 11 Mar 1756, San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas. Notes for MARIA-JOSEFA-DE-TRINIDAD HERNANDEZ-DE-LA-GARZA: Will partition on July 15, 1793. Heir:son Lt.Manuel Urrutia. Source:Wills and Inventories of Bexar County, Texas - San Antonio Genealogical and Historical Society. v. EUSEBIO-JOSEPH DE URRUTIA, b. 26 Dec 1745, Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. vi. JOSEPH-LUIS DE URRUTIA, b. 02 Apr 1752, Sagrario Metropolitano, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.     Endnotes 1. Index to the Marriage Investigations of the Diocese of Guadalajara by Raul J. Guerra, Jr., Nadine M. Vasquez, and Baldomero Vela, Jr., Page 28.. 2. Index to the Marriage Investigations of the Diocese of Guadalajara by Raul J. Guerra, Jr., Nadine M. Vasquez, and Baldomero Vela, Jr., Page 86. [#79-11]..

Photos of Old Chihuahua
	An excellent collection of photos of Old Chihuahua with pictures taken as early as the 1850s all the way to the early 1960s.  A picture of Pancho Villa as president with Emilano Zapata at his side... and a picture of Pancho Villa in a makeshift morgue taken July 20, 1923.   Wonderful pictorial history of the growing pains of a great city. Sent by Ernesto Uribe  Euribe000@aol.com

 

CARIBBEAN/CUBA

Website for La Genealogía de  Puerto Rico 65th Infantry of Puerto Rico Golden Girl

La Genealogía de Puerto Rico
	La Genealogía de  Puerto Rico (The Genealogy of Puerto Rico) -P Page is dedicated in the memory of Hispanics who honorably served in the United States Armed Forces.  http://www.rootsweb.com/~prwgw/military_01.htm Sent by Nancy Perez
65th Infantry of Puerto Rico
	Dear Mimi and dear friends from PR. The home page of this web site has links to the Documentary and film of the 65th Infantry of PR. the other pages have request of love ones that served in Korea. Rafael Ojeda   http://www.koreanwar.org/html/units/65ir.htm?set=700&set1=legacy
Golden Girl
	http://www.fiu.edu/~fcf/gloria53198.html Published Sunday, May 31, 1998, in the Miami Herald Abstract: Golden Girl By MICHELLE GENZ Photographs by David Bergman, Herald files and Estefan Enterprises Full article: http://www.fiu.edu/~fcf/gloria53198.html In a cavernous studio space off 125th Street, 100 extras have finally clambered onto the set of Gloria Estefan's new $1.5 million music video. The wild mix of models, actors and club kids has been sorted -- God knows by what criteria -- into groups, and all have taken their places in what looks like a cardboard dance club. Gloria's new single, Heaven's What I Feel, is blasting over an immense sound system. The extras snap eagerly into party mode, practicing their dance moves. They are hearing the cut for the first time, although by the weekend it will blare from the clubs they haunt all along South Beach, an early release from the new nonstop dance album, gloria!, hitting the stores Tuesday. Gloria, meanwhile, has been passing the time in her dressing room upstairs, in a scene more reminiscent of a slumber party than the pre-show psyche-up of a star. The room swarms with children, close friends and family, including Gloria's daughter, Emily, her mother, Gloria Fajardo, and her husband, Emilio, who is just dashing out to change from shorts to tux to appear at an awards ceremony. Gloria is perched on a stool, holding court like the most popular girl in the class, hunching over so her trainer can massage around the two titanium rods implanted in her back after a 1990 bus accident. She is achy from yesterday's taping, when she had to do somersaults while suspended by cables attached to a body harness 30 feet in the air, as her mother clutched her heart below her. While the trainer manipulates her muscles, a makeup artist dabs on highlighter under her new ultra-thin brows. Emily, 3, interrupts to offer her mom a piece of bubble gum. Everyone in the place is chomping happily as the conversation crescendos, in Spanish, in English, in animal noises -- Emily, now on all fours, is making the grown-ups guess what animal she is. ''Hay, Christ!'' swears Gloria at a smudge of lipstick pushed beyond her lip liner by too-active gum chewing. She dabs in irritation with a lip brush; for Gloria, making up is a pain in the neck. Despite the glamorous hairpiece tipped in flaming russet, despite her scrupulously trim frame, and flawless, almost translucent skin, she seems oblivious to her own luminous beauty, moving more like an athlete than a dancer, chronically cracking her knuckles, throwing her husky, broadly inflected voice across the room. By the time Gloria leaves her dressing room -- a technical glitch forced a two-hour delay -- her daughter has fixed herself to one leg, in tears. Downstairs, a tape of Gloria's voice suddenly fills the massive studio, her face illuminates a dozen TV screens on the set, and a tech with a headset says it's time to go on. Three cameras and a spotlight train on Gloria expectantly. Emily begins to cry harder. She cries and cries. Gloria holds her tightly for a long minute, then gets an inspiration: Maybe Emily just wants to see where Mommy will be. She scoops the child into her arms and carries her to the platform in the center of the set. She lets her down to have her moment in the sun, but Emily turns and clutches the leg again. The sight is too much for the crowd: A collective ''Awwwwww'' descends from the disco kids. The moment stretches into five, with Gloria hugging Emily as if the world were ending. Finally, she grabs up her little girl and disappears for a good 10 minutes, returning only after persuading Emily to watch a movie with her friend. ''Just because I happen to be doing a video with a ga-zillion people waiting doesn't mean that Emily's needs aren't just as important,'' Gloria says later. If indulging an over-tired child evokes sneers from more rigid disciplinarians, Gloria couldn't care less. She is as secure in her parenting skills as she is in principles, her politics, and her position in the music industry. Gloria Estefan has won two Grammys, sold 60 million records, sung for the Pope and President and the Atlanta Olympics. At 40, she is one of the highest-paid performers in the nation, and the most famous Cuban American in the world. Sparing her daughter sorrow is not something Gloria does lightly. Her own childhood ebbed from her, as she spent her adolescence caring for an increasingly ill father. Jose Manuel Fajardo, a former star of the Cuban national volleyball team, and a policeman who served as the motorcycle guard for Fulgencio Batista's wife, came to the United States with his wife, Gloria, and baby, Glorita (as little Gloria was called), on a $21 plane ticket almost immediately after Castro took power. Within two years, he was training for the Bay of Pigs invasion, and on the day of the landing he commanded the exile brigade's tank division. He was captured by his own cousin, who was in Castro's army, and held for nearly two years. With Jose in prison in Cuba, Gloria's mother struggled to make a home in the barracks-like apartment buildings behind the Orange Bowl. Broke, not knowing English, she picked up free cheese and Spam at the Freedom Tower. Fajardo was released a few days before Christmas 1962. But he was a military man at his core. He joined the U.S. Army, moving the family to military bases in Texas and South Carolina. The move interrupted Gloria's mildly successful first grade in Miami. Gloria was the only Hispanic the class, although her strong verbal skills -- she would minor in French in college and work as a Creole interpreter for U.S. Customs -- helped her learn English so quickly that she won a prize for reading -- in English -- six months into first grade. In 1967 Fajardo volunteered to go to Vietnam. By then, 8-year-old Gloria was already used to living without him. ''I never really had him,'' she says. During his two-year tour of duty, he was likely exposed to the defoliant Agent Orange. Soon after his return, he was acting strangely, stopping at stoplights when the light was green, falling for no apparent reason. Tests pointed to multiple sclerosis (the family strongly suspects some involvement of the Agent Orange exposure), and the man who had won a bronze medal in the 1952 Pan American Games now needed a cane to walk. Gloria was 10 years old. Within a year, her father was bedridden. From age 11 to 16, while her mother taught school to supplement Jose Fajardo's inadequate pension and went to night school, Gloria would come home in time to relieve the day nurse, doing housework and tending to her father while baby-sitting her sister, Becky, six years younger. As her father grew more immobilized, Gloria had to feed and bathe him, discreetly mindful of the shame he felt over his burdensome dependency. Gloria found solace in her bedroom playing her guitar, and virtually never let her feelings show. ''She's iron, iron on the outside,'' Becky later told a biographer. ''I've seen her cry maybe once.'' For more on her Gloria's father, please go to http://jmfajardo.free.fr/ a website dedicated to Jose Manuel Fajardo, his life with articles written by him.

