Los Bexareños
Genealogical and Historical Society
Those born in Béxar and those who migrated to and made their home in Béxar throughout the ages, whether under the influence of
Tribal Law, or the laws of Spain, France, the 1st Republic of Texas, the Republic of México, the 2nd Republic of Texas, the Confederate
States of América, or the United States of América are known as Los Bexareños.
Their families extend to all the lands of the world. Once a Bexareño always a Bexareño.
A Newsletter via e-Mail
N o v em be r 2 0 1 4
LBGHS Monthly Meeting
November 1, 2014
San Antonio Main Public Library
9:30 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.
SPEAKER: Dr. Martha Menchaca
TOPIC: Naturalizing Mexican Immigrants: A Texas History
Dr. Martha Menchaca is a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research
interests are in the field of historical and legal anthropology. Dr. Menchaca’s most recent book, Naturalizing
Mexican Immigrants: A Texas History was published by UT Press on May 2011. Her book, Recovering History,
Constructing Race: The Indian, Black, and White Roots of Mexican Americans, (2001), again was awarded Choice’s
“Outstanding Academic Book.” Dr. Menchaca grew up in Santa Paula, California. She obtained her
Bachelor’s Degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara and her Ph.D. from Stanford University. She
is the mother of twin boys and the spouse of Dr. Richard Valencia. She has acted as a consultant for the U.S.
Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, voting section. Professor Menchaca founded and currently
directs the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands Program in the Department of Anthropology (graduate level). ✥
Contents In This Issue
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS
LBGHS November Meeting
Poem - Tejano Colonial Legacy
Commentary: Texas Legal and Illegal Immigrants of the 1800s
Letters
Member Recognition: The Escobedo’s
Commentary: History Is Changed Forever • Announcement: Battle of Medina Reenactment
LBGHS Merchandise • Announcements: Native American Performance ~ Historic Cemetery Tour
Spanish Heraldry
Announcement: National Archives Virtual Genealogy Fair
Announcements: Dedication of Additional Names for the TXDAR Patriot Monument
Websites That Tell Our Stories • Membership Dues • Gloria Cadena Scholarship Fund
Gloria Cadena Scholarship Fund • Announcements: Blas Herrera ~ Memorial Cross Dedication
LBGHS Resource Center • Web Indexes
Researching My Ancestors
Calendar of Events
Around The State • Message From the Editor • Submit Your Articles
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
1
Dan Arellano
Roy and Laurie Benavides
Estella Calvillo
Anthony Delgado
Mary Esther Escobedo
Cindy Farmer
Mary Gason
Edward Gonzales
Beatrice Houston
Elvira Leal
José López
Michelle Hinojosa Melencio
Albert Mendoza
Sylvia Morales
Dennis Moreno
Ofelia Olsson
Yolanda Patiño
Judge Bob Perkins
Crispín Rendón
Sylvia Reyna
Rudi R. Rodríguez
Sam Sánchez, Sr.
Ramón Vásquez y Sánchez
Jesse O. Villarreal, Sr.
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T
“The mission of Los Bexareños
Genealogical and Historical Society
is to promote awareness of Hispanic
genealogy and history through
publications, public forums,
research, consultations, education,
and to promote the preservation of
archival material for public
research.”
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
TEJANO COLONIAL LEGACY
BY:
Rudi R. Rodríguez
For Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
2014 EXECUTIVE BOARD
President:!
Louis J. Benavides
Vice President: !
José López
Secretary:!
Ernesto Menchaca
Treasurer:!
Henry A. García, Jr.
BOARD
OF
DIRECTORS
2013 - 2014:!
Eleanor Foreman
2013 - 2014:!
Sylvia Morales
2014 - 2015:!
Mary Reyes
2014 - 2015:!
Olga Hickey
2014 - 2015:!
Ed Mata
APPOINTED OFFICERS
Historian:!
Norberto Martínez
Parliamentarian: ! José Hernández
There was a time Spanish soldiers rode thru Texas day and night
!
trying to find the French who were supposed to put up a fight.
When they finally found a fort not one Frenchman stood alone,
!
for the Karankawa Indians had preyed on them tooth and bone.
These soldiers built a royal road that connect the missions of Valero,
!
La Bahía and Los Adaes that they defend with all their might.
The Indians tried to fight and send away these Spanish men, but they failed
!
time and time and again.
Then the Spanish soldiers founded Tejas with all their rights, and began to
!
be known as Tejanos all the rest of their days and nights.
Many families began
!
to journey thru the Texas frontier only to have Tejanos alay their fears.
When the new families began to arrive at the Spanish villas, they were met by
!
Tejano soldiers that were ready to fight for the new arrivals rights.
And as the New Order began to develop,
!
Tejanos were the first to be part of all that was right.
As time went by, Tejanos began to harvest the new frontier that was filled with
!
horses and longhorn steers.
It soon became quite clear, large ranchos and haciendas
!
would be successful to all Tejanos without any fear.
And with a great delight, Tejanos soon began to enjoy the life of a ranchero and
!
the privileges of Villa life.
The towns and villas began to flourish with every year that passed,
!
and all Tejanos were proud to the very last.
Tejanos at last have become soldados, rancheros and men of business to
!
provide all that made Tejas right.
