Soldier, Antonio Armenta ~ enlistment 1756

Antonio Armenta son of Antonio Armenta and Juana Beitia a native of the villa of Santa Fe, occupation farmer, height 5'5"and one line tall, 25 years, CAPR (Roman Catholic), black hair and eyebrows, coarse full-heavy beard, fair skinned.  He fills the position in this royal presidio of Santa Fe in place of Jorge de Herrera on this 4^th day of July 1756.  He was read the penalties called for in the ordinance…having been advised that this is the explanation (justification), and no excuse whatsoever will be accepted from him; he signed.  Those being witnesses were the Sergeants Antonio Guerrero and Pablo Sandoval.  Signed Antonio de Armenta (rubric) 

Juan Bapta de Anza (rubric)

Margin:  He was discharged on 1 July 1779.  Anza (rubric)

Reference:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series II, Reel 21, Frame 753 – DAR SAR.

©Henrietta Martinez Christmas

Jemez - Land Barbara Trujillo and Pablo Montoya 1794

I, Barbara Trujillo, a resident of Vallecito de Jemez, with all due respect, present myself… in that my father (in-law) don Paulino Montoya, having sold to Baptista Gonzales a resident of said place, the lands recorded in the deed of sale which my said father had executed for the afore-named Gonzales, which lands were sold to Bautista Gonzales with the understanding that he and my husband, Pablo Montoya, would always treat each other as brothers; and seeing the numerous and unbearable mistreatments my husband is undergoing from the judges in that locality – who are the alcalde mayor, don Antonio Armenta, and his commissioned assistant and the said Bautista Gonzales, with no more cause or motive than wishing to appropriate all of my father’s ranch; and fully recognizing that it is not just for them to mistreat my husband as much as they have up to this present time, urge us to come and place this, my complaint before your Honor, as my husband cannot do it personally, because he is a timid man, especially in arguments, as will be verified by the enclosed letter which I present to your Honor.

In the same way, I request your Honor do deign to summon the residents of Vallecito, who now are at this capital, and take their positions concerning the good or bad procedures of my husband, so that your Honor will see how badly they treat my husband.

I also declare that if, for the fact and reason that my father sold the lands to the said Bautista Gonzales, they have to mistreat my husband as they have to this present time, in order not to have to put up with it in the future I am obliged to get ready the amount which said B^pta Gonzales gave my father for the land, and then immediately, with no delay whatsoever, I will deliver it to him, first, for that when I have already stated regarding the mistreatment of my husband and second, for the right which belong to me and my husband.

Besides that which I have already referred to, I also request your Honor to deign to make them present a deed of donation which don Antonio Armenta, as Alcalde Mayor, made to my already deceased father, Pedro Antonio Truxillo (Antonio Truxillo), without any permission, power or authority whatever, in my judgment, to make said donation, because it was not until after my father’s death that this letter of donation appeared.  In view of the fact that I have never given my permission for the execution of aforesaid, and knowing that it is not just that I should lose the inheritance which belongs to me both from my father as well as from my mother, I execute this petition before you.  Said donation is now in the possession of my deceased father’s administrator, Lt. Phelipe Varela of Abiquiu.

Signed Barbara Truxillo, rubric

Asking for all the papers, deeds and so on from the alcalde don Antonio Armenta, and received six depositions from witnesses from Vallecito – which proves the truth the sale executed by Paulin Montoya, in favor of Juan B^ta Gonzales and the deed of sale, as well as the declarations of the witnesses, who that he only sold him the lands formerly belonging to Marcos Archuleta.

I have examined the papers presented to me by Juan B^ta Gonzales, and they are all suspicious as is evident by a false receipt which he says was given to him by Paulin Montoya, which evidently tried to imitate the writing and signature, for neither the writing or the signature belong to said Paulin.  On account of said forged paper I have him in this jail.  Likewise, said donations, which plaintiff made to her father, the deceased Pedro Antonio Trujillo of the property which she had, which is in possession of Felipe Varela, Lt of the pueblo of Abiquiu, shall be given into my hands; and its conclusion send to me that I may make a decision according to justice.