SPAIN

De Cuba, Alentejo.  Mas sobre Cristobal Colón ERA DE LEPE LA CARTA VATICANA DE MARTÍN ALONSO PINZÓN   Asunto: Biblioteca Digital Hispánica

 

De Cuba, Alentejo.  Mas sobre Cristobal Colón.
	Articulo publicado en Odiel Información el 15 de enero 2008  Ya he comentado en otras ocasiones, la certeza que mantienen los portugueses sobre que el nacimiento de Cristóbal Colón fue en tierras del Alentejo, en un pequeño pueblo, que actualmente tiene unos 5.000 habitantes y que se llama Cuba, cercano a Rosal de la Frontera. Dicen algunos historiadores portugueses que  Cristóbal Colón  se llamaba en realidad  Salvador Fernández Zarco y era hijo ilegitimo del Duque Fernando de Beja y de Isabel Gonçalves Zarco, hija del navegante portugués de origen judío Joâo Gonçalves Zarco, descubridor de la Isla de Porto Santo. El motivo del cambio de nombre dicen que lo motivó que no podía revelar su origen al rey portugués, Joâo II, porque este era enemigo mortal de su padre y si lo conocía habría ordenado matarlo.. Su origen también explica que pudiera casarse con Filipa Moniz de Perestrelo, que pertenecía a la familia real y era hija del Gobernador de la Isla de Porto Santo  y que recibiera apoyo de los franciscanos de La Rábida , para llegar a los Reyes Católicos. Atestiguan estas afirmaciones de los historiadores los muchos topónimos portugueses que Colón dejó en América, como: Cuba, Mourao, Guadiana, Santo Domingo, San Bartomeu, y muchos mas, además de pruebas documentales que dicen poseer. Basándose en un libro “Cristóbal Colón – El enigma”  escrita por Manuel Luciano da Silva y su mujer Silvia Jorge, el realizador portugués Manoel de Oliveira, de 99 años, y el director de mas prestigio del cine luso, ha estrenado hace pocos días en Cuba (Alentejo) el filme que corresponde a este año, ya que Oliveira, dada su avanzada edad, solo hace una película cada año y en muchas ocasiones las ha llevado al Festival de Cannes. La historia del Almirante sigue…                        Ángel  Custodio Rebollo.
ERA DE LEPE
	Publicado en Odiel Información el 7 de enero de 2008   ERA DE LEPE     Hace unos días cayó en mis manos un articulo del historiador argentino Andrés Lamas y publicado en Buenos Aires en diciembre de 1871. Era sobre Juan Díaz de Solís, el descubridor del Río de la Plata y su lectura me resultó muy interesante, no solo por lo documentado que estaba, sino por que me hizo recordar algo de lo que me he ocupado hace tiempo y en lo que no he conseguido avanzar. En los relatos históricos, se han cometido y se continúan haciendo, errores que siguen su curso y .que forman parte de la historia como si fueran verdad, aunque siempre te queda el beneficio de la duda. Este es el caso de Juan Díaz de Solís, que muchos autores lo consideran nacido en Lebrija, otros, como el chileno José Toribio Medina, dicen que era portugués. Aunque yo me acerco mas a la tesis que manifestó Alberto Casas, en un articulo publicado en 1993, en el que manifiesta su creencia que el que fue Piloto Mayor de la Casa de Contratación y sustituyó a Américo Vespucci, había nacido en nuestro Lepe. Sobre Díaz de Solís, en Lebrija, aún no se ha encontrado ningún documento y solo hay una petición que EL Piloto Mayor hizo al Rey como compensación a su trabajo para la Corona , de un terreno en Lebrija. Su padre era lepero, su segunda mujer, porque la primera murió y era portuguesa, Ana Torres, era hermana del también piloto Francisco Torres, ambos nacidos en Lepe. Tuvieron un hijo en Lepe, que fue bautizado en  la Parroquia de Lepe, e incluso un hermano del descubridor también nació en Lepe. Ya para confirmar el tema, la flotilla que  el 8 de octubre de 1515 partió para el hallazgo del Río de la Plata y su trágico final, fue armada y pertrechada en Lepe. .Hasta que alguien no me demuestre lo contrario, sigo creyendo que Juan Díaz de Solís, nació en Lepe.                                           Custodio Rebollo
LA CARTA VATICANA DE MARTÍN ALONSO PINZÓN
	Martín Alonso Pinzón es, pese a quien pese, una de las grandes figuras de la Historia por su decisiva y concluyente colaboración con Cristóbal Colón en la gran empresa descubridora, incluso en el orden económico, pues aportó el dinero que faltaba para el apresto de las naves y el adelanto de los salarios de la marinería enrolada: “Con el principal, Martín Alonso Pinzón, comenzó Cristóbal Colón su plática, rogándole que fuese con él en aquel viaje y llevase a sus hermanos, parientes y amigos, y sin duda es de creer que le debía prometer algo, porque nada se mueve sino por su interés y utilidad”; más adelante dice que “Martín Alonso, que era muy animoso y en las cosas de la mar bien experimentado”. Así se expresa en su Historia de las Indias Bartolomé de las Casas que no se distingue, precisamente, por su simpatía hacia el patriarca de los Pinzones, del que manifiesta que “el dicho Martín Alonso, cosa es verosímil y cercana a la verdad, según lo que yo tengo entendido, prestó sólo a Cristóbal Colón, el medio cuento (500.000 mrs.) o él y sus hermanos”. El propio Colón, el día 6 de agosto de 1492, anota en el Diario “que Martín Alonso Pinzón era persona esforzada y de buen ingenio”. Estas y otras cosas han procurado los colonistas ocultar o minimizar, como el consejo, el 6 de octubre de 1492, de variar de rumbo unos grados mas al sur, fecha que, con sus correspondientes acaecimientos, don Hernando Colón deja en blanco, manipulando el Diario haciendo ver que se trata de una decisión del Almirante y que llevó a cabo el día siguiente. Todos los medios han sido válidos para marginar e incluso calumniar a Martín Alonso con el propósito de que nada ni nadie pueda enturbiar la gloria del descubridor, convirtiéndolo en el exclusivo protagonista de la gesta, negando parte de la gloria a quienes tienen un lugar en ella. Llama la atención la clara e inmediata predisposición de Martín Alonso de unirse a Colón y afanarse en el reclutamiento de las tripulaciones y el fletamento de las naves, determinación que se achaca a la célebre “carta vaticana” que trajo de Roma en uno de los viajes marítimos que hizo a esta ciudad, transportando sardinas “embarricas”, higos secos, cazón salado y otros productos. Para algunos historiadores, las cartas eran una invención urdida por Fray Juan Pérez en convivencia con Colón como medio de convencer a Martín Alonso y lograr su participación, acabando, a la vez, con las reticencias de la habitantes de Palos a embarcar con un extranjero a quien ninguna persona conocía; otros se amparan en la necesidad de asumir una duda razonable, en razón de los muchos viajes comprobados que realizó a Italia (declaración de Hernán Pérez Mateos y otros, octubre de 1515), algunos de los cuales con mercancías destinadas al Vaticano hizo posible que entablara cierta amistad con un bibliotecario que le facilitó copia de una carta que se encontraba en la librería del papa Inocencio VIII. El bibliotecario, según Arias Pérez, primogénito de Martín Alonso, era un familiar criado del Papa y era grande cosmógrafo. En la citada escritura, de los tiempos de Salomón, se decía: “Navegarás por el mar Mediterráneo fasta el fyn de España, e de allí al poniente del sol, entre el norte e el mediodía, por vía temperada, fasta noventa e cinco grados de camino, y hallarás una tierra de Sypanso, la qual es tan fértil e abondosa que con la su grandeza sojudgará a África e a Uropa”. La existencia real de este documento fue uno de los argumentos que se esgrimieron en la Probanzas de los Pleitos Colombinos, especialmente las celebradas en 1515 en las villas de Sevilla, Lepe, Huelva y Palos, en las que varios testigos declararon haberlo conocido, como Alonso Rodríguez de la Cava , Martín Martínez, que además aseguró haber visto platicar sobre el mismo a Martín Alonso y Cristóbal Colón; Juan de Ungría, Manuel de Valdovinos y Antón Fernández Colmenero, que fue en el citado viaje y dice haberlo leído; Luís del Valle afirma que lo de la escritura era público y notorio en la villa de Palos, y Arias Pérez, hijo de Martín Alonso, que también estuvo en Roma, añadió que su padre tenía la intención de aparejar dos naves para navegar al poniente de acuerdo con lo contenido en la carta, pero que al llegar a Palos se encontró con que ya la expedición estaba ordenada por los Reyes Católicos y al mando de Colón. Finalmente el larguísimo proceso (28 años) terminó en una componenda francamente favorable a los intereses de la Corona. El principal testigo, Martín Alonso, había muerto misteriosamente cuando se disponía a viajar a Barcelona y, curiosamente, a partir de entonces el Almirante jamás volvió a nombrarlo; a los herederos del marino de Palos se les indemnizó con una sustanciosa cantidad a cambio de renunciar a los derechos que les correspondían, según constaba en la escrituras que poseían y que cedieron a Su Majestad para que “lo tenga y goce por suyo y como suyo…. Madrid a veinticuatro de agosto de mil quinientos treinta y cinco”. ¿Estaba la carta entre las escrituras que entregaron?                                             Alberto Casas                                             Historiador.

