Diego Manuel Baca ~ 1727 Will

I declare that I was married at a nuptial mass according to the rules and order of our Holy Mother the church to doña Maria de la Bega y Coca, and during our matrimony we had and generated four legitimate sons, one is dead and at the present there only remains three who are Manuel, Nicolas and Juan Estevan.  I declare them as my legitimate sons.

I declared that at the time that I entered into matrimony, there was given to my said wife a dower of a ranch which consists of a house and cultivating lands for the purpose of planting wheat, the lands for planting wheat are as much tilled lands to cover three Spanish bushels of seed, and some in the other lands, about half a fanega of seed and a little more contiguous to the lands of my Sir Father, of my said wife, I declare that there is:

I declare that there comes to me as paternal inheritance a tract of land which is called Codiana, thus it was stated by doña __ which lands are bounded with land of Juan Gonzales and now, those lands belong to Josefa Baca, and on the side of Angostura, with lands of Ambrosio Saies and this tract of land is to be divided amongst four brothers that we are, in equal parts, each one of us to receive a fourth part, and the documents are in the hands of my brother Antonio Baca.  I so thus declare.

I declare that there are in possession of my brother Antonio Baca more than 80 head of sheep, which I leave to the conscience of my said brother, whatever he may wish to give from this.

I declare my home and all its contents as my property.

I declare to have 3 yoke of oxen fully equipped.

I declare to have six mules.

I declare to have 6 tame horses.

3 milk cows.

A young bull a year oldl.

Two axes.

An adze, a pitchfork.

A bow for projecting arrows and a sword.

My saddle, spurs, two bridles, saddle blankets.

I declare the Reverend Father Francisco Montaño owes me 6 pesos.

Xristobal de Balensuela owes me 3 pesos.

Antonio Apodaca owes me 6 pesos.

Ignacio Barreras owes me 30 pesos after giving him credits.

Blas Lovato owes me forty pesos, which account is in the hands of the Governor to recover payment.

Simon Nieto owes my 30 pesos, after credits given him.

Miguel Tenorio owes me 3 pesos.

Francisco Rendon owes me 8 pesos.

Jose de Timoteo, a resident of Janos, owes me whatever he obtained from the sale of woolen blankets from Sonora and Servilleta, besides also a mule, and a woolen blanket which was a separate sale, and also a mule that I loaned him, equipped with pack saddles, which mules belongs to my compadre Antonio Montoya, and he also owes me besides; two hundred pesos in silver or Spanish coins, he agreed to deliver for me to don Francisco Gomez del Campo in Chihuahua.

Antonio Ballejos owes me 2 pesos.

Juachin Sanchez owes me 2 pesos.

Bernabe Baca owes me 10 pesos.

Ambrosio de Aragon owes me 5 pesos.

Matias Trujillo owes me 3 buckskins.

Joseph Lujan owes me three buckskins.

Antonio Salasar owes me one buckskin.

Bartholome Gutierres owes me six pesos, beside he owes seven iron pesos.

Francisco Gutierres, owes me two pesos.

Juan Garcia de Noriega owes me a mule.

My compadre Andres Montoya owes me 10 pesos.

Antonio Montoya two hides with seven bands in a girdle and elbows turned out.  He also owes 30 pesos and 7 buckskins and all amounts one 114 pesos.

Juan Gavriel Peco owes a kneading trough, two wooden seats with backs, Trapeco, a relation of Juan Ruvestena, a large table with a box, and a large double door, and three single doors, five windows, and four elbow chairs.

At Taos, Joseph son of Pablo Gavilan owes me 2 horses.

An Indian from San Juan owes me (alias Piculi), 20 awls, or small pieces of buckskin, value of same.

Sevastian de Bargas, owes me 6 pesos after giving him credit for the work he has done for me, he owes these 6 pesos.  He also owes another amount entrusted to him and received the money in my presence on a campeche log wood.  He also owes another 6 pesos of my nephew, Antonio Baca, which amount was witnesses to me.

