Hangings And Lynchings In Las Vegas, New Mexico After The American Occupation

Hangings in New Mexico, before the American occupation, under Spanish and later Mexican control, while not unheard of, were not common, in fact you could say they were rare.

The  book El Paso Chronicles, A Record of Historical Events in El Paso, Texas written by Leon C. Metz and published by Mangan Books in El Paso, Texas  has a bit on some hangings on August 5, 1684. Ten Indians, mostly Mansos were hanged in El Paso del Norte in the mission plaza, at that time El Paso del Norte was part of New Mexico. They were hung for plotting against the Spanish and had confessed. Their bodies were left to hang from the gallows for several days as a warning to others.

When the Americans came hangings became a common occurrence, very common. Seems like the Las Vegas' (both East and West) were very violent towns on both sides of the law during this period. In reality there were many, many, more lynching than legal hangings.

Jerked to Jesus the lynching's were called.

There were only five (5) or maybe four (4) legal hangings in San Miguel County, all in Las Vegas, in the period 1847 - 1923 according to the book titled "Death on the Gallows, The Story of Legal Hangings in New Mexico" authored by West Gilbreath and published by High-Lonesome Books in Silver City, New Mexico.

These five (5) or four (4) were as follows;

1. Paula Angel, AKA Paula Martín -The case of Paula Angel, AKA Paula Martín is not totally clear, but it is well documented. She was hung on April 26, 1861. She was the first woman to be hung in the United States, though not the first one in New Mexico. One of my paternal ancestors was a namesake of Paula Martín, I have not been able to verify or disprove that it was the same Paula Martín that was hung. She lived in the same time period.
2. Roy French AKA Frank French - Hung on September 12, 1870 was an African American was convicted of murder.
3. Fredrick Falkner - He was hung on August 19, 1892 at 2:51 P.M. Convicted of the ax murder of James Lannon.
4. Herman "German" Maestas - German was a member of the notorious Vicente Silva gang. He was hung on May 25, 1894 for the murder of Pedro Romero who had married his "ex" wife Rosa Duran.
5. Julian Romero - He was hung on April 11, 1917 at 1:00 P.M. for the killing of Maria Varela. The sheriff of the County at the time was quoted as saying that Julian had died " as bravely as any criminal has faced his executioners".

The lynchings "Jerking's for Jesus" were more numerous than the legal hangings. One of many examples of the excesses of vigilantes can be found in the book "Las Vegas, New Mexico... The Town That Wouldn't Gamble" authored by Milton W. Callon and published by the Las Vegas Daily Optic. While technically not lynching's it comes close enough to be well documented.

On January 22, 1880 four Texans came into Las Vegas bent on a "wing-ding" and in the process killed the new Marshall of East Las Vegas. NOTE: Las Vegas at the time was two separate and different municipalities, East and West Las Vegas respectively.

Anyway the four Texans were captured in Mora on the 5th of February and transferred to the East Las Vegas jail. On the 7th of February a group of self proclaimed lawmen (vigilantes) formed to get them out of the jail and "Jerk them for Jesus". The vigilantes were amatures at hanging and before the neck tie party could be performed the vigilantes became impatient and shot the prisoners as they stood waiting their turn on the "old windmill" on the Plaza.

The book Death on the Gallows, The Story of Legal Hangings in New Mexico states that there were 10 lynching's in Las Vegas between 1851 and 1893 (42 years), not counting the 4 mentioned above since the men were shot and not technically lynched and it does not take into account 2 others lynched in San Miguel County outside of the city limits of Las Vegas. This is a much shorter period than that used for the legal hangings which is 76 years.

The above lynching's refer hangings by mobs of vigilantes of persons believed guilty of some crime or other. The numbers above do not reflect lynching's of people by "private" parties of which there was at least one. The book Vicente Silva, The Terror of Las Vegas, written my Carlos C. de Baca and published by Tate Publications documents one. The lynching of Patricio Maes by the Silva gang after the gang has "tried" Patricio for "betraying" the gang. He was found guilty and hung by being thrown from the bridge over the Gallinas River near the Plaza in Old Town (West Las Vegas). A rope around his neck and tied to the railing of the bridge.



 

Illiteracy, ignorance and stupidy, the differences...... Ignore at your own risk.

Illiteracy is the inability of individuals to read or write, the condition of being unable to read and write. Now a person can have comprehension problems and still be literate. We do not all comprehend the same when reading the same thing. Comprehension problems are not unusual, in fact quite common. Total illiteracy is rare today but it is still there in our society.