Their sons and daughters provided new families that reached new heights.
LOS BEXAREÑOS
PO BOX 1935
SAN ANTONIO TX 78297-1935
www.losbexarenos.org
Finally, the first Tejano families of Texas had begun to win the fight over the frontier,
!
and began to see their future in the coming days and nights.
This salute is made to all Tejanos that made the very first footsteps
!
in all those first days and nights.
Copyright 2014. Rudi R. Rodríguez. All Rights Reserved.
Los Bexareños Facebook Page
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
2
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
TEXAS LEGAL AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS OF THE 1800S
By Sam Sánchez, Sr.
For Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
B
eing located on the frontier, Texas remained outside México’s mainstream colonial orbit. Missionaries
had little success in penetrating the territory, and other settlers failed to populate the area. By 1880,
less than 10,000 people lived in the area.
! Texas boundaries under Spain followed the Gulf of México and Sabine River on the east, the Red River
on the north, the new Nueces (not the Río Grande) on the south with San Antonio on the west. The western
line was not clearly defined. There were six hundred desolate miles with no settlements except for a few
scattered Spaniards plus some Jumano Native Americans. They were at the confluence of the Río Grande
and the Conchos, separating what is now the San Antonio area from the oldest towns in present day Texas
near El Paso: Ysleta, Socorro, and San Elizario.
! With the Mexican central government in chaos and Texas threatened by French and United States
intruders, México faced a serious dilemma. How can it hold Texas when dissention ranged from within and
foreign occupation threatened from without? The obvious answer was to populate the province. But
Mexican colonists were reluctant settlers. So to increase the population, México encouraged settlement by
United States citizens.
! On January 1821, Moses Austin was granted permission to settle 300 families on 200,000 acres of Texas
Plains. Several conditions would have to be met before the settlers would be allowed to move in. Austin
had to testify for the good character and behavior of each resident. However, Moses Austin died before he
could populate the area with his people. His son, Stephen, took up his father’s challenge.
! The first contract was fulfilled in 1822. His people settled the Colorado and Brazos bottom lands. By the
1830s, the emigrants living in Texas numbered 30,000 to 40,000, ten times the number of Mexicans living
there. They called themselves Texans and began to ask for certain privileges.
! México became concerned with the number of United States immigrants coming into Texas and
immediately tried to stop the flow by making it illegal for U.S. citizens to cross the Red River into Texas.
Hayden Edwards, an impresario, made a business of smuggling illegal U.S. citizens into Texas for a fee.
Other U.S. citizens also continued to immigrate illegally into Texas.
! México had expelled the Spanish by 1821. In 1824, the new government incorporated Texas into
Coahuila, naming the province “Coahuila y Texas.” Those citizens doing business in courts had to ride
several hundred miles to Saltillo, Coahuila. Texans resented the imposition. Furthermore, México had a
constitution, but it did not have a Bill of Rights. There were no guarantees of freedom of speech, freedom of
assembly, or trial by jury. México had long required settlers to become Roman Catholics. The same held
true for learning Spanish. All this lead to dissent among the settlers.
! The next three years saw considerable skirmishing with the Texan rebels constantly emerging victorious.
In 1835, they beat General Martín Perfecto de Cos, Santa Anna’s brother-in-law, who had occupied San
Antonio de Béxar with a 500 man army. Cos surrendered to the Texans, and as a condition of parole,
promised never again to fight in Texas.
! Furious at such insurrection, Santa Anna stormed into Texas from México with 5,000 men. Along the
way, Santa Anna added to his army by pressing young ranchers into service, and even recruited soldiers
from the jails. On February 23, 1836, Santa Anna entered San Antonio. The rebel forces, carousing when
they should have been preparing for battle, hurriedly took refuse in the Álamo. On March 6, 1836, the
Álamo fell to the Mexican army following several days of siege. Santa Anna had specifically given orders
—Continue on page 4
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
3
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
To Los Bexareños,
SOCIETY
! In all, 185 defenders died at the Álamo during
the final battle. Santa Anna spared two of the
wounded survivors, one Hispanic and one black
slave. Those sympathetic to the rebellion reeled
from the events at the Álamo. Another event made
it even more difficult to remain neutral. As the
Mexican army searched for the remaining rebel
forces, Colonel Nicolás de la Portilla captured a
group of Texans and inquired how the prisoners
should be treated. Santa Anna instructed him to
execute all captured prisoners. Although he was
morally opposed to the order, Portilla had 365
Texans shot. This became known as the Goliad
Massacre (Execution) and furthered the push by
Texans for independence from México.
!
GREAT NEWS—Justice For Menchaca has been certified by
the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization, so if you contribute money to
Justice For Menchaca, it is tax deductible.
!
We must raise the money in order to pay for the corrections in
the street signs when we deposit our petitions with the City of Austin.
If you wish to contribute please mail your check to:
Justice for Menchaca
1104 Nueces
Austin, Texas 78704
— Judge Bob Perkins
Austin, TX
**********
To Los Bexareños,
!
Estela Longoria's mother passed away Saturday. Estela is a
member of the Río Grande Valley Hispanic Genealogical Society. We
convey our condolences to Estela and her family. Please remember
them in your prayers.
