The Salado Flats and Tucson Mountains

Transcription

1 The Salado Flats and Tucson Mountains of Lincoln County, a Story Louie Lalonde and Benino Gallegos From a Collection by Rich Eastwood

2 This is dedicated to All of our parents and their cousins Who brought Lincoln County To life for us This story is a part of Any comments may be addressed to the editor richeastwood@hotmail.com Have fun, Rich 2

3 Table of Contents Salado-Tucson, a Story of Lincoln County... 6 Introduction to the area Census of Salado Flats... 8 The Salado-Tucson-Capitan Area Salado and Capitan Tucson Mountains Nogal and White Oaks The Story, the Families First Families Families 1880 Salado Flats Census A Story of the Tucsons Census Notes An Interview with Abran Miller From 1880 until 1920 a Chronology Fannie s Story Family Work Sheets Aguayo, Alex and Eufe Baca Aguayo, José and Francisca Hill Archuleta, Tomas and Manuelita Padilla Artiaga, Juan and Sabina Estrada Artiaga, Manuel and Eloisa Miller Artiaga, Victoriano and Lola Padilla Baca, Silvestre and Eulogia Galindre, María Padilla Carrillo, Doroteo and Felicita Chavez Carrillo, Jose and Nicanora Marquez Carrillo, Julian and Isabel Herrera, Barbara Herrera -Ante Chavez, Antonio and Juanita Carrillo Chavez, Cristobal and Maria Torres Chavez, Iginio and Domitila Garcia Chavez, Jose and Margarita Padilla, Lola Sandoval Chávez, Tomas and Florencia Trujillo Corbet, Sam and Teresa Padilla, Josefa Baca Flores, Jesus and Natividad Peralta Flores, Jose de Gracia and Lorenza Herrera Freeman, Boston and Leonora Sandoval Gallegos, Benino and Estefana Pino Garcia, Jose and Tomasa Romero, Trindad Chavez Gonzales, Felix and Catalina Peralta Guebara, Alvino and Nobora Sueras, Nellie Gallegos Guevara, Felis and Carmelita Torres Guevara, Francisco and Jesusita Leal Guevara, Lorenzo and Maximiliana Bilderas, Elena Gonzales Guevara, Maximiliano and Felicita Montoya Guevara, Placidio and Maria, Tecla and Liberada Guevara, Ygnacio and AnaMaria Torres

4 Gutierrez, Jesus Maria and Prudencia Baca Herrera, Francisco and Francisca Ortega -Ante Herrera, Gregorio and Geralda Garcia -Ante Herrera, Jose and Antonia Padilla Herrera, Ologio and Anastacia Sedillo Lacey, Doc and Fannie Lalone Lalonde, Louis and Elvira Uderos Lalonde, Tioflio and Lada Padilla Lalone, Fred and Margarite Vega Leal, Julian and Carrie Lalone Lopez, Pedro and Eliza Miller Lueras, Aniseto and Librada Herrera Mack, John and Francisca Padilla McKinley, David and Francisca Padilla McKinley, Emiliano and Maria Padilla McKinley, Ysidro and Apolonia Herrera Miller, Abran and Juanita Romero Miller, Julián Jr. and Felipa Guerra Miller, William and Manuelita Herrera Olguin, Gabriel and Manuela Flores Ortiz, Refugia-Leal, Baca, Udreos Otero, Antonio and Gertrudis Herrera -Ante Padilla, Adan and Teodora Garcia Padilla, Clemente and Elvira Miller Padilla, Jesus Maria Jr. and Esiquia Sandoval, Luisa Montoya Padilla, Jesus Maria and Sostena Carrillo Padilla, Jose Encarnacion and Julianita Lucero, Polonia Herrera Padilla, Jose Leon and Nestora Zamora Padilla, Senobio and Saturnia Torres Padilla, Severo and Josefa Sanchez Padilla, Vicente and Bersabe Gonzales -Ante Padilla, Ysidro and Catalina Giron Peralta, Filomeno and Casimira Torres Peralta, Isabel and Ramona Padilla Peralta, Juan and Nicanora Gallegos -Ante Peralta, Monico and Ramona Perea Peralta, Nicolas and Leonore Sandoval Phillipowski, Lyon and Teresa Padilla Pino, Abel and Felicitas Gonzales, Clara Padilla Pino, Gregorio and Reymunda Silva Pino, Pablo and Iginia Cordova, Maria Chavez Pino, Perciliano and Isidora Chavez, Donancia Chavez Romero, Jose and Barbara McViegh Salas, Lorenza and Torres, Padilla, Gonzales -Ante Salazar, Frank and Jesusita Leal Sanchez, Crecencio and Maria Sanchez, Guadalupe Trujillo

