Friday, December 21, 2012

Jose Francisco Baca ~ Will 1772

I, Joseph Baca, resident of Puebo Quemado, jurisdiction of Santa Fe, am bed-ridden as a result of a sudden illness.

Declare that I was married to Juana Catalina Beytia, and we had and reared four children:  Maria Josefa, Antonio Jose, Jose Manuel, and Juan Cristobal.  All of which I declare as my legitimate children and heirs.

I declare to have an illegitimate son called Joseph Antonio, and it my will, that he gets a share of property; equally with my other children. [The mother of the child is Rosa Bustamante]

Declare that when I married my wife, I brought 17 branded steers, 12 horses and two mules.

Declare that señor Paulin Beytia assigned a portion of land to my wife which was inherited from my wife, from said Paulin Beytia, and to have erected a four-room house on it and a log cabin with Paulin Beytia helped personally to build.

Declare as my property a ranch in El Pueblo Quemado, also a house of four rooms, and a small log cabin at the end of the property. [Probably inheritance from Cristobal Baca, who I think is his father]

Declare that 100 varas of land in the ranch of Pueblo Quemado, be given my father-in-law Paulin Beytia, from the boundary of my uncle, Miguel de Alire to the lower end of the ranch.  Declare 2300 steers, 570 heads of minor cattle, seven cattle, six tame horses and a three-year old colt; five wild horses; two mules; a coat of mail, saddle, gun, sword, lance, leather jacket.  It is my order they be given to my father-in-law as also my spurs, bridle and saddle blanket.

Declare that all the furniture in the house be left to my wife.

Mentions the following: Bartolo Fernandez, I owe my sister - Nicolasa a bull [further proof he is a son of Cristobal Baca]; Jose Lozano; Vicente Crespin; Marcos Archuleta; Joseph Valdes; Antonio Martin; Pedro Martin; Nicolas Leal; Horacio Duran; Francisco Suarez Catalin; Juan de Ledesma; Ramon Garcia; Joseph Antonio Griego, soldier: Juan Dominguez, the soldier; Juan Valencia; Manuel Gallegos; the widow of Mariano Turrieta, called Rosa Ortis; Vicente Armijo

Name as guardian and administrator my wife Juana de Beytia and asTestamentary Administrators:  First my wife, second my uncle, don Miguel Alire and third my father-in-law Paulin de Beytia
Signed March 2, 1772

Reference:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell 117, Frames 844-849
©Henrietta M. Christmas

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Jose Antonio Alarid ~ 1822

I state that I am a soldier with the rank of 1st Sergeant in the Santa Fe Company, now on duty at this post of San Fernando.

I also state to have been married to Rosa Sandoval, for 38 years, from which marriage we had and reared eight children, who are:  Juan, Mariano deceased, Dolores deceased, Manuel, Florenica, Maria de la Cruz, Ignacio and Ysidro, whom I declare to by my lawful children and heirs.

I also declare for my property a cut-off regulation gun, one cartridge box, one leather shield, one saber, one scabbard, one pair of spurs, one saddle, and one pair of saddle-bags.

I also have of wearing apparel, one new uniform, a pair of trousers, also a new red waist coat, a pair of buckskin trousers, hemmed, lined and never used, a worn cloak, a worn hat a colored blanket, a white blanket, a serape of a blue color, a change of underclothing much used, an embroidered pouch, an ordinance manual, two pair of oxen, one horse, one mule, two spits, a big ax, an adze, a chisel, one branding iron, two plow points, my dwelling house which consists of seven rooms, and a shed, a stable with its piece of land back of it for an orchard;  a tract of tillable land measures from n-s 1528 varas; e-w 189 varas; another tract of land at the entrance to the cañon of San Fernando, which is from north to south 1352 varas, e-w 116 varas; one platform for forage with nine uprights with its roof and railing in the same land.

I declare that my son Juan owes me 315 pesos.  I order that 289 be paid to Tomas Sanchez for the house in which I live and its land.

I declare that the soldier, Tomas Maldonado, deceased, owes me 15 pesos, as it is shown by his last will.