— Ofelia Olsson
Harlingen, TX
**********
! In the days that followed, the Texans strength
and the remaining forces moved against Santa Anna
and his troops. The Mexicans, in the mean time,
relaxed their guard to the extent that at San Jacinto,
on April 21, 1836, the Texan rebels destroyed Santa
Anna’s army in revenge for the events at the Álamo
and Goliad. Santa Anna disguised himself in a
recruit’s uniform and escaped, only to be captured
when his soldiers automatically saluted him.
Threatened with his execution, he capitulated to his
captors’ demands and signed an agreement with
Sam Houston, Commander of the Texas forces,
granting independence to Texas in exchange for his
freedom. It’s amazing what these Tejanos and
Texans accomplished when together they fulfilled
their demands! ✥
To Los Bexareños,
Families of Saltillo, Coahuila, México Volume Ten
http://home.earthlink.net/~crisrendon/scmv10.pdf
!
HISTORICAL
that no quarters was to be given to the rebellious
Texans. His order, and the subsequent death of all
Texans at the Álamo as well as heavy losses in the
Mexican army, made future relations between these
two factions almost impossible.
Letters
!
AND
Best Regards,
— Crispín Rendón
Riverside, CA
Copyright 2014. Sam Sánchez, Sr. All Rights Reserved.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Whether you observe the First Thanksgiving “harvest celebration” by the pilgrims at Plymouth, Massachusetts (New England) in 1621, OR the
First Thanksgiving Feast celebrated by the Juan de Oñate expedition near El Paso, Texas (Nuevo México, New Spain) on 30 April 1598, OR the
First Thanksgiving Feast celebrated by the Pedro Menéndez de Avilés colony at San Agustín, Florida (New Spain) on 08 September 1565, Los
Bexareños wishes you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
4
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
The Escobedo's
BY:
Sylvia Morales
For Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
ary Esther and Santiago Escobedo
have been LBGHS members in
good standing since at least 2005.
We met them on our trip to
Saltillo, Coahuila, México, and we have
been friends ever since. We have watched
how they have contributed their time and
their invaluable expertise to Los Bexareños.
Both, Mary Esther and Santiago have
volunteered on various LBGHS committees,
including but not limited to, the Book Sales
Committee, Bylaws Committee, 2011 Conference Committee, and Scholarship Committee. For many years they have donated
“tacos” as part of the Hospitality Committee treats at the monthly LBGHS meetings.
They have written numerous articles for the
LBGHS eMail Newsletter. Both have served
as President of Los Bexareños. Santiago has
found time to write LBGHS publications,
including, Comanche Massacre: The Council
House Fight 1840; The Confirmation Lists of
St. Anthony Church, Elmendorf, Texas, 19191931; Adelante, Siempre Adelante, La Historia
de los Hidalgos de George Brackenridge High
School, San Antonio Texas (1922-1956); and,
Bexareño Childhood, 1954-1956: The Red Scare,
Book Burning, and Davy Crockett to the Rescue. He also edited the Los Bexareños publication, The Estate Of Manuel Yturri de
Castillo (1842) And Subsequent Legal Records
Of His Descendants And Properties (to 1909).
M
! Mary Esther and Santiago have unselfishly dedicated their time, effort, money
and expertise to the endeavors of this
organization. They continue to be a force in
the growth of Los Bexareños. On behalf of
this Society, I thank them for all the work
they do for Los Bexareños Genealogical and
Historical Society.
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
Spain
2014
Watch this video by
Santiago Escobedo
(click to see video)
Scholarship
Committee
Saltillo
2005
! If each LBGHS member contributed just a little—one
article, one year on a committee, one publication on your
family research, one position on the Executive Board/
Board of Directors, one donation, one attendance at the
monthly meeting—like the Escobedo’s and members like
them, it will help make Los Bexareños Genealogical and
Historical Society a world-class genealogy society. ✥
5
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
History Is Changed Forever
COMMENTARY BY:
Dan Arellano
For Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
urrently the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum in Austin has an exhibit of the French ship La Belle
which sank in Matagorda Bay almost 300 hundred years ago. It is being promoted as the “Ship That
Changed History.” If you visit the exhibit keep in mind to ask how exactly was it that this failed
attempt to colonize Texas changed history forever.
! Texas History Professor from Victoria Texas, Dr. Robert Shook, says that Victoria Texas and the Bob
Bullock History Museum are so enamored with La Belle that they have completely ignored the three
hundred year history of Spanish Mexican influence in Texas. Dr. Shook explains it thus: stretching his arms
out says this is the three hundred years of Spanish Mexican influence in Texas, then with his index finger
and his thumb says this is the four years of French influence in Texas. If you visit the Coastal Bend Museum
you will see nothing of our history because it is all about the French. Even though Victoria is named after
the first president of México, Guadalupe Victoria, the community of Victoria chooses to ignore it.
! In 1685, Texas belonged to Spain in name only. Spain did not endeavor to colonize the area until the
French were attempting to encroach into Texas; then Spain became serious. In 1689, General Alonzo de León
and Fray Damián Massanet discovered the bodies of the doomed La Salle colony at Fort St Louis. Later it
would be discovered that La Salle had been murdered by his own men. The indigenous people in the area
tried to assist the colonists. The colonists soon became demanding, and they were left to their own fate.