5 Sanchez, Francisco and Concepcion Trujillo, Virginia Padilla Sanchez, Joe and Addie LaLone Sandoval y Sena, Jesus and Maria Torres Sandoval, Benino and Josefa Lopez Sandoval, Candelario and Benigna Bueno Sena, George and Teresa Carrillo Serna, Julian and Juliana Padilla Silva, Enrique and Rebeca Artiaga Silva, Juan Andres and Petra Ballejos Silva, Margarito and Anna María Pino Stutz, Henry and Savina Estrada Swan (Miller), Robert and Mary Stutz Swan, Joseph and Manuelita Carrillo Telles, Pablo and Rosa Sandoval Tinnon, Dave and Beckie Lalone Torres, Antonio and Juana Herrera Torres, Casimira and Serna, Marquez and Perea -Ante Torres, Jose and Lorenza Herrera Ante Torres, Jose and Fresquez, Garcia, Telles Torres, Jose and Trinidad Chaves Torres, Jose and Virgina Carrillo Torres, Ygancio and Manuela Lucero Vega, Antonio and Lucila Aguayo Vega, Jose Maria and Esiquia Torres, Josefa Sandoval Zamora, Juan de Jesus and Marcelina Serna Zamora, Ysidro and Bonifacia Padilla Appendix- A Little History of Lincoln County

6 Salado-Tucson, a Story of Lincoln County Introduction to the area When you go to Capitan, to the east end of town; stand by the roadway and look north, in the distance you will see a low spot in the hills in front of you. There, County Road 246 comes down through the Capitan Gap toward town. Right in front of you a stream makes its way down from the hills to your left, the Tucson Mountains, and flows off to your right disappearing to where it joins the Rio Bonito; this is Salado Creek. Behind you, just on the other side of town a stream comes down from the Nogal area to the west, Magado Creek, and joins Salado Creek down the road from you, just to your right. From before the 1870s and into the 1880s, before the advent of Capitan, this area was known as the Salado Flats. Into this area a few pioneering families made their way during, and right after, the Civil War, farmed, ranched and made a home for themselves. This story will hopefully shed some light on them. At the founding of Fort Stanton in 1855, Major Carlton of the U.S. Army had blazed a wagon road down from Manzano, on the east side of the Manzano Mountains, past the Jicarilla Mountains to Patos Lake and up and over the Capitan Gap through the Salado Flats, down to the Bonito and up to the site of the Fort. This became the northern roadway that drew settlers to the Rio Bonito area. The only other roadway at the time, and developed simultaneously, was the roadway southward from the Fort; down through Mescalero country, through Tularosa, across the desert and over the mountains to Mesilla on the lower Rio Grande. The area that was to become Lincoln County, centered on a village on the Rio Bonito a few miles to the east of the Salado Flats called la placita later named Lincoln. At the time of the 1860 Census there were about 275 people (not counting the Military) in the whole area, from the upper Rio Hondo to the Rio Bonito and up to Fort Stanton on the upper Bonito. La placita was the center of activity; and growing of corn in the la placita valley was the main occupation. The fertility of the area and the security of the soldiers gave the settlers of the valley a sense of well being and the advent of the Civil War changed everything for our intrepid settlers, the U.S. Army pulled out of Fort Stanton, it was occupied briefly by a Company of Confederate soldiers then shortly, they left. The settlers left as well; with nobody to sell corn to and no army for protection from the Indians, it was every family for themselves. The folks with ties to the Mesilla Area or with Confederate sympathies retreated southward and the rest left to the north, to or through Manzano. The fields, farms and casas lay unattended, abandoned. The U.S. Army returned in 1864 and everything started all over again. Since nobody had title to the land in those days the abandon places were up for grabs to the next wave of settlers. It should be noted that very few of the original settlers chose to return as evidenced by comparing the 1860 and 1870 Census. Only two Anglos and just a handful of Hispanos are found in both. One of those Anglos was William Miller, a Canadian and a blacksmith and his 6