Ignorance really has nothing to do with the ability to read and/or write. A literate person can be as ignorant as an illiterate person, it all depends on the subject. I know almost nothing about geology, and a host of other subjects. I am ignorant of them, I have read an article here and there on the subject but remain ignorant on the matter. That is not unusual either, it is also very common. We are all ignorant of a lot of things. It is impossible to know something about everything, We are not Professor Irwin Cory who used to claim to be able to talk intelligently on any given subject for about 5 minutes. I saw him at a nightclub in Denver in the mid 60's. He was funny and sounded good to me.... Proving a point no less.

Stupidity is knowing a bit on a given subject and insist on being an expert or using the minute (adjective instead of a noun) amount of knowledge or information gleaned to draw complete erroneous conclusions. And if a person persists in this they expose their stupidity to a broader audience. This is not unusual either and we all need to keep this in mind. It reminds me of the old saying that it is better to have people think we are idiots than to open our mouths and prove it beyond all doubt.

Our New Mexican Ancestors

don Juan de Onate

Up the long trail from Mexico they came in 1598, four hundred and fifteen years ago this year. Being led by don Juan de Onate. They were carrying in their veins not just Old World Spain but the blood of Indian Mexico as well. They settled into the valleys and edges of the mountains and fashioned a new cultural identity from their struggles here in todays "Land of Enchantment"; they became NEW MEXICANS. These Hispanic pioneers became Nortenos, Nuevo Mejicanos!

Even though seldom mentioned in the books that present American history to schoolchildren their (our) story is as much a part of the North American colonial experience as that of the pilgrims who arrived later in 1520.

It has been a long time since then. It is good to see my fellow New Mexicans, not only still here, but a vibrant part of the leadership of the state. Our ancestors would be proud.

May They Rest In Peace

Loma Parda

A good article on Loma Parda here;

http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/trail_dust/article_188090c0-290a-5983-bb8f-92d5360f539b.html

Check it out. Loma Parda is about 10 miled west of Watrous, New Mexico on the road to Mora.

Some Information On Crespin's From Chaperito, New Mexico

Modified Register for Juan Crespin

　

First Generation

1. Juan Crespin was born in New Mexico, his birthdate is unknown.
Juan married Josefa Ortega . Josefa was born in New Mexico, her birthdate is unknown
They had the following children:
+ 2 F i. Maria Petra Crespin was born on 14 Oct 1845 in New Mexico.
+ 3 M ii. Donaciano Crespin was born about 1850 in New Mexico. 
　

Second Generation

2. Maria Petra Crespin (Juan) was born on 14 Oct 1845 in San Miguel del Vado, New Mexico. She was christened on 26 Oct 1845 in San Miguel del Vado, New Mexico.
Maria married Anastacio Duran on 10 Jan 1859 in Anton Chico, New Mexico. Anastacio was born in New Mexico, his birthdate is unknown. 
They had the following children:
+ 4 M i. Narciso Duran was born on 29 Oct 1860 in New Mexico. He died on 29 Dec 1943.
5 F ii. Maria Felicitas Duran was born on 31 Mar 1862 in Anton Chico, New Mexico. She was christened on 2 Apr 1862 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.
6 M iii. Lucio Duran was born on 15 Dec 1863 in Anton Chico, New Mexico. He was christened on 22 Dec 1863 in Anton Chico, New Mexico. He died on 10 Jan 1961 in Los Angles, California.
7 M iv. Luis Duran was born in Chaperito, New Mexico, his actual birthdate is unknown but he was christened on 21 June 1868 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.
8 F v. Encarnacion Duran was born in 1878 in New Mexico.
3. Donaciano Crespin (Juan) was born in 1850 in Las Vegas, New Mexico. (Birthdate unknown).
Donaciano married (1) Maria Petra Roybal daughter of Gabriel Roybal and Viviana Baca on 22 Aug 1870 in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Maria was born on 24 Jan 1856 in San Jose, New Mexico. She was christened on 27 Jan 1856 in San Miguel del Vado, New Mexico.
They had the following children:
9 F i. Maria Juana Clotilde Crespin was christened on 10 Aug 1872 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.
+ 10 M ii. Jose Luis Crespin was born on 20 Jun 1876. He died in Sep 1969.
+ 11 M iii. Juan Pedro Celestino Crespin was born on 18 May 1880.
Donaciano married (2) Demesia Gallegos on 27 Aug 1894 in Chaperito, New Mexico. Demesia was born in New Mexico.
They had the following children:
12 M iv. Juan Crespin was born on 3 Oct 1895 in Chaperito, New Mexico. He died on 4 Oct 1895 in Chaperito, New Mexico. He was buried on 4 Oct 1895 in Chaperito, New Mexico.
　