Asunto: Biblioteca Digital Hispánica

El pasado miércoles 16 `la Biblioteca Nacional de España puso en línea su "Biblioteca Digital Hispánica" http://www.bne.es/BDH/index.htm Se trata de un programa que proporciona el acceso, lectura y descarga gratuita a una amplia selección (unos 10000 documentos) de las obras más notables custodiadas por la institución, incluyendo libros impresos entre el siglo XV y el XIX, grabados, carteles, fotografías y mapas. La iniciativa se une (de una manera que aun no resulta clara) al proyecto "Gallica" de la Biblioteca Nacional de Francia http://gallica.bnf.fr/ en el propósito de crear una Biblioteca Digital Europea. La BNE se propone incorporaer en el fuiuro nuevas colecciones y desarollar un programa de digitalización masiva.(ver http://biblio.universia.es/ ) El sistema de consulta es simple y lógico; es muy recomendable la "búsqueda avanzada". En una rápida revisión, pueden apreciarse que hay algunas obras del periodo colonial novohspano (sobre todo de cronistas que ya tienen ediciones modernas, por lo cual son de interés sobre todo para bibliófilos e historiógrafos) y un acervo particularmente rico sobre el periodo de la revolución de independencia y el Primer Imperio Mexicano. Saludos cordiales Felipe Castro Sent by Samuel Sanchez samuelsanchez@genealogia.org.mx

INTERNATIONAL

Chicano Park Recognized in German Online Article Monograph Review, Chicano Park Historia y Tradición: El Panteón Nacional CANARIAS. Temas Canario

History in Action:  Chicano Park Recognized in German Online Article

Thanks to the hard work of Tommie Camarillo and the Chicano Park Steering Committee the history and murals of Chicano Park in San Diego, California are now available online in the German language.  It is the first and only article that is written in the German language about the history and murals of  Chicano Park.   Once again Chicano Park is being recognized in Europe and across the world.  This recognition is a result of collaborations and communications between Tommie Camarillo, CPSC and Dr. Dipl.-Ing. Mag. Michael Falser Institut für Denkmalpflege und Bauforschung (IDB) Department Architektur - ETH Zürich (Swiss Federal University of Technology (Department of Buidling Research) at Zurich.)   This accomplishment serves as one more indicator of the international artistic importance and value of the murals as well as the history of struggle it represents for the Chicano-Mejicano-Latino community.  The online article and photos can be accessed at the following link:   http://www.kunsttexte.de/2007-4/falser-michael-s.-2/PDF/falser.pdf   It is the hope of all involved with Chicano Park that individuals and universities in other countries follow the example and work of Dr. Dipl.-Ing. Mag. Michael Falser and write similar articles about Chicano Park in their respective languages. It is anticipated that Chicano Park will soon be carried in a French language online site.   For more information on Chicano Park, the Chicano Park Steering Committee and the upcoming Chicano Park Annual Celebration send an email to Tommie Camarillo at: cpscchicanopark@sbcglobal.net   Sent by Gus Chavez

Monograph Review

Monograph Review Rogelio Reyes, Profesor of Linguistics rreyes@mail.sdsu.edu, tel. 760 768 5532 SDSU-Imperial Valley Campus Michael S. Falser. 2007. Chicano Park.  Bürgerinitiative, Graffiti-kunst und Traumaverarbeitug: Gechichte und Bedeutung von 'Chicano Park' in Barrio Logan, San Diego (Kalifornien, USA). http://www.kunsttexte.de/2007-4/falser-michael-s.-2/PDF/falser.pdf For the first time since its inception in 1971, San Diego, California's Chicano Park has become the subject of an online mono graph in the German Language.  Relatively brief-totaling less than 8000 words and a sprinkling of mural reproductions in color-this monograph nevertheless manages to give a clear and accurate account of the artistic spirit and political mood that led to the establishment of Chicano Park.  Falser, an Austrian architect and art historian, recounts the history and significance of a "civil initiative, graffiti art, and processing of a trauma", i.e. the story of how the Chicano community of Logan Heights created art out of adversity.  From Mario Torero, co-founder of the Chicano Park project in 1971, Falser traces the art motifs and political themes of Chicano Park back to those of the Mexican Revolution as depicted by David Alfaro Siqueiros and other Mexican muralists of his time. Generally accurate in spelling Chicano names, e.g. the Brown Berets, Chicano Federation, etc., Falser, however, seems derelict at times in this respect, especially when it matters most, e.g. "Dabei ist der Begriff Chicano, etymologisch aus Mexicanos, Xichano, bzw. Chicamo hervorgegangen,", i.e. 'At the same time, the concept Chicano is etymologically derived from Mexicanos, Xichano, or Chicamo.  The last two are obviously typographical corruptions of the intended Xicano and Chicano, respectively. Thirty-seven years after the event, it is nevertheless inspiring to see Chicano Park history and its cultural significance begin to receive recognition in the international arena.

Historia y Tradición: El Panteón Nacional, “recinto de nuestros inmortales” Eumenes Fuguet Borregales (*) eumenes@cantv.net