7 wife Manuela Herrera, a native of Manzano. In 1870 William and Manuela were found at Fort Stanton where he was a blacksmith. In the Salado Flats, in the 1870 Census, the only family of prominence was the one of José Encarnación Padilla and his wife Polonia Herrera. José had been one of the more successful farmers in the Manzano area; Polonia (his second wife) was the daughter of Francisco Herrera and Francisca Otero whose daughters were destined to head many of the key households of Lincoln County. In Manzano José most likely raised sheep although in Salado he had a dairy, it has been stated by some, that he sold cheese and butter to the Fort. José no doubt had his quirks, for in Rafael Chacón s memoirs Legacy of Honor a story was recorded that José came to the Fort and coming into Chacón s office and raised a rifle to shoot him but was prevented by a soldier passing by who knocked down José with the butt of a gun and thus saved Chacón s life. After a few days the Army released José to his family, they stated that occasionally José would go berserk and had to be restrained and that the family would look after him more carefully in the future. The Salado was at the upper end of the Rio Bonito system; at the other end, on the lower Hondo, a major settlement had sprung up in the late 1860s, Missouri Plaza. The community owed its existence to the fact that a new wagon road had begun to be used to connect Fort Sumner on the upper Pecos River with Fort Stanton to facilitate supplying both. As circumstances developed Missouri Plaza was unsustainable and the folks there mostly moved up into the upper Hondo, Ruidoso and Bonito rivers to join family or friends at various places around Lincoln County. Some of those displaced families came to the Salado Flats. The 1870s were a tough time in Lincoln County, the House of Murphy was putting the squeeze on the regular people through high prices and unfair lending practices; all the things a good Hollywood Western has going for it. This culminated with the Lincoln County War and appearance of Billy the Kid. For the most part folks were pretty much neutral as the war shifted back and forth across the landscape. By 1881, with the death of Billy, or Bilito as his Hispano admirers called him, the war was over and Lincoln County could carry on with growing. By 1885 a couple of things had a further impact: the Indian depredations had been stopped and gold had been discovered in White Oaks, just north and west of the Salado. 7

8 1880 Census of Salado Flats 24 Swan, Joseph m 38 Matchmaker Miss 24 Miller, Manuela f 35 NM 24 Miller, Abran m 18 Son Herding NM 24 Miller, William m 17 Son NM 24 Miller, Robert m 16 Son NM 25 Artiaga, Manuel m 23 Laborer NM 25 Artiaga, Eliza f 14 Wife Keeping House NM 26 McKinley, David m 35 Dairy Mass. 26 McKinley, Francisca f 25 Wife Keeping House NM 26 McKinley, Manuel? m 9 Son NM 26 McKinley, Ysidro m 7 Son NM 27 Herrera, Polonia(Padilla) f 50 NM 27 Padilla, Adan m 15 Son Herding NM 28 Chaves, Jose m 34 Laborer NM 28 Chaves, Manuela f 30 Wife Keeping House NM 28 Chaves, Donacina f 11 Daughter NM 28 Chaves, Virginia f 7 Daughter NM 28 Chaves, Josefa f 3 Daughter NM 28 Chaves, Saturnino n 5mo Son NM 29 Flores, Gracia m 40 Laborer NM 29 Flores, Lorenza f 35 Wife Keeping House NM 29 Flores, Alberto m 15 Son NM 29 Flores, Francisco m 13 Son NM 29 Flores, Tomas m 11 Son NM 29 Flores, Manuela f 6 Daughter NM 30 Maldonado, Eugenio m 25 Laborer NM 30 Maldonado, Petra f 20 Wife Keeping House NM 31 Garcia, Jose m 36 Laborer NM 31 Garcia, Tomacita f 28 Wife Keeping House NM 31 Garcia, Francisco m 13 Son NM 31 Garcia, Nicolacita f 9 Daughter NM 31 Garcia, Domatilia f 7 Daughter NM 32 Para Perea?, Jose m 27 Herding NM 32 Para Perea?, Maria f 16 Wife Keeping House NM 33 Para Perea?, Bersaval? f 30 NM 33 Para Perea?, Jose m 1mo Son NM 34 Para Perea?, Oliphio? m 26 Laborer NM 34 Para Perea?, Nastacia f 25 Wife Keeping House NM 34 Para Perea?, Manela f 4 Daughter NM 34 Para Perea?, Soilla? f 2 Daughter NM 35 Padilla, Senobio m 38 Farmer NM 35 Padilla, Saturnia f 35 Wife Keeping House NM 35 Padilla, Celestino m 11 Son NM 35 Padilla, Erenaio? m 7 Son NM 35 Padilla, Savaro? m 5 Son NM 35 Padilla, Bonifacia f 2 Daughter NM 36 Lalonde, Tioflio m 42 Farmer Canada 8