Joseph Gallegos owes me two buckskins.

Nicolas Moran owes me 6 pesos.

Francisco Arias owes me 22 pesos.

don Juan Antonio Belarde, owes me 6 pesos, freight, bringing a horse which I paid to take two Indians to Chihuahua which I delivered to Joseph Belarde.

Juan Lorenzo Medina owes me two pesos.

Joseph Apodaca owes me 45 pesos of which 30 are to be delivered to my compadre Tomas Romero.

Bentura de Esquibel owes me 4 pesos.

Consabal, a soldier of El Paso owes me a horse.

Diego Lujan, owes me 12 pesos in silver.

Juan Moreno owes a horse.

Felipita Mares owes 18 pesos.

Nicolas Gallegos owes a horse.

Diego Gallegos owes 3 colts.

Tomas Garcia owes 16 pesos.

Juachin de Analla owes 8 pesos, all of which I order my administrators to collect them as they are just debts.

I declare to owe the following:

To the señor governador, don Juan Domingo de Bustamante, a small bundle of narrow lace, and what might appear more to owe him, let him be paid.

Estevan Duran a horse.

Diego Gallegos a hide and a he-mule.

don Joseph de Orajansa, 7 pesos for woolen cloth from Queretero.

To my compadre Andres Montoya two habits.

To Antonio Montoya, a small head dress, or gauze, ribbon or lace round the crown of a hat, a pair of stockings, a piece of buckskin, a rope.

And in order to comply with this my will, I name as my administrators and holders of my property to don Miguel de la Vega y Coca, and my mentioned wife, so that they may take charge of my property or sell and dispose of same on account of the entire confidence that I have in them. 

And the same was signed with me with the undersigned witnesses of my assistance with whom I act as actuary or delegate judge, as there is no public or royal notary in this Kingdom, and same was written on this kind of paper, as there is no paper with the royal seal.  The witnesses who signed this instrument were Antonio Montolla, Juan Phelipe de Rivera, and Miguel de Coca, the servant, all residents of this villa of Santa Fe, where it is dated.  And I signed it on the 23rd of the month of March 1727, to which I attest and certify, and thusly on taking hold of the pen to sign, he could not do so, and he asked and begged Manuel Tenorio to sign for him.

Diego de Quiros (rubric)

At request of the grantor, Manuel Tenorio de Alba, (rubric)

Antonio de Grueciasa (rubric)

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell #83, Frames 590-599.

©Henrietta M. Christmas

Cristobal Baca ~ 1739 Will

I declare that I was married at a nuptial mass according the rites of the church, with doña Apolonia de la Vega y Coca; now deceased, and that from this our marriage we had and reared the following children:
1-Juana, deceased;
2-Juana Maria;
3-Antonio, deceased;
4-Marina de Jesus;
5-Rosa;
6-Nicolasa;
7-Diego, deceased;
8-Joseph Francisco;
9-Christoval Silvestre;
10- Juan Antonio;
11-Antonia Rosaura, deceased; whom I declare as my legitimate heirs.

I declare that at the time of my marriage with said doña Apolonia, her parents gave her dower lands where I live named after Jesus, Maria y Jose, on which I built this house of my residence, and other lands, a well as another tract which I added and bought from Andres Montoya, immediately adjoining these.  It is my will that it shall be given to my children as above referred to, who are seven, the land having been their mother's; and I direct my administrators for better security of my said children, that they require from their Grandfather, don Miguel Coca, some instrument of security of other lands, as well as the deed of sale in my favor made by said Andres Montoya for the above mentioned tract of land that I bought from him and which I added to the others.