Lo que es en nuestros días el Panteón Nacional, fue una ermita o iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad, cuya idea nace en 1740 e iniciada la construcción en agosto de 1774, a través de recolectas que recibía quien tuvo la iniciativa, el alarife (maestro de obras), el pardo Juan Domingo del Sacramento Infante, fervoroso devoto de la Santísima Trinidad. Los terrenos fueron facilitados por el Ayuntamiento de Caracas y por el marqués Bernardo Rodríguez del Toro. Don Juan Vicente Bolívar, padre de nuestro futuro Libertador, devoto de la Santísima Trinidad, colaboraba en la construcción de la iglesia; precisamente ese es el nombre que lleva el panteón familiar ubicado en la Catedral en Caracas. Este modesto albañil muere el 12 de diciembre de 1780, sin ver concluida su monumental obra. Infante fue enterrado al pie del Altar Mayor. La iglesia inconclusa constaba de tres naves con quince altares, la fachada con tres grandes puertas y dos torres con sus campanas. El 15 de julio de 1783 fue consagrada. En esa iglesia el niño Simón toma en 1791 la primera comunión. A causa del terremoto que asoló a Caracas el 26 de marzo de 1812, sufre graves daños en su estructura. Bolívar, al entrar a Caracas en 1821 luego del triunfo de Carabobo, ordena la reconstrucción del templo, pero los escasos recursos financieros no lo permitieron para el momento. Hubo que esperar cincuenta años para la restauración del santo lugar y como un aspecto del destino, cuando los venerados restos del Libertador llegan a Caracas el 16 de diciembre de 1842, pernoctaron en esa iglesia, para ser trasladados al día siguiente a la iglesia de San Francisco, donde recibió el 14 de octubre de 1813 el glorioso título de Libertador de Venezuela. De allí fue llevado el 17 de diciembre de 1842 a la capilla de la Santísima Trinidad en la Catedral. El 27 de marzo de 1874, el presidente Antonio Guzmán Blanco, en su decreto Nro 43, declara a la iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad Panteón Nacional, donde serán colocados los restos de los próceres de la Independencia y los hombres eminentes; igualmente designa una comisión de ingenieros para la remodelación del Panteón. El 11 de febrero un nuevo decreto dispone el ingreso de los despojos mortales de 253 próceres y personalidades. El 28 de octubre de 1875 es inaugurado oficialmente este Altar de la Patria. Bolívar ingresa precedido de una grandiosa ceremonia al augusto lugar el 28 de octubre (día de San Simón) de 1876. Con motivo del centenario del natalicio del Libertador, el gremio de los agricultores de Caracas donó al Panteón una gran lámpara de cristal de Baccarat constante de cuatro mil piezas de cristal y doscientas treinta luces a un costo de 26.000 bolívares. En 1930, con motivo del centenario de la muerte del “Más ilustre de los americanos”, se cambió la fachada del antiguo templo, aumentando el tamaño de la torre central. El insigne pintor Tito Salas realizó la pintura de dieciocho lienzos reflejando pasajes históricos, de los cuales se encuentran diez en la nave central y cuatro en cada nave derecha e izquierda inaugurados en 1942. El Panteón fue declarado el 13 de diciembre de 1962 “Monumento de Valor Histórico Nacional”. En la nave central se encuentra el monumento al Libertador realizado por el italiano Tenerani, en la nave izquierda el cenotafio de Sucre, elaborado por el italiano Julio Roversi (tiene descendientes en Valencia), el monumento a Páez del escultor español José Pizzo, monumento a Urdaneta del italiano Pietro Ceccarelli, monumento al doctor José María Vargas obra del italiano Franco Bianchinni y el monumento en memoria de Santiago Mariño, obra del escultor hispano-venezolano Manuel de la Fuente, y en la nave derecha se encuentran el cenotafio de Miranda, obra del escultor español Juan Bautista Sales Ferré, cenotafio de Don Andrés Bello, obra del hispano-venezolano Manuel de la Fuente, monumento a la Primera República, obra de Hugo Daini, monumento al general José Gregorio Monagas, del escultor italiano Julio Roversi, y el monumento dedicado a la Federación, obra del escultor español Juan Bautista Sales Ferré. En el “Recinto de la Patria”, desde 1874 se encuentran inhumados 140 ilustres personajes, entre ellos tres mujeres, nueve presidentes de la República, cuatro artistas plásticos, ocho médicos, cinco sacerdotes, catorce abogados, diecisiete entre poetas, escritores y periodistas, nueve extranjeros, simbólicamente se encuentran el Gral. José Félix Ribas, Josefa Camejo, el Cacique Guaicaipuro, José María España y José Leonardo Chirino, entre otros. (*) General de brigada (Ej.) perezfru@movistar.net.ve Robert Perez Guadarrama

