Ernie M. sent me a link via email that is of interest for those who are researching the Baca family. Somos Primos publishes an online journal. In its 141th online issue, there is an article titled Origin of The Cabeza de Baca Family in Spain by Dr. Eric Beerman, Madrid. The article is about half-way down the page.
I have done research on the Baca family, and I agree with the history that he wrote in this article.
Click on this LINK to view the article.
30 July 2011
25 June 2011
Pedigree Chart for Maria Paubla Torres
For my article "The Zimmerlys of Socorro", (New Mexico Genealogist, Vol. 50, No. 2, June 2011, pp. 50-59) I submitted a pedigree chart for Maria Paubla Torres, the wife of Samuel Zimmerly. Unfortunately, due to the small printing, it is almost impossible to read. Therefore, I've reproduced that chart and posted it below:
You may order a copy of the journal that contains my article (Vol. 50, No 2.) by clicking on this link.
Robert Baca
24 June 2011
Genealogy, Family History and Local History
I remember one time when I first begun researching my family tree, I showed my sister Janis a pedigree chart of our ancestors. I was very proud that I had been able to go back a number of generations, going back a couple hundred of years.
Janis looked at that pedigree chart, and asked me, "Yeah, but who ARE these people?"
I was puzzled. After all, there was plenty of information about these families I have their names, and the dates and places of their births, marraiges and deaths. What else did I need?
Janis wanted to know their stories.
Over the years, I've realized the difference between compiling a pedigree chart and writing a family history. One is relatively easy. After a short while, one is able to compile names, dates and places. Oh, sure, there are always brick walls - those ancestors that are impossible to find, but any genalogist worth anything can find at least a few generations. But finding information, and more importantly, telling a story is much different. It's the like the difference between walking to the store and taking a trip across the country.
Some years ago I became a family historian. I began writing stories about my family. More recently, I've begun writting local history. The jump from family history to local history is not much. If you are writing family history, you should be looking at local history. How did your family fit within this history? Were members of your family part of something important in your home town? Were they original settlers of a specific area? How did they get to that area? Did they travel on the El Camino Real, or the Oregon Trail, or the Mormon Trail?
For example, my 2nd great-grandfather Samuel Zimmerly was a member of the California Column, regiments of soldiers that came to New Mexico and Arizona in response to a Confederate invasion of New Mexico. In order to understand, who he was, I had to research not only the California Column and the Civil War, but also how these affected my home town and my ancestor.
Another example is the Socorro Grant. I've written a little bit about this grant. Many of my ancestors were the original grantees of this grant. But the story is not just simply saying that such and such ancestor was part of the grant. Rather, its more answering questions about what this grant meant in their lives. What property did they own? How did they pass along this property to their children and grandchildren? Were they able to pass along the property? What did they do to protect their property, their livelihoods, their lives? As I'm finding out, this grant, as with many other Spanish and Mexican grants in New Mexico, is extremely complicated and controversial. Controversy, of course, makes great history.
I began thinking about this topic after reading a blog post on DearMYRTLE's Genealogy Blog. She asks the question: "21st Century Genealogists: are we becoming better historians?" She believes that geenalogy is becoming more family history, with an emphasis on "history".
Click on this link to read her post.
Janis looked at that pedigree chart, and asked me, "Yeah, but who ARE these people?"
I was puzzled. After all, there was plenty of information about these families I have their names, and the dates and places of their births, marraiges and deaths. What else did I need?
Janis wanted to know their stories.
Over the years, I've realized the difference between compiling a pedigree chart and writing a family history. One is relatively easy. After a short while, one is able to compile names, dates and places. Oh, sure, there are always brick walls - those ancestors that are impossible to find, but any genalogist worth anything can find at least a few generations. But finding information, and more importantly, telling a story is much different. It's the like the difference between walking to the store and taking a trip across the country.
Some years ago I became a family historian. I began writing stories about my family. More recently, I've begun writting local history. The jump from family history to local history is not much. If you are writing family history, you should be looking at local history. How did your family fit within this history? Were members of your family part of something important in your home town? Were they original settlers of a specific area? How did they get to that area? Did they travel on the El Camino Real, or the Oregon Trail, or the Mormon Trail?
For example, my 2nd great-grandfather Samuel Zimmerly was a member of the California Column, regiments of soldiers that came to New Mexico and Arizona in response to a Confederate invasion of New Mexico. In order to understand, who he was, I had to research not only the California Column and the Civil War, but also how these affected my home town and my ancestor.