Signed Miguel Gonzales, rubric

[Barbara Trujillo's husband Pablo Montoya is the son of Paulin Montoya and Josefa Ortiz, who had a land grant in the Jemez; she the daughter of Pedro Antonio Trujillo and ?]

Reference:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell 1001, Reel 5, Frames 940-943 – incomplete.

©Henrietta M. Christmas

Miguel Mirabal ~ Inheritance 1808 Alameda & Corrales

Petition will. Miguel Mirabal, a resident of San Jose the las Huertas, with all due respect that is do you I appear and state to you; that having been advised by various persons according to the testament of my deceased great grandfather, Juan Gonzalez, at the post of La Alameda, I have through inheritance of my deceased father, a tract of land that he my deceased father had inherited from my grandfather Antonio Gonzales.  By a certain clause in the testament, my great-grandfather, Juan Gonzalez, states that from the boundary line of his daughter, Catharina Gonzales, onto the lower part into the boundary line as specified in the document that his two daughters Prudencia and Antonia Gonzalez, should be divided equally between the two. Therefore there appearing of record from my deceased father I believe to be entitled to the said land. I ask according to the law.

Signed Miguel Mirabal, San Jose de las Huertas.

January 20, 1808.

In view of the foregoing presentation all the parties will answer to all that is asked by the applicant and by presenting all documents or deeds that may have they may have in their favor. Cleto Miera Pacheco

Sr. Alcalde Mayor and Captain of the War, Cleto Miera y Pacheco, San Carlos de la Alameda.

January 16, 1808

In compliance to your order in which you order us to answer to representation made before you buy Miguel Mirabal, a resident of San Jose de las Huertas, although said representation does not bear any date by the aforesaid Mirabal, but notwithstanding, being well informed of the contents of his petition – claiming that he is informed by some person and also by the will of his grandfather Juan Gonzalez in which he says that at the post of Alameda he owns by inheritance from his deceased father a tract of land that his deceased father obtained by inheritance from his grandmother, Antonia Gonzalez.

First: we desire to answer that upon the notice that he has of several persons to this we desire to ask that the said persons from whom she has been advised beside it to verify the information as to being correct. And in reference to what he says of the testament of his great , Juan Gonzalez, by that, he cannot prove for the reason; that from the time up to the present there have been many sales that are known and which have not been interrupted and in the same manner the lands that he claims that his father inherited from his great  grandmother, Antonia Gonzalez, were sold, as shown by the document that his uncle, Santiago Garcia as, and furthermore, I can certify that aunt Antonia Gonzalez did not have any land at Alameda; and as to what he says that his deceased father did not make any sale as shown by the testament. In the same manner I can certify that to who could the deceased Juan Tafoya, make known that he had or did not have lands at Alameda. He never did say a word whatever in this particular matter.

Now as to the portion that was inherited by Prudencia Gonzales, of land at Alameda, she sold to our great-grandfather Vicente Garcia.

This is what we have to answer to the aforesaid petition that the mentioned Miguel Mirabal makes, to which we can certify at any time that it becomes necessary. From our great-grandparents we have acquired the land that we possess, these passing through our grandparents and from our parents to us and from them to the present time never has taken place its deplorable confusion as it is at present time. Signed we protest the cost. Mariano Montoya, Juan Luis Garcia, Juan Cristobal Garcia.

January 27, 1808.

Been advised of what Mariano Montoya and his companion say in answer to my petition. By placing together all that he has stated, it sounds more like request, then reasons; and that they show no foundation to support their allegations. This follows the wickedness of what they stated, because if it is slowly looked upon, they are more favorably to my petition and to their own defense. I have been told, that they say that in regard to the clause in the will in favor of the said Antonia Gonzalez; there has been made many sales, and that no one has obstructed them. This is no reason why I should not be entitled to the lands that I claim, the reason why I had not made claim in the past years is because I was ignorant of the claim. If my great-grandfather Juan Tafoya or my father, whose soul may rest in peace, sold it would be clear that the opposite parties would have saved the documents for its security, which are very essential in their defense, my father having died intestate, I do not claim any portion of the lands owned by presented Gonzales and I disclaim any knowledge as to the last part I assure obedience to whatever the Alcalde Mayor may decree in the matter according to the evidence of whom I asked to be heard injustice. Miguel Mirabal