9 36 Lalonde, Estanislada f 33 Wife Keeping House NM 36 Lalonde, Louis m 11 Son NM 36 Lalonde, Rebeca f 9 Daughter NM 36 Lalonde, Epifina f 4 Daughter NM 36 Lalonde, Fred m 2 Son NM 36 Lalonde, Antonio m 1mo Son NM 36 Bacon, Richard m 40 Boarder Carpenter Canada 37 Chaves, Tomas m 30 Laborer NM 37 Chaves, Florencia f 20 Wife Keeping House NM The names in italics have been corrected from the actual Census 9

10 The Salado-Tucson-Capitan Area Salado and Capitan This little excerpt is taken from Ruth Birdsong s book Tracks North The Capitan Mountains are one of the few mountain ranges in the United States that runs East and West. In 1884 Seaborn Gray homesteaded on Salado Flats and put up a small store. A Post Office was established in 1894 and he was appointed Postmaster, naming it Gray for himself. In January 1899 the El Paso & Northeastern Railway built a branch line into Gray and changed the name to Capitan. The town incorporated in The railroad reached there on September 29, Coal miners came from Pennsylvania (beginning in 1897); they were imported to work the Salado Coal Fields. The first carload of coal was shipped from there September 30, 10

11 1899. At first the fields gave every promise of being practically inexhaustible; but soon afterwards, as operations progressed and the pits dug deeper, the coal veins were found to be badly broken by underground faults and dikes. The veins narrowed between solid rock walls so that extraction of the coal became more and more difficult and expensive Due to the veins pinching out mining at the Salado Coal Fields had to be abandoned. With this main source of rail traffic eliminated, the budding enterprise was finished. By May 1, 1901, there was no more use in pretending that the stoppage of work in the Salado mines was of a temporary nature. The coal field was abandoned and the machinery was pulled out of the mines The little railroad line from Carrizozo to Capitan was never-the-less used for about 30 years. By the 1930s it was down to two trains a week, Mondays and Fridays, finally to one per week. In 1943 the railroad was finally given permission to abandon the line Much to the chagrin of the local railroad men. Tucson Mountains West and north of Capitan, as we have already seen, the hills in front and the peak to the northwest are called the Tucson Mountains. They are an integral part of our story. When José Padilla took up residence in Salado Flats there was no title to the property, whether he filled a claim on the property later is unknown. As the area started to fill up and families expanded; the old Spanish ways of just squatting on the land a thereby getting title were supplanted by the American system of homesteading untitled land or purchasing from the owner. In the mid 1880s quite a few Anglos came to the area and who owned what became more of an issue. In her book My Girlhood Among Outlaws Lily Klasner tells of her mother s troubles after her father was killed; the time frame roughly parallels ours. Ownership was not always clear and had to be settled in Court and sometimes the weak or unprepared just lost out. When the Flats were sold to bigger interests or otherwise occupied; our families tended to move up-country, in this case to the Tucson Hills. It might be added that many communities in Lincoln County followed the same pattern in this era. The easiest eyewitness to follow is the Catholic Priest. Over time, many of our families had Baptisms at their ranches; the various records show: Sierra de Capitan, Ranchos de la Sierrita, Sierrita or Tucson, all representing the same area. At least one or two ranches built chaples, later after Capitan was established a chapel was no doubt established there and the newborns could be brought to the Priest instead of him coming to the ranches. Of course as families grew and economics changed, many of our groups moved into other areas of Lincoln County to take advantage of opportunities there; notably White Oaks. 11

12 Nogal and White Oaks The Nogal Mining District was already established in 1880 and continued to flourish for the next 30 years or so, it included the up-country areas of Angus and Bonito City. On the lower slopes of Nogal Canyonand along the foothills to the north, ranching was big; two of the more significant of our families, José María Vega and Jesús Sandoval y Seña had ranches there. White Oaks and its mines became one of the most prominent towns of the Territory in the 1880s and 1890s with the associated needs for mining labor, fresh vegetables, meat and hay. This lured many of our folks. To the north and east of White Oaks lay the ranching areas of Patos Lake, Texas Park and Reventon; more parts to the story. Finally in this extended view we come to Carrizozo which in the years following its founding around 1900 became the economic center of the county and in 1918 it was the site of a new County Courthouse and seat of government. While we don t know every exact location of each family we can get an idea of their locales by following their weddings, baptisms and death places. 12