Another example is the Socorro Grant. I've written a little bit about this grant. Many of my ancestors were the original grantees of this grant. But the story is not just simply saying that such and such ancestor was part of the grant. Rather, its more answering questions about what this grant meant in their lives. What property did they own? How did they pass along this property to their children and grandchildren? Were they able to pass along the property? What did they do to protect their property, their livelihoods, their lives? As I'm finding out, this grant, as with many other Spanish and Mexican grants in New Mexico, is extremely complicated and controversial. Controversy, of course, makes great history.
I began thinking about this topic after reading a blog post on DearMYRTLE's Genealogy Blog. She asks the question: "21st Century Genealogists: are we becoming better historians?" She believes that geenalogy is becoming more family history, with an emphasis on "history".
Click on this link to read her post.
22 June 2011
Genealogical collection to remain at Albuquerque Main Library
The following message was sent to me by email on May 31st, but I have been unable to access my email for the past few weeks. Therefore, I apologize for posting this late, but I hope this information will be useful to you. - Robert Baca, President, New Mexico Genealogical Society
Dean P. Smith, Director
Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Libraries
501 Copper St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
505.768.5170
An open letter to all the supporters and volunteers of the Special Collections Library
Thank you to all who have shared your thoughts and concerns about the Special Collections Library and the materials housed there. After consultations with Library staff, customers, stakeholders, and City Hall, I have decided to leave the Genealogy Collections at the Main Library on Copper and 5th. The Local History, New Mexicana, Archives, and Center for the Book collections will remain at the Special Collections building on Central and Edith. We plan to re-open the Special Collections building in late August or September.
I understand that for some supporters of the Genealogy collections this will not be an acceptable arrangement. I certainly regret this decision being the cause of stress, frustration, or sadness for any volunteers, customers or supporters. These collections would not be the outstanding treasures that they are today without the many contributions of volunteers and supporters.
I have weighed many options and factors in determining the best way to meet the needs of the community, encourage the use of the historical collections, and honor the history and architecture of the Special Collections building. This arrangement is the most beneficial to the greatest number of customers at this time.
Many customers approached Library staff and suggested that the genealogy materials stay at the Main Library as they find the space more conducive to research, the available hours better, and the nearby amenities, such as restaurants, to be better. Many others have told staff they feel strongly about the Special Collections building and the appropriateness of all historical materials being housed in that one location.
Here are some of the factors that had to be considered:
· All of these collections must have space to expand. If all of the historical collections including Genealogy, Local History, Archives, New Mexicana, and the Center for the Book, move back to the Special Collections Library there will be no room for growth.
· The present stack arrangement at the Special Collections Library must be closed to the public. The current configuration of the stacks and the multiple access points to them are not conducive to the necessary supervision or the appropriate security. The present stack arrangement, narrow and with many dead ends, is most suitable to a closed stacks approach.
· The Genealogy collections are best on open and accessible shelves. The remaining historical collections, especially the archival and unique, are more suited to closed stacks.
· Parking at Main is now more convenient on weekdays with multiple pay lots and a parking garage available, with two free hours, as well as metered parking and public transportation.
· Parking around the Special Collections building has changed in the last six months as two hour metered spaces have been installed all along and just off of Central, and residents only parking is being set up in front of the adjacent residences all along Edith and Copper.
· Genealogy is the most used special collection. Having Genealogy at the Main Library provides an additional 10 hours of public service including Mondays and two evenings.
· Meetings and programs on local history and genealogy can be held in either location depending on which venue most suits the style of program, the space requirements and the time. Large events can be held in the community room or auditorium at the Main Library, while smaller events can be out on the 2nd floor where the Genealogy collection is housed. Medium sized events can be held at the Special Collections building in Botts Hall, and small events in the Center for the Book or the New Mexicana Room. Because of the new parking restrictions at Special Collections, events there will best be limited to weekday evenings and Saturdays.
Again, thank you for your interest in the Special Collections building and the historical collections. Please understand that this was not an easy decision to make nor was it made lightly.
At this time, I have determined this to be the most appropriate use of the historical ‘old main’ building at Central and Edith; the best way to assure all the collections can grow and thrive; and the most appropriate provision of access to all the treasures that make up the various historical collections of the Albuquerque / Bernalillo County Libraries.
