Catalina Jurado ~ 1767 Will

Know ye all who may see this last and final will that I, Catalina Jurado, a resident of the locality of our Lady of Guadalupe, legitimate daughter of Juan Jurado and Rosa Misquia, deceased; being as I am sick in bed and of an illness I make my last will and testament.

I declare to have been married according to the rights of the holy church to Bentura Mestas, in which matrimony we had a reared two children, Antonia already deceased and Juan Ygnacio whom I declare as my legitimate children.

I declare that when I married Bentura, I did not bring anything to his possession.

I declare as my property a pair of coral bracelets which I bequeath to a little girl I have reared, called Catalina, in the same way a thin green silk petticoat, a green skirt with silver trimmings; a shell necklace, a reliquary set in silver, red scarf, two half silk handkerchiefs, a red taffeta belt, a white rosary, with small medals and eight cows which my husband will give her as executor for it is my will they be given to her.

I declare that to my grandchild Maria Rosa be given my red veil, my pearl drop earrings, a free reliquary set in silver and a red scarf.

I declare that to my other grandchild, called Antonia, I leave the mantilla and the black skirts with it silver garnishing and a reliquary set in silver.

I declare that all the rest of my property such as clothing and jewels which I have for my use, I leave to my husband Bentura so that he may dispose of them at his will.

I declare that all the property known as field property or ranches of land, herds, mares and horses and some mules, cows and burros, belong to my grandchildren; and have been given to them for breeding purposes. Do not take them away from them and of the residual half is mine and there are no other heir except my husband and son Juan Ignacio.

I declare Juan Martin two hunting knives I order them collected.

I declare Paulin Abeyta owes me for one pound of chocolate, I order it collected.

I declare that Jose Antonio Naranjo owes me for one pound of chocolate, I order it collected.

I declare to have given don Joaquin del Pino, eight pairs of woolen socks and a pair of gloves.

I declare not to owe anybody anything.

I declare leaving to our Lady of Carmen, a vara of cloth ribbon and one vara of red ribbon, it is my wish that they be given to her.

I name as my executors in the first place my husband, Bentura de Mestas, who is the only executor I leave, in order that after my death he will receive and collect within the term prescribed by law the most needed.

On the 31^st day of the month of January the year 1767 the said Alcalde Mayor and Capt. of War of this jurisdiction, don Manuel Garcia Paraje and I, said Alcalde Mayor say I am in the presence of grantor as executor of this instrument I interpose my authority as much as I can and am permitted in law and I attest that I know the grantor and in the same way that she is of sound and complete judgment. Not knowing how to sign I said Alcalde Mayor signed with my assisting witness for want of two notaries within the distance prescribed by law, executed on said day, month and year. Signed Manuel Garcia Paraje, rubric

Witnesses: Pedro Antonio Martin, (rubric)

Juan José Bustos, (rubric)

Note: I send my grandchild Antonia, a pair of coral bracelets mixed with pearls and a little rosette in silver, I order they be given to her.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Twitchell #419, Reel 3, Frame 205-208

©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

Luis Garcia ~ Will 1747

I, Luis Garcia de Noriega, a resident of the villa of Albuquerque, order my testament, being of sound mind, but seriously ill. 

I name as my executor, my father-in-law, Ramon Garcia Jurado.

I declare that I have been married to Josefa Balverde and during said marriage we had one daughter named Rosalia Garcia.

I declare that when the said Rosalia was married, I gave her as her dowry 3,400 pesos which were received by Salbador Martines, her legitimate husband and from the day of her wedding, I have helped her and he has availed himself of my fortune without having a valuation placed on anything whatsoever until last year when my daughter’s husband presented a power of attorney from my daughter; and upon agreement with my attorney he was given her third share of my estate as is shown in the proceedings with I transmit, and for which reason I do not leave her any of my chattels.

