Grifos y tecatos in New Mexico

Reading an article (study) in the April 1981 edition of the New Mexico Historical Review titled "Guns and Butter, Albuquerque Hispanics, 1940 - 1975". Very interesting article and addresses the illegal drug problems "Hispanics" have in New Mexico. I have always wondered if "grifos" who are marijuana users or "tecatos" who use heroin or other hard drugs have always been the pox on New Mexican society that they are now. I have found no reference to these drugs in historical records. There are many references to alcohol use in the record. Not only by "Hispanic" New Mexicans but "anglos" as well as Indians.

The article (study) states that prior to the WWII drug use was minimal in New Mexico but increased dramatically when workers and soldiers started arriving back from the Ft. Bliss government facility in the El Paso area and also from overseas and the shipyards in the west coast, particularly Los Angles, California. They had been hooked, one way or another, while away from home.

Later it increased with heroin and opium users arriving back from Korea and Viet Nam. It calls this phenomena the "victims not only of hostilities but also the derangements of war".

Today the use of all types of illegal drugs by all segments of society, is rampant in New Mexico with some calling for the legalization of this or that drug as a cure all for the problems we have which are caused by people who are addicted.

Any way, if you can find a copy of the publication at your local library, it makes for enlightening and interesting reading.

Banana Cream Pie In Rowe, New Mexico in the middle 1950's

My cousin and I were on our way to the river about a mile away from town to fish, or swim, or both when we heard someone behind us..... We went into the forest and hid while they went by. The property was private, belonging to the actress Greer Garson and her millionaire husband "Buddy" Fogelson.  It was part of the old Los Trigos Land Grant which was lately owned by Jane Fonda. Anyway, we did not want to get caught fishing or swimming there but the odds of that happening were slim to none as we were experts at hiding in the adjacent woods.

Anyway, it was an "anglo" couple with some small kids who were behind us. I do not know if they were sneaking in too or if they had permission to be or go there. It did not matter, we let them pass and then followed them out of curiosity. Just to see what they were up to. They got to an area and "set up" the spot. Picnic basket and a tablecloth to cover the ground before they all went down about 100 yards to the river.

Opportunity was knocking and we decided my cousin would be the lookout while I went down to see what they had set out. Just looking really, at least I recall that was what I was thinking at the time. Anyway, I opened the basket and lo and behold a funny looking pie was there. Never seen a pie with all white on the top before. I dipped my finger to taste it and the taste was out of this world. I took the pie and some plastic spoons and high tailed it to where my cousin was waiting.

My first taste of banana cream pie.... God sent it to us, I just knew it. My forced church attendance was paying off right then. It was the best thing, outside of panocha for la semana santa, that I had ever tasted. We took off to the ole swimming hole to swim without waiting to see what the white folks did when they found the pie missing. I still don't know if they figured it out or if the ole man blamed the woman for forgetting the pie.

We did not know what type of pie it was, just that it was good. The next time I tasted banana cream pie again was in Nebraska one summer while traveling through many years later. Now when I have a piece, I remember back...

New Mexicans surrounded by hostile enemies

Fredrick Remington, Mexican Sheepherder tortured by the Apaches.

The Hispanic and Pueblo Indian New Mexicans of the Spanish (1598 - 1821) and Mexican (1821 - 1846) era's were surrounded by hostile tribes and had to fight day and night on all fronts. The Navajo on the north and west, the Ute on the north and east, the Comanche and Pawnee on the east and the various subdivisions of Apache to the south.

In all reality the siege by hostile Indians lasted well past the American occupation and annexation of the province into the late 1870's. But the Spanish and Mexican era's were particularly difficult as the area had a small population and even smaller financial resources.

The 1850 U.S. Federal Census lists 61,547 persons. This was 4 years after the American conquest, occupation and annexation of the New Mexican province. By this time there were at least 5,000 - 6,000 Americans in New Mexico. there were probably 10,000 Pueblo's as the "savage tribes" mentioned were not part of the census. That leaves about 45,000 or so New Mexican Hispanos or Mexicans as our ancestors were known then.

The 1784 El Paso Spanish Census* lists 4,091 total "Hispanos" in the district. men were 1,220, women were 1223 boys were 820 and girls were 828. so the men comprised about 29% of the population.

We need to keep in mind that El Paso was part of New Mexico at the time and would remain so through the Mexican Period. The population in other New Mexican districts would most probably breakdown similarly by percentage.

So if the Hispanic/Mexican population was about 45,000 in 1850 we can estimate the "fighting" population in 1846 was about 29% of the 45,000 or a little over 15,000 men. If we subtract a figure to represent the men too old to be effective in war we probably end up with 11,000 to 12,000 men  capable of "bearing arms". The Pueblos were also involved in the defense of the province. 

These 11,000 - 12,000 men plus whatever number of the Pueblos assisted had to defend all of the area where they lived and their flocks and herds of animals where ever they grazed. Mostly up and down the Rio Grande but there were other places where Hispanos/Mexicans resided. When you consider or ponder the numbers of "hostiles" or "savages" that is quite a feat. A feat that the "Americanos" would have had trouble with.

As for hostile or savage Indians? Well, we do know that it is estimated that in the 1860's during the removal of this tribe to Bosque Redondo there were 12,000 to 15,000 hostile Navajos. The numbers of Apaches, Comanches, Utas, Pawnees and other Indios del Norte is not known. Neither are the numbers of hostiles that resided in the area south of El Paso.

Either way, New Mexicans and their Pueblo allies did a great job of the defense of the province. These defenders are our real heroes,  our "founders". To these defenders we owe our gratitude. The threat then was close, real and terrible. 

*Refer to the October 1977 New Mexico Historical Review article titled The Population of the El Paso Area - A Census of 1784 written by W.H. Timmons.

Como se dice? Unos cuantos dichos favoritos de me joventud.

My mother used to use this one, "Se hase el pendejo para comer con las dos manos." for someone playing dumb.