February 6, 1808

We obey, the order of Señor Cleto Miera Pacheco, that we make answer to the claim of Miguel  Mirabal as follows: that we do not recognize the claim that is made against us; and we ask as stated that we furnish proof that he has to make the said claim. We have our proof and we do not feel that we have to satisfy him. And if the said Mirabal wishes he can furnish the testimony of the person that informed him in this matter, then we will furnish documents that are demanded from us as stated we will do so whenever we feel it is convenient to us. Mariano Montoya, Juan Luis Garcia, Juan Cristobal Garcia.

At Cochiti May 26^th 1808

In view of the presentation made by Don Santiago Garcia and upon verbal order given me, through him the Gov. advising me to inform myself in the matter I wish to state that according to the testament and documents that were presented to me I have ordered measurement of the lands and that the same be given to the proper and rightful owner he having not presented proof of ownership as far as I can see. Cleto Miera Pacheco

May 20, 1808

Santiago Garcia, a resident of Alameda, appear before you with all due respect and state that Don Francisco Miera having made claim, by order of his father and through verbal order of your Lordship ordered me to deliver the lands that I have in my possession for 60 years more or less as shown by the declarations that I submit. In compliance to your order I have delivered to said land nevertheless I appeal to your mercy that you have not seen the right to which I am entitled and the possession that in good faith I have had as an air. I wish to state that during the period of 60 years as mentioned, the aforesaid had never appear to the claim of the said land, until having knowledge of the aforesaid case, and of the documents, I having seen the decree of your Lordship, and investigations that have been made.

Therefore I ask that your Lordship make investigation of all that I have stated.

Santiago Garcia, X

Santa Fe, May 20, 1808

In view of the foregoing is presented by Santiago Garcia, Miguel Mirabal, Pedro Mestas, and Santiago Padilla, and verified by me the said Alcalde Mayor Don Cleto Miera Pacheco, that in the dispute in allegations between both parties I am made to understand and know the true allegations as proved by the testament of the grandparents, Miguel Mirabal, Pedro Mestas and Santiago Padilla. In which I said to Santiago Padilla, uncle of the presenters of the petition, we cannot give proof to justify any document showing having bought the land, which they ask. Therefore I decree in order that the said lands be delivered to the heirs and have signed with the witnesses of my assistance. Cleto Miera Pacheco, Eusebio Rael and Jose Gutierres.

Sr. Alcalde Mayor.

Nicolas Salazar, resident of Alameda, in the best possible form, in law entitled and state, whereas, I have presented in writing and in person, regarding the Lance of my deceased mother, and those that she inherited from her parents, which I have been unable to get from you. I’m being compelled to execute and of the said lands, therefore I again appear to your Royal justice merciful heart, that you common delivered to me the aforesaid land, being 384 varas, which I do not know where they should be located but I have to deliver the said land to those who justly have bought them, being that by deceased father deeded the said land for a debt owed Don Domingo Labadie and shown by the that the aforesaid has made to him. Therefore I ask and petition your Lordship that you approve my petition and in so doing they receive just favor. Nicolas Salazar

Don Lucas Salazar and all his brothers and sisters.

You and your brother and sisters know how I am trying to favor you as we have here for spoken regarding the ranch and will continue to favor you now and at all times. I will consider that this year we will be unable to have any benefit from the ranch, also you and me, and of the money you should not worry for I will always be in your favor. A thing for free which I will always be grateful to you, is that you send me the papers with my compadre, Francisco, which shall always be yours but to do not say that they are not here will and should not be distrustful of me in any manner as I have confidence in you and you should have in me. June 3, 1808 signed Juan Pacheco