Sincerely,
Dean P. Smith, Director
Albuquerque / Bernalillo County Libraries
Dean P. Smith, Director
Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Libraries
501 Copper St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102
505.768.5170
An open letter to all the supporters and volunteers of the Special Collections Library
Thank you to all who have shared your thoughts and concerns about the Special Collections Library and the materials housed there. After consultations with Library staff, customers, stakeholders, and City Hall, I have decided to leave the Genealogy Collections at the Main Library on Copper and 5th. The Local History, New Mexicana, Archives, and Center for the Book collections will remain at the Special Collections building on Central and Edith. We plan to re-open the Special Collections building in late August or September.
I understand that for some supporters of the Genealogy collections this will not be an acceptable arrangement. I certainly regret this decision being the cause of stress, frustration, or sadness for any volunteers, customers or supporters. These collections would not be the outstanding treasures that they are today without the many contributions of volunteers and supporters.
I have weighed many options and factors in determining the best way to meet the needs of the community, encourage the use of the historical collections, and honor the history and architecture of the Special Collections building. This arrangement is the most beneficial to the greatest number of customers at this time.
Many customers approached Library staff and suggested that the genealogy materials stay at the Main Library as they find the space more conducive to research, the available hours better, and the nearby amenities, such as restaurants, to be better. Many others have told staff they feel strongly about the Special Collections building and the appropriateness of all historical materials being housed in that one location.
Here are some of the factors that had to be considered:
· All of these collections must have space to expand. If all of the historical collections including Genealogy, Local History, Archives, New Mexicana, and the Center for the Book, move back to the Special Collections Library there will be no room for growth.
· The present stack arrangement at the Special Collections Library must be closed to the public. The current configuration of the stacks and the multiple access points to them are not conducive to the necessary supervision or the appropriate security. The present stack arrangement, narrow and with many dead ends, is most suitable to a closed stacks approach.
· The Genealogy collections are best on open and accessible shelves. The remaining historical collections, especially the archival and unique, are more suited to closed stacks.
· Parking at Main is now more convenient on weekdays with multiple pay lots and a parking garage available, with two free hours, as well as metered parking and public transportation.
· Parking around the Special Collections building has changed in the last six months as two hour metered spaces have been installed all along and just off of Central, and residents only parking is being set up in front of the adjacent residences all along Edith and Copper.
· Genealogy is the most used special collection. Having Genealogy at the Main Library provides an additional 10 hours of public service including Mondays and two evenings.
· Meetings and programs on local history and genealogy can be held in either location depending on which venue most suits the style of program, the space requirements and the time. Large events can be held in the community room or auditorium at the Main Library, while smaller events can be out on the 2nd floor where the Genealogy collection is housed. Medium sized events can be held at the Special Collections building in Botts Hall, and small events in the Center for the Book or the New Mexicana Room. Because of the new parking restrictions at Special Collections, events there will best be limited to weekday evenings and Saturdays.
Again, thank you for your interest in the Special Collections building and the historical collections. Please understand that this was not an easy decision to make nor was it made lightly.
At this time, I have determined this to be the most appropriate use of the historical ‘old main’ building at Central and Edith; the best way to assure all the collections can grow and thrive; and the most appropriate provision of access to all the treasures that make up the various historical collections of the Albuquerque / Bernalillo County Libraries.
Sincerely,
Dean P. Smith, Director
Albuquerque / Bernalillo County Libraries
21 June 2011
A list of Socorro Grant Families?
According to J. J. Bowden, there were 70 families that re-settled Socorro, New Mexico in 1815. There is no list of who these families were. Ronald Miera in his article "Who Were the Settlers of Socorro Town Land Grant?" (Herencia, Volume 9, issue 3, July 2001) used Belen baptismal records to figure out who were the Socorro grant families. Although the San Miguel Church was not established until July 1821, baptismal records going back to August 17, 1816, showed babies being born in Socorro.
I have found another record that shows an early list of Socorro residents. In the microfilm "Spanish Archives of New Mexico 1621-1821, Series 2, Roll 19", I found a list of Socorro residents who contributed to a campaign against the Navajos on September 18, 1818. This is found on frames 268 & 269, catagorized as "Twitchell 2747".
Sixty-four individuals are listed on these two pages, including a few female spouses and widows of certain residents. Some of the spouses are not listed by name, but rather simply as spouses of certain residents.