I declare that during the duration of my said marriage, from one hundred ewes that I obtained as inheritance from my parents; I increased them to 450 male and female; that at the same time I also had other chattels as follows:  10 horses, 6 mules, 2 yokes of oxen; 2 large copper kettles; an iron griddle; 2 candlesticks; an iron mortar; 5 pewter plates; 4 silver table spoons; a small copper kettle; one spit; one box with a lock; a stock branding iron, an iron table spoon; 2 chocolate boiler drums; a pair of silver buckles; 450 goats, which I forgot to mention, it is my will having acquired them during my marriage that with the blessing of God and mine, they may be enjoyed by my said 7 children as mentioned in this will, the said lands coming to them in this manner.

I declare having married a second time to doña Manuela Marquez and that during our marriage had and reared as our legitimate children:
1-Juan Tomas, deceased;
2-Agustina; and
3-Maria Francisca.

I declare that during my second marriage to the present time, I have, by my personal work and industry increased my chattels and they are as follows:
450 head of sheep; 11 mares; 3 gentle ones and 8 unbroken; with their stallion and the year's colts; 4 mules; 1 cow; 1 bull; 2 Indian hoes; a hoe; 2 plow points; one large copper kettle; one small one; an adze; an axe; a chisel, one arroba 25 lbs or more of iron in the bulk; one canvas tent; 14 varas flowered cloth; 8 varas of flannel; 4 pair of men's shoes; 2 covers from Villalta; a log, Campeche wood; 3 ½ varas woolen cloth; 2 ½ varas of Mexican cloth; one fine hat; 5 bridles; a pair of shearing shears; one pair of tailor's shears; one carbine with a new cover; a cape of Queratero cloth; an old saddle; a pair of spurs; a pair of paddings; a pair of corduroy trousers; a suit of armor of white serge; a wheelwright's cart.

I declare also as my belongings a share in the location called Anaya, and is in lower Rio Norte, which I inherited from my parents.

I declare also as my chattel 298 pesos, which are due me by several persons, and which are listed in a memoranda which I leave, they may be collected and added to my other belongings.

I declare, that it is my last will, that from belongings acquired during my second marriage, as appears from the 7th to the last foregoing clauses, one third be taken and separated of the said belongings being the share that is coming to and which I leave to my wife doña Manuela Marquez, for the good care which she has taken of me and her attendance to me.  Without any interference by the administrators and heirs, because it is my wish, which part I give to her a gift, and as her legitimate share of the said third.

I declare that from my belongings acquired during my second marriage, there be taken a one fifth part for my funeral and burial expenses, as also a novena of masses and that whatever may be found due to the chapel at Our Lady of Carmel and also for the souls of Purgatory.

I order that from the said fifth part my administrators have 100 masses said for my soul, but if there would not be enough, that the cost be taken from the third part which I donated to my wife.

I declare that from the belongings that are of my first seven children, nothing thereon to be taken for the second two, who I declare to be my only heirs of said chattel.

I declare the seven children and the two children from my marriages as my legal heirs.

I order my wife, doña Manuela, who I name as holder of the part of the chattels that comes to her two children, that she may care for them and be on the lookout of the increase of the chattels delivered to the Administrators...

I declare that my underwear, my bed and the usual clothes be left to my wife, although there might be some who might ask for it.

I name my brothers, Antonio Baca and Joseph Baca, residents of this city, to be guardians of my children.

24 April 1739, witnesses:  don Pedro Jose de Leon, don Tomas Joseph de Medina, Miguel de Alire, don Domingo Valdes and Alonso Rael de Aguilar, residents of this city.  Signed Antonio Montoya (rubric)

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell #88, Frames 637-680.

©Henrietta M. Christmas

Jose Garcia ~ Will 1754

I, Joseph Garcia, resident of this villa, legitimate son of Manuel Garcia and Maria de la Estrella, residents and natives of San Juan del Rio, being sick, make this testament.

I declare that I have been married first to Manuela de Guadalupe y Mendoza and that during our marriage we did not have any children.  She died twenty years after our marriage.  In my second nuptials, I married Thomasa Romero and during this marriage we had seven children:  Maria, deceased; Jose Antonio, deceased; Ysabel, deceased; Nicolas Antonio; Maria Josefa; Antonio Jose; and Juan Antonio, these four living are under my authority and I declare them as my legitimate children.