CANARIAS. Temas Canarios

CANARIAS. Temas Canarios PERSONAJES ILUSTRES, APELLIDOS, COCINA, POSTRES/DULCES, CANARIAS EN EL MUNDO, POPULARES, COSTUMBRES/FOLKLORE, LUGARES, HABLA y LEYENDAS CANARIAS "Ponte tu mejor disfraz y entra en el Carnaval" ¡¡¡FELICES FIESTAS CARNAVALERAS!!   jueves 27 de diciembre de 2007 CANARIOS EN LOUISIANA: HISTORIA DE JOSE HIDALGO E ISABEL ZAMBRANA   El 29 de octubre de 1778 partía del Puerto de Santa Cruz (Tenerife) la fragata San Ignacio de Loyola con 423 pasajeros rumbo a la Louisiana .Era el segundo batallón de Louisiana. Los colonos recién llegados se establecieron en lo que hoy se conoce como la parroquia de San Bernardo, en la Terre Aux Boeufs , enclavada al sur de Nueva Orleáns en la popularmente conocia como isla de Delacroix y a orillas del río Mississippi. Uno de los pasajeros de dicha fragata era José Romero Hidalgo de 32 años nacido en Agüimes (Gran Canaria). Con él iban su esposa, Isabel Zambrana Morales de 33 años y con ellos, sus tres hijos: Gregorio de 10 años, Francisco de 9 y Juan Ignacio de meses. A la familia se les dio 45 reales y herramientas con la promesa de que cuando llegaran al nuevo mundo se les entregaría un terreno, una vivienda y otros 45 reales.   Tanto José R. Hidalgo como su esposa dejaron su vida y a su familia en Agüimes y con su llegada a Louisiana contribuyeron a sembrar la herencia canaria en los actuales Estados Unidos. JOSÉ ROMERO HIDALGO Era hijo de Francico Hidalgo Pérez (nacido en 1670 en Agüimes) y de Gregoria Rodríguez Falcón (nacida en 1709, hija de Juan Rodríguez Ortiz y de María Falcón). Casaron el 16 de octubre de 1730   Francisco Hidalgo Pérez era hijo de Antonio Mendoza Romero ( nacido en 1670) y Juana Pérez Caballero. Casaron el 2 de noviembre de 1695.   Antonio Mendoza Romero era hijo de Luis Mendoza Romero , nacido el1 de mayo de 1616 y fallecido el 1680; y de Agueda Pérez Caballero, nacida en 1621 y fallecida en 1650. Ambos se casaron el 6 de octubre de 1642.   A su vez, Luis Mendoza Romero era hijo de Juan Alonso Romero nacido en Las Palmas en 1584 y de Sebastiana González Sánchez. Ambos contraen matrimonio el 24 de enero de 1611.   Agueda Pérez Caballero era hija de Juan Caballero Pérez e Inés Pérez Alvarez casados el 27 de agosto de 1612 En cuanto a Juana Pérez Caballero, era hija de Francisco Hidalgo y María Espino. Francisco Hidalgo era hijo de Juan Hidalgo Upasi que caso el 28 de septiembre de 1637 con Ufrasia González nacida en 1614 (hija de Juan González Castellano y de María Ojeda López , casados el 12 de noviembre de 1612   María Espino era hija del Alférez Juan López-Trejo, nacido en 1612 y casado el 29 de octubre de 1645 con Juana Pérez Caballero (hija de Francisco Pérez Caballero e Isabel Ortega Alvarez y casados el 10 de agosto de 1621)   El Alférez Juan López Trejo procedía de Agüimes y tenía dos hermanos, María y el Capitán Francisco López-Trejo (ascendencia de la que escribe el presente artículo). Todos ellos hijos del Capitán Pedro López-Trejo que casó en Aguimes el 29 de mayo de 1606 con María Espino López. A su vez el capitán Pedro López-Trejo era hijo de Juan López de Burgos nacido en Telde en 1530 y casado con Juana de Trejo en segundas nupcias el 9 de noviembre de 1569 en Agüimes. Juan López de Burgos era hijo de Pedro de Burgos casado con María López y vecinos de Telde. ISABEL ZAMBRANA MORALES Era hija de Gregorio Morales Viera, nacido en 1710 y de Antonia Macías Déniz, nacida en 1715. Ambos se casaron el 16 de enero de 1741. Gregorio Morales Viera era hijo de Melchor Morales Melián (nacido en 1670) y de Felipa de Santiago Viera (nacida en 1672 e hija de Juan Viera e Isabel Rodríguez). Ambos se casaron el 21 de octubre de 1696. Los padres de Melchor Morales Melián fueron Bartolomé Morales e Isabel Melián (1681) que casaron el 3 de mayo de 1654. Bartolomé Morales era hijo de Melchor Morales (hijo de Francisco Alvarez y Florencia Morales) y Agueda Martín , casados en 1619. Isabel Melián era hija de Juan González Artiles (1606) y Margarita Bethencourt (1615). En cuanto a Antonia Macías Déniz Era hija de Miguel Déniz Romero (1678) e Isabel Zambrana Macias (1685), casados el 18 de septiembre de 1713 -Miguel era hijo de Andrés Romero ( hijo de Juan Suárez De La Peña y María Romero Díaz ) y de Leonor De La Cruz (1652). Casaron el 28 de octubre de 1675. Leonor De La Cruz era hija de Miguel Déniz (hijo de Martin Rodríguez y Juana Gutiérrez Espino) y Melchora De Los Reyes (nacida en 1621 e hija de Juan Macías Ramírez y de Francisca Pérez y casados el 22 de septiembre de 1616) casados el 19 de abril de 1645. -Isabel Zambrana Macías era hija de Juan Caballero (1718) y Mariana Rodríguez, casados el 30 de julio de 1679 Juan Caballero era hijo de Francisco De La Cruz ( hijo de Domingo Pérez Macías y Mª Nieves Alvarez) y de Catalina Matías , casados el 22 de agosto de 1655. Mariana Rodríguez era hija de Sebastián Macías Pérez (nacido en 1603 e hijo de Juan Macías y María Ramírez) y Francisca Rodríguez ( nacida en 1622 e hija de Pedro Espino Estévez e Isabel Zambrana, casados el 10 de junio de 1607) José Romero Hidalgo y María Zambrana Morales llegaron a Louisiana con sus tres hijos y se dedicaron a la caza y la pesca en especial de un cangrejo de río que los isleños llamaban “jaiba”. Se reunían con los demás isleños contando historias de su tierra y cantando tonadillas típicas de Canarias. Ellos vivieron aislados conservando las costumbres de las Islas. Seis años más tarde de su llegada, en 1784 tuvieron un hijo al cual bautizaron con el nombre José Antonio Hidalgo. Los hijos de José Hidalgo e Isabel Zambrana casaron con hijos e hijas de canarios que también embarcaron en el segundo batallón de Louisiana. El 18 de mayo de 1800 a la edad de 55 años fallecía Isabel Zambrana. Dos meses más tarde, el 28 de julio sonaban campanas de boda para dos de sus hijos, Gregorio con Luisa Constancia y Juan Ignacio con Mª de la Concepción Hernández. Un año más tarde, el 28 de septiembre de 1801 ,el segundo de los hijos, Francisco, se unía en matrimonio con María Díaz. Juan Ignacio, que llegó de meses al Nuevo Mundo, no logró sobrevivir a su padre y falleció a la edad de 33 años. En cuanto a José Antonio que había nacido en Louisiana casaría con Felipa Rosalía Rodríguez el 6 de enero de 1784. De su unión nació Fernando Manuel Hidalgo el cual tuvo un hijo llamado Enmanuel Paulino Hidalgo que trasmitió su amor por canarias a su hijo Ulysses Stevens Hidalgo y éste a su vez a su hijo Ulysses Paul cuyo hijo John Ulysses Hidalgo se trasladó un día a Canarias en busca de sus raíces. En cuanto al protagonista de nuestra historia, José Hidalgo Romero, fallecía un 18 de marzo de 1815 a los 69 años siendo enterrado con los recuerdos de sus islas Canarias que un día dejo atrás, con el olor y los colores de su Agüimes natal donde jugaba de pequeño y donde un día decidió compartir una aventura con Isabel Zambrana Morales. Este artículo es un homenaje a todas aquellas familias que arriesgaron su vida para encontrar un lugar mejor para sus hijos. A José Hidalgo Romero que perteneció a mi familia, los Hidalgo, y que dejó nuestro legado y el apellido de mi abuelo paterno en tierras lejanas haciendo que América y Canarias estén unidas por un estrecho vínculo de historia y de sangre. FOTOS:1.-Fragata San Ignacio de Loyola 2.-Vista de la entrada de la Iglesia de San Bernardo, creada en 1785 para los colonos canarios que se asentaron en Bayou Terre-aux-Boeuf 3.-Entrada al cementerio donde están enterrado los Isleños. Publicado por Cristina López Díaz Etiquetas: CANARIAS EN EL MUNDO Sent by Bill Carmena

EXPRESIONES EN EL HABLA CANARIA II http://temascanarios.blogspot.com/

Mostramos una serie de expresiones con su significado del habla canaria: - Arrancar la penca: marcharse, irse - Me la refanfinfla: Cuando algo es indiferente o da igual. - Tal y cual: etcétera, y más cosas - Estrallar como un cartucho: romper algo haciendo ruido explosivo - Priva(d)o a su juicio: exageradamente contento - Tener/coger fundamento: portarse adecuadamente, ser responsable. - Más nunca: Nunca más (del portugués mais nunca) - Más nada: más nada (lusismo) - El más que me gusta: el que más me gusta. - Dejarse dormir: Quedarse dormido. - ¡Cámbate (por) las patas!: sorpresa, alucinar. - Tener (coger) fundamento: Portarse bien, ser responsable. - Mandarse a mudar: Irse (implicando lejos o rápido). - Mira.../mire: oye.../oiga...(para llamar la atención de alguien) - ¡Mi niño!: Para referirse a ti de forma cariñosa - ¡No, que va!: ironía, claro que si, por supuesto. - Estar en el aire: Alelado, estar pasmado. - ¡Fuuu!: Se usa para enfatizar algo exagerado - ¡Agüita!: ¡que pasada! o cuidado. -¡Chosss!: para expresar algo exagerado - Estar apestando: Oler mal - Shah mano: salutación, sorpresa, exclamación, llamada - Bobomierda: Insulto (más usado en Gran Canaria). - ¡Chacho oi(s)te!: Se usa para llamar la atención sobre alguien para comentarle algo que paso - Baja pa(ra) abajo: bajar. -Echar un puño a la baifa: ir a ver a la novia o amiga con intenciones sexuales. - Vete por la sombrita: manera de despedirse (con sol o sin él) http://temascanarios.blogspot.com/ Cristina López Díaz Email: cristina.lopezdiaz@gmail.com BLOG:http://temascanarios.blogspot.com/

HISTORY

Stolen Birthright:  The U.S. Conquest and Exploitation of the Mexican People  Book: A Land So Strange: The Epic Journey of Cabeza de Vaca

 