My grandmother when we as kids asked her "que es" she would respond "una punta para los preguntones." We were asking too many questions.

En la tierra de el siego, el tuerto es rey.

When asked como esta(s), "como un perrito millionario". Doing just fine.

Waiting for some undeserved something, "Esperando el bien de dios envuelto en una tortilla."

My grandmother used to say about ghosts that "No le tengo miedo a los muertos, solamente a los vivos."

Pobre Nuevo Mejico, Tan Lejos del Cielo y Tan Cerca de Tejas.

"Pobre Nuevo Mejico, Tan Lejos del Cielo y Tan Cerca de Tejas."

Poor New Mexico, so far from heaven and so close to Texas. Manuel Armijo, the Last New Mexican Governor prior to the American occupation hit the nail on the head when he uttered this pearl of wisdom.

In New Mexico today Texans escape from the heat and the dreariness of the Llano Estacado and come to the mountains of New Mexico by the tens of thousands every weekend. If you travel between Raton and Clayton over 90 % of the traffic is from Texas. The same goes on the road between Roswell and Tularosa. A good portion of the Texans also head into the mountains of Southern Colorado. Any place really, any place other than Texas.

The towns of Eagle Nest, Angel Fire and Red River in Northern New Mexico and also Ruidoso and Cloudcroft in Southern New Mexico are populated by about 95% Texans. Texans catering to other Texans. Sort of odd to spend time in these towns, islands of Texans in New Mexico. And the extreme eastern part of New Mexico is called little Texas as in some cases there are more Texans there than New Mexicans or folks from anywhere else.

New Mexicans have had a distrust of Texans since the Americans settled there (Texas) swore allegiance to the Mexican Republic then turned on Mexico, declared their own republic and tried to invade New Mexico from there several times after their "independence". Sort of hard to trust them after the scheme that they pulled off with the support of the Americans.

We have been going into the Texas Panhandle, especially Amarillo since we used to travel I-40 when coming home from points north and east. I Like Amarillo, easy to get around in and lots of antique shops on old Route 66. I also like to travel the panhandle as this is the part of the llano our New Mexican ancestors used for several hundred years before modern Texas came into being. Sort of gives a person perspective of what life used to be like in New Mexico.

Maria Viviana Martín

NOTE: The following was copied from the publication "Wagon Tracks" Which is a publication of the Santa Fe Trail Association. Please excuse the formatting errors.

Viviana's Three Husbands.

Maria Viviana Martín became the wife of three different Santa Fe Trail travelers. Each of her husbands was born in Europe, the first, James Bonney, was born in England of Irish Catholic parents; Daniel Eberle, the second, was born in Switzerland; and Friedrich (Frank) Metzgar, the third, was born in Germany. Each settled in New Mexico while it was a province of Mexico or very shortly thereafter. More specifically, each of the men in Viviana's life chose to settle along the Mora River in newly developing communities, much influenced by the nearby Santa Fe Trail. Until well into the 1820s and even early 1830s, this area was considered to be too dangerous to settle because of the ever-present Plains Indians, particularly the Apaches, Comanches, and Kiowas, who fiercely resisted settlements east of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

All three of Viviana's husbands were actively involved with the Santa Fe Trail traffic and trade and each one made multiple trips across the plains freighting goods for sale. And all three of them became merchants in New Mexico, albeit on quite different scales.

  Viviana Martin and James Bonney. 

Viviana probably met James Bonney in 1844 or early 1845. This was the time that James Bonney was separating from his wife Juana Mascarenas and their three children. There is a story that Viviana's family was not pleased and was even alarmed when Bonney began paying attention to and courting teenage Viviana. To understand this reaction, it is useful to know something about the beliefs and 'practices regarding marriage and sexuality in eighteenth-and nineteenth-century New Mexico.

In writing of this, Ramon Gutierrez has noted that "Women were the things honorable men guarded most intensely in their households."Viviana's family undoubtedly was aware of Bonney's

existing family, as the Martin home was not far from the Bonney settlement. At stake, if the relationship advanced, was not only Viviana's future but also the family honor.

Viviana, who must have been flattered by the attention from an older, well-established man, was removed by her family from the Mora Valley and proximity to James Bonney and taken across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to stay with relatives. This gambit proved unsuccessful. Apparently, James Bonney learned " where Viviana had been taken, followed her there, and brought her back to his home near the confluence of the Mora and Sapello rivers.

Viviana was soon pregnant and, in March 1846, gave birth to son Ramon. Later that year, she was present when General Stephen Watts Kearny and the Army of the West arrived at the Bonney settlement on August 13. Indeed, in his description of the arrival of the troops there after a journey of 775 miles across a landscape without a single permanent dwelling, Major William H. Emory, in a probable reference to Viviana, noted that "The first object I saw was a pretty Mexican woman, with clean white stockings, who very cordially shook hands with us and asked for tobacco.

James Bonney was killed by Indians in October 1846 along the Mora River near Dog Canyon, not far from his home, leaving behind Viviana and seven-month-old son Ramon. Having lost her husband, Viviana took her infant son and returned to her parents in the Mora Valley some 15 or 20 miles from the Bonney settlement. She never made any claim to the land and improvements James Bonney left behind, and much of it was later reclaimed by Bonney's three children with Juana Mascarenas.

Viviana Martin and Daniel Eberle.

Daniel Eberle (Ebel, Ebell) 26 is an obscure figure in history, known primarily from the family he left behind. He was born in Switzerland about 1798, immigrated to the United States, and somehow made his way to the Missouri frontier and arrived in New Mexico over the Santa Fe Trail, probably during the 1840s.

Family lore indicates that Daniel was a successful man, operating a trading business with goods he transported over the Santa Fe Trail and, like many other such traders, lived on and operated a farm and ranch. Itis not known just how and when Viviana and Daniel Eberle (Ebel) got together. After James Bonney's death in October 1846, Viviana was living in the Mora Valley near where Daniel Eberle was established.