I declare as my property a house next to the guardhouse, which is composed of seven rooms, besides a lot suitable for building which adjoins the house on the north side of which house I order that one-half be given to my wife, Thomasa Romero and the other half partitioned equally among my four children.

I declare that I have a large kettle; two yoke of oxen equipped; a new cart and two plows with points.

I declare I have three chests one Michoacán and two Mexican.

I declare as my property a cow and calf which I order to be partitioned in equal parts among my wife and children.

I declare I have some land at the edge of the public road that goes to Alamo, measuring from east to west 525 varas and from north to south 211 varas.  They are bounded on the east by lands of Agustin Lovato; on the west by the said road that leads to Alamo; on the north by lands of Xavier Angel; and on the south by lands of Juan Manuel Varela.  I order them apportioned – one half to my wife and the other half shall be divided in equal parts among my four children.

I declare I have large pictures; one of the Crucified Lord, one of ____ and one of Our Lord in the wilderness, I order that all be given to my wife.

I declare that all the written instruments regarding the house, as well as the land are in my possession.

I declare I have as my property 117 pesos in possession of the Señor Governor of this kingdom, don Thomas Velez Capuchin, for work that I did for the soldiers.

I declare that I have had accounts with don Juan Baptista Duran and regarding the ___ still belongs to him, I have made known to my wife which ___ he shall early to __ so that she may deliver it to him.

I declare the aforesaid don Juan owes the estate of don Thomas de Alviar three patio blankets.

I declare as my property a Queretaro cloth cloak for my sons.

I declare I have an old hoe.

I declare as my property some scissors and an iron.

It is my desire to give to the mandatory legacies, four pesos each. 

I appoint as my executors of my estate first my wife, Thomasa Romero and second my brother Felipe Romero and third my brother Salvador Romero.

I signed this at the villa of Santa Fe, on the 9^th of March 1754.  Nicolas Garcia, Judge, Jose Garcia, Francisco Guerrero, Jose Maldonado.

Other documents:

I declare that for the purpose which I have mentioned the sum which must be separated from my estate for this purpose is not specified in the clause, the amount is 75 pesos for my labor as a soldier. Signed Nicolas Ortiz, Francisco Guerrero, Toribio Ortiz.

I, Phelipe Romero, resident of the villa of Santa Cruz de la Cañada, as the executor appointed in the testament of Jose Garcia, who left some property and some minor children, in order that it may clearly, distinctly and truly be known, it is necessary to value and inventory the divisions and partitions, for self-protection and for the security of said minors and also because the widow has celebrated second nuptials.  Signed Phelipe Romero (rubric)

Appraisers appointed were Francisco Guerrero and Jose Armijo, by Nicolas Ortiz

Appraisal done April 18, 1754, items belonging to the deceased.

A house which is composed of seven rooms, 400 pesos.

A house lot adjoining it, 30 pesos.

A large kettle, 15 pesos.

Two yoke of oxen, equipped, 100 pesos.

A new cart, 30 pesos.

Two plows with points, 10 pesos.

Three chests, one Michoacán and two Mexican, 20 pesos.

A cow with calf, 25 pesos.

Some agricultural land consisting of 525 varas in length and 211 varas in width, 211 pesos.

Three pictures of different images, 6 pesos.

117 pesos for work as a soldier, 117 pesos.

A new Querétaro cloth cloak, 30 pesos.

An old hoe, 3 pesos.

A large pair of tailor’s scissors, 12 pesos.

An iron, 3 pesos.

Total of 1,102 pesos.

Signed the 19^th April 1754, verified by Nicolas Ortiz, Jose de la Peña an Juan Antonio Ortiz

Notification-

On this same day, month and year, we find the amount in real estate was 641 pesos.

The personal property amounted to 371 pesos.

The amount to be apportioned among the four minor children and their mother, 1,012 pesos.