! So how is it that this ship changed history forever?
! What it did was to encourage the Spanish to colonize Texas. The Spanish under the leadership of Sgt.
Major Diego Ramón and his son, Capitán Domingo Ramón founded the permanent settlements of Spanish
Texas. They found Missions, Villas, Ranchos and Presidios. That is how the French ship “La Belle” changed
history forever. ✥
C
Battle of Medina Reenactment
ANNOUNCMENT BY:
Dan Arellano
For Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
T
he Battle of Medina Historical Society and the Southside Independent School District presents the
Annual Battle of Medina Reenactment. The event will take place on the football field during the schools
annual “Cardinal Days Festival” on Saturday, November 15, 2014. The reenactment starts at 11:30 a.m.
Reenactors are asked to be on the field by 10:00 a.m. Anyone may participate (volunteers are welcome),
providing proper period attire is worn. Dress should be Native American, 1800 Tejano , early Texas pioneer or
period military. Please visit my facebook page for examples of proper attire.
! The Battle of Medina was the biggest battle ever fought on Texas soil. The battle took place on August
18,1813 and was part of the Mexican War of Independence when our Tejano ancestors under the leadership of
Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara proclaimed Texas Independence. The First Texas Republic has been officially
recognized by the 83rd Texas State Legislature in House Resolution 709. This year’s event promises to be
bigger and better. The Texas Army agreed to participate. This event is entertaining and educational, and is
presented as accurately and historically as possible.
! The school is located in Losoya Texas on the corner of Martinez/Losoya Road and Highway 281 South
(Roosevelt Road), approximately 20 miles south of San Antonio. The school itself sits on hollowed ground and
it was part of the battle field. ✥
For more information contact Dan Arellano at (512) 826-7569 or [email protected]
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
6
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
Los Bexareños Merchandise Order Form
Polo Shirts
Polo Shirt Color
Cost: $25
2XL-3XL - Extra $5
Color Name
Embroidery Color
Banana
Black
Court Green
Yellow
Red
Black
Maui Blue
Red
Stone
Black
White
Black
Royal
Yellow
Black
Yellow
4XL, 5XL - Extra $10
Size
(SM, MED, LG, XLG, 2XL,
3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
Quantity
Total Cost
Color
Quantity
Total
5-ounce, 65/35 poly/cotton pique
Knit collar and cuffs
Double-needle armholes and bottom hem
Metal buttons with dyed-to-match rims
Side vents
Hats
Cost: $18
Color
Quantity
Visors
Cost $18
Red
Khaki
Royal
Stone
Black
Total
Name:
Telephone:
Order Total:
Native American Performance
Red
Khaki
Royal
Stone
Black
Aqua
Dandelion
Total
The American Indians of Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions will celebrate
Native American Heritage month by recreating the dancing, story-telling and flute
music of their rich cultural heritage. Join us in paying tribute to the powerful traditions
of our local native peoples. Dress for the weather.
Saturday, 1 November 2014, 1:00-2:00PM
Central Library - Plaza Area
600 Soledad 78205
210-207-2500
Email:
Paid Date:
Make Checks payable to: Los Bexareños
Mail check and order form to: Cindy Farmer
16414 Crested Butte
San Antonio,
Texas
78247
Make checks
payable
to: Los
Bexareños
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mail check and order form to:
LOS BEXAREÑOS
PO BOX 1935
SAN ANTONIO TX 78297-1935
If you have questions, please contact Cindy at (210) 656-2085 or at
[email protected]
Also available in green, black, and navy blue.
These handy bags are available to
carry your genealogy books and
records.
Historic Cemetery Tour
$15.00
Print your Order Form
Here
ht t p:/ /www.l os b e xa re nos .org /
M erchandi seO rd e rFo r m. p df
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
7
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
SPANISH HERALDRY
BY:
Ramón Vásquez y Sánchez
For Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
amón Vásquez y Sánchez is a native of San
Antonio, Texas. He studied the science of
Spanish Heraldry under the auspices of Don
Fernando Muñoz Altea, Rey de Armas de la
Casa de Bourbon Dos Sicilias.
THE RESEARCH,
DOCUMENTATION,
AND SURNAME
COAT-OF-ARMS
R
PACKET
! Vásquez y Sánchez has been researching
the origins of Spanish surnames since 1973. As a
heraldry consultant, he has collected a large library of historical books, journals, and records that
relate to the origins of the Hispanic surname of
Spain. He has written for several periodicals and
lectured on the origins of the Hispanic Surname in
schools, colleges, Universities and historical, civic,
and genealogy organizations. Vásquez y Sánchez
was granted the Title of "Hidalgo de San Antonio de
Béjar" by the Bexar County Commissioner's Court in
1976. He co-designed, along with Tom Wilson, the
Coat of Arms presently used by the Bexar Commissioners Court in San Antonio, Texas. He has been
awarded various awards by the Bexar County Historical Commission for his contributions to the
History of San Antonio de Béjar. He was a Commissioner for the City of San Antonio under the Historical and Design Review Commission appointed by
the City Council. ! One must understand
that most Americans with Spanish surnames are not
from Spain. After the conquest of México, Central
America, South America, and North America, the
Spanish clergy gave Spanish surnames when New
World natives were converted to the Catholic faith
and made Spanish citizens. Only the surname is
from Spain.