I also declare that Antonio Duran, citizen of the Cañada of Cochiti, owes me four cows with their calves.

I declare that Anacleto Valensuela owes me thirty two 32 blankets (sarapes) and five sheepskins.

I declare that my son, Manuel, owes me two cows with their calves, a pair of three year old bulls and five goats with their kids, which he got without my pleasure and permission.

I declare that I owe Manuel Gallegos 140 pesos.

I owe Antonio Ortiz, I do not remember how much, but from my accounts and credits it will be seen. The last payment I made was four volumes of Colon (Columbus), which he took for 28 pesos a sorrel mule in 22 pesos; whatever I may yet to be indebted to him, I wish it paid; and this last payment I delivered it to the deceased Fernando Delgado in his own hands and it was he who loaned me that amount.

I declare that I owe don Atanacio 66 pesos; to Pablo Lucero 22 pesos and cow with a calf.

I declare that I owe, Jose Francisco Ortiz, 26 pesos; to the heirs of the deceased, Gertrudis Ortiz, 21 pesos; to Josefa Miera 12 pesos; to the soldier, Jose Jaramillo, 6 pesos.

I also declare for my property and balance of my accounts whatever the paymaster says, after he has gone over my accounts; and from that I request that all these items that I owe be paid...

 I declare that I appoint as my executors in the first place my son Juan, second, Corporal Jose Salaises of my company and third my wife, whom I request and charge and ask for love to do and act as I have requested.

 I declare that I had forgotten to mention the land I have in Galisteo, a ranch.  I ordered to be sold for ten cows, that being what has been offered to me. Also, that Miguel Griego owes me three goats with their kids and three one-year old.  I order that they be collected and that everything be distributed in equal parts among my said heirs.

Also declare to have a hall and a room at the town of San Fernando, which belongs to the lands of the Cañon, that all of it may be distributed; it is also my desire that of the best of my property and money six dollars be given to the mandas forzasas.

All of which I certify, fortified Post of San Fernando, March 12th, 1822, signed Jose Alarid (rubric).  Witnesses:  Josef Salaises, Jose Torres and Josef Xarmillo.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell 57, Frames 447-449
©Henrietta M. Christmas

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Lazaro Atencio ~ Will 1767

I, Lazaro Atencio, now residing in Abiquiu and legitimate son of Jose Atencio and Estefana Trujillo deceased, find myself dangerously ill from an accident.

He declares that he has been married once to Gertrudis Martin, now deceased and with whom she had one son named Christoval (later called Madrid from her first marriage); when we married I did not take any dowry.

He tells us that he was absent to another country in 1743.  And of the 10th of October 1743, his wife, received from Antonio Martin, her brother and executor for their father, Diego Martin, 40 varas of land at Ojo Caliente and 35 goats, three cows.

He declares land on the rio Chama which was given as a land grant.

That upon the death of my wife, her son, Christobal Madrid, presented himself before the Magistrate demanding the profits of hereditary goods which he said are due him.

He goes onto list a long list of items all of which are really interesting.  He leaves all this to his brother, Cayetano Atencio, a nephew, Juan Lorenzo Atencio, Gregoria a niece and little Juan.

His executor is his brother Cayetano Atencio and his nephew Juan Lorenzo Atencio; August 1, 1767.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell 49, Frames 388-394.
©Henrietta M. Christmas

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Nicolas Duran y Chavez ~ Will 1768

I, Nicolas Duran y Chaves, a native of New Mexico and legitimate son of Captain don Fernando Duran y Chaves and of doña Lucia Hurtado, am sick from an illness.

He first names his executors as his beloved wife, doña Juana Montaño and second, his son, Fernando Duran y Chaves.  He names their children as Joseph Chaves, Gertrudis Chaves, Luis Chaves, Fernando Chaves, Maria Antonia Chaves, Juan Chaves, Vicente Chaves, Maria Chaves, Francisco Chaves. 

He declares a grant of land awarded him by the King; a house which three rooms and hallway and one bedroom and pantry which he leaves to his wife and upon her death to his son, Juan Chaves.

