Angela Leyba ~ Will 1727

I, Angela de Leyba, finding myself sick in bed with a serious illness declare that this is my last will and testament.

I declare that I was married to Ensign, Xptoval Torres, deceased; from this marriage we had and raised as our children, Diego de Torres, Francisca, Maria, Josefa and Margarita, whom I recognize as my legitimate children and heirs.

I declare that it is my will that my son, Diego de Torres, be my administrator and holder of my property, when I ask for the love of God to be interred in the church of the villa of Santa Cruz, under the altar of our father, St. Francis.

I declare that I do not owe anyone and no one owes me.

I declare that I own ten cows and three two-year old heifers; also, five one-year old; and five calves of the same age, making a total of 23.

I declare that I have one used saddle and one bridle.

I declare that I have two yoke of oxen; one old cart with yokes, straps and chains.

I declare that I have 110 head of sheep and goats.

I declare that I have one horse and one mare.

I declare that I have two plowshares, one adze, one sickle, one chisel and one broken sickle.

I further declare that I have four more plowshares and one small ole hoe.

I declare that I have a ranch in La Cañada and my administrator knows it belong to me.

I declare that I have in the settlement of the Joseph de Grasia de Chama one house composed of one hall, a room and storeroom.

I declare that I have with said house, five pieces of land which my administrator knows of.

I declare that I have 18 varas of sackcloth.

I declare that I have one bed, composed of one mattress, one old sheet, one new blanket, one new spread, two pillows, one of Rouen and one of Campeche cloth.

I declare that I have a new cloak, a new petticoat, one new shawl.

Some coral bracelets.

One new chemise and one old; two pairs of skirts, one new and one used; and some old skirts from Montenegro.

I declare I have a large kettle, one large griddle, one coffee chocolate jar, one copper cup, one copper tumbler, five Puebla plates, six cups, two candlesticks, one iron spit, one iron spoon and silver spoon.

I declare that I have three adzes, two coaling axes and one carpenter’s axe.

I declare that I have two sieves, one white and one black; one old painted chamois skin, and three old chamois sacks.

I declare that I have two large chests with their locks and keys; two small ones, one with key the other without.

I declare that I have two mattocks, one large and one small, and four spades.

I declare that I have one large table and two old benches.

I declare that I have five pairs of knitting needles; one padlock, with staples, nails and key.

I declare that I have one bronze crucifix, one statue of Our Lady of Remedios, nine pictures of different kinds.

I declare that I have two varas of Rouen linen; one vara of Brittany linen.

I declare that Joseph Truxillo owes me eight varas of sackcloth for the wool which I gave him to weave on shares.

I declare that I have one sow.

I declare that there are owing to my husband a number of pesos at Palacios; my administrator shall dispose of them.

I declare that Bartolo Truxillo owes me one sheet, I order it collected.

I declare that I have a cupping glass.

I declare that I have three Brittany linen handkerchiefs. 

At the request of Angela de Leyba.

Signed Cayetano de Atencio, rubric. [not dated but about April 1, 1727]

Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell 943, Reel 9, Frames 169-209

©Henrietta M. Christmas  

Cristobal Torrez ~ Will 1726

I, Xptoval Tores, being sick in bed with an illness make this last will and testament.

First, I declare that I am married to Angela de Leiva, and from this marriage we had and raised out our legitimate children, Diego de Tores, Francisca, Maria, Josefa and Margarita de Tores, whom I recognize as my legitimate children and heirs.

I declare that is my will that my dear wife be the administratrix when I ask, as well as my children, for the love of God, to bury my body in the church of la villa Nueva de Santa Cruz, if God wills to take me from this life to the eternal and that it be in the place they may decide.

I declare that out of my estate there be given to each of the forcible bequests two pesos, then they are to be paid from my property.

I declare that of the other part of my estate there be set aside the expenses of the funeral and internment.

I declare that I do not owe anyone that I can remember; but in case there should be any demands regarding this particular, I order that paid.