Viviana and Daniel had become a couple by the fall of 1848 as their first child, Leonor, was born in June 1849. Two more children were born, Juan Andres in 1850 and Maria Marta in 1854. Frustratingly, the family is not found in the 1850 census records for New Mexico Territory; it seems that this first United States census for New Mexico missed the people in the Mora Valley entirely.

The 1860 census shows Viviana again living with her father, Bernardo, and with her children, Ramon Bonney and the three Ebels. This record identified all of, them with the surname Martinez. Daniel Eberle (Ebel) does not appear in this 1860 census. He was killed prior to that time, leaving Viviana, once again, a widow with young children. Few details are known about Daniel's death. He had left his home in the Mora Valley and was on his way to join a wagon train headed for Missouri when he was killed. A family story indicates that he was carrying a significant amount of gold to purchase goods and was killed during a robbery.

Only two documents have been found which contain his name. The first is a baptismal record from Santa Gertrudes Catholic Church in Mora for youngest daughter Maria Marta, dated February 9, 1856, with parents listed as "Gartien Eberley" and Maria Viviana Martin. The death of Eberle must have occurred shortly after this happy event. Later, the church record created when oldest daughter Leonor married Andreas Laumbach indicates that she was the daughter of the deceased Daniel Ebel and Maria Viviana Martin.

Viviana Martin and Fredriech (Frank) Metzgar. 

As noted earlier, in 1860, Viviana was living with her father, Bernardo, and her Bonney and Eberle (Ebel) children. However, in this record, in addition to those members of the household already noted, there was also present (Maria) Dolores, age three, who is Viviana's daughter  with Frank Metzgar. This indicates that Viviana began her relationship with Frank Metzgar very soon after Daniel Eberle's death.

In a later court deposition, Viviana said that she and Metzgar ended their seventeen- year relationship in March 1875, indicating that the relationship began in 1857. It appears that Viviana and Metzgar did not live together during their seventeen-year relationship. During most of this period, Viviana and her children lived on and took care of a ranch property belonging to Metzgar, while Metzgar maintained a separate home in Mora near his store.

Metzgar would come frequently to the ranch and would stay there for periods of two days to a week during each visit. In addition to Dolores (later called Lola), the couple had two more daughters, Maria Josephita, born in 1865, and Maria Isabella, born in 1867.

Viviana's Mother, Apolonia Gutierrez, and Frank Metzgar. 

At about the time Viviana was establishing a relationship with her second husband, Daniel Eberle, Viviana's mother had become estranged from her husband, Bernardo Martin, and had begun a relationship with Frank Metzgar. This relationship led to the birth of a daughter, Juanita Metzgar, born in 1849; i.e., the same year that Viviana's first child with Daniel Eberle was born. It is unclear exactly how long Apolonia's relationship with Metzgar lasted, but clearly it was over by the time Viviana, herself, became the wife of Metzgar in about 1857.

The result of these two relationships was the unusual situation whereby Apolonia's daughter with Metzgar, Juanita, was not only a half-sister to Viviana but also a half-sister to Viviana's own daughters, Dolores, Josephita, and Isabella.

Metzgar's Wealth and the Resulting Contention Over It. 

In the 1860 census for Mora County, New Mexico, Frank Metzgar is listed as 41 years old, born in Prussia, a merchant with real estate worth $30,000; he was probably the richest person in Mora County at the time. Locals referred to him as 'el Aleman' because of his German background; as a prominent businessman, he was known to all.

In 1860, he was living in a household with three clerks who worked in his mercantile business, which he had established in Mora in 1849. Much of what is known about Metzgar comes from court records. Following his. death in February 1885 at age 66, Viviana and her children filed a lawsuit against Henry Korte, a German immigrant like Frank Metzgar, who had in the 1870s became a business partner of Metzgar and was administrator of the estate.

To complicate matters, Korte was also the husband of Viviana's half-sister, Juanita Metzgar. The lawsuit was an attempt by Viviana and her children to gain the share of Metzgar's estate to which they felt entitled. In various statements filed by attorneys in behalf of Viviana and her children in this court case, Metzgar's holdings are described: Metzgar "was possessed of a large estate consisting of land, money, personal property and chattels located in the Territory of New Mexico and the State of Missouri valued at least $100,000."

He had "livestock consisting of  cattle, horses, mules, burros, hogs, sheep and other domestic animals amounting in value to 40 or 50 thousand dollars." In 1881, Metzgar had "sold 4,087 cattle." Also, he had "farming implements of husbandry together with a large amount of grain of all kinds and fruit."

Much of the grain and fruit was sold at nearby Fort Union after it was established in 1851. And there were "large amounts of goods, wares and merchandise which were at the store and mercantile business as well as notes, due bills, evidence of indebtedness, outstanding accounts and other obligations." In addition, there were "several thousand acres, various houses, edifices, barns, stables, granaries and improvements including a large amount of fencing."

Finally, there were "several thousand fruit trees." It is obvious that Frank Metzgar was a very rich man. This inventory of assets may, however, not have been complete. Stories passed down through the family and Mora Valley residents suggest that there was more. Persisting to this day are speculations that Metzgar had a great deal of money or gold (or both) hidden on his property, not all of which has yet been found. Some stories claim that on more than one occasion and in more than one location, gold was found by a community member and gave the finder instant wealth.

The court case dragged on for many years and was finally settled by the New Mexico Supreme Court long after the deaths of both Viviana and Henry Korte. The court's Solomonic decision pleased no one; undoubtedly, the only winners were the several attorneys involved.

In summary, Viviana Martin was a strong, self-reliant woman of the nineteenth century who led an exceptional life for her time. She married early and outside her cultural  tradition, which took courage. She was widowed at age nineteen and left with an infant son. Undaunted, she remarried and was widowed again at age twenty-nine, with three more dependent children.