Signed, Nicolas Ortiz, Jose Maldonado, Juan Antonio Ortiz

In the villa of Santa Fe on the 20^th of April 1754, I the Alcalde Mayor and Judge of the inventory having seen and examined the notes and receipts presented by the executors in conformity of the decree, the following items have been expended:

75 pesos for defraying of funeral expenses,

25 pesos, for church dues,

30 pesos spent in provisions for the minors,

12 pesos for the mandatory legacies,

50 pesos for a yoke of oxen which was owed a youth who served said deceased

25 pesos, for an ox which the said Administrator declared for work.

The expense of funeral, internment, Masses and the rent amount to 217 pesos which must be drawn from the bulk of the estate.  Nicolas Ortiz, Jose Maldonaldo, Juan Antonio Ortiz.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Roll 2, Twitchell 355, Frames 935-946.

©Henrietta M. Christmas

Corporal, Juan Gallegos ~ Will 1760

The Corporal, Juan Gallegos, died somewhere in the locality of Tome on November 23, 1760, notified and signed by Father Juan Toledo. 

The Governor, went to the home which belonged to said deceased Juan Gallegos, and the widow of said deceased being present, I ordered to expose to view all of the goods, both landed properties and other possessions which remained at the death of said deceased for the benefit of said widow, Maria Gutierres and of a minor legitimate daughter, in order to appraise them according to their valuation.  The goods were viewed and appraised by Bartolome Fernandez and Miguel Tenorio.

MEMORANDUM - of the goods which the Corporal, Juan Gallegos, declares as his; and his last will which he declares if God shall see fit to call him to Himself.

First, his own land and house for which he is indebted to no one, he declares for his wife and daughter whom he declares to be legitimate and designates as heir.

In the market place, he declares he has owed 60 pesos for a month, a little more or less, saying he has reduced the amount somewhat and in said time he has not received more than half a bunch of tobacco.

The household furniture to his wife and daughter.

He declares he has 10 horses.  Of these, six are delivered to the Alcalde Mayor, Miguel Lucero, and some with Mariano Iturrieta, who is now ill, if lost he entreats that he deliver and the three in the bunch with one colt; he declares shall be delivered to his wife, together with the equipage for riding horseback and the blunderbusses, lances, etc. shall be delivered to his wife.

He has in the care of Martin Gallegos, three cows; spotted, red and curly haired, with one three-year old bull, offspring of the curly-haired cow.

The red cow is in the woods of the villa with its calf.

Two, new cows which he has at the home of Manuel Junior.

Two, three-year old bulls at the home of Jose Miguel de la Peña, to be delivered on April 1 ’61.

One calf at the home of Manuel Martin, son-in-law of Jacinto Perea.

He owes one pair of shoes to Juan Felipe Rivera.

Two pesos which he owes outside, he sent silver to pay.

Jose Mares owes him adobes, stacked and Tomas Onofre, 300 stacked.

He declares that his wife and daughter shall enjoy all, and from it arrange for his funeral and mandatory legacies.  And for this to be valid, he signed it before Diego Romero on November 23, at the home of Jacinta Varela, Tome, year of 1760.  Friar Juan Jose Toledo (rubric)

WIDOW- The widow was ordered to name a person who should be a guardian and protector of the minor child, her daughter, Juana Thomasa, and she said that she was naming and did name, Thomas Gallego, her relative and a soldier and said Thomas Gallego being present, he said that he was accepting and did accept the office of guardian.  He realizes the responsibility and promised to discharge his duty well and faithfully, and he did not sign because he did not know how.  I signed it, said Alcalde, Francisco Guerrero, Bartolome Fernandes.

On May 2, 1761, the following goods were delivered to the said widow, Maria Gutierres, 401 pesos and 3 reales in the following manner:

First, half the house and land which is not valued.

121 pesos and 2 reales in merchandise of which was left owing to him in the Palace.

1 gun and case at 30 pesos.