I declare that I loaned Francisco Ribera, now deceased, one mule, so he could freight for me; and I told him to take the mule without interest, but to be aware that I valued the said mule at 100 pesos, that in case it was lost he would have to pay me for the said amount.

I declare that if it is not possible for me to continue as my conscience demands in the discharge of my duties as a Christian; I ask and request that Juan Atienza, for the love of God, may discharge the duties with full authority from me.  Juan Atienza, after the grantor had lost his speech, started to comply with all the duties imposed upon him, as also with the knowledge of the life and children of the grantor, taking an inventory of all the property which is as follows:

First:  A grant of land to be cultivated, also sheep and cattle in the settlement of Chama, it is the will of the said Testator that they be divided into equal parts to those who are now settled there, as well as others they may want to settle in the future.

Item:  Another land grant, situated in La Canada, he has set aside for its children and apportioned each one his share and it is understood that the house is left to his wife, as well as the said house built on the ranch, consisting of one room, hall and storeroom.

He leaves 21 cows, large and small.

Four yoke of oxen; and 223 ewes. Three mules, two males and one female; six horses and three mares, and three hogs.

One new cart with its yoke, chains and straps.

Two ploughshares, four tips, one small hoe, two axes, one carpenter’s axe and one coaling axe; one adze, two scythes, one chisel, one iron griddle, one large kettle, one chocolate jar, one spit and one iron spoon.

One saddle, one horse bridle, one mule bridle, one harquebus, spurs, sword, saddle bags, one shield, powder bars, one leather jacket, one sword belt, one should belt.  All of the above he declared it was his will to give to Marcial de Tores, his grandson, except the horse bridle and saddle.

Another saddle, which is wife uses, without stirrups.

One suit that consists of a coat of fine material lined with calamanco and trimmed with galloon; one pair of trousers of the same material and one vest trimmed with scarlet cloth.

One used cape of Brittany linen.

One pair of used trousers.

Two used hats.

One statue of Saint Joseph is dedicated for this place of Chama.

One small bronze crucifix, one picture of Our Lady of the Rosary and one of Our Lady of Los Remedios.

Three benches; two tables.

One large box in which his wife kept her Sunday clothes; and one where she kept her working clothes.

One barber’s case, with five razors and stone.

One branding iron.

All of the above was shown in good conscience and he has declared that his wife, Angela de Leiva, is to his administrator; all to be divided equally among his legitimate children after her death.  And I, Diego de Tores, acting as a competent judge and exercising the duties of my office, without considering that I am one of the interested parties, but acting as the Justice and Lt Alcalde Mayor and Captain of War, certify that I know my father, who gave all authority and power to the said Juan de Atienza to act as he would for himself.  The instrumental witnesses were Luis Lopes, Juan Luxan and Nicolas Jorge and I, said Lt Alcalde Mayor, signed with two assisting witnesses in the absence of a public or royal notary in this villa of San Joseph de Grasia de Chama, on the 6^th day of December 1726.  Signed Diego Tores, rubric; witnesses:  Mateo Truxillo, rubric and Joseph Madrid, rubric.

Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell 943, Reel 9, Frames 169-209

©Henrietta M. Christmas

Getrudis Martin ~ Estate 1762

The wife of Bernardo Madrid and secondly, Lazaro Atencio.  Her son asks for her estate to be valued for his part of the inheritance.  This begins of August 9, 1762 as she died without a will or testament.

A ranch and house.
Eight mares.
One - one year old colt.
One colt and two fillys.
Two, 1-2 year old horse mules.
One, 1 year old stud jack.
One stud horse.
Two hoes, one is broken.
One small cutter.
One axe.
One adze.
Two chisels.
One big auger.
One hand saw.
One copper spit.
One flat iron pan.
Once corn and two wheat grinding stones.
Two wooden boxes.
An altar with images.
One pair of scarlet cloth skirts.
One pair of serge skirts.
One pair of skirts worn and torn, worthless.
Two ladies shirts.
One ladies shawl.
One pair of worsted stockings.
One pair of ladies shoes.
One pound of chocolate.
One bottle of wine.
Native soap.
Three yokes of oxen.
One cow and yearling calf.
Three horses, one gray, one iron gray and another gray.
One corral of posts.
Some fruit trees.
The four cornfields.
A portion of land planted in wheat which produced 30 1/2 measures, valued at 122 pesos.
One new cart.
One second hand cart.
Two pack saddles, one new without girdle and the other with.
A measure of small tomatoes.