Below is a list of these names:
El Alce [The Alcalde] Dn [Don] Migl [Miguel] Aragon
Dn Juan Dionisio Baca
Dn Xavier Garsia
Su Esposa [his wife]
Diego Antonio Beytia [Abeyta]
Pedro Antonio Silva
Jose Anto Gutierres
Bartolo Romero
hagustin Trujio [Agustin Trujillo]
Jose Padia [Padilla]
Lorenso Padia
Santiago Romero
Dionisio Maldonado
Antonio Truxilo [Trujillo]
Francisco Savedra
Antonio Jose Maldonado
Migl Baldes [Valdez]
Domingo Padia
Antonio Jose Benavides
Domingo Gallego [Gallegos]
Juan Salasar
Ramon Lopes
Bernardo Trujillo
Pasqual Serna
Felipe Padia
Bisente [Vicente] Silva
Antonio Griego
Rafael Apodaca
Anselmo Tafolla
Antonio Baca
Bisente Griego
Dn Pedro Garsia
Christobal Salazar
Dn Felisiano Montoya
Jose Maria Martin
Rafael Lopes
Lorenso Luna
Francisco Baca
Carlos Romero
Juaquin Aragon
Christoval Montoya
Jose Manuel Ruival
Juan Tafoya
Dn Baustista Chaves
Da [Dona] Ana Maria Sanches Esposa del tiente [wife of the lieutenant] Dn Dionosio Baca
Maria getrudis Martin Esposa [wife] de Antonio Gurule
Manuel trujillo Melsiano (?)
Dn Diego Sanches
Salvador aragon
Jose Manuel Bijil [Vigil]
Su Esposa de Jose Padia
Su Esposa de Juaquin aragon
Juan Montoya
La Esposa de Anselmo tafoa
Antonio Montoya
Jose Antonio Molina
Rafael abeita
La Espa de [The wife of] Anto Trujo [Antonio Trujillo]
Simon Maldonado
Migl Perea
Antonio Cario [Carillo]
Luis Rivera
Barvara Barela vuida [widow]
tomas Salasar
There is some other wording on the document, including what these people contributed. I'm also not 100% sure that I have all the names correct, so I would like to have someone look these over for me.
There is more to this document than just names of Socorro residents. It also has a list of Sevillita, Belen, Tome and Toas residents, too. It would be good to have the entire document transcribed, translated and published at some point.
I have found another record that shows an early list of Socorro residents. In the microfilm "Spanish Archives of New Mexico 1621-1821, Series 2, Roll 19", I found a list of Socorro residents who contributed to a campaign against the Navajos on September 18, 1818. This is found on frames 268 & 269, catagorized as "Twitchell 2747".
Sixty-four individuals are listed on these two pages, including a few female spouses and widows of certain residents. Some of the spouses are not listed by name, but rather simply as spouses of certain residents.
Below is a list of these names:
El Alce [The Alcalde] Dn [Don] Migl [Miguel] Aragon
Dn Juan Dionisio Baca
Dn Xavier Garsia
Su Esposa [his wife]
Diego Antonio Beytia [Abeyta]
Pedro Antonio Silva
Jose Anto Gutierres
Bartolo Romero
hagustin Trujio [Agustin Trujillo]
Jose Padia [Padilla]
Lorenso Padia
Santiago Romero
Dionisio Maldonado
Antonio Truxilo [Trujillo]
Francisco Savedra
Antonio Jose Maldonado
Migl Baldes [Valdez]
Domingo Padia
Antonio Jose Benavides
Domingo Gallego [Gallegos]
Juan Salasar
Ramon Lopes
Bernardo Trujillo
Pasqual Serna
Felipe Padia
Bisente [Vicente] Silva
Antonio Griego
Rafael Apodaca
Anselmo Tafolla
Antonio Baca
Bisente Griego
Dn Pedro Garsia
Christobal Salazar
Dn Felisiano Montoya
Jose Maria Martin
Rafael Lopes
Lorenso Luna
Francisco Baca
Carlos Romero
Juaquin Aragon
Christoval Montoya
Jose Manuel Ruival
Juan Tafoya
Dn Baustista Chaves
Da [Dona] Ana Maria Sanches Esposa del tiente [wife of the lieutenant] Dn Dionosio Baca
Maria getrudis Martin Esposa [wife] de Antonio Gurule
Manuel trujillo Melsiano (?)