He has 600 head of cattle, seven steers of all ages. He has 1600 head of sheep, 300 of which he leaves for his funeral expenses.

One cart with five oxen.

Other names mentioned:  Jose Guttero, from El Paso owes him a short coat of cloth, a plush pair of trousers with trimming and English linen; Manuel Torres owes him buckskins.

Captain don Nicolas Duran y Chaves doesn't sign due to his serious illness - Josef Marcelo Gallego (rubric).  Witnesses by Josef Marcelo Gallego, Domingo Baca and Manuel Bernardo Gallego.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell 201, Frames 1398-1401.
©Henrietta M. Christmas

Monday, December 17, 2012

Petrona Cardenas ~ Will 1767

On February 15, 1767, witnesses signed the last will and testament of Petrona Cardenas.  She claims she is a resident of the new villa of Santa Cruz de la Cañada and a legitimate daughter of Andres de Cardenas and Juana de Abalos, now deceased. 

She asks that she be shrouded in the chapel of Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Santa Cruz and she is to be shrouded in ordinary gray.

Her husband is Roque Jaramillo and their fourteen legitimate children are:  Lorenzo, deceased, Miguel, deceased, Julio, Juana, Sebastian, deceased, Manuel, Gertrudis, Francisco, Joseph, Antonio, Maria, Francisca, Gabriela, deceased and Maria, deceased.

She declares some lands that are hers and she wishes to leave the piece in Taos to her husband.  Another parcel near the Rio del Oso, puesto de Jesus Maria y Jose, she divides amongst her children. [parts of the first could be a dowry]

Other names mentioned:  Domingo de Herrera, son-in-law; Joseph Medina, her son-in-law (both executors); Manuel Garcia Pareja, alcalde mayor and War Captain; witnesses were Juan A He Mestas and Joseph Montes Vigil.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell 198, Frames 1393-1395.
©Henrietta M. Christmas

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Maria Lujan (Chavez) ~ Will 1765

I, Maria Chabes, here at Nuestra Senora de la Soledad, a daughter of don Fernando Chabes and doña Elena Ruiz Caceres and widow of Sebastian Martin.  Declare the following children:  Marcial, Margarita, deceased; Rosa; Manuel; Angela; Jose; Antonio; Josefa, deceased; Juan, deceased; Francisco, deceased.  She also names a grandson Pedro Antonio Martin, executors, Antonio Martin her son and Juan Domingo Lobato.

She asks that she be buried at the Holy church of San Juan, shrouded with the habit of St. Francis, buried near the steps of the church.

She declares a house with 20 rooms divided one room which is a stable used by Carlos Fernandez; 4 rooms which belong to my son Antonio, who bought them from the heirs of my daughter Margarita.

Declares that she has 63 fruit trees; a little garden.  She has sold lands to Carlos Fernandez, known as La Temporal; some lands in La Joya she sold to her son, Manuel who still owes her money;  land in Taos which Sebastian her husband bought from Joseph Dominguez, which has a house with 5 rooms.

She has two pointed chests, a loom, a griddle, chocolate pot and iron spoon. small gun, orchards, animals.  She leaves much of her stuff after the funeral is paid for to her son Antonio and leaves him as executor.  Secondly is Juan Domingo Lobato.

Dated May 2, 1765. Signed Manuel Garcia Pareja, Pablo Francisco Villalpando, Francisco Sanchez.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell 197, Frames 1389-1392
©Henrietta M. Christmas

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Ana Maria Cordova ~ Will 1753

I, Ana Maria Cordova, from Pojoaque, find myself making my final testament.

She asks that her body be buried in the small chapel at Nambe, named San Francisco.

She names her husband along with Ylario (Hilario) Archuleta, as her executors.

She states she was married to Antonio Trujillo, in which marriage they had the following children:  Miguel, Bernarda, Christobal, Joseph and Calletano - all Trujillo.

She declares a ranch that she and her husband purchased which goes from the road from the Pueblo of Pojoaque to the villa of Santa Cruz; from this she leaves to her daughter Gertrudes (not named above) and some to Christobal, the field of plum trees.