Signed Carlos Fernandes (rubric).

The said settlement and amount of the estate was $1,650 pesos.  Less costs for threshing and cleaning the wheat, tithes of the fruit for a total of $42 pesos.  Fees for appraisers, witnesses and judge fees, plus trips, $50 pesos.  The subtotal of $1,558 pesos to be divided between the husband (Atencio) and the son, Cristobal Madrid; basically $776 pesos each.  Signed September 6, 1762.

Carlos Fernandez, with witnesses:  Francisco Antonio Sisneros, Francisco Sanchez.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell 599.
©Henrietta M. Christmas

Juan Esteban Canjuebe ~ Will 1764

Know all who may see this testamentary letter and last and final will that I, Juan Estevan Canjuebe, resident of San Antonio (Santa Clara jurisdiction), legitimate son of Roque Canjuebe and Juana Cheome, being sick in bed make my last will and testament.

I declare that I was married to Quiteria Telles from which marriage we had and reared Joseph, Juan Antonio, Juan Alfonso, Lorenzo and Maria Manuela, whom I declare my legitimate children

I declare that my wife brought to my possession 60 ewes.

I declare that I owe Cayetano Atencio a bull, a heifer of two years going on three and two chamois skins.

I declare owing the son of an Indian from the Taos called Felipe Capullo a filly.

I declare owing an Indian from Santa Clara called Juan Manuel Bala, a horse.

I declare owing Alejandro Mora and awl.

I declare owing Julian Bejil a remnant.

I declare owing Alonso, Indian from the Pueblo of Jemez, an axe worth 15 pesos.

I declare Juan Manuel Padilla owes me adobes for a room and the building of it until it is completed, for horse which I chartered this him to go to hell Rio Abajo.

I declare as my estate the ranch of land which I obtained from inheritance from my parents with the dwelling house which consists of two rooms as per judicial instrument which is executed for this purpose.

I declare that my wife had the portion of land which consists of a cornfield in San Juan.

I declare as my possession eight breeding cows.

I declare as my property to have three heifers and one-year-old bull.

I declare as my property four oxen.

I declare as my property four tamed horses.

I declare as my property two unbroken mares, a filly and eight breeding burro.

I declare as my possession to guns in good condition.

I declare as my property a leather coat, a small sword and shield.

I declare as my property a saddle which I use, bridle and spurs.

I declare as my property some leather saddlebags and a shoulder belt.

I declare, a statue of St. Anthony, over one-half vara high, and a paper ratable.

I declare as my property of coal axe.

I declare as my property a small hoe, a wooden plow point and two plows, all complete.

I declare as my property a cart fully equipped.

I declare and adze and two chisels, a javelin, and a spit.

I declare an iron griddle, and iron skillet, the branding iron.

I declare to have in my service a young Indian boy 12 years old, more or less.

I remember owing Pedro Sanchez large buckskin.

I declare that I owe don Clemente buckskin.

I leave two pesos for a mass to be offered to the souls in purgatory for my intention.

I name is my executors my brother, Juan Canjuebe, and as holder of my estate my wife, so that after my death she will receive my property and recover and collect during the term of one complete year as disposed by law or whatever more might be necessary. After the fulfillment in payment of this my will, I Institute and name as my heirs Joseph, Juan Antonio, Juan Alfonso, Lorenzo and Maria Manuela, with my said wife so that they may inherit the residual of my estate and enjoy it was God’s blessing at the locality of San Antonio on the second day of the month of April, your 1764.