Extract from: Stolen Birthright: The U.S. Conquest and Exploitation of the Mexican People by Richard D. Vogel
	Richard D. Vogel is a retired teacher who writes about current social and political issues.  Other articles by the author are available at monthlyreview.org. The United States War on Mexico of 1846-1848 was the first U.S. war of aggression against a sovereign nation and the defining event in U.S.-Mexico relations. The ruthlessness of the U.S. invasion shocked even the European nations that had been at war with their neighbors for centuries. Ulysses S. Grant, who served in Mexico under both Generals Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott, commanded the Union forces in the American Civil War, and later became the eighteenth President of the United States, unconditionally condemned the war in his Personal Memoirs. He denounced it, "...as one of the most unjust wars ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation. It was an instance of a republic following the bad example of European monarchies, in not considering justice in their desire to acquire additional territory." The U.S. War on Mexico was the culmination of a thirty-year campaign of rapacious American imperialism in the South and Southwest. This invasion was planned and executed by the U.S. to silence Mexico's claim to Texas and to expropriate as much of the southern republic as it could seize by force of arms. It was the war on Mexico that Andrew Jackson failed to provoke in 1836. And last but not least, it was a war intended to extend the U.S. empire of slavery into Mexico. The southern U.S. slave aristocracy instigated and commanded the invasion. The U.S. President at the time, James K. Polk was a political protégé of Andrew Jackson. Both he and General Scott, the supreme U.S. field commander, were from slaveholding families in the South. General Taylor, later to become U.S. president himself, actually owned a slave plantation in Mississippi. The majority of the U.S. Army officers who served in Mexico was from the American South and, if not slave owners themselves, enthusiastically supported the institution. And although the conquest of Mexico did not ultimately extend the U.S. empire of slavery, it did guarantee the survival of the institution in Texas until the U.S. Civil War. As a direct result of the conquest, Mexico was forced to cede Upper California and the territory of New Mexico (later to become the states of New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming) to the U.S. -- a total land area of 1,370,154 square kilometers (529,017 square miles). Just as disastrous as the loss of land, the U.S. conquest subordinated Mexico to the interests of the United States, a condition that continues to the present day. The U.S. War on Mexico was inevitable because Mexican officials absolutely refused to sell their northern territory despite repeated offers by the United States to buy it. Once the leaders of the U.S. finally understood that the Mexican people would never sell their birthright in North America, they were committed to war and sought a pretext to justify their aggression. Although Jackson's "disputed" territory strategy failed in Texas in 1836, President Polk employed it to create a pretext for war in 1846. The "disputed" territory this time was the 145-kilometer (90 mile) wide strip of land between the Nueces River and Rio Grande in south Texas. Historically, the Nueces, which empties into the Gulf of Mexico at Corpus Christi, was the northern border of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. President Polk urged the Republic of Texas to claim the Rio Grande, which runs south and roughly parallel to the Nueces and empties into the Gulf at Matamoros, as its southern boundary. Polk knew that Mexico would go to war over the annexation of Texas, and dispatched U.S troops under the command of General Zachary Taylor to Corpus Christi on the edge of the "disputed" territory. In his Personal Memoirs, Grant explained the mission of the U.S. Army in south Texas, "We were sent to provoke a fight, but it was essential that Mexico should commence it." The plan worked. The U.S. annexed Texas in February of 1846, and Polk immediately ordered Taylor to proceed to the Rio Grande. One of Taylor's patrols skirmished with a Mexican detachment and lost over twenty soldiers, including eleven dead, five wounded, and several captured. Polk immediately called for war. In his bellicose message to the U.S. Congress, the President announced that, "American blood had been shed upon American soil." He got his declaration of war. Unconditional Surrender The American strategy was to wage total war against the Mexican people that would only end with unconditional surrender. The U.S. Navy blockaded the ports of Mexico in order to isolate and weaken the nation while the Army staged land operations. The initial invasion of the undefended northern territories of the republic was swift and Machiavellian. U.S. agents were sent ahead of the military forces to infiltrate Mexican communities and bribe key officials in order to divide and conquer. Where resistance to the invasion did occur, it was dealt with by draconian measures. To terrorize the population of New Mexico into submission, the U.S. Army shelled the ancient Pueblo de Taos and two leaders of the local resistance were captured and summarily executed -- a guard murdered Tomás Baca, an Indian prisoner of war, before he could be brought before a military court, and Pablo Montoya, a citizen of Mexico, was illegally charged with treason to the U.S. and hanged. From the beginning of the invasion, America's overwhelming advantage was manifest -- the U.S. possessed superior firepower that field commanders were willing to use against both military and civilian targets. The United States had been born in blood in 1776 and had been preparing for war since the U.S. Military Academy was established at West Point in 1802. After studying the results of the Napoleonic Wars in Europe, the American high command realized that conflicts of the future would be decided by artillery and set about developing the latest in guns and tactics. The invasion of Mexico served as a proving ground for the new American war machine. Superior firepower proved decisive in every major engagement of the U.S. War on Mexico. Equipped with inferior arms and insufficient supplies, the Mexicans forces offered spirited resistance, but long-range artillery shells battered their fortifications and barrages of shrapnel and grapeshot mowed the defenders down. Despite heavy losses, the Mexican army was able to halt the American invasion in northern Mexico. It was the siege of Veracruz that broke the spirit of the Mexican republic. The Siege of Veracruz With American forces checked in the north, President Polk decided to strike at the heart of Mexico. Veracruz, the primary seaport on Mexico's Gulf Coast and the gateway to Mexico City, was the initial target of General Scott's campaign in the South. In America's first major sea invasion, over 200 vessels landed more than 10,000 soldiers, three batteries of field artillery, and thousands of tons of ammunition and equipment on Mexican soil. Scott encircled the city of 15,000 people, including a garrison of 3,360 Mexican soldiers, cut off the food and water supplies, and began a devastating 21-day siege. Unwilling to risk American lives in an infantry assault, General Scott decided to bombard Veracruz with his massive artillery batteries. The cannonade commenced at 4:15 P.M. on March 22, 1847, when a barrage of 250-millimeter (10 inch) mortar shells from the shore batteries showered down on the Plaza de Armas in the center of the city. At 5:45 P.M. the U.S. assault was augmented by artillery fire from a flotilla of two steamers and four schooner-gunboats anchored safely a mile away near Point Hornos. To hasten the fall of the city, Scott had a naval battery of three12 kilogram (32 pound) cannons and three 200-millimeter (8 inch) guns brought ashore and put into position the following day. When the battery opened fire on the morning of the 24th the effects of the heavy cannon balls could be seen at once. The walls of the fortress at Veracruz began to crumble and shrapnel from the bursting shells raked both the military and civilian population inside the city. It was a terrible sight but the worst was yet to come. The terror of the siege increased later in the day when American rocketeers launched forty Congreve's rockets into the city in an attempt to set it on fire. On the 25th, they followed up with a barrage of ten new Hale rockets. Highly inaccurate, these experimental missiles rarely hit the intended targets but, upon impact, ricocheted randomly through the city streets causing many civilian causalities and substantial collateral damage. The destruction and carnage inside the walls of Veracruz were extensive. Firing ceased temporarily at 5:00 P.M. on the 25th when a Mexican officer emerged under a flag of truce and delivered a proposal for the evacuation of the women and children from the city. Scott denied the request and resumed the bombardment that continued undiminished through the driving wind and rain of a particularly vicious storm that occurred during the night. On the morning of the 26th, Scott again refused a request to allow the evacuation of civilians but did begin negotiations for the capitulation of the city. He