Ever resilient, she married once again; this time to the richest man in the region and had three more children. Viviana was a loyal wife to each of her husbands, but following each loss, she carried on. She was hardworking and provided a good home to her seven children. Later, she relished  her numerous grandchildren and was a strong force in the lives of many of them. It seems beyond coincidence that each of Viviana's husbands was a strong independent man, who arrived in New Mexico from the eastern United States as a Santa Fe Trail trader. She lived out the last years of her life, contentedly, in a small house near the ranch home of her eldest daughter, Leonor (Ebel) Laumbach. She died on October 28, 1897, a little more than a month before her seventieth birthday. She is buried in the nearby Laumbach Cemetery.

Some Descendants of Captain Juan Damaso Salazar

First Generation

1. Juan Damaso (Damasio) Salazar  was born in New Mexico to Juan Cristobal Salazar and Margarita Samora. The date and the place of his birth are unknown to the author at this time.

Juan Damaso married Maria Guadalupe Trujillo (Ortiz) daughter of Andres Trujillo and Rosa Cordova on 17 April 1816 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. Maria was born on 8 December 1799 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was christened on 19 December 1799 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. NOTE: Maria Guadalupe is sometimes listed with the surname "Ortiz".

They had the following children, three which are listed as adopted and two of those are identified as Indian:

2 M i. Jose Felipe de Jesus Salazar  was christened on 19 December 1817 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

Jose Felipe de Jesus married Maria Rita Romero  daughter of Jose Vicente Romero and Maria Isabel Gonzalez on 7 April 1836 in San Miguel del Vado, New Mexico. Maria was born in New Mexico.

3 M ii. Luis Salazar  was born in 1822 in New Mexico.

+ 4 M iii. Jose Guadalupe Salazar .

+ 5 F iv. Maria Antonia de Jesus Salazar  was born on 17 June 1827.

6 F v. Maria Dolores Salazar  was born in 1828 in New Mexico. She was christened on 24 December 1839 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. The child was "adopted" and is listed as an Indian 11 years old at the time of the baptism.

+ 7 F vi. Maria Refugio Salazar  was born on 4 July 1831.

8 F vii. Maria Rosalia Salazar  was born in 1831. She was christened on 20 June 1849 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. For birth and baptismal information refer to page 141 of the publication New Mexico Baptisms, San Miguel del Bado Church, Volume II, 12 May 1844 to 6 July 1853 published by the New Mexico Genealogical Society. Padrinos were her adopted "brother" Jose Aniceto Salazar and her adopted "sister" Maria Gregoria Salazar. Damacio Salazar is listed as PATRON. Maria Rosalia was listed as about 18 years old and as a Pallucha (Piute) Indian. 

+ 9 M viii. Jose Aniceto Salazar  was christened on 2 May 1832.

10 M ix. Jose de la Natividad Salazar  was christened on 24 December 1832 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. His parents are "unknown". He was most likely an Indian.

+ 11 F x. Maria Gregoria Salazar  was born on 25 November 1833.

+ 12 M xi. Jose Bernardo de Jesus Salazar  was born on 18 August 1838. He died on 30 January 1909.

13 M xii. Jose Preciliano Salazar  was christened on 10 November 1840 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

+ 14 M xiii. Cipio Salazar  was born in 1842.

Second Generation

4. Jose Guadalupe Salazar  (Juan Damaso) was born in New Mexico.


Jose Guadalupe married (1) Maria Francisca Baca . Maria was born in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

15 F i. Maria Francisca Salazar  was born on 11 January 1845 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. She was christened on 13 January 1845 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.


Jose Guadalupe married (2) Josefa Jaramillo  on 17 January 1848 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. Josefa was born in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

16 M ii. Jose Telesforo Salazar  was born on 4 April 1849 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. He was christened on 5 April 1849 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

17 M iii. Jose de La Trinidad Salazar  was born on 15 June 1851 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. He was christened on 27 June 1851 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

18 M iv. Dionisio Salazar  was born on 9 October 1855 in Sapello, New Mexico. He was christened on 14 October 1855 in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

19 F v. Maria Cesaria Salazar  was born on 25 February 1858 in Sapello, New Mexico. She was christened on 28 February 1858 in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

+ 20 M vi. Luciano Salazar  was born on 8 January 1860.

+ 21 M vii. Trinidad Salazar .

5. Maria Antonia de Jesus Salazar  (Juan Damaso) was born on 17 June 1827 in Puertecito, San Miguel County New Mexico. She was christened on 25 June 1827 in Pecos, San Miguel Mission, New Mexico.

Maria Antonia de Jesus married Pedro Gonzales  son of Salbador Gonzales and Juliana Gutierrez on 9 June 1841 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. Pedro was born in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

+ 22 F i. Maria Leonora Gonzales .

+ 23 F ii. Josefa de Jesus Gonzales  was born on 8 September 1844.

24 M iii. Jose de la Asencion Gonzales  was born on 10 August 1848 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. He was christened on 16 August 1848 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

25 F iv. Maria de los Angles Gonzales  was born on 2 October 1850 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. She was christened on 6 October 1850 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

+ 26 M v. Jose Donaciano Gonzales  was born on 6 September 1852.

+ 27 F vi. Maria Placida Gonzales  was born on 3 February 1855.


+ 28 M vii. Damasio Gonzales  was christened on 16 December 1866.

+ 29 M viii. Jose Eustaquio Gonzales  was born in 1857.

7. Maria Refugio Salazar  (Juan Damaso) was born on 4 July 1831 in Puertecito, San Miguel County, New Mexico. She was christened on 28 August 1831 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

Maria Refugio married (1) Jose Deciderio Salazar  on 12 September 1847 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. Jose was born in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

30 F i. Maria Sesaria Salazar  was born on 29 February 1848 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. She was christened on 5 March 1848 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

31 M ii. Jose Antonio Salazar  was born on 30 November 1850 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. He was christened on 1 December 1850 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

+ 32 M iii. Andres Salazar .

33 F iv. Fernanda Salazar  was born on 30 May 1856 in Sapello, New Mexico. She was christened on 9 June 1856 in Las Vegas, New Mexico.