Witnessed by: Francisco Sanchez and Cayetano Atencio. In testimony thereof: Manuel Garcia rubric, Francisco Sanchez rubric, Cayetano Atencio rubric.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell #417, Reel 3, Frames 197-200

©Henrietta M. Christmas

Romero Distribution ~ 1743 Taos

In Taos, on May 2, 1743, appear before me Andres Romero, Francisco Romero, Antonio de Attencio (Ana Maria Romero), and Antonio Duran de Armijo (Barbara Montoya), all residents of said pueblo, requesting me to proceed to partition the lands of the estate of their father Diego Romero at the ranch of Rio de las Trampas. 

They accompanied me to said ranch on the fifth day of said month to personally present all the deeds of grant and from them find the boundaries, in order that after executing the said partition a copy may be delivered to them and the original may be transferred to the archives of the government.

In making the division, we gave to the widow of said deceased half of the land, as specified in the testament that being his words which were delivered to the second husband of the said widow, Barbara Montoya, in the name of the widow.

I delivered to Andres Romero, oldest son of the deceased 17 1/2 cords from the boundary of Antonio Duran de Armijo to the pueblo; being the boundary of the lands he had inherited from his deceased mother, Maria de San Joseph, all of which ranch runs from east to west as far as the middle road.

Then came Francisco Xavier Romero, I delivered to him 17 1/2 cords in the same manner and to Antonio Attensio who received them in the name of his wife, Ana Maria Romero, this land being bounded by the boundary of the pueblo.

Signed Francisco Guerrero (rubric)

Juan Domingo Paes Hurtado

Joseph de Torres

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell #760, Reel 4, Frames 990-1003.

©Henrietta M. Christmas

Diego Romero husband of Barbara Montoya ~ 1714-1743 Land

Lands belonging to Diego Romero measured on May 5, 1743 a share falling to the widow, Barbara Montoya.  Bound on the east from the hill, a small white flat which is on the same slope and at the foot of the said hill as far as the boundary of Andres Romero, which runs from east to west and from north to south as far as the very Hot Spring and a little wood which in in front of the spring and from there, the mountain which is in front as far as the middle road.  I transferred to the elder son, Andres Romero his share and that inheritance of his mother, Maria de San Jose (Diego’s first wife), deceased and then all the three brothers are bound by one another.  Afterwards, Francisco Xavier Romero entered into the same and after that Antonio de Atencio who received the same for his wife, Ana Maria Romero.  They all signed content.  Francisco Guerrero, Jose Terrus and Juan Domingo Paez Hurtado.

In 1714, Diego Romero, a resident of Taos, appear before you and exhibit a design of a brand at the margin of this petition, in order that when being permitted by you, I may be entitled to the use of the same on all my livestock and horses as also recover all livestock with said brand, which has not been sold or given by me, or any person authorized by me. Anyone without the right to use the brand and if caught, should be criminally prosecuted, punished and fined.  Diego Romero.

On August 5, 1724 at Santa Cruz, the retired Alferez Cristobal Torres, Alcalde Mayor of said la Cañada appeared Juan and Sebastian de la Serna, residents and legitimate children of Captain Cristobal de la Serna and Josefa Madrid, both deceased, stating that their mother sold a portion of farming land, which her father was granted by His Majesty at the valley of Taos.  Their brother Ignacio de la Serna is out of the country and they sign for him.  The lands were formerly owned by Captain don Fernando de Chavez and deed said tract to Diego Romero for the sum not mentioned.  Jose Ph. Madrid, Cristobal Tafolla, Francisco Aban Rivera. 

At Taos on October 29, 1746, Antonio Atencio and Maria Romero, resident of Taos, do sell to Antonio Duran de Armijo, a two-storied house, which consists of eight rooms, also 2,000 paces of farming land.  Bounded on the east the acequia nearest the land and farthest from the pueblo, west the river of the said pueblo, north the camino real and south the first corn land of Francisco Xavier Romero, for the price of 200 pesos of the land and was paid by one squaw and four cows and calves.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Roll 8, Twitchell #240, Frames 618-732.

©Henrietta M. Christmas