! These surnames are researched and documented
from public and private sources such as Church
records, Spanish early Civil and Military archives, as
well as Dictionaries of Spanish Nobilities. A large
library has been developed; in addition, a network
of references has been created to provide the best
information available. All information is easy to
read in English or Spanish. The information guides
the reader from the origins in ancient Spanish kingdoms to the Americas. This is not a genealogy report
or search, but a history of a particular surname.
! He established "ORIGINS, A Family Heritage" as an avenue to preserve the cultural heritage of
the Spanish surname. From the Jewish, Moorish,
and Christian heritage to the early cultures such as
the Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, and Visigoths. These people created the different cultures and
language that made up the Iberian Peninsula, such
as the CASTILIANs, GALICIANs, the CATALANs, ARAGÓNs, ANDALUSIANs, the BASQUEs, and the CELTICs. From these people the Hispanic surnames are
derived. This is what "ORIGINS, A Family Heritage"
is about.
! Ramón Vásquez y Sánchez provides a packet
that includes the origins of the Surname, and an
8.5” x 11” watercolor rendering of the Coat of Arms.
The packet provides historical resources of the
meaning of the origins of the Coat of Arms in Spain,
the origins of the Spanish surname, and how it got
to the New World. It also includes a Bibliography
for those who want to further their research. Email
[email protected] for various quotes
on research packets.
! Enter the world of nobility, and take pride in the
surname of the family. The Spanish surname is the
family heritage.
—Continue on page 8
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
8
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
the marriage of the heirs to the throne of Castile,
Isabella of the House of Trastamar, with Ferdinand,
later heir to the throne of Aragón." They established
Spanish as the official language of Spain.
THE CREATION OF THE SPANISH
SURNAME IN THE LAND CALLED
SEPHARAD
! The second principal event was the Roman
Catholic Ecumenical Council in 1545 to 1563 known
as the Second Council of Trent. The result was that
the church was ordered to maintain complete records of births, marriages and deaths. In Spain, this
extended into private life and culture. Surnames
began to appear in Spain about the year 900 A.D. Spanish women were equally as important as the
men in a marriage; and therefore, the children bore
the names of both. These names are recognized, as
they are separated by the "y" or by a hyphen. In the beginning ..........
! One of the earliest people in the peninsula were
the Basque. About 1000 BC the Phoenicians,
Etruscans, and Celts came to this land as well. The
Celts call the land "Iber."
! During 1000 BC, the Jewish people also came to
the Iberian Peninsula and called it "Sepharad." Then
came the Carthaginians who called it "Spania" and
the Greeks who called it "Hesperia." Finally, the
Romans came and called it "Hispania." All these
cultures brought in their traditional names. ! The preposition "de," "de la," "del" and "de los"
! Up until 1100 A.D. most people in Europe had imply that the name following is a place or estate
only one name. As the population increased it name, often a town or a village. It also shows
became awkward to live in a village or town where possession as "the wife or widow of."
one-third of the males were Juan, another sizable
For more information or estimates contact
percentage named Ramón and so forth.
[email protected]
! To distinguish one Ramon from another, a second
This is not a genealogy report. You can look on line
name was needed. This was the beginning of the
and find many sites that will provide this service
surname or "apellido" in Spanish. There were four
but they are very limited in scope. Ramón Vásquez
primary sources for these names. They were a man's
y Sánchez has been doing this for close to thirty
occupation, his location, his father's name or a chayears. ✥
racteristic of the person. Occupation: ! Sastre
(Tailor)
Tejeda,
Tejador,
!
(weaver) Mayordomo (Stewart)
Copyright 2014. Ramón Vásquez y Sánchez. All Rights Reserved.
Patronymic (son of): !These are relatively easy to
!
! ! distinguish from other names. They
!
! ! always end in "az," "ez," "iz," "oz," or
!
! ! "uz"
National Archives
Virtual Genealogy Fair
October 28, 29 & 30, 2014
Characteristic: Barbera (bearded), Delgado (the thin
!
! ! one)
Location: ! !
!
! !
!
! !
Please join the National Archives for the 2014
Virtual Genealogy Fair on October 28, 29, & 30,
starting daily at 10 a.m. eastern time. This will be
a live broadcast via the Internet so you can ask
our genealogy experts questions at the end of
their talks. The entire event is free and open to
all, so there is no registration.
Gonzalo del Río (who lives by the
River) Martín de la Fuente (who lives
by the fountain)
! In his book, The Romance of the Spanish Surnames,
Charles R. Maduell Jr. writes "During the late 15th
century and early 16th century several events
occurred which greatly influenced the establishments and distribution of Spanish surnames. The
first of these events occurred October 19, 1469 with
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
Virtual Genealogy Fair
(click to see fair)
9
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
O
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
n September 5, 2015, the Texas Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution had a
“Dedication of Additional Names for the TXDAR Patriot Monument”
at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, Texas. Present at the ceremony was the National President
General, Lynn Young. Honoring these Patriots and our ancestors validates their contributions to our noble
Tejano History that has existed since early Spanish Colonial times. These brave individuals forged a new
life amid struggles, conflicts, illnesses, and countless other adversities which also included paying the
ultimate sacrifice.