13 The Story, the Families This section will hopefully bring our families together, at least until the era around 1910ish. As a preview we will start with the folks from Manzano that first came to Lincoln County beginning in 1864 and build our first families from there. Then we will try and figure out the 1880 Salado crowd and their expansion and inclusion of other families. Along the way there will be notes or links to the reference section of our story; [FWS] family work sheets, I have also included A little history of Lincoln County which I ve compiled from Nuestras Madres, ed. First Families Studying the history of Lincoln County you might come to the conclusion that Francisca Ortega the wife of Francisco Herrera [FWS] is the mother of the symbolic fold. Certainly, at least in our corner of the County it s true. A resident of Manzano, she probably never lived in Lincoln County but all of her children did. Her son, Gregorio [FWS] met an untimely end in a drunken knife fight in Lincoln just before the Civil War. His widow then married Octavino Salas an early Lincoln resident. Gergorio s daughter Lorencita was born in Lincoln a few days after her father s death, she married José Miranda and recorded her thoughts in the WPA Narratives. (See the web site) Lorencita s older half-brother, José Eulogio Herrera made his way to our part of the world and we will encounter him as Ologio Herrera married to Anastacia Archuleta. Lorencita Herrera de Miranda Francisca s oldest daughter, Polonia married José Encarnación Padilla [FWS]. They are, of course, the founders of the Salado community and key to any discussion of the area. José was apparently a successful farmer in Manzano and brought his skills to serve Fort Stanton. He has an interesting story. Polonia s sister, Gretrudis married José Antonio Otero [FWS] then married Juan Chávez and they settled in Reventon near her sister Librada. Their sister, Lorenza first married José María Torres [FWS] then after he died she married José de Gracia Flores [FWS]. They moved to Lincoln and first were on or near Rancho Torres in 1870 before moving up to the Salado by Sister Juana married Antonio Torres, [FWS] they must have been among the first reoccupiers in Lincoln as were José and Polonia. Their ranch, Rancho Torres is a little east of Salado Flats at the head of the valley where we find Lincoln. After the Salado and Magado Creeks 13

14 come together and join the Bonito, they run through a gap. From the gap Lincoln valley begins to spread out, the road today runs right by the Rancho and the remains of the Chapel that they built are right beside the road. Their Rancho was midway from the village to the fort, an opportune location. The youngest sister, Liberada married Aniceto Lueras, [FWS] they too settled near or on Rancho Torres. In 1880 Aniceto was listed as a Freighter taking advantage of their central spot on the road in and out of Lincoln and to Fort Stanton and northward to Manzano and the road to Las Vegas and Anton Chico. Aniceto established a sheep camp near Patos Lake and they eventually relocated there. Next up on our first families list is the Carrillo y Herrera family. Here again they probably never resided in Lincoln County but some of their children and grandchildren are key players in our saga. Julián Carrillo [FWS], like many men of his time, was a little indiscrete in his behavior but thanks to record keeping of the Catholic Church we can unravel a little evidence and tie it to our tale. Julián married Barbara Herrera in 1830 in Manzano. Barbara was Francisco Herrera s sister and so another piece to our mosaic. Barbara and Julián s son José [FWS] married Nicanora Márquez (more about her shortly) and they were Lincolnites. Julián had a liaison with a Ysabel Herrera about 1845; producing our Manuela Herrera, wife of William Miller [FWS] and later wife of Joseph Swan [FWS]. Which bring us to the Artiagas. Manuel Artiaga [FWS] who married Manuela s daughter Eliza was the son of Juan Artiaga. [FWS] Their family moved to the nearby Sais Ranch in Lincoln County sometime in the 1870s, Juan died about 1881 and his widow later married Henry Stutz [FWS]. Another leading candidate for foremost mother of our corner of the world is Lorenza Salas. [FWS] We have no record of her first two marriages; given the state of things in early New Mexico we might infer a few things. Her first partner was José Torres who was the father of Ana María Torres who married Ygnacio niño ladron de Guevara [FWS] who we will meet again shortly. Her second encounter was with Manuel Padilla the father of José Encarnación Padilla. Then Lorenza married Juan Gonzales in 1816 in the Tomé Parish. One of their daughters, Juliana married Juan José Márquez their daughter was Nicanora Márquez the wife of José Carrillo. Our final First Family is the family of José and Trinidad Torres [FWS] even though were part of the early crowd in Missouri Plaza some of their offspring are key to the layout. Daughter Saturnina married Senobio Padilla, daughter María married Jesús Sandoval [FWS], daughter Esiquia married José María Vega [FWS] and son José married Lucinda Frésquez then Adelaida Garcia and finally Tiburcia Telles. [FWS] To transition to the 1880 s crowd, let s take a look in greater detail at José Encarnación Padilla s family. [FWS] José was first married to Julianita Lucero whose father was one of the founders of Manzano; she was previously married to Prudencio Torres and had a daughter that José raised. Her name was Casimira, [FWS] she married first Juan Pablo Serna then Juan 14