continued to demand surrender on American terms and got it on March 27. Veracruz was in shambles. During the four-day bombardment, American shore artillery had fired 6,700 shot and shell, total of over 173,000 kilograms (463,000 pounds) of munitions, into the city. Nearly one-third of the missiles (half of the total weight) were massive 25-millimeter (10 inch) mortar shells that impacted haphazardly or exploded in the air, showering razor-sharp shrapnel on soldiers and civilians alike. The American navy had fired another 1,800 rounds of heavy artillery at the city. The final tally of death and suffering at Veracruz was as lopsided as the battle itself. Mexican officials estimated 400 to 500 civilian and 600 military casualties inside the city -- the Americans lost thirteen men killed and fifty-four wounded. Captain Robert E. Lee, a young American artillery officer who would later command the Confederate forces during the American Civil War, participated in the siege of Veracruz and recorded his memories of the event: The shells thrown from our battery were constant and regular discharges, so beautiful in their flight and so destructive in their fall. It was awful! My heart bled for the inhabitants. The soldiers I did not care so much for, but it was terrible to think of the women and children. Captain Lee was not the only one horrified by the siege of Veracruz. The nations of Western Europe condemned both the savagery of the siege and the naked imperialism of the United States. But the U.S. wasn't deterred by international outrage; the invasion immediately headed inland towards the heart of Mexico. To The Halls of Montezuma: The Fall of Mexico City After the fall of Veracruz, Scott directed his massive invasion force toward Mexico City. Mexican defenders engaged the American invaders at various points along the march but were always out-gunned and unable to stop the advance. Constant guerrilla harassment delayed Scott's forces, but could not prevent the assault on the capital of the Mexican republic. The fate of Mexico City was decided at Chapultepec castle, located 3 kilometers (2 miles) west of the city gates. In order to demoralize the Mexican defenders and terrorize the inhabitants of the nearby capital, Scott moved four artillery batteries into position and bombarded Chapultepec throughout the day of September 12, 1847. The actual assault began the next morning with a concentrated two-hour shelling of the castle, followed by a storm of grape, canister, and shrapnel aimed at the Mexican soldiers stationed outside the walls. Units from four U.S. Army divisions participated in the attack on the citadel that was defended by only 832 infantrymen plus some artillerymen and engineers and a handful of teenaged military college cadets. The castle fell on September 13th after a fierce hand-to-hand battle. Mexican causalities included many wounded whose throats were cut by the Americans and six youthful cadets of the military college at Chapultepec -- Francisco Márquez, Agustín Melgar, Juan Escutia, Fernando Montes de Oca, Vicente Suárez, and Juan de la Barrera -- who fought the good fight and leapt to their deaths from the tower of the citadel rather than surrender to the Americans. They became known as the legendary Los Niños Héroes, martyrs of the unrighteous war. Los Niños were not the only martyrs to the Mexican cause who died at Chapultepec. At 9:30 A.M. on the last day of the siege, at the very moment that the American stars and stripes replaced the Mexican tri-color over the castle, U.S. Colonel William Selby Harney gave the order to hang thirty Irish-Americans and Irish immigrants of the Batallón de San Patricio who had deserted from the U.S. Army to fight on the Mexican side and had been captured at the Battle of Churubusco. The bodies of these men, who been kept waiting on the gallows in full view of the castle with nooses around their necks since dawn, were later cut down and buried by other San Patricios who had been flogged and branded. A marble plaque honoring these Irish American soldiers overlooks the San Jacinto Plaza in the Mexico City suburb of San Angel where U.S. authorities had earlier court marshaled the San Patricios and had executed and buried sixteen of them. After the fall of Chapultepec, Scott moved his forces to the gates of Mexico City proper where American artillery again won the day. Scott's campaign of shock and terror worked -- the citizens of Mexico City realized that they were at the mercy of an enemy who didn't believe in mercy. On September 14th, in order to spare the city the fate of Veracruz and Chapultepec, Mexican authorities persuaded General Santa Anna to withdraw the Mexican army and appealed to the American general for favorable terms of capitulation. Scott, with his mighty guns aimed at the heart of Mexico, demanded unconditional surrender. Fully informed of the tragedy at Veracruz, and with the carnage of Chapultepec within sight, the Mexican officials yielded. To celebrate the conquest of the city, Scott staged a triumphant military parade to the Grand Plaza the following day. When Mexican resistance fighters fired on U.S. troops headed to the plaza, American artillerymen shelled the houses from which the fire originated with a 200-millimeter (8 inch) howitzer. Sporadic sniper fire against the invaders in the city continued until September 17th when the last resisters were rooted out and killed. Again, American artillery prevailed -- in the battle for the heart of Mexico the U.S. lost only 130 men compared to the deaths of over 3,000 Mexican defenders. The war was essentially over, but resistance continued after the fall of the capital. Mopping-up activities took several more months and claimed more Mexican lives. In Puebla, four thousand guerillas attacked the U.S. Army and kept them under siege for twenty-eight days -- but again the contest was decided by American firepower. Widespread acts of resistance continued but were ruthlessly suppressed. Throughout the entire U.S. campaign in Mexico, guerrilla actions against the invaders met tough measures -- initially Scott had issued standing orders that local Mexican officials be held responsible for the apprehension and delivery to American forces of any and all Mexicans who killed or wounded an American. If the guilty parties were not delivered, a $300 fine was levied on the personal property of the nearest mayor. After the fall of Mexico City, Scott toughened his policy against resistance even more. American soldiers were ordered to show no quarter -- captured guerrilla suspects were to be put to death with "due solemnity" after a mock trial by three U.S. Army officers. These summary executions took place all over Mexico and helped extinguish the last flames of resistance. Scott's ruthless campaign that began in Veracruz and penetrated the Valley of Mexico to the Halls of Montezuma won the war. The Americans inflicted more than 7,000 casualties on the Mexican army and took over 3,700 prisoners. In addition, the invading army seized at least 75 cannon and 20,000 small arms, effectively disarming the young Mexican republic. American historians who chronicle the conquest do not offer estimates of the number of civilian casualties or the extent of the collateral damage of the U.S. War on Mexico. Sent by Rafael Ojeda
Book: A Land So Strange: The Epic Journey of Cabeza de Vaca
	By Andres Resendez. Basic Books, 314 pp. $26.95. http://resendez.ucdavis.edu/ http://history.ucdavis.edu/faculty/Resendez_Andres Historian recounts Spaniard Cabeza de Vaca's perilous trek across North America by Barbara Liss, Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle Several years after walking across the North American continent, Spaniard Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca wrote an account of his adventures. Recalling his time in Florida, he pensively noted, "One can imagine for himself what  could happen in a land so strange and so poor and so lacking in every single thing that it seemed impossible either to be in it or to escape from it." And that was before things really got rough. In A Land So Strange, historian Andrs Resndez reconstructs Cabeza de Vaca's 10-year journey through North America. Bisected today by two countries' national boundaries, the route is neither wholly American nor wholly Mexican. Cabeza de Vaca and three other survivors of a failed Spanish expedition traveled from Florida, through what is now the Southeastern and Southwestern United States, into northern and western Mexico, and finally on to the Pacific Ocean, where they were found by Spanish slavers. With no dashing Corts or Pizarro at its center . and no gold . this intriguing story has been more a footnote to European explorationthan an epic adventure. But now, given our fascination with survivalist tales, Cabeza de Vaca's time has come. Resndez shrewdly casts the story of three prominent Spaniards and an African slave, Estabanico, as the ultimate survivors' story. He especially admires Estabanico, a man enslaved on three continents who played a crucial role in their survival in an alien land. Check out the rest:  http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/books/reviews/5407374.html Also check out: http://www.curledup.com/landsost.htm and http://calitreview.com/2007/12/19/four-shipwrecked-castaways-cross-sixteenth -century-america/ Sent by Robert Vazquez <rvazquez@lared-latina.com