! Our Tejano History is being recognized more and more each year, and that is evident with the inclusion
of these Patriot names: Manuel Delgado, Leonor Delgado Flores, Carlos Martínez, and Antonio Gil y
Barbo.
! Their descendants are present now at this dedication 300 years later as proof of their place in history and
some are now members of THE SOCIETY OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION and
THE SOCIETY OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
! If we continue to honor the memory of our ancestors of early Tejano History, and their contributions,
along with the countless advances made by their descendants, ….. they will never die!!
!
Adelante con Tejano History!
✥
Jesse O. Villarreal, Sr.
Santos S. Villarreal, Teresa Rodríguez, Janie Mora,
Jesse O. Villarreal, Sr.
Janie Mora, President General Lynn Young
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
10
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
Websites That Tell
Our Stories
! There is more to genealogy than just
gathering names of ancestors. It is important to do the basics, like pedigree
charts, names, dates, places, family work
sheets, etc. But, let us not forget that
there are stories that go with these
names. There are histories in the places
and times they lived. Photographs and
stories bring our ancestors to life. Here
we intend to transport you to websites
that tell our stories. ✥
Álamo’s Tejano Heroes Gain Recognition
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Please join/renew your membership to
Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
Be part of an ever growing family who loves to do ancestral
research. Meet people who share the same interest and love of
genealogy, and people who may be doing research on your
particular family lineages.
PLEASE SEND YOUR
2014 MEMBERSHIP DUES
Bexar Archives Online
Bexar County Historical Commission
Béxar Genealogy
Children of the Revolución
Hispanic Heritage Center of Texas
National Hispanic Heritage Month
To become an LBGHS member, fill out the 2014 Membership
Application Form and mail it to the address on the form. Better
yet, bring the form with you when you attend our next meeting.
2014 Membership Form
Click Here And Join Us
PBS Documentary: “Latino-Americans”
Somos Primos
GLORIA VILLA CADENA
Tejano Monument
GENEALOGICAL and HISTORICAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Texas Highways
Texas Tejano
We Are Cousins
Tell Us Your Stories
!
Do you have a special, interesting, historical, or just a funny story
about your relatives that you would
like to share? “Un chiste” that you
would like to contribute? Email your
ancestral stories, and we will try to
print them in this newsletter on a firstcome-first-serve basis. ✥
! You are invited and encouraged to make a donation to the
Gloria Cadena Genealogical and Historical Scholarship Fund.
Los Bexareños will award scholarships to students who are or
will be attending an accredited college/university. They will
be chosen based on their ability to produce a four generation
pedigree chart which is accompanied with an essay of their
ancestors.
! Los Bexareños endeavors to involve young people in
genealogy. LBGHS wishes to encourage students to embrace
their culture and their heritage. The sacrifices their parents,
grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. must not be forgotten.
The younger generations are encouraged to retell the stories
about their ancestors handed down throughout the ages. ✥
! Please make your donation to the LBGHS Scholarship
Fund and mail your check to:
LOS BEXARENOS
PO BOX 1935
SAN ANTONIO TX 78297-1935
[email protected]
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
11
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
GLORIA VILLA CADENA
GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
GLORIA VILLA CADENA GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SCHOLARSHIP
FUND was conceived as an idea to involve the relatives of Los Bexareños.
This is an important tool to get our children and grandchildren, nephews
and nieces to participate in genealogy research.
T
HE
! THE GVCGH SCHOLARSHIP FUND is available to college students who are
attending (or will attend) an accredited college or university in Bexar County in
the 2015-2016 school year.
! THE REQUIREMENTS ARE RELATIVELY SIMPLE. An LBGHS member OR any
relative of an LBGHS member in good standing OR any student in Bexar County
who is attending an accredited college or university (including students
graduating high school in May 2015 and will be attending an accredited college or
university) may apply for a GVCGH SCHOLARSHIP. They are required to fill out a
four generation pedigree chart and write a 750 word essay on one or more of their
ancestors. The emphasis is on, but not limited to, Hispanic lineages. Their entries
will be judged on how much of the pedigree chart they were able to complete and
the content of their essay.
! THERE WILL BE TWO 2015 WINNERS. Each year two winners will be selected.
One female student and one male student. They will each win a $500.00 scholarship, which will be submitted directly to the college or university they are
attending.
! THIS IS AN INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM. Los Bexareños Genealogical and
Historical Society has members in eleven states and in México and England. If
you are a relative of an LBGHS member, and you are a student attending an
accredited college or university anywhere in the world, you may apply. ✥
The LBGHS Scholarship
Committee
Carmen Iruegas, Mary Esther
Escobedo (Chair), and Sylvia
Morales partner with Café
College - City of San Antonio to
advise students of the Gloria
Villa Cadena Scholarship Fund.
Wings
Roots
There are two gifts we should give our children: One is roots, and the other is wings.
—Reverend Henry Ward Beecher
! Blas Herrera, the Paul Revere of The
Texas Revolution and the Álamo, often
acted as scout for the Texas Army and brought early word of Santa Anna's advance
to San Antonio. He also escorted José Antonio Navarro and José Francisco Ruiz to
Washington-on-the-Brazos where they signed the Texas Declaration of Independence.