Maria Refugio married (2) Henriquez Falvez  on 29 March 1869 in Sapello, New Mexico. Henriquez was born in Massachuetts. The name is documented here as it was found in the marriage record.

9. Jose Aniceto Salazar  (Juan Damaso) was christened on 2 May 1832 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

Jose Aniceto married Maria Ygnacia Montoya  daughter of Jose Pablo Montoya and Maria Lorenza Baca on 3 August 1856 in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Maria was born in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

34 F i. Maria Francisca Salazar  was born on 9 March 1858 in Sapello, New Mexico. She was christened on 14 March 1858 in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

Maria Francisca married Pablo Chavez  son of Felipe Chavez and Maria Gregoria Salazar in 1878 in Trinidad, Colorado. Pablo was born in New Mexico.

The marriage record if Maria Francisca and Pablo Chavez is a bit odd, could be that the marriage was initiated in Trinidad. For marriage information refer to page 121 of the publication New Mexico Marriages, Sapello, Our Lady of Guadulupe, January 31, 1860 to December 4, 1882 published by the Hispanic Genealogical Research Center of New Mexico. NOTE: No witnesses were noted and it was stated that they were 2nd cousins but in reality they were 1st cousins. Also noted elsewhere on this post.

35 M ii. Luciano Salazar  was born in 1859 in New Mexico.

36 F iii. Maria Lazara Salazar  was born on 17 December 1859 in Sapello, New Mexico. She was christened on 19 December 1859 in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

37 M iv. Jose Felipe Florian Salazar  was born on 1 May 1862 in Sapello, New Mexico. He was christened on 4 May 1862 in Sapello, New Mexico.

Jose Florian married Maria Nicolasa Chavez . Maria was born in New Mexico.

+ 38 F v. Rafaela Salazar  was born in 1865. She died on 4 June 1933.

39 M vi. Alejandro Salazar  was born on 9 March 1867 in Sapello, New Mexico. He

was christened on 18 March 1867 in Sapello, New Mexico.

40 M vii. Alejandro Salazar  was christened on 8 July 1868 in Sapello, New Mexico.

41 M viii. Ignacio Salazar  was christened on 24 August 1874 in Sapello, New Mexico.

42 M ix. Pula (Esquipula) Salazar  was born on 12 September 1878 in Sapello, New Mexico. He was christened on 13 September 1878 in Sapello, New Mexico.

11. Maria Gregoria Salazar  (Juan Damaso) was born on 25 November 1833 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. She was christened on 3 December 1833 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

Maria Gegoria married Felipe Chavez  on 8 November 1851 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. Felipe was born in 1826 in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

43 M i. Jose Gavino Chavez  was born on 18 February 1855 in La Cuesta (Villanueva), New Mexico. He was christened on 22 February 1855 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

44 M ii. Pablo Chavez  was born in New Mexico.

Pablo married Maria Francisca Salazar  daughter of Jose Aniceto Salazar and Maria Ygnacia Montoya in 1878 in Trinidad, Colorado. Maria was born on 9 March 1858 in Sapello, New Mexico. She was christened on 14 March 1858 in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

The marriage record if Maria Francisca and Pablo Chavez is a bit odd, could be that the marriage was initiated in Trinidad. For marriage information refer to page 121 of the publication New Mexico Marriages, Sapello, Our Lady of Guadulupe, January 31, 1860 to December 4, 1882 published by the Hispanic Genealogical Research Center of New Mexico. NOTE: No witnesses were noted and it was stated that they were 2nd cousins but in reality they were 1st cousins. Also noted elsewhere on this post.

12. Jose Bernardo de Jesus Salazar  (Juan Damaso) was born on 18 August 1838 in Puertecito, San Miguel County New Mexico. He was christened on 21 August 1838 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. He died on 30 January 1909 in Lincoln, Lincoln County, New Mexico.

Jose Bernardo de Jesus married (1) Rafaela Bonney  daughter of James (Santiago) Bonney and Maria Juana Mascarenas on 21 November 1858 in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Rafaela was born in 1845 in New Mexico. She died on 7 September 1885 in Tiptonville, New Mexico.

They had the following children:

45 M i. Luis Salazar was born of unknown parents on 21 April 1863 in Sapello, New Mexico. He was christened and adopted by the adoptive parents, Jose Bernardo de Jesus Salazar and Rafaela Salazar on 29 April 1863 in Sapello, New Mexico.

46 M ii. Emilio Teofilo Salazar  was born on 30 May 1863 in Sapello, New Mexico. He was christened on 4 June 1863 in Sapello, New Mexico.

47 F iii. Emilia Teofila Salazar  was born on 29 January 1866 in Sapello, New Mexico. She was christened on 10 February 1866 in Sapello, New Mexico.

48 M iv. Jose Francisco Salazar  was christened on 2 March 1868 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. He died on 5 September 1935 in Lincoln, New Mexico.

Jose Francisco married Sara Boca .

+ 49 F v. Emilia Salazar  was born on 18 September 1870.


Jose Bernardo de Jesus married (2) Alice Frampton  on 10 April 1888 in Wagon Mound, New Mexico. Alice was born in New Mexico.

Marriage information can be found on page 52 of the publication New Mexico Marriages, La Junta (Watrous), September 1873 to April 1908 published by the Hispanic Genealogical Research Center of New Mexico.  Here he is listed as the widower of Maria Rafaela Bone. Quite a marriage problem as indicated in the church records. It seems that the woman, Alice Frampton was not a Catholic and they has one illegitimate child prior to getting married.