Dn Diego Sanches
Salvador aragon
Jose Manuel Bijil [Vigil]
Su Esposa de Jose Padia
Su Esposa de Juaquin aragon
Juan Montoya
La Esposa de Anselmo tafoa
Antonio Montoya
Jose Antonio Molina
Rafael abeita
La Espa de [The wife of] Anto Trujo [Antonio Trujillo]
Simon Maldonado
Migl Perea
Antonio Cario [Carillo]
Luis Rivera
Barvara Barela vuida [widow]
tomas Salasar
There is some other wording on the document, including what these people contributed. I'm also not 100% sure that I have all the names correct, so I would like to have someone look these over for me.
There is more to this document than just names of Socorro residents. It also has a list of Sevillita, Belen, Tome and Toas residents, too. It would be good to have the entire document transcribed, translated and published at some point.
25 May 2011
Zimmerly family article to be in June New Mexico Genealogist
I wouldn't say that it takes me a long time to do things, but it's been nearly three years since I did my presentation on the Zimmerly family, and I just recently submitted the article to the New Mexico Genealogist. In June, 2011, my article "The Zimmerlys of Socorro: A Swiss Civil War Soldier and an Old New Mexican Family" will be published in that journal.
Here is a teaser from the article:
"Samuel Zimmerly was living in California when he joined the army on October 3, 1861. This sandy-haired carpenter signed his name to the muster rolls at Camp Latham, a military installation near Los Angeles, California. We don't know how or when Samuel began living in California. We can guess why: many people came to California during the 1849 Gold Rush seeking fortune. Apparently, Samuel was not one of the fortunate ones, as his occupation indicates. He may have joined the army in order to find consistent employment; or, he may have been seeking adventure. Again, we don't know.
"A transcription of the Regimental Descriptive Book gives this description of Samuel Zimmerly: he had a "sandy"complexion, "black" eyes, and sandy hair. He was 5'8" tall, and was 21 years old when he joined. This means that he was born in 1840. A family history claims that Samuel's exact date of birth was March 14, 1837; however, no documents could be found that confirm that birth date."
The article doesn't just talk about Zimmerly, though. It also talks about his wife, Paubla Torres, and her lengthy ancestry in New Mexico.
If you are interested in reading the article, you could become a member of the New Mexico Genealogical Society this year, and NMGS will send you a copy of the June 2011 journal, as well as the March issue that is already published and the September and December issues which will be published later. Not only would you be able to read my article, but you could help out a great organization and read a lot of good articles about New Mexican genealogy. Click on this link for details on how to become a member.
Here is a teaser from the article:
"Samuel Zimmerly was living in California when he joined the army on October 3, 1861. This sandy-haired carpenter signed his name to the muster rolls at Camp Latham, a military installation near Los Angeles, California. We don't know how or when Samuel began living in California. We can guess why: many people came to California during the 1849 Gold Rush seeking fortune. Apparently, Samuel was not one of the fortunate ones, as his occupation indicates. He may have joined the army in order to find consistent employment; or, he may have been seeking adventure. Again, we don't know.
"A transcription of the Regimental Descriptive Book gives this description of Samuel Zimmerly: he had a "sandy"complexion, "black" eyes, and sandy hair. He was 5'8" tall, and was 21 years old when he joined. This means that he was born in 1840. A family history claims that Samuel's exact date of birth was March 14, 1837; however, no documents could be found that confirm that birth date."
The article doesn't just talk about Zimmerly, though. It also talks about his wife, Paubla Torres, and her lengthy ancestry in New Mexico.
If you are interested in reading the article, you could become a member of the New Mexico Genealogical Society this year, and NMGS will send you a copy of the June 2011 journal, as well as the March issue that is already published and the September and December issues which will be published later. Not only would you be able to read my article, but you could help out a great organization and read a lot of good articles about New Mexican genealogy. Click on this link for details on how to become a member.
24 May 2011
July 16, 2011 NMGS Program
Saturday, July 16, 2011
10:30 AM
Albuquerque Main Library – 2nd Floor
Albuquerque Main Library – 2nd Floor
501 Copper NW
Albuquerque, NM
The New Mexico Genealogical Society
presents
Andrés Armijo
Becoming a Part of My History
This project stems out of years of genealogical research, oral history interviews and the recovery of family images and artifacts. Vernacular photography, or "people's photography" enlightens a family's past, while oral histories also illuminate photographs. Both aspects of family research are in potential danger of being lost, and it is through this recovery project that Andrés Armijo shares insights, guidance, stories and oral histories about his family for all ranges of audiences. In this presentation, Armijo will share excerpts from select chapters of the book, and the photographs (and moving pictures, or home movies as we know them) that accompany them. Interaction, discussion and questions in this multi-media presentation are encouraged.