Third Generation

4. Narciso Duran (Maria Petra Crespin, Juan) was born on 29 Oct 1860 in Anton Chico, New Mexico. He was christened on 30 Oct 1860 in Anton Chico, New Mexico. He died on 29 Dec 1943 in Chaperito, New Mexico.
Narciso married Genoveva Valdez . Genoveva was born in New Mexico.
They had the following children:
13 M i. Augustin Duran was born on 12 Mar 1891 in New Mexico. He died on 31 Jan 1981 in San Mateo, California.
Augustin married a woman by the name of Sarita (Last Name Unknown). Sarita was born about 1901 in New Mexico.
14 F ii. Teresa Duran was born on 15 Jan 1895 in Chaperito, New Mexico. She died on 13 Nov 1965 in El Paso, Texas. She was buried on 15 Nov 1965 in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, El Paso, Texas.
10. Jose Luis Crespin (Donaciano, Juan) was born on 20 Jun 1876 in San Jose, New Mexico. He was christened on 2 Jul 1876 in San Miguel, New Mexico. He died in Sep 1969 in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Jose married Juana Garcia . Juana was born about 1878 in New Mexico.
They had the following children:
15 M i. Francisco Crespin was born about 1898 in New Mexico.
16 F ii. Leonarda Crespin was born about 1900 in New Mexico.
17 M iii. Felipe B Crespin was born on 27 Jul 1902 in New Mexico. He died in Aug 1987 in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
Felipe married a woman by the name of Crestina (Last Name Unknown). Crestina was born about 1904 in New Mexico.
18 F iv. Victoria Crespin was born about 1908 in New Mexico.
19 M v. Flavio Crespin was born about 1913 in New Mexico.
Flavio married a woman by the name of Annie (Last Name Unknown) . Annie was born about 1914 in New Mexico.
20 F vi. Josefa Crespin was born in 1917 in New Mexico.
11. Juan Pedro Celestino Crespin (Donaciano, Juan) was born on 18 May 1880 in San Jose, New Mexico. He was christened on 23 May 1880 in San Miguel, New Mexico.
Juan married Eufelia Montoya . Eufelia was born in New Mexico (Birthdate unknown). 
They had the following children:
21 F i. Petra Crespin was born about 1917 in New Mexico.

22 M ii. Donaciano Crespin was born about 1920 in New Mexico.

A Visit To Chaperito, New Mexico

Took a day trip to Chaperito, New Mexico with my nephew and his family this past week. After several previous attempts on my part I finally made it to the old ghost town on the Gallinas River.

My nephew's paternal ancestors came from and are buried there.

It looks like San Miguel County bladed the road. It is in way better condition than the last time I attempted the trip. Make sure you close all of the numerous gates you will encounter if you go.

Lots of folks descend from people who lived in Chaperito at one time or another during it's short existence as a village in New Mexico. It was around as a permanent place of habitation a little over 100 years and the last folks to live there left in the 1950's. Read all about it here;

http://www.newmexicohistory.org/filedetails_docs.php?fileID=24817

There were several such villages in Eastern New Mexico during that time. Most are gone now and the descendants of folks who once lived there make pilgrimages to get a look at the place where their ancestors once lived.

Quite a scenic and historical area below the cap rock, more scenic than above it anyway. This was a very dangerous place to live in the mid to late 1900's. Especially by today's standards. Roving bands of "Indios Salvages" would roam the area which was once part of their homeland. You never knew when they would show up and what type of reception they would get or give. Lots and lots of folks, Indians included, lost their lives there in battles with the Indians.

The old cemetery is full and a few ruins of peoples homes are still visible. Some of the buildings are remarkable examples of rock construction. Hard to imagine this was once a thriving vibrant community.

The Most Dangerous Things in The World

No, weapons of mass destruction is not one of them.

Communism is not one of them.

The red Chinese is not one of them.

Here they are.............. 