I declare that my second wife is Barbara Garcia Jurado and during our marriage we had and raised four children who are, Luis, Ana Maria, Maria Rosa and Lazaro Antonio.

I declare that I have had an agreement with don Joseph Balentin de Agunta, at different times and I have asked his heirs for a settlement of accounts and have had no satisfaction; therefore I order that they appear with the book of charges and credits of the transactions that don Joseph Agunta had with me and justify our dealings and whoever is in arrears, let him pay.

I declare that I have in my possession 50 head of dry goats belong to Juana Torobio, a resident of El Paso; I order that they be delivered to her or to whomever may the right to them.

I declare that I do not remember owning any other persons, but if poof is presented that I do, I order that it be paid.

Ysidro Sanches, a resident of Fonclara, owes me to harnesses, one bull and 22 pesos for one chest of powder that the aforesaid had sold me and which from Antonio Valverde took away from me.

Lasaro Garcia owes me four ewes.

Salvador Garcia owns me two heifers.

The estate of don Jose Reano owes me 30 pesos for a horse which I sold him.

The Ensign Tafoya, and the Ensign don Jose Moreno we me two cows which I gave the soldiers upon their order.

Bartolo Fernandez, owes me 40 pesos for two horses which I gave him.

Jose Miguel owes me 10 pesos for a horse that I sold him.

I declare that many owe me small amounts that my wife is aware of, I order them collected.

I declare that I have a tract of land where I reside called San Antonio and on it I have a house of five rooms.

I have all kinds of arms, which consist of a saddle, shotgun, small silver sword, bridle, spurs, saddle pads and two lances.

Two new coats and one old one, a pair of scarlet cloth trousers and other of plush, one stain arm band, two shirts and two pair of white trousers, cape and hat.

Three chests with locks.

Two plowshares, two axes, one plowpoint, one adze, one chisel, cone scythe, one hacksaw, one compass, one auger, branding iron an counter brand.

I have two old carts.

Seven yoke of tame oxen.

56 head of cattle of branding age and upwards and if there are more they will have my brand and earmark.

Nine foreign and eleven native horses.

Three female mules and three male mules, one breeding burro.

800 head of small cattle including the 50 goats which I declared I owe in El Paso.

I declare that among said sheep there is apportion belonging to my wife, issued from 60 head of which don Santiago de Roybal made her a gift of three years ago, with her brand.

I have 51 mares, small and large, from branded age upwards.

I have one belt knife with silver handle.

One table, one bench and one chair.

Francisco Padilla owes me one more mule and the usual rental from the time he left the kingdom.

Diego Borrego owes me the rent for a mule, eight years old, which he took out of the country with a harness and five pesos more.

I declare that I married my first wife and she did not bring me a dowry.

I declare that my second wife, did not bring any dowry, but I gave her a dowry at that time of 2,000 pesos from my estate which I leave her.  It is my wish to leave her as heiress of half of my estate the other half to my four legitimate children, deducting from the bulk of my estate the funeral expenses and whatever I have ordered spent. 

Executed on January 7, 1746, signed Jose Baca and Luis Garcia.

The valuation of the estate comes out to $6,199 pesos with some deductions for masses, witnesses, etc. leaving the estate valued at $6,108.  Signed Antonio Ulibarri

On August 11, 1747, the estate was divided as such:

                        The widow is entitled to $3,054 pesos.

                        Luis Garcia, legitimate son, $763 pesos, four reales.

                        Ana Garcia de Noriega, second daughter of Luis, $763 pesos.

                        Maria Rosa Garcia, third daughter, $763 pesos.

                       Lazaro Antonio, fourth child, $763 pesos.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Roll 2, Twitchell 342
© Henrietta M. Christmas

Luis Garcia ~ Estate 1747

Luis Garcia and Ramon Garcia Jurado

Ramon Garcia Jurado with a power of attorney from Luis Garcia appears before the Governor about a tract of land that had been granted to Luis and his two brothers, Vicente and Alonzo.  The two brothers having not cultivated all of the land in the last 39 years and it was known as San Antonio del Rio Abajo.  In the meantime, Luis Garcia had cultivated it by himself with no intervention from anyone.