1 grey horse at 25 pesos.

1 new shoulder belt at 18 pesos.

1 sword at 10 pesos.

Some blue trousers at 10 pesos.

1 hat at 8 pesos.

3 cows, 36 pesos.

1 used cloth scarf at 5 pesos.

One bull, 12 pesos.

Some wool stockings, 2 pairs of socks and 3 of copper toes, 3 pesos.

2 blankets at 10 pesos.

Bridle, rope, head stall of a halter and boots, all at 7 pesos.

Some spurs with silver buckles at 15 pesos.

1 sack and valise, one peso.

2 grey horses, 30 pesos.

1 cartridge box at 2 pesos.

A shield and small cushion at 5 pesos.

One scarf, three pesos, a work shirt and trousers, three pesos, some slippers, one peso.

1 sorrell horse, 15 pesos.

5 pounds of gun powder – with which items the amount of the aforesaid 401 pesos was completed in receipt of which she rained satisfied and paid.  And she said that she had nothing to ask and in order that it be valid, I acknowledged it and signed it with witnesses.  Signed Francisco Guerrero (rubric).

For the minor child, Juana Thomasa, the goods as follows:

First, without the dominion over the half of the house and land, there was delivered to her guardian the amount of 121 pesos, 1 real in merchandise from that which was owed her deceased father.

A new scarf of scarlet cloth trimmed with gold shrimps at 25 pesos.

1 bay horse at 30 pesos.

2 black at 15, 30 pesos.

1 mulberry at 15 pesos.

2 bulls, 24 pesos.

1 heifer, 6 pesos.

2 cows at Segundos, 24 pesos.

1 kerchief of coarse brown linen, 6 reales.

Some pistols at 38 pesos.

The saddle and stirrups, 50 pesos.

Another horse at 15 pesos.

Some metal buckles, 6 reales.

1 girdle and six of the buckles, 1 peso.

1 leather jacket at 30 pesos.

5 pounds of gun powder.

With these items, barring errors, the said amount which belongs to the minor was completed with receipt of which the guardian said he remained satisfied and paid -  Signed Francisco Guerrero, Bartolome Fernandez.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Roll 2, Twitchell 358, Frame 954-963.

©Henrietta M. Christmas

Manuel Garcia Parejas ~ Will 1763

I, Manuel Garcia Parejas, native of the villa of Tembleque, Archbishopric of Toledo, resident of Nuestra Señora de Soledad del Rio Arriba, find myself sick in bed.

I was married and veiled to Ysabel Vicene Lorano, deceased from which marriage we had one child who also died.

I declare that at present I am married to Rosalia de Beitia, from which marriage we have no children.   I also declare that when I married my said wife, I brought no property whatever and that my said wife had a house, agricultural lands and other chattels.

I declare that I owe don Bernardo de Bustamante, Captain of the garrison of Guajuquillo, whatever is shown in his account book, which is the considerable sum of 1,000 pesos, more or less.

I declare that I owe don Ygnacio Gutierrez of Chihuahua, 477 ½ pesos.  I say I owe them, because they are being collected from me by the said don Ygnacio, although in my conscience I find I do now owe this, because when don Gabriel Donda and don Juan de Mayoral delivered the irrigated land which belonged to don Diego de Lacaran, I was compelled, while I protested that I had no use whatever for it, and all the money that they gave me was applied on the development and for the men working on said irrigated land without my ever attempting anything.

I owe don Jose Solano of Chihuahua 16 ½ pesos.

I owe don Clemente 16 chamois skins.

I declare that I ordered by letter from don Fernando Zeballos some large Mexican knives and what I received were 12 and a small quantity of moth-eaten ____, which I ordered returned as I never had asked for it and it was in bad condition and therefore unmarketable, and the tobacco he mentioned in his letter I did not receive either.