No. 1 - Religion

No.2 - Tribalism

No.3 - Ignorance and Illiteracy

I do not know why, but if you look at things this is what it comes down to. And if you mix the any of the elements you have a ticking time bomb. Just look at all of the problems in the world today. At least one of these is present. And in most cases two and sometimes all three.

Politicians at the highest levels know this, they use it to attract soldiers to do their bidding. They use it to build mobs or armies to do their dirty work.

We will never get rid of religion, people need it. Most cannot function without some form of religion. So, in one form or another, religion is here to stay. It is like the old saying, if there was no god people would invent one. 

Tribalism is very difficult to get rid of, but it can and will be done. Maybe another 2,000 years or so, but it will be done. There are examples where tribalism has been rid of in some populations. Not many, but there are a few.

Ignorance and illiteracy are our best hope. It is hard to get rid of, but it is our best hope. It tempers both religion and tribalism. But people seem to need ignorance and illiteracy too, other wise there is no explanation why there is so much of it.  In this ignorance and illiteracy is sort of like religion. 

La Reina del Cielo y de Los Nuevo Mejicanos

Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe

 

Our New Mexican ancestors revered Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe. Naming male and female children in her honor, naming one church after another for "La Reina del Cielo y de los Mejicanos", as the song goes. No other saint is so revered in Mexico or New Mexico, not one comes close. Nuestra Senora was everywhere in our lives as we grew up, you could not avoid bumping into her namesake or image, not even if you tried. Not that anyone ever did.

 

If you research families as we do, you will be dumbfounded with the number of people named Guadalupe in New Mexico. There are "Lupe's" every where in every family over the generations. The only other names that were more popular were Jose for men and Maria for both men and women. But Guadalupe holds a special place in New Mexican hearts,

 

I have not attended church in almost 50 years and consider myself a non believer. And I still carry her image in my wallet, I always have. I really don't know why, sort of a mystery even to me. But her picture there gives me an odd sense of calm when I look at it, always has and I do not think that will change.

 

The naming of our children after "Nuestra Senora" is one aspect of our New Mexican culture that had probably passed and it is one aspect I miss. Not too, too,  many Guadalupe's left amongst us anymore.

The Two Women Named Maria Eulalia Gallegos

Image is San Jose, San Miguel County, New Mexico by Walt Gonske
 

There were two women named Maria Eulalia Gallegos with the same parents born on different dates and married to different men on different dates. Why and how come?

The first Maria Eulalia Gallegos was born on the 4th of November 1858 the daughter of Antonio Gallego and Maria Luisa Ulibarri who at the time were living in Entranosa, San Miguel County New Mexico. Her godparents were Ramon Leyba and Tomasa Montoya.

This (the first) Eulalia married Casimiro Dimas, the son of Aparacio Dimas and Maria Dominga Olguin at San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico on the 11th of October of 1875. The marriage padrinos were Manuel Urioste and his wife. Manuel's wife is not named and there were several Manuel Urioste's around the area in the same time period. The church at San Miguel was, and is, the parish church, as compared to one of the many missions associated with it.

They went on to have at least six children;

1. Maria del Pilar born October 9, 1884,
2. Maria Ruperta born March 27, 1886, 
3. Maria Domitilia born September 6, 1892,
4. Maria Josefa born June 14, 1895,
5. Maria de la Cruz born May 2, 1899.
6. Samuel born march 28, 1907.

The second Maria Eulalia Gallegos was born 10th of February of 1861 also the daughter of Antonio Gallego and Maria Luisa Ulibarri who were still living in Entranosa, San Miguel County New Mexico. Her godparents were Miguel Antonio Ribera and Maria Caterina Lucero.

This (the second) Eulalia married Jose Gregorio Sanchez, the son of Nazario Sanchez and Ursula Bustamente on the 1st of December 1876 at San Miguel del Bado. The marriage padrinos were Francisco Griego and Celestina Sanchez.

They went on to have at least 3 children;

1. Rafael born on Oct 23, 1877,
2. Candelaria born on Feb 1, 1879,
3. Lucindo born on September 22, 1880.

That makes one wonder why parents would have 2 daughters born just a little over 2 years apart and give them exactly the same names? It is my guess that the first one got sick as an infant and the parents promised God to name their next daughter after the one that was ill and not expected to live. The first Eulalia survived but a promise was a promise, especially to God. So when the next baby was born a girl, she was named the same as the first one to fulfil a promise.

In Catholic Hispano New Mexican households it was not uncommon to make promises and deals with God himself or the saints. The promises and deals were for various and diverse reasons.