General Sam Houston used Blas as a scout
and intelligence agent because of his detailed knowledge of the countryside. Blas
fought in the battle of San Jacinto. He was a
Texas Ranger later for The Republic of Texas Blas María Herrera
under Captain Gonzales' Mounted Volun- A Real Texas Hero
(1802-1878)
teers (September 08 - November 21, 1839). LBGHS eMail Newsletter
12
He continued to serve his country until his
death on July 09. 1878.
! The Former Texas Rangers Association
will present a “Memorial Cross Dedication”
for Blas Herrera on Sunday, November 02,
2014 at 11:00 a.m at the Ruiz Herrera Cemetery in Von Ormy, Texas. Join us on this
special day. There will be an Artillery and
Musket Salute, Texan Reenactors, a special
guest, and a full program presentation. Any
Texas Reenactors are welcome to join us for
the presentation arrive an hour early.
! For any questions, call José López (210)
584-9232. Thank you. Hope to see you there.
—José López
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
The LBGHS Resource Center & Library
LBGHS
The following list of resources
is an ongoing project.
Be sure to keep checking as the list will be
updated as additional indexing is completed.
Genealogists
Extraordinaire
! Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society is
fortunate to have Dennis Moreno and Yolanda Patiño as
members and dedicated volunteers. They are always ready
to help anyone with their family research. People are often
referred to them—whether they need help in starting their
genealogy, or they've come to that preverbal "brick wall." Sometimes the load becomes heavy with all the requests
for assistance, especially now that Los Bexareños is getting
more exposure. Los Bexareños is well known throughout
Texas, as well as outside the United States. An individual
from Florida was recently referred to Los Bexareños by
Ancestry.com. Apparently, they had exhausted all their
resources. That person is now a member of Los Bexareños. ! There are many experienced members in the Society.
Los Bexareños needs others who are willing to step-up-tothe-plate. Please share your expertise, your knowledge,
and your time to help Dennis and Yolanda with the heavy
load. Contact Dennis Moreno or Yolanda Patiño if you
think you can help out. Maybe you have access to a good
resource, or you're knowledgeable of a particular region, or
you personally posses information that would be helpful to
others. Whatever your area of expertise may be, just share
that with Dennis and Yolanda so that they have more
resources and manpower at their disposal.
! Dennis and Yolanda are at the Resource Center every
Saturday, except for the first Saturday of the month. They
are a very valuable asset to our organization. Thank you
Dennis and Yolanda for all that you do for Los Bexareños! ✥
INDEX TO THE LBGHS LIBRARY
Books and Resources Journals Family Genealogy Facts and Events (as of Feb 2013)
(as of Feb 2013)
(as of Feb 2013)
(as of Feb 2013)
INDEX TO THE LBGHS REGISTERS
Introduction to the Index
Index of Articles sorted by Title
Index of Articles sorted by State and Location
Index of Wills, Estates and Death Records sorted by Surname
The Library is located on the campus of Holy
Rosary Parish. The Church is located at 159
Camino Santa María, just north of Culebra
Road. Park in the noted parking lot and walk
through the gate to the courtyard and turn to
the right passing the first building. ✥
Click to see a
Larger Map
LBGHS
Dennis Moreno
Resource Center
&
Library
Parking
Camino San
ta María
(210) 647-5607
[email protected]
Library
Yolanda Patiño
Culebra Ro
ad
(210) 434-3530
[email protected]
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
13
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
RESEARCHING MY ANCESTORS
ROY AND LAURIE BENAVIDES
Alto, NM
BEATRICE HOUSTON
Houston, TX
We am currently researching the following surnames:
I am currently researching:
Benavides
(Texas; México)
Gabriel Cuevas Navarro
María Montes de Oca Gutiérrez
Graf
(San Antonio and Victoria, Texas; New Orleans, Louisianna)
These are my maternal grandparents. I am also researching my
husband’s family ancestry, the Houston Family, back to Tennessee.
Predd
(Kansa, Texas)
✥✥✥✥✥✥✥
Winn
(Texas)
ELVIRA LEAL
San Antonio, TX
I am currently researching:
✥✥✥✥✥✥✥
Cayetano / Calletano Garza
ESTELLA CALVILLO
San Antonio, TX
(Burgos, Tamaulipas, México; San Diego, Texas)
I am currently researching:
✥✥✥✥✥✥✥
Juan Ximénez
Damacio Ximénez
I wish to know my family’s connection to the Canary Islanders.
MICHELLE HINOJOSA MELENCIO
Columbia, MD
I am currently researching the following surnames:
✥✥✥✥✥✥✥
Chairez
MARY GASON
Lewisville, TX
Crisantes
I am currently researching:
Norberto Sierra (1800s)
(Eagle Pass and San Antonio, Texas)
Hinojosa
Villegas
I am interested in the Civil War and the participation of Tejano/
Mexican soldiers on the Union side.
James Carter
(Eagle Pass, Texas)
✥✥✥✥✥✥✥
I wish to know my family’s connection to the Canary Islanders.