They had the following children:

50 M vi. Alberto Bernardo Salazar  (the illegitimate child indicated above) was born on 14 October 1887 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. He was christened on 13 November 1887 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

51 F vii. Delfina Salazar  was born on 1 January 1889 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. She was christened on 25 February 1889 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

52 F viii. Adelina Salazar  was born on 2 August 1890 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. She was christened on 31 August1890 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

53 M ix. Rogero Salazar  was born on 21 October 1891 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. He was christened on 6 December 1891 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

54 F x. Laura Salazar  was born on 15 August 1896 in Tiptonville, New Mexico. She was christened on 15 September 1896 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

55 M xi. Blas Damasio Salazar  was born on 3 February 1898 in Tiptonville, New Mexico. He was christened on 5 March 1898 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

56 F xii. Aurelia Salazar  was born on 28 May 1900 in Tiptonville, New Mexico. She was christened on 17 June 1900 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

57 F xiii. Carolina Salazar  was born on 31 May 1901 in Tiptonville, New Mexico. She was christened on 13 June 1901 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

14. Cipio Salazar  (Juan Damaso) was born in 1842 in New Mexico.

Cipio married (1) Dolores Salazar  on 3 February 1860 in Sapello, New Mexico. Dolores was born in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

58 M i. Jose Salazar  was born on 16 November 1861 in Manuelitas, New Mexico. He was christened on 19 November 1861 in Sapello, New Mexico.

59 M ii. Manuel Salazar  was born on 7 November 1862 in Sapello, New Mexico. He was christened on 7 December 1862 in Sapello, New Mexico.


Cipio was not married (2) to Martina Romero . Martina was born in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

60 F iii. Maria Rebecca Elvira Salazar  was born in June 1874 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. She was christened on 14 July 1874 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

61 M iv. David Salazar  was born on 26 August 1876 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. He was christened on 1 October 1876 in La Junta (Watrous), New

Mexico.

Third Generation

20. Luciano Salazar  (Jose Guadalupe, Juan Damaso) was born on 8 January 1860 in Sapello, New Mexico. He was christened on 12 January 1860 in Sapello, New Mexico.

Luciano married Juliana Rivas  on 14 April 1884 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

They had the following children:

62 F i. Rita Salazar  was born on 22 May 1886 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. She was christened on 30 May 1886 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

63 M ii. Aniceto Roberto Salazar  was born on 20 May 1887 in Tiptonville, New Mexico. He was christened on 8 June 1887 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

64 M iii. Donaciano Alberto Salazar  was born on 2 November 1889 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. He was christened on 8 December 1889 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

Donaciano Alberto married Ramona Garcia  on 23 September 1909 in Sapello, New Mexico. Ramona was born in New Mexico.

65 M iv. Nicolas Salazar  was born on 8 September 1892 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. He was christened on 25 September 1892 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

66 M v. Demetrio Fabian Salazar  was born on 22 December 1894 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

21. Trinidad Salazar  (Jose Guadalupe, Juan Damaso) was born in New Mexico.

Trinidad married Librada Valdez  on 24 January 1881 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. Librada was born in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

67 F i. Placida Salazar  was born on 29 November 1882 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. She was christened on 26 November 1882 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

68 F ii. Trinidad Anastacia Salazar  was born on 15 April 1884 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. She was christened on 4 May 1844 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

69 M iii. Bernardo Salazar  was born on 5 June 1885 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. He was christened on 19 July 1885 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

70 F iv. Guadalupe Salazar  was born on 8 March 1887 in Tiptonville, New Mexico.

She was christened on 15 March 1887 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

71 F v. Maria Margarita Salazar  was born on 21 May 1890 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. She was christened on 8 June 1890 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

72 M vi. Teodoro Salazar  was born on 29 February 1892 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. He was christened on 13 March 1892 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

73 F vii. Maria Josefa Irinea Salazar  was born on 15 April 1897 in Armenta, Mora County, New Mexico. She was christened on 23 April 1897 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

74 F viii. Refugio Salazar  was born on 8 October 1901 in Armenta, Mora County, New Mexico. She was christened on 26 January 1902 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

22. Maria Leonora Gonzales  (Maria Antonia de Jesus Salazar, Juan Damaso) was born in New Mexico.

Maria married Juan Esteban Sena  on 14 May 1860 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. Juan was born in 1840 in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

75 F i. Maria Marta Sena  was born on 1 January 1863 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. She was christened on 17 January 1863 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

76 M ii. Celso Sena  was born in 1866 in New Mexico.

77 F iii. Lazara Sena  was born in 1869 in New Mexico.

23. Josefa de Jesus Gonzales  (Maria Antonia de Jesus Salazar, Juan Damaso) was born on 8 September 1844 in Colonias, San Miguel, New Mexico. She was christened on 30 September 1844 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

Josefa de Jesus married Jose Bruno Martín  son of Josef de los Reyes Martín and Nestora Gallegos on 19 October 1879 in Anton Chico, New Mexico. Jose was born on 6 October 1852 in Bernal, New Mexico. He was christened on 12 October 1852 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. He was buried on 3 January 1920 in Montoya, Quay County, New Mexico.

They had the following children:

78 F i. Maria Floripa Martínez  was christened on 26 March 1883 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

79 F ii. Benerita Martínez  was christened on 12 February 1885 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

80 F iii. Cenaida Martínez  was born on 8 August 1887 in Angostura, New Mexico. She was christened on 26 August 1887 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.


81 M iv. Tomas Martínez  was born on 20 December 1889 in Anton Chico, New Mexico. He was christened on 9 January 1890 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

82 M v. Raymundo Martínez  was christened on 18 October 1881 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

Raymundo married Cypriana Garcia  on 16 June 1917 in Anton Chico, New Mexico. Cypriana was born in New Mexico.