This program is free and open to the public
For more information, please visit our website at www.nmgs.org
15 May 2011
June 2011 NMGS Program
Saturday, June 18, 2011
For more information, please visit our website at www.nmgs.org
10:30 AM
Albuquerque Main Library – 2nd Floor
501 Copper NW
Albuquerque, NM
The New Mexico Genealogical Society
In cooperation with the
Albuquerque Special Collections Library
present
Tim Kimball
HISPANICS WHO MADE
AMERICAN NEW MEXICO
1846-1851
Donaciano and Juan Bautista Vigil, Curas Antonio Jose Martinez, Ramon Ortiz, Jose Manuel Gallegos and Jose Leyva, Vicario Juan Felipe Ortiz, Colonels Diego Juan Archuleta, Pablo Montolla and Manuel Cortez, Francisco Sarracino, Ramon Luna, Manuel Alvarez, Albino Chacon, brother and sister Trinidad and Gertrudes Barcelo, and Juan de Jesus Maese shared a love of New Mexico.
Traditional history emphasizes the differences between these patriots and their alleged failings. They and their conciudadanos were admirable men and women with much in common, sharing many goals but taking different paths. These Hispanic leaders provided continuity in governance and established a viable American (but distinctive) New Mexico in a stormy sea of jingoism, racism, and antebellum national politics.
Tim Kimball is an amateur historian and Army-trained intelligence analyst with a 1967-68 tour in RVN. He received an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of New Mexico, is literate in Spanish and German. Kimball has a special interest in archival research on occupation-era New Mexico and its application to a more complete interpretation of the period. He lives in Corrales with his wife Nancy.
This program is free and open to the public
13 May 2011
Historic Socorro Videos
Joel Wigglesworth inherited three historic videos about Socorro, New Mexico. Below is a screen shot of one of those videos:
This photo shows the demolition of the Socorro Courthouse.
Click on the underlined words below to view the three videos:
1. Socorro County Courthouse. According to Joel W.: "This is footage of the Socorro County Courthouse being torn down circa 1939. Socorro county, New Mexico. This film came into my possession about a decade ago, and I decided to post it here for its historical value. The name on the box the reel was in appears to read W.E Mundy, Socorro, New Mexico."
2. Socorro 1. According to Joel W.: "This film came into my possession about a decade ago, and I decided to post it here for its geneaological and/or historical value. Contains footage of kids playing, misc people, and it appears that people are assembling for a wedding, dance, or party. The name on the box the reel was in reads Pete Gallegos, PO Box 1, Socorro, NM."
3. Socorro 2. According to Joel W.: "This film came into my possession about a decade ago, and I decided to post it here for its geneaological and/or historical value. Contains footage of misc people, some cars, the front of someone's house, and the plaza in Socorro, New Mexico. The name on the box the reel was in reads Pete Gallegos, PO Box 1, Socorro, NM."
Enjoy!
This photo shows the demolition of the Socorro Courthouse.
Click on the underlined words below to view the three videos:
1. Socorro County Courthouse. According to Joel W.: "This is footage of the Socorro County Courthouse being torn down circa 1939. Socorro county, New Mexico. This film came into my possession about a decade ago, and I decided to post it here for its historical value. The name on the box the reel was in appears to read W.E Mundy, Socorro, New Mexico."
2. Socorro 1. According to Joel W.: "This film came into my possession about a decade ago, and I decided to post it here for its geneaological and/or historical value. Contains footage of kids playing, misc people, and it appears that people are assembling for a wedding, dance, or party. The name on the box the reel was in reads Pete Gallegos, PO Box 1, Socorro, NM."
3. Socorro 2. According to Joel W.: "This film came into my possession about a decade ago, and I decided to post it here for its geneaological and/or historical value. Contains footage of misc people, some cars, the front of someone's house, and the plaza in Socorro, New Mexico. The name on the box the reel was in reads Pete Gallegos, PO Box 1, Socorro, NM."
Enjoy!
09 May 2011
The 2011 NM History Conference
On May 6th, I attended the 2011 New Mexico History Conference. This conference, which is put on annually by the Historical Society of New Mexico, was held this year in Ruidoso, NM. This was my first conference as an attendee and as a presenter.