15 José Márquez (above) and finally Nicolas Perea; later she moved to Lincoln with her Perea kids and they became prominent citizens. Casimra Torres (Padilla) de Perea Julianita s first son was Senobio Padilla who married Saturnina [FWS], next was Ysidro Padilla who married Catalina Giron [FWS], followed by Lada Padilla who marred Tioflio Lalonde (Lalone) [FWS]. Julianita s last child was Teresa Padilla who married first, Lyon Phillipowski [FWS] who worked at Fort Stanton; he was killed in a gunfight. She later married Sam Corbet [FWS], another well connected member of Lincoln society; she died shortly after and then Sam married Josefa Baca the daughter of Satunino Baca. Finishing up José s family, he and Polonia had a daughter, Manuela who married José Chávez [FWS] and lived on the Salado. Polonia s next daughter, Francisca married David McKinley [FWS] and took over José s Rancho when he died; she later married John Mack. [FWS] Finally we come to José and Polonia s adopted son Adan [FWS] who Polonia lived with in her later years. We will now visit Capt. Saturnino Baca who was considered by most to be the Father of Lincoln County. He and his wife Juana Chávez were Godparents for several of our families and friends to many of them. (This tale will be repeated in the A Little History of Lincoln County found in the Appendix.) From: MORE Tales of Tularosa by Mrs. Tom Charles based on the work compiled by her late husband. Stories gathered for more than 25 yrs. before his death in Copyright 1961 CAPTAIN SATURNINO BACA, one of Lincoln County s most loved citizens, was the Father of the county. As a member of the Territorial Legislature in 1869 he sponsored a bill which created Lincoln County. The new county comprised seventeen million acres, or well over one fifth of New Mexico s total of seventy-eight million acres and was created largely out of Socorro county with portions of eastern Valencia and Doña Ana counties. It was bounded on the north by San Miguel and Valencia counties, on the west by Socorro and on the east and south by the state of Texas. Within these boundaries are the present day counties of Chaves, Curry, Eddy, Lincoln, Roosevelt, and parts of De Baca and Otero. Captain Baca was born in Cebolleta (Sevilleta), Valencia County, November 29, 1830, and attended a private school there. After rounding out a long life filled with stirring events, he passed away at old Lincoln in 1924, at the age of

16 Captain Baca often related how he managed to get his county division bill through the legislature. Thomas B. Catron, who later served as U. S. Senator from New Mexico, was then a rising young lawyer, living at Mesilla, and had been elected to the legislature from Doña Ana County. Catron had served with the Confederate army through the Civil War, but because he had never taken the oath of allegiance to the United States, he faced opposition in being seated in the legislature. Knowing Captain Baca s chief interest in the legislature was to obtain creation of the new county Tom Catron asked him for help in getting himself seated, and promised in return to use his influence in getting the county bill passed. Baca told Catron to draw up his resolution for membership and that he would introduce it in the legislature. This passed unanimously, the clerk was called and Catron was sworn in immediately as a member. Catron, in return, introduced the Baca Bill creating Lincoln County, which also passed without opposition. Legislators suggested that it be named Baca County but Captain Baca modestly declined the honor, asking that it be named for the recently martyred President Abraham Lincoln. The county seat also was named for Lincoln. It had been previously known as Placita del Rio Bonito. Backing and assisting Saturnino Baca in his movement for the new county was a committee of prominent citizens seeking establishment of better law and order in southeastern New Mexico. The group included Lawrence G. Murphy, then post trader at Fort Stanton; William Brady, a retired army Major; Florencio Gonzales, a rancher, and Dr. J. H. Blazer, owner of Blazer s Mill at Mescalero. The Governor appointed Major Brady as first sheriff of the new county; Dr. Blazer, Florencio Gonzales and Paul Dowlin as county commissioners; and Saturnino Baca was the first probate judge. There was no superintendent of schools appointed at that time as there were no schools. In addition to his service as probate judge Captain Baca later served four years as sheriff, also as county commissioner, and as a member of the State Penitentiary Commission. As a young man, in early Territorial days, Saturnino Baca was sent to California with a party of government surveyors assigned to survey a road through