83 M vi. Pedro Martínez  was born in March 1896 in New Mexico.

84 F vii. Antonia Martínez  was born in April 1897 in New Mexico.

85 M viii. Desiderio Martínez  was born in August 1899 in New Mexico.

86 F ix. Maria Martínez  was born in 1902 in New Mexico.

87 F x. Lucia Martínez  was born in 1905 in New Mexico.

26. Jose Donaciano Gonzales  (Maria Antonia de Jesus Salazar, Juan Damaso) was born on 6 September 1852 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. He was christened on 19 September 1852 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

Jose Donaciano married Gregoria Mares  on 26 May 1879 in Anton Chico, New Mexico. Gregoria was born in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

88 F i. Emilia Gonzales  was born on 18 April 1880 in Colonias, New Mexico. She was christened on 24 May 1880 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

89 M ii. Jose Pedro Gonzales  was christened on 4 August 1881 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

90 F iii. Placida Gonzales  was christened on 31 January 1884 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

91 F iv. Rosenda Gonzales  was born on 1 March 1887 in Las Colonias, New Mexico. She was christened on 14 March 1887 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

Rosenda married Simon Urban  on 21 November 1904 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

92 F v. Placida Gonzales  was born on 23 April 1889 in Colonias, New Mexico. She was christened on 31 May 1889 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

93 F vi. Maria Gonzales  was born on 3 May 1892 in Colonias, New Mexico. She was christened on 26 May 1892 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

94 F vii. Adelaida Gonzales  was born on 21 February 1894 in Colonias, New Mexico. She was christened on 25 February 1894 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

95 M viii. Felipe de Jusus Gonzales  was born on 19 April 1895 in Colonias, New Mexico. He was christened on 24 April 1895 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

27. Maria Placida Gonzales  (Maria Antonia de Jesus Salazar, Juan Damaso) was born on 3 February 1855 in El Pueblo, San Miguel County New Mexico. She was christened on 11 February 1855 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

Maria Placida married Luis Jose Sanchez  on 18 November 1867 in Anton Chico, New Mexico. Luis was born in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

96 M i. Jose Sipio Sanchez  was christened on 21 June 1870 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

97 M ii. Juan Apolinario Sanchez  was christened on 29 July 1878 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

98 M iii. Pedro Luis Sanchez  was born on 2 August 1881 in Colonias, New Mexico. He was christened on 1 September 1881 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

Pedro Luis married Maria Aragon  on 6 July 1903 in Anton Chico, New Mexico. Maria was christened on 8 February 1879 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

99 F iv. Maria Sara Sanchez  was christened on 2 October 1883 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

28. Damasio Gonzales  (Maria Antonia de Jesus Salazar, Juan Damaso) was christened on 16 December 1866 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

Damasio married Maria Atocha Baca  on 4 November 1889 in Anton Chico, New Mexico. Maria was born in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

100 F i. Guadalupe Gonzales  was born on 15 March 1894 in Colonias, New Mexico. She was christened on 19 March 1894 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

101 M ii. Cesario Gonzales  was born on 6 August 1895 in Colonias, New Mexico. He was christened on 5 September 1895 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

29. Jose Eustaquio Gonzales  (Maria Antonia de Jesus Salazar, Juan Damaso) was born in 1857 in New Mexico.

Jose Eustaquio married Maria Ines Lucero  daughter of Pedro Antonio Lucero and Manuela Sandoval on 11 October 1878 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico. Maria was born in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

102 F i. Nestora Gonzales  was christened on 12 March 1880 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

103 F ii. Maria Clara Gonzales  was christened on 27 January 1882 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

104 M iii. Fermin Gonzales  was born on 19 April 1891 in Las Colonias, New Mexico. He was christened on 20 April 1891 in Anton Chico, New Mexico.

32. Andres Salazar  (Maria Refugio Salazar, Juan Damaso) was born in New Mexico.

Andres Salazar married Filomena Montoya  on 9 December 1874 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. Filomena was born in New Mexico.

They had the following children:

105 F i. Cenovia Salazar .

Cenovia married Teodoro Martínez  son of Donaciano Martín(ez) and Maria Nicolasa Martines on 28 June 1906 in La Junta, New Mexico. Teodoro was born on 15 July 1883 in La Junta, New Mexico. He was christened on 7 August 1883 in Watrous, New Mexico.

106 F ii. Maria de la Natividad Salazar  was born on 8 September 1876 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. She was christened on 10 September 1876 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

38. Rafaela Salazar  (Jose Aniceto, Juan Damaso) was born in 1865 in New Mexico. She died on 4 June 1933 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

Rafaela married Tomas F. Apodaca  on 14 October 1888 in Sapello, New Mexico. Tomas was born in 1873 in New Mexico. He died on 29 March 1943 in San Miguel del Bado, New Mexico.

They had the following children:

107 M i. Alrjandro Apodaca  was born in 1917 in New Mexico.

108 M ii. Sostenes Apodaca  was born in 1900 in New Mexico.

109 F iii. Amelia Apodaca  was born in 1903 in New Mexico.

110 M iv. Jose B Apodaca  was born in 1905 in New Mexico.

49. Emilia Salazar  (Jose Bernardo de Jesus, Juan Damaso) was born on 18 September 1870 in Sapello, New Mexico. She was christened on 3 October 1870 in Sapello, New Mexico.

Emilia married Harry Francisco Mumford  son of Harry Mumford and Josefa Marquez on 12 February 1890 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. Harry was born on 4 June 1866 in Ft. Union, New Mexico. He was christened on 9 June 1866 in Sapello, New Mexico.

They had the following children:

111 M i. Jose Escolastico Federico Mumford  was born on 10 February 1891 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico. He was christened on 8 March 1891 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

112 F ii. Maria Ann Mumford  was born on 5 June 1892 in Tiptonville, New Mexico. She was christened on 3 September 1892 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

113 F iii. Teofila Emilia Sara Mumford  was born on 4 February 1898 in Tiptonville, New Mexico. She was christened on 6 February 1898 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

114 M iv. Francisco Eduardo Mumford  was born on 13 October 1901 in Tiptonville, New Mexico. He was christened on 17 December 1901 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

115 F v. Maria Ana Mumford  was born on 29 July 1905 in Tiptonville, New Mexico. She was christened on 6 September 1905 in La Junta (Watrous), New Mexico.

Captain Juan Damaso Salazar, A New Mexican Hero And A Texas Villain

Some places to look for information;

1. Reference the January 1973 edition of the publication "New Mexico Historical Review" pages 45 - 56, an article titled "The Texan-Santa Fe Expedition authored by Charles R. McClure. This article has an objective view of the "expedition".