She has an iron pan, spit, brass mortar, glass mortar, five pairs of stockings, three fine skirts one without a hoop.

Acting as a scribe, Gregorio Duran, signs for her as she does not know how.  Ylario Archuleta, and Francisco Gomes del Castillo are witnesses. (Signatures above)

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell 191, Frames 1357-1361.
©Henrietta M. Christmas

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Luis Fernandez ~ Will 1822

I, Luis Fernandez, a soldier in the company of Santa Fe, find myself sick from an accident.

Declare that I was married one year and six months ago to Maria Francisca Tafoya and during this time we had a son named Jose Francisco de Jesus whom I recognize along with my wife as my legitimate heirs.

I declare, my rifle, a lance, a pair of saddle pads, a cartridge belt with 15 cartridges of which Corporal Garcia is aware of, a pair of spurs, in the possession of Pablo Bustos, the armorer and also some iron with the armorer, Manuel Sena.

Other names mentioned:  soldier Antonio Benavides, Micaela Roybal his sister, Altagracia Alarid.

Name as my executors, don Juan Vigil and Lt., don Jose Caballero. Witnessed by Jose Salazar, Francisco Rendon, signed for him Santiago Abreu.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell 132, Frames 948-949
©Henrietta M. Christmas

Monday, December 10, 2012

Jose Maria Baca ~ Will 1799

Jose Maria Baca, a soldier of the company.  He declares that he was married a first time to Maria Rita Silva for four years and four months and we had three children:  Francisco, Nicolas and Margarita, deceased - and I recognize as my legitimate heirs.

I was married a second time to Margarita Rael for 16 years and we had eight children:  Maria Michaela, Juan Rafael, Maria Juliana, Jose Tomas and the deceased ones are Julian, Roberto and Maria Magdalena (missing one child's name).

I declare the arms in which I served the King, a rifle, pistol, lance and pouch.

A saddle and all the various equipment.

Clothing consisting of a cape, hat, leather jacket, trousers, shirts, socks and other items.

Declares he has two houses, on on the other side of the river, which adjoin the lands of my father-in-law and one old house which I bought from my brother-in-law, Ysidro Rael. 

Other names mentioned:  Luis Baca, Francisco Arce, Juan Tenorio, Miguel Ortega, Juan Garcia a soldier, Rafael Benavides, Antonio Esquibel, Miguel Lopez, Juan Pineda.

He leaves as his executors his wife, and my compadre Salvador Tenorio.  Present are Sargento, Juan Antonio Alari and Cabo Bartolome Fernandes, at this villa of Santa Fe on 5 November 1799.  Witnesses:  Juan de Dios Pena and the other two.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Twitchell 123, Frames 880-882
©Henrietta M. Christmas

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Domingo de Benavides ~ Will 1770

In the villa of Santa Fe, Domingo de Benavides, a legitimate son of Nicolas de Benavides and Juana de Ojeda (Hojeda), finds himself sick in bed.

He states he was married to Francisca Lujan for 27 years and they had ten children of whom he names as:  Juan Domingo, Maria de Loreto, Josefa, Manuel Bitornio, the deceased are - Juan Antonio, Lucia, Rosalia, Jose Manuel, Botorino and alive Bartolo.

He has a house which consists of five rooms and the farm land.

A riding saddle, bridle, two pairs of spurs (small and large), a leather jacket, a shot gun and its case, a pistol, lance, short sword, saddle cushion, ammunition and a leather oval shied.  [this appears to be all his military equipment]

Two cows an calves.

The furniture of my house and my clothing, shall go to my wife.

He has goods and monies owed from Nicolas Apodaca, piñon, Salvador Montoya, flour, Nicolas Romero, piñon, Francisco Valdez, a bridle, Antonio, a two year old bull.

He declares due in the village of Chihuahua, from don Manuel de Escoria, the amount of 700 pesos in silver; from this sum are to be deducted the credit which I have in my possession and other credit which is in the possession of don Joseph Garcia, from the El Paso Presidio.

Also due me, a plow from Juan Felipe Rivera.