I presented a paper that I wrote especially for the conference titled "Luis Maria Baca and the Socorro Land Grant Controversy". In the paper, I discussed the probability that a certain Luis Maria Baca of Lemitar forged Socorro grant papers in order to have the grant validated by the U.S. government. I looked into his possible motivation for why he would have forged the papers. Below is an excerpt from my presentation:
I was not able to go to many of the presentations, as I had arrived at 11 AM on Friday morning, and left 24 hours later. However, I was able to see the other two presenters who spoke about land grants, genealogist Henrietta Martinez Christmas and the state historian Dr. Rick Hendricks, and I also saw a presentation by Andres Armijo, the author of "Becoming a Part of My History". I also attended the awards banquet that night.
As I usually do, I purchased a few books. I bought the part II of "Sunshine and Shadows in New Mexico's Past: The Territorial Period". Nearly a year ago I purchased the Part II, which dealt with the Spanish Colonial and Mexican Periods. Both books were published by the Historical Socity of New Mexican and Rio Grande Books.
I also found two books that I've been looking for for a while. The first "The California Column of New Mexico" by Darlis Miller is about the 2,000 plus soldiers from California that arrived in New Mexico during the Civil War,and the 300 plus who stayed, married, had families and contributed to the culture and history of New Mexico. The second book is "The Territorial History of Socorro, New Mexico" by Bruce Ashcroft. This book is one of the few histories of my hometown.
I hope to attend the next New Mexico History Conference in 2012, which is to be in Santa Fe. That one will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of New Mexico as a state.
I presented a paper that I wrote especially for the conference titled "Luis Maria Baca and the Socorro Land Grant Controversy". In the paper, I discussed the probability that a certain Luis Maria Baca of Lemitar forged Socorro grant papers in order to have the grant validated by the U.S. government. I looked into his possible motivation for why he would have forged the papers. Below is an excerpt from my presentation:
Luis Maria Baca certainly would be in a position to possess Governor Armijo’s documents. After marrying Ramona Armijo, the adopted daughter and heir of the governor, Luis himself took possession of Governor Armijo’s estate. It could be imagined that Luis had been sorting through the papers of the late governor when he came upon this important document. However, why did it take him so long to find it? He had been living in his father-in-law’s home for nearly a decade and a half.I intend to revise this paper for publication. The original presentation was 6 pages long, written for a 20 minute time limit. I want to include more information, as well as add citations. I will let the readers of my blog know when my paper is ready for publication and which journal has published it.
Luis Maria Baca and his three brothers moved to Lemitar in the early 1850s. Although he had the same surname as many of the original settlers of Socorro, it does not appear that he was closely related to any of them. Many of the Socorro families came from the Belen area, while Luis’ family was from Peña Blanca. He possibly did not know any of the families before coming to Socorro area.
Luis Maria Baca and his brothers were the grandsons and heirs to Luis Maria Cabeza de Baca of Peña Blanca. Luis’ grandfather and namesake had once been given a half a million acre Spanish land grant in Northern New Mexico, but had abandoned the property due to Indian attacks. His heirs, who included scores of children and grandchildren, petitioned the United States government for land. The heirs received five 100,000 acre parcels of land that were spread through the territories and states of New Mexico, Arizona and Colorado. It does not appear the Baca brothers of Lemitar received any of this land.
I was not able to go to many of the presentations, as I had arrived at 11 AM on Friday morning, and left 24 hours later. However, I was able to see the other two presenters who spoke about land grants, genealogist Henrietta Martinez Christmas and the state historian Dr. Rick Hendricks, and I also saw a presentation by Andres Armijo, the author of "Becoming a Part of My History". I also attended the awards banquet that night.
As I usually do, I purchased a few books. I bought the part II of "Sunshine and Shadows in New Mexico's Past: The Territorial Period". Nearly a year ago I purchased the Part II, which dealt with the Spanish Colonial and Mexican Periods. Both books were published by the Historical Socity of New Mexican and Rio Grande Books.
I also found two books that I've been looking for for a while. The first "The California Column of New Mexico" by Darlis Miller is about the 2,000 plus soldiers from California that arrived in New Mexico during the Civil War,and the 300 plus who stayed, married, had families and contributed to the culture and history of New Mexico. The second book is "The Territorial History of Socorro, New Mexico" by Bruce Ashcroft. This book is one of the few histories of my hometown.
I hope to attend the next New Mexico History Conference in 2012, which is to be in Santa Fe. That one will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of New Mexico as a state.
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