2.  Also the April 1987 edition of the publication "New Mexico Historical Review" 133 - 144, the article titled "The Trouble with Texans, Manuel Alverez and the 1841 Invasion" written by Thomas Esteban Chavez.

3. Reference the book titled "The Texan - Santa Fe Pioneers" written by Noel M. Loomis and published in 1958 by the University of Oklahoma Press. Damaso Salazar was a New Mexican soldier (captain) who was involved in the capture of the Texas force invading New Mexico in 1841 and is mentioned extensively in this book. Juan Damaso is vilified by the Texans in this book.

Juan Damaso Salazar or Damacio Salazar was a true New Mexican hero who has been vilified in Texas history. And I do not mean just vilified like other Mexicans are in any history that Texans have written that include Mexicans and/or New Mexicans. Juan Damaso Salazar is vilified by Texan historians over and above, beyond the pale. I don't care how you look at it, they hated the man to no end. And you want to know why? Because he was part of the "operation" that caught the Texans trying to annex New Mexico. Part of the operation that not only caught them but forced them to march all the way to Mexico to pay for their attempt. He was responsible for escorting the inept Texans, at least part of the way, as they were escorted as prisoners.

I have read all I can find out on their effort by the Texans to annex New Mexico, most, if not all, of the information originates from journals of Texans involved in the expedition. All trying to find a scapegoat for their failure, never bothering to look inward when there were New Mexicans to blame. Their journals show an inept group with worse leadership heading of on a mission that was bound to fail. But Texans in their quest for easy glory and hero status volunteered in mass.

When they failed their recourse was a ridiculous volume of narratives by several participants to blame Ne Mexicans and Mexicans in general. Reading it brings to mind a comedy of errors, a racist tirade on a couple of scapegoats when they failed and failing to look at themselves and their motives and actions for their monumental failure. But true to Texan historical writers the effort to turn defeat into diabolical efforts by their evil enemies and in their failures they turn themselves into victims of evil.

As you know, or will find out if you read Texan history written by Texans, they always see themselves as heroes. Always! The thought that a small contingent of New Mexicans could get the best of them just gets to them. They cannot, did not, stand for it. So they took it upon themselves to vilify anyone associated with their capture and delivery of the Texan prisoners to Mexico. In Captain Juan Damaso Salazar they found the scapegoat, him and Governor Manuel Armijo.

The incident has bothered Texans since the "Texas Expedition" was captured by New Mexicans and it bothers them to this day. And so the vilification of anything New Mexican, Mexican, anything having to do with Captain Juan Damaso Salazar and Governor Miguel Armijo continues.

Let the Texan historians fool the Texans, we New Mexicans know better. Captain Juan Damaso Salazar and Governor Manuel Armijo are true New Mexican Heros..... You just have to look at these incidents from a New Mexican perspective....

Some genealogical information on Captain Juan Damaso Salazar in the next web post.

New Mexico Governor Jose de los Angles Gonzales

Click on the image to make it larger - It is the road approaching Tres Piedras from Taos. You can see one of the "piedras" on the horizon just to the right of the road.

Reference pages 190 - 194 of the publication New Mexico Historical Review for July of 1955 where there is an article titled "Jose Gonzales, Genizaro Governor" written by Fray Angelico Chavez. An excellent genealogy of one of our most famous New Mexicans by a foremost New Mexican historian.

Jose de los Angles Gonzales is noted as marrying Maria Ramona Bernal on December 15, 1835. It does not state where exactly in New Mexico the marriage took place. Here he is also listed as the widower of Ignacia Martin of Picuris and the son of Jose Santos Gonzales and Maria Martin.

Read all about it here at Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revolt_of_1837_(New_Mexico)

Or here at the office of the New Mexico Historian:

http://newmexicohistory.org/places/1837-rebellion-of-rio-arriba

Though both sites seem to never have researched Jose de los Angles Gonzales genealogy like Fray Angelico Chavez did. Chaves did ascertain and document the governors geanology in the article published in the July 1955 New Mexico Historical Review. If we can believe anyone we can believe Fray Angelico Chavez.

Crypto Jew Or Crypto Moslem? What Are The Odds?

Las Vegas, New Mexico - Click the image to make it larger

I wonder what the odds are of being Crypto Jew or Crypto Moslem amongst "Spanish" New Mexicans, Hispano New Mexicans? I wonder why we do not hear about Crypto Moslems? I wonder why no grave markers with the crescent moon? I wonder why no "hidden" memories of Allah? There are many things to wonder about.

In Spain of old about one half of the population were "New Christians", convert Moslems and/or convert Jews. We have to keep in mind that both of these groups are Semites, they belong to the same racial group. Check out the Wikipedia articles listed below and come up with your own idea as to the who and as to the why.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morisco

Or

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crypto-Judaism

Hispanic New Mexicans have always had an unusual morbid desire to be labeled as "white". White as compared to mestizo, white as compared to Indian, white as compared to anything. This is, in my opinion, a result of the racism Americans bought with them from the east coast when they over ran and annexed the province in 1846. In all reality the process probably started with the opening of the Santa Fe Trail bringing the first Americans. Josiah Gregg in his book (Commerce on the Prairies) on the Santa Fe Trail and the commerce associated with it has many racist images/passages associate with New Mexicans.

The Americans that came detested everything Mexican, the people, the food, their culture, their religion, everything Mexican was detested. To some extent the things that Americans disliked or hated were labeled as Mexican and things that were not bad were labeled as Spanish.

A couple of funny and accurate articles on these matters can be found in the January 1959 and then again in the July 1959 editions of the New Mexico Historical Review. The January article is titled "New Mexican Women in Early American Writings" written by James H. Lacy. The second article (July) is titled "New Mexicans Viewed by Americans 1846 - 1849" and written by John P. Bloom.

Here it states that New Mexican women who were darker complexioned we labeled as "Mexican sluts, whores or prostitutes". The lighter women were "Spanish Ladies'. Most men were labeled, at best as, Mexican and only the very wealthy men were labeled as Spanish.