Other items mentioned are chocolate, cloth, linen, chamois skins, silver, oil, sugar, hats, shoes, etc.

He names as his executors his wife, Francisca Lujan and his brother Juan de Benavides.  Signed at the request of Domingo de Benavides, with witnesses:  Felipe Tafoya, Joachin Lain, Pedro Tafoya.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell 115, Frames 832-838
©Henrietta M. Christmas


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Antonio Abeyta ~ Will 1765

Last will and testament of Captain, Antonio de Beytia, a resident of the locality of San Antonio de Abiquiu.

I, Captain Antonio de Beytia, a resident of the locality of San Antonio de Abiquiu, a legitimate son of Diego de Beytia and Catalina Leal, being, as I am sick, confined to my bed from the illness which God has been pleased to send me ….I declare that if God is pleased to take me unto himself, my body shall be buried in the holy church at San Juan de los Caballeros and that it be shrouded with the habit of St. Francis which I henceforth elect and that it be buried in the place which my humility entreats, at the entrance door, turning off a little to the right.

I declare as my property a house which I have a Rio Arriba, including the plot of land and half the trees.  The said land was acquired as my wife's share of her paternal estate.

I declare that I was married to Rosalia Lujan according to the mandates of Holy Mother Church, from which marriage we had a son named, Miguel, whom I declare as my legitimate son and legal heir.

I declare that the parcel of land on which I live was acquired through my endeavors, on which I built a house which consists of ten rooms with its patio and portal, doors and windows belonging thereto; the most of them have iron locks. I have also built at the end of the agricultural land, a water mill which belongs to said ranch.

I declare that I have given to all my boys and girls (not named) whom I have raised as adopted children, one hundred varas of land each, which run from the Arroyo de la Cruz up to the other arroyo; this is my wish as I gave it to each of them with consent of my heirs.

I declare that the horseback riding equipment which consists of a saddle, one flint lock gun, sword and two pistols to be given to Juan de Jesus (grandson).

I declare as my property one herd of burros (yeguas aburradas) and their breeding jackass, except for a few which belong to my boys, all the others, including the young mules are mine.

I declare as my property forty head or upwards of branded cattle and four yoke of oxen.

I declare as my property six hundred twenty four (624) head of sheep.

I declare and order my executors to fulfill their duty, regarding my (sobrinos) nieces and nephews, the heirs of Juan Antonio Lujan, in accordance with the receipts of their brothers.  If they should not have enough property for that purpose, the house at Rio Arriba shall be sold to comply with this request.

I declare that I have 100 head of sheep on shares (partido) as it will appear on the instrument regarding same.  If it is to their advantage, they can carry it on, if not, they shall return it to the owner (not named) therefore in the year of '76.  The said herd on shares is complete and I have likewise complied with the delivery of the shares as it will appear on the receipts.

I declare that all the property which may be found within this or outside the house is mine; it has no other owner except my heirs which are my wife and son.  It is my intention that they shall enjoy what is mine.

I declare that Salvador Torres owes me one cow and calf; I order that this be recovered.

I declare as my property 55 ewes which are at Rio Abajo in care of Miguel Lucero, the servant.  I order that the same be recovered.

In order that this, my will and the contents be complied with, I appoint as my executors, first Miguel and second Nicolas Beytia, so that after my death they may receive the property and recover what is due within the term allowed by law.  To those who are in most need I grant an extension of time and order that this, my memorandum, be complied with and paid.

The remainder of my property shall be inherited and enjoyed by my said wife and my son Miguel, with God's blessing and mine. In witness whereof I thus authorize it at this place of San Antonio de Guyque at the house of the testator on the 30th day of December, one though seven hundred sixty five (1765) and for its greater validity, I ask and request the Alcalde Mayor and War Captain of this jurisdiction of the New Villa of Santa Cruz de la Cañada, don Juan Garcia Pareja, to interpose his authority and judicial sanction.

Completed on this present paper as the seal paper is not available here, without prejudice to the royal obligation; Signed on said month, day and year and to all this I certify.