I declare to have 116 chamois skins of all sizes, three white buckskins, five thick buckskins; eight packsaddles, fully equipped; five harness; three and one half load of white buckskin sacks; a leather coat; a gun and a shield; a saddle with an iron stirrup, spurs and bridle; seven horses, two mares; six mules and among them one female mule; a used clock; the barrel and lock of a gun without a stock; a piece of serge.

I declare that Paula Martin owes me a buckskin; Pedro Mora a buckskin; Patricio, half-breed Indian a buckskin; Juan Antonio, Indian from Aviquiu, two bridles and two large Mexican knives; Joseph Miguel de Archuleta, three pesos in chamois skins; Juan Marques, six pesos in tomatoes; Julian Bejil, eight pesos in chamois skins; Gregorio Martin, eight pesos in chamois skins; Thomas Padilla, six pesos; Miguel Beitia, ten pesos; Paulin de Beitia, two pesos; the Rev. Father Fray Andres Garzia, 81 pesos and two reales; Antonio Martin, the friar, 11 pesos; Antonio de Beitia, two chamois skins; Diego Moquine, four pesos and a Mexican knife; Jose Rodriguez, 30 pesos; Jose Zamora, 13 pesos and because I do not recall the account with Juan Antonio, Indian from Aviquiu, I order it liquidated.  Diego Cain two small pieces of canvas; Juan Ygnacio Mestas, two pesos; Xtoval Salazar, two pesos; Matias Lujan, five pesos; Salbador Duran, soldier, two pesos; Francisco Sanches, eight pesos; the Indian Tuque, two chamois skins and two small pieces of canvas; Pedro Antonio Martin, a bull, a bridle and knife, and two pesos of chocolate; Juan Largo of Santa Ana, one pesos; Diego Gallegos, four pesos; Alverto Valverde eight chamois skins, I mean pesos; Diego Cauyque, two pesos, Xtoval, servant of Carlos Lopes, two pesos, Jose Delgado, five pesos; Domingo Montoya, ten pesos; Domingo, I mean Salbador Baldes, a white buckskin; he may agree to five chamois skin; Diego Marques, two pesos; don Thoribio Ortiz, 28 chamois skins at two pesos each, twelve at twelve reales and ten at one peso each; don Jose Ortiz, six pesos in reales; Antonio Garzia de la Mora, a packsaddle equipped; Pedro Martin, two chamois skins.  All this aforesaid of which the skin is not specified but in the number of pesos must be understood to mean chamois skins.  ____ three chamois skins; Jose Romero three pesos.

In consideration of the fact that I owe that which is declared and that the above mentioned is owed to me together with what I have, I declare that if it is not sufficient to cover all of my debts, my said estate shall be divided pro rata among my creditors.

I declare that the property brought by my wife when we were married has not been mentioned because I have no right whatsoever to it and in accounting may belong to her.  I name her as my sole heiress.

I appoint as my administrators the Military Lt. Pedro Martin and second the Military Ensign Domingo de Benavides.

I declare I have made a codicil in Spain, but no other testament. I revoke and annul it now and consider this my only testament be valid.

April 15, 1763, Manuel Garcia Pareja, Joachin Garcia de Noriega, Carlos Fernandez, Antonio Jose Garcia de la Mora.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Roll 2, Twitchell 359, Frames 964-968.

©Henrietta M. Christmas

Rosalia Garcia de Noriega ~ Inheritance 1747

In the year 1747, testimony of the general power which was executed by Barbara Garcia Jurado, granted unto Ramon Garcia Jurado, resident of the villa de Albuquerque for the purpose which contain herein and a memorandum of record of the property which Salvador Martines has received from the fortune of Luis Garcia, deceased.   Testimony of resistance of Rosalia Garcia, with her pretension or solicitation and the compact that this and Rosalia Garcia entered into, etc.

Record of the property which Salvador Martines has received from the fortune of Luis Garica, and they are the following.  Firstly, the dower is in extant in the last will and testament:  

The third of the property that I delivered to him last year, $3,400 pesos.

Firstly, a herd of oxen, meaning three yoke and one extra at 20 pesos each,  175 pesos.