FAMILY HISTORY

James L. Sorenson, a pioneer in DNA research has died Hispanic American Newspapers, 1808-1980 Family History Live Online (FHLO)

James L. Sorenson, a pioneer in DNA research has died

In a message dated 1/24/2008 11:36:20 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, thomas.j.kemp@gmail.com writes: James L. Sorenson, a pioneer in DNA research has died. A self-made billionaire, he used his wealth in many causes. UGA members in particular are aware of his efforts with DNA and genealogy. In 1999 he started the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation. The group has collected more than 70,000 DNA samples, together with four-generation pedigree charts, from volunteers in more than 100 countries around the world. I included the lengthy obituary article in my posting at: http://genealogybankblog.blogspot.com

Hispanic American Newspapers, 1808-1980

Hispanic American Newspapers, 1808-1980 represents the single largest compilation of Spanish-language newspapers printed in the U.S. during the 19th and 20th centuries. The distinctive collection features hundreds of Hispanic American newspapers, including many long scattered and forgotten titles published in the 19th century. Based on the "Recovering the U.S. Hispanic Literary Heritage Project," a national research effort directed by Professor Nicolás Kanellos, this digital resource is the first in a new American Ethnic Newspapers series, available within America's Historical Newspapers.  New research and teaching opportunities  Including many newspapers published bilingually in Spanish and English, Hispanic American Newspapers, 1808-1980 offers a diversity of unabridged voices, ranging from intellectuals and literary notables to politicians, union organizers and grassroots figures. Available online for the first time, these American newspapers published by Hispanics can now be easily browsed, searched and read. Users can compare and contrast Hispanic views on nearly every major theme in American life, beginning in 1808 when the first Spanish-language newspaper in the United States was printed in New Orleans.  Explore Hispanic American history, culture and daily life  These Hispanic American newspapers reflect a long tradition of Spanish-language press in the western hemisphere. In the United States, the Hispanic press has played a vital role in the lives of immigrants, exiles and native Hispanic peoples alike. Often illustrated with photographic documentation, Hispanic American newspapers reveal the rich history of a people who have long resided in and contributed to the American public sphere. For more than two centuries, they have united Spanish speakers and preserved their cultural heritage through news, editorials and literature as well as by providing leadership, solidifying communities and spearheading social movements. They have covered every major theme in American history and culture and reported on events in Spanish-speaking countries not always available in traditional U.S. newspapers.  An Archive of Americana ® collection  As part of the America's Historical Newspapers, Hispanic American Newspapers, 1808-1980 can be cross-searched with all other Archive of Americana collections. http://www.readex.com/readex/product.cfm?product=249 Diana Rivera Cesar E. Chavez Collection/Coleccion Cesar E. Chavez Chicana/o Studies - Ethnic Studies Librarian Michigan State University Libraries 100 Library East Lansing, MI 48824 office: 517-432-6123 ext. 252 fax   : 517-353-1975 Sent by Juan Marinez  marinez@anr.msu.edu

Family History Live Online (FHLO)

I just wanted to drop you, an email and let know, that Family History Live Online (FHLO), just had it's first live online Spanish Family History fair on January 12. The fair had classes on Internet Resources,  the Family History Library Catalog, Family Search Indexing, and how to use the IGI Batch Numbers.  Our presenters were Lynn Turner, Ana Montalvo, and Jonathan Walker.  We had an attendance of about 11 people, they were from California, Florida, Utah, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela.    We have plans to put on another general Spanish Family History fair in March, and then a Family History Consultant training fair in Spanish in April.  We also put on  fairs in English regularly. And we are always for people, who would like to teach a class at the events. For more information, about Family History Live Online and our upcoming events, visit our websites at www.familyhistoryliveonline.com or www.fhloenespanol.com . Thank you, Jonathan Walker mexicanfhr@gmail.com

ARCHAEOLOGY

Pre-dating the love of chocolate

Pre-dating the love of chocolate by Anna-Marie Lever Science and nature reporter, BBC News

Chemical and archaeological evidence has pushed back the earliest known use of cacao, the key ingredient of chocolate, by 500 years. The chemical compound, theobromine, which only occurs in the cacao plant, has been found on pottery vessels dating back to as early as 1000 BC. Experts say the vessels were used to serve a fermented cacao drink that was made from the sweet pulp of the plant. The vessels were unearthed at sites in Puerto Escondido, Honduras. "The earliest use of cacao in Mesoamerica is likely to have been for a fermented drink," lead author Professor John Henderson wrote in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). "Such drinks may contain up to 5% alcohol in volume," the Cornell University, US, academic added. Frothy chocolate As well as chemical evidence, a change in pottery vessel shape allowed scientists to pre-date the use of cocoa. It had been known that the seeds were used to make a frothed chocolate drink which became central to social life throughout Mesoamerica. It was drunk at important ceremonies to mark weddings and births, especially by elites.  The bottles were found in the area known as "the cradle of chocolate" (Image courtesy of PNAS) As the drink was frothy, it was served in a spouted bottle with a flaring neck. However, long-necked bottle samples that pre-date the spouted bottle were also found to contain cocoa residues. The researchers suggested that this vessel type was inappropriate for frothing but better for pouring. This led the authors conclude that "early cocoa was consumed as a fermented beverage made from pulp", rather than seeds.  During the time of the Aztec empire, chocolate seeds were used as an early form of money. Source: BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/sci/tech/7087899.stm  2007/11/13 06:25:10 GMT

MISCELLANEOUS

An Unusual Family, Tiger Mommy and Piglet babies The News of Your Birth Year

An Unusual Family, Tiger Mommy and Piglet babies

In a zoo in California , a mother tiger gave birth to a rare set of triplet tiger cubs. Unfortunately, due to complications in the pregnancy, the cubs were born prematurely and due to their tiny size, they died shortly after birth. The mother tiger after recovering from the delivery, suddenly started to decline in health, although physically she was fine. The veterinarians felt that the loss of her litter had caused the tigress to fall into a depression. The doctors decided that if the tigress could surrogate another mother's cubs, perhaps she would improve. After checking with many other zoos across the country, the depressing news was that there were no tiger cubs of the right age to introduce to the mourning mother. The veterinarians decided to try something that had never been tried in a zoo environment. Sometimes a mother of one species will take on the care of a different species. The only orphans" that could be found quickly, were a litter of weanling pigs. The zoo keepers and vets wrapped the piglets in tiger skin and placed the babies around the mother tiger. Would they become cubs or pork chops? Take a look...you won't believe your eyes!! Now, please tell me one more time.......... why can't the rest of the world get along? Sent by Anne Mocniak

The News of Your Birth Year

Click on the year you were born & read the news for that year. _1900_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1900.html ) _1901_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1901.html ) _1902_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1902.html ) _1903_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1903.html ) _1904_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1904.html ) _1905_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1905.html ) _1906_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1906.html ) _1907_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1907.html ) _1908_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1908.html ) _1909_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1909.html ) _1910_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1910.html ) _1911_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1911.html ) _1912_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1912.html ) _1913_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1913.html ) _1914_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1914.html ) _1915_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1915.html ) _1916_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1916.html ) _1917_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1917.html ) _1918_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1918.html ) _1919_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1919.html ) _1920_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1920.html ) _1921_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1921.html ) _1922_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1922.html ) _1923_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1923.html ) _1924_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1924.html ) _1925_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1925.html ) _1926_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1926.html ) _1927_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1927.html ) _1928_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1928.html ) _1929_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1929.html ) _1930_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1930.html ) _1931_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1931.html ) _1932_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1932.html ) _1933_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1933.html ) _1934_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1934.html ) _1935_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1935.html ) _1936_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1936.html ) _1937_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1937.html ) _1938_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1938.html ) _1939_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1939.html ) _1940_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1940.html ) _1941_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1941.html ) _1942_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1942.html ) _1943_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1943.html ) _1944_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1944.html ) _1945_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1945.html ) _1946_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1946.html ) _1947_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1947.html ) _1948_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1948.html ) _1949_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1949.html ) _1950_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1950.html ) _1951_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1951.html ) _1952_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1952.html ) _1953_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1953.html ) _1954_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1954.html ) _1955_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1955.html ) _1956_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1956.html ) _1957_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1957.html ) _1958_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1958.html ) _1959_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1959.html ) _1960_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1960.html ) _1961_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1961.html ) _1962_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1962.html ) _1963_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1963.html ) _1964_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1964.html ) _1965_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1965.html ) _1966_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1966.html ) _1967_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1967.html ) _1968_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1968.html ) _1969_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1969.html ) _1970_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1970.html ) _1971_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1971.html ) _1972_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1972.html ) _1973_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1973.html ) _1974_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1974.html ) _1975_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1975.html ) _1976_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1976.html ) _1977_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1977.html ) _1978_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1978.html ) _1979_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1979.html ) _1980_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1980.html ) _1981_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1981.html ) _1982_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1982.html ) _1983_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1983.html ) _1984_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1984.html ) _1985_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1985.html ) _1986_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1986.html ) _1987_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1987.html ) _1988_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1988.html ) _1989_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1989.html ) _1990_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1990.html ) _1991_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1991.html ) _1992_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1992.html ) _1993_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1993.html ) _1994_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1994.html ) _1995_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1995.html ) _1996_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1996.html ) _1997_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1997.html ) _1998_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1998.html ) _1999_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/1999.html ) _2000_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/2000.html ) _2001_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/2001.html ) _2002_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/2002.html ) _2003_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/2003.html ) _2004_ ( http://www.infoplease.com/year/2004.html) Sent by Bill Carmena

       12/30/2009 04:49 PM