Further more, I declare that I have a parcel of land between the boundary of Juan Antonion Lujan, now deceased, and Antonio Martin alias "el Frayle" which I have given to my son, Nicolas, I order that it be given to him.

Miguel Garcia Pareje, Alcalde Mayor (rubric)
Antonio de Beitia (rubric)
Juan de Jesus Beitia (rubric)
Joseph Baca (rubric)






References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Frames 806-809
©Henrietta M. Christmas

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Antonio Baca ~ Will 1755

I, Antonio Baca, legitimate son of Manuel Baca and Maria Salazar, deceased, sick in bed of an illness....

I declare to have been married to Maria de Aragon, according to the rites of our Holy Mother Church, and during our matrimony we reared eight children:  Ana Maria Baca, deceased, who was married to Andres Montoya; and Maria Francisca married to Manuel de Armijo; Juana Baca to Francisco Montoya; Gregoria Baca, married to Mateo Roybal; Ines Baca married to Antonio Montoya; Rosa Baca married to Antonio Ortega; Pablo Baca married to Lorenza Juana Rivera; and Maria, deceased; leaving only six living, and I declare I have some land.

I declare to have a parcel of agricultural land in Santa Cruz de los Palacios, purchased in royal sale from Captain Andres Montoya, which I already have apportioned among my legitimate children.  My dwelling house, consisting of five rooms with its windows  and doors and said house and lands, I leave to my children that they may enjoy with God's blessing and my own.

Also a spade, a spit for roasting meat, a griddle, a frying pan, a set of curbed iron tools, a branding iron, a coal axe, a table and a bench.

Also five oxen, seven cows, seven calves, a bull, a steer and a blunderbuss.

I also declare to possess 23 steers for defraying the expenses of my funeral and wake.

And I order, that if God takes me from this life, my corpse be shrouded with the habit of the Order of St. Francis, and to be buried in the Church of the villa under the altar of St. Anthony and if possible, have a funeral mass with vigils.  Other masses I leave according to the will of my administrators.

With this I conclude the division of my estate, and name as my Testementary Administrators, don Mateo Roybal and Pablo Baca, to my entire satisfaction, and I revoke and annul any other testaments or codicils that I may have executed, and declare this to be the only legal and binding.  The witnesses were:  Andres Montoya, and Manuel Montoya, both pertaining to this jurisdiction, where this is executed and granted on this 6th day of May, year of 1755.  In testimony thereof; as I was about to take the pen to sign I could not; I requested Mateo Roybal to sign for me, at request of the grantor,

Mateo de Roybal.
Manuel  Baca
Mateo Roybal
Manuel Gallego, witness

This couple was married at Bernalillo, New Mexico in 1706.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Frames 767-771
©Henrietta M. Christmas

Monday, December 3, 2012

Josefa Baca ~ Will 1746

This is one of my favorite wills.  As I love to work on Colonial Women, she is in the right place, right time.  She's an ancestor!

I, Josepha Baca, being ill and of sound mind and good reasoning...

She declares that she is a sinner, but repentant.  She wants to be buried in the habit of St. Francis and interred in the parish church.  She asks that her funeral have a vigil with her body present, a novena and eight days of masses and at each anniversary that ten novena masses be done for her soul.

She declares that she has a statue of the Infant Jesus.

A farm at Pajarito, also 950 head of sheep, 75 head of cattle with her brand.

A box, a brass mortar, some old skirts and new ones, three shirts, two white shirts, hose, shoes and a bed with a mattress, sheets, quilt and pillows.

She also declares she has two Indian women in her service, who will be given their complete freedom along with ten sheep.

She also declares that she is miserable, frail, and a sinner and she has six kids who are:  Antonio Baca, Josefa Baca, Domingo Baca, Manuel Baca, Rosa and Ysabel Baca, to who she leaves her wordly goods.

She leaves as executors her sons, Antonio and Jose.  Signed June 10, 1746.

As part of this her estate is included and valued at 2,184 pesos, a fortune in that time period.  If she is your ancestor, you should get a copy of this for your files.  

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Frames 700-704
©Henrietta M. Christmas