26 breeding cows at 20 pesos each, 520 pesos.

Two heifers at 12 pesos each, 24 pesos.

Another cow with a young one, 25 pesos.

Another yoke of oxen, 50 pesos.

A good horse, 50 pesos.

Five horses at 15 pesos each, 75 pesos.

Two tame mares, and other horses at 15 pesos, 160 pesos.

Three young mares at 12 pesos, 36 pesos.

Five, large grown colts and a small one and of those raised around the house at 20 pesos, 113 pesos.

Two mules and two male mules, the mules at 40 pesos and the male mule at 30 pesos, 140 pesos.

26 goats at 2 pesos, 52 pesos.

44 wethers at 2 pesos, 88 pesos.

63 sheep at 2 pesos, 126 pesos.

Another sixteen wethers at 2 pesos, 32 pesos.

Two he-goats and four male goats for breeding purposes, at 2 pesos, 12 pesos.

150 ewes at 2 pesos, 300 pesos.

Another two tame mares at 20 pesos, 40 pesos.

A horse worth 100 pesos.

As stud horse at 60 pesos.

322 pesos which they had paid for the ranch at Los Corrales and it came to them in part of their interest of ranches, there remaining to them that at Sandia for the part that he had in that of San Antonio with house and corral, 322 pesos.

Up to this, it is clear and evident by receipts and what was given after will be proved when the time comes.

Firstly, 12 yearling calves, that Luis Garcia gave his children in the year of ’39 at 12 pesos, 144 pesos.

For 130 pesos that Captain Alonso owed the deceased and said Salvador Martines demanded payment with a forged letter from his father-in-law on which he gave receipt as the said gentleman told me, 130 pesos.

For 220 ewes which was given to him to complete the herd of Lt. don Bernardo, 58 pesos.

For a sword, a French gun, which the deceased gave to a son of his, 50 pesos.

For a cow that his father-in-law, ever year gave him ever since he left his home, Fat and although they were twelve at 20 pesos, 220 pesos.

That one and the other entries amount to the quantity with the exception of any errors.  $6,604 pesos.

And this statement is dated 13 April 1747, and I signed it, Ramon Garcia Jurado.

The document goes on to tell us that Rosalia Garcia de Noriega is very upset that she’s had to make this inventory.  She states that her father was insane and was unable to speak.  She also claims the testament is in Ramon Garcia Jurado’s handwriting and that it was made by force.  She also mentions she has eight children who would inherit from this. 

Jurado advised him of another daughter of the first marriage and the father did not utter a word.  Rosalia stated that when her mother died, her father did not allow a testament to be made and therefore no inventory was made of the property. Jurado stated, the reason that Luis disinherited his daughter was that he got angry at her, and I do not know if he whipped her, but what I do know, that her husband after hearing the complaint that she made to him, saddled his horse, got his arms, weapons and he went to the house of the said Luis Garcia, he came very close to trampling him with his horse, he took in his hand a pistol and he discharged it at him and by miraculous luck he did not kill him.  I ask that she return the fortune which she received so that it can be given to each one whatever may be his.

An agreement is made between the two women and they agree not to sue each other and be satisfied with what they received. Signed Jose Romo de Vera and Sebastian Apodaca and Gregorio Garduño - At the request of Rosalia Garcia.

Archive 345 – Continuation of battle over the inheritance.

Rosalia Garcia writes another protest to the Governor about her lack of inheritance, although they already had an agreement.  Ramon Garcia Jurado restates that and shows how malicious she is being.  The fact that she claims he was insane at the time and the testament was made by force.  Garcia Jurado claims it is false.

Rosalia Garcia finally agrees that she will not continue an unjust suit.  She also asks that the case be closed and terminated.  The other party, Barbara Garcia Jurado, states the same and the matter is closed.  Jun 15, 1747. 

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Roll 2, Twitchell 343 and 345.

© Henrietta M. Christmas