✥✥✥✥✥✥✥
EDWARD GONZALES
Austin, TX
I am currently researching the following surnames:
Delgado
(Bexar County, Texas)
Gonzales / González
(Bexar County and Wilson County, Texas)
ALBERT MENDOZA
Pflugerville, TX
I am currently researching the following surnames:
Guadalupe Ruiz (1797-????)
Erastus Smith (1787-1837)
Erastus “El Sordo” Smith was born on 19 April 1787 in Dutchess
County, New York and died on 30 November 1837 in Richmond,
Texas. He married a Tejana, Guadalupe Ruiz, in 1812 in (place
unknown). Guadalupe was born on 12 December 1797 in (place
unknown) and died on (date unknown) in (place unknown).
Valdez
(Bexar County, Texas)
EDITOR’S NOTE:
Please assist our newest
members. If you are researching the same families,
surnames, regions, or events in history, please get
together with our newest LBGHS members. Email
your responses to [email protected]. We will
forward your response to them.
Vidal
(Bexar County, Texas)
I am interested in the history of the Sephardic Jews in Texas.
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
14
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
November 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
NOV
2
1 hour Back
1 LBGHS Meeting
Daylight Savings Time
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Cemetery Tour
Native American
Nov 2, 2014, 2:00 AM
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
LBGHS
Resource Center
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Blas Herrera
Cross Dedication
11:00 a.m.
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Veterans
Day
16
17
18
LBGHS
Resource Center
Battle of Medina
Reenactment
10:00 a.m.
19
20
21
22
LBGHS
Resource Center
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
23
24
25
26
27
Happy
28
29
LBGHS
Resource Center
D
SE
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
O
CL
Thanksgiving
30
31
Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias
Important Dates to Remember
November 1" Los Bexareños membership meeting - San Antonio, Texas
November 1" Historical Eastside Cemetery No. 1 Tour (Public Library) - San Antonio, Texas
November 1" Native American Performance (Public Library) - San Antonio, Texas
November 2" Daylight Savings Time (Fall back)
November 2" Blas Herrera Memorial Cross Dedication - San Antonio, Texas
November 11" Veterans Day - Thank a Veteran
November 15" Battle of Medina Reenactment - San Antonio, Texas
November 27 "Los Bexareños wishes you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving
November 29 "LBGHS Resource Center & Library WILL BE CLOSED - San Antonio, TX
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
15
Volume 3 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
From Around The State
Austin :!!
!
News from Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin
Corpus Christi :! !
News from Spanish American Genealogical Association (SAGA)
Dallas :! !
!
News from HOGAR de Dallas
Edinburg :!
!
News from Las Porciones Society
Harlingen :!
!
News from Río Grande Valley Hispanic Genealogical Society
Houston :!
!
News from Hispanic Genealogy Society of Houston
Laredo :! !
!
News from Villa de San Agustín - Laredo Genealogy Society
San Elizario :!
!
News from San Elizario Genealogy and Historical Society
Victoria :!
!
News from Victoria Hispanic Genealogical and Historical Society of Texas
Message from the Editor
ave you done your DNA testing with AncestryDNA or
with 23andMe? You can transfer your raw data to the
Family Finder database with Family Tree DNA for FREE.
Visit www.familytreedna.com/AutosomalTransfer.
It's free if you can recruit four family members or friends to transfer their results using a link that Family Tree DNA will provide (or
you can pay $39.00). If you are new to FamilyTreeDNA, you must
enter your name and email address to get started. Upload the raw
data file from AncestryDNA or 23andMe from your computer. Instructions on how to download will be available. The process may
take about an hour, and you will be notified by email.
! FamilyTreeDNA has the largest genetic genealogy database. You
will get your "top 20 matches" after you transfer your file. If you've
been wanting to find out more about who you match with, this is
your opportunity.
H
✥✥✥✥✥✥✥✥✥✥✥✥✥
embers interested in being nominated for the offices of
Treasurer, Vice President or President of Los Bexareños,
please contact me, Sylvia Morales at [email protected] or
(210) 291-7702. Nominations will take place at the November membership meeting. Elections will take place at the December
membership meeting.
—Sylvia Morales
M
PLEASE
TELL US YOUR STORY
Write down your family stories just as
you would tell them to your family and
friends. Send them to the email address
below. We have volunteers who will make
suggestions and assist you with the writing
style, spelling and grammar. We will send
it back to you for your approval. We will
print your story after you approve the final
version of the article. You will have full
control of your article, and you will have a
published family story that can be shared
with your descendants. ✥
!
Please send your comments and
suggested articles to the editor (preferably
before the 15th of the month).
Sylvia Morales
3543 Byron St
San Antonio, TX 78247-3193
(210) 494-7932 or (210) 291-7702
[email protected]
(preferred method of communication)
THE FACE OF THE LBGHS FACEBOOK PAGE
!
The administrator for the LBGHS Facebook page is Anthony Delgado. I want to
recognize and thank Anthony for the great job he is doing! Anthony can be reached at
[email protected]. He welcomes comments, old ancestral photos, family stories,
Get the latest version of a Free Adobe Reader
Needed to read this Newsletter in PDF
as well as critiques and suggestions to enhance our LBGHS Facebook page.
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
16
Volume 3 - Issue 11