I ask that the children of Luis Garcia and the two brothers appear in this investigation.

Deposition of Bentura Candelaria.

He knew the tract of land had been inhabited by Luis Garcia for thirty some years.   He was asked if he knew if the other brothers had cultivated or inhabited said tract, he said no, that Luis was the only one who had built a house and one that Salvador Martinez, his son-in-law, had built and which was destroyed and that he does not know if any other persons may have interest.  He swears and stated that he was 59 years old, June 6, 1746 and signed.  Juan Moya, Judge.

Other depositions from Juan Candelaria  (53 years), Geronimo Garamillo, (60 years), Christoval Garcia (60 years), Jose Montaño (56 years), Antonio Gurule (51 years old), all pretty much stated the same as Bentura Candelaria.

Twitchell 341 – Inventory of the Estate of Luis Garcia, former resident of the villa of Albuquerque.

In this locality of San Antonio, jurisdiction of San Felipe of Albuquerque, on January 29, 1747, are ordered to make an inventory of the estate of Luis Garcia, by Rosalia Garcia (his daughter) and the administrator is Ramon Garcia Jurado and Luis Garcia’s widow Barbara Garcia Jurado, being present is soldier Toribio Ortiz and soldier, Antonio Sedillo.  I notified Salvador Martinez and his wife to assist and witness the taking of the inventory.

619 head of sheep and goats.

128 sheep, one and two years old.

98 more head of minor cattle with their mark different from the rest, which the widow says are hers.

39 breeding cows.

14 plowing oxen.

12 bulls, two and three years old.

19 calves and heifers, one and two years old.

6 female and male mules, one, two and three years old.

24 breeding mares.

14 colts, one two and three years old.

24 brown mares.

14 colts, one, two and three years old.

4 burros.

10 domestic horses.

11 worn out horses.

1 saddle trapping and the quirt.

2 saddle satchels.

1 halter.

1 silver cane handle.

1 pair silver cigar case.

1 small silver salt holder. (used to pay for his anniversary mass valued at 15 pesos)

1 old silver spoon.

1 silver coat of arms, cuirass and small bridge.

2 bronze candlesticks.

11 little frames, all sizes.

2 wagons one old and on new.

1 iron spit.

2 chocolate jars.

1 old iron kettle.

1 pewter plate.

1 of the same from Puebla.

2 china mugs.

2 pigs.

1 pair of silk hose with satin embroidery.

1 small iron inkwell.

1 cane with four lancets.

3 shaving knives.

Some silver buttons which Salvador Martinez has.

2 neckerchiefs.

1 pewter platter.

A tract of land and house in San Antonio containing four rooms.

The saddle, shotgun, silver sword, bridle, spurs, saddle pads, two lances, bags and shield, all for his own use.

2 new coats, one old one and a pair of trousers of scarlet cloth and the other of wool; one stain cape; two shirts; two pair of white pants, one over cape, two old hats, one beaver and one ordinary.

2 trunks with locks.

2 plowshares, two axes, one Indian hoe; 1 adze; 1 scythe; 1 saw; 1 compass; 1 bit and the branding iron.

2 old carts with their raw-hides and ropes and yokes.

1 belt knife with silver handle.

1 stool and two small chairs.

End of inventory, Ramon Garcia Jurado and Barbara Garcia Jurado, his daughter will take said items in inventory.  Signed Antonio Bernardo de Bustamante, Ramon Garcia, Toribio Ortiz, Antonio Sedillo, Decree signed on May 6, 1747 at Santa Fe.

References:  Spanish Archives of New Mexico, Series I, Reel 2, Twitchell 340 and 341.

©Henrietta M. Christmas