In view of the investigations by Capt. Lorenzo Garcia of the said villa, and upon decree of the last July 30, as appearing by the decree and that was issued and ordering to present proof of this government by Capt. Don Antonia Armenta, the plaintiff, against the tenant Mestas, upon the water in question in the said community; the said Armenta not have any reason in the matter and in the testimony will presented by him in proof of his allegations as appearing in this report. The said Aragon is order to clean the dam in the neighborhood of the waters, and the said Alcalde also ordered the aforesaid Don Antonia Armenta, that hereafter he be careful in promoting unfounded information, harmful to the best harmony that should prevail in all the families; and at any time that it should be necessary to elect another person to take charge of the distribution of the waters in the said a second, that he appear in person, and not to come with recommendations of one that has political jurisdiction; in order to prevent misunderstanding between each other and all of the families. Santa Fe, August 11, 1813

We, Nicolas Salazar, Cristobal Salazar, Tomas Salazar, Julian Salazar, Elias Salazar, all residents of San Carlos de la Alameda, state unanimously and satisfied give satisfaction to the children of Don Domingo Labadie, we agree to give them the satisfaction the amount that is deemed just. The instrument in writing is cited which was executed by Nicolas Salazar in place of his deceased father, Cristobal Salazar. In an evidenced give the guarantee on this the 31^st day of May of the year 1810 will and I signed with the sign of the holy cross for me and all my brothers and sisters. Nicolas Salazar, X

All has taken place before me, and in the presence of two witnesses.  Jose Gallegos, X and Francisco Sandoval, X.

cont'd

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell 605, Reel 3, Frames 1403-1467

©Henrietta M. Christmas 

Nicolas Mares ~ Will 1766

Will know all who read this writing that I, Nicolas Mares, a resident of this Villa of Santa Fe and of the kingdom of New Mexico and a soldier of the Royal Garrison; a legitimate son of Joseph Antonio Mares and Ana Antonia Rodriguez will, both deceased, and ill in bed but of sound judgment and complete memory.

I declare that I have been married according to the holy church to Josefa de los Reyes y Vargas for the past 32 years (m. March 28, 1737). During this marriage we had and reared 10 children who are the following: Lorenzo, Manuel, Luis Cristobal, Joseph, Maria de la Luz, Francisco, Estevan, Joseph Manuel, Juan Domingo and Nicolas.

I declare as my property the house of my residence consisting of four rooms; it is my will that said house and furniture be left to my wife into my daughter, Maria de la Luz, in equal parts.

I declare as my property the following lands: bounded on the East by lands of Santiago Garcia, on the West by lands of Marcos Apodaca, on the South by an acequia in the road which goes to the Hill, on the North by the acequia madre, and it is my will that the same be divided equally between my wife and children.

I declare as my property 23 breeding cows, six bull calves - two years old and seven calves one-year-old and also two yoke of oxen.

I declare as my property five mules.

I declare as my property eight horses, all weapons and covers, rifle, blunderbuss, sword, saddle and bridle, spears and cartridge belts.

I declare that Santiago Garcia owes me one cow and a calf.

I declare that Julian Chavez owes me one horse and I order that to be collected.

I declare that Tomas Ortiz owes me one peso in silver in order that it be collected.

I declare that Ygnacio Vargas owes me one ½ fanegas horse beans and ½ fanegas of peas.

I declare having delivered to Leonardo Gonzalez one cow and heifer one-year-old, and ½ fanegas of wheat in payment of a parcel of land that I bought from him, and which has not been delivered to me, and order that if the same is not received that the money be collected.

I order that Benito Armenta be paid 12 reales for the making of three large quilts.

I declare that I owe an Indian of Chile and adze in order said to be paid.

And to comply and fulfill this last will and testament I name and appoint as my administrators of my estate in the first place in this principle my brother, Joseph Mares, and second administrator, my wife, Josefa Vargas, to each of whom I shall give poor power and authority to carry it out.

I signed this on the same 10^th day of the month of January of this year 1766 in the presence of the Lieut. of this Royal Garrison, Don Tomas Madrid and in the presence of acting witnessed Juan Calletano Unanue and Joseph Miguel Garduño who signed. Not being able to write my name I asked Joseph Miguel Garduño to sign for me.

Nicolas Mares, rubric, Juan Cayetano Unanue, rubric, Thomas Madrid, rubric, Joseph Miguel Garduño, rubric. 

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell #567, Reel 3, Frames 1140-1144.

©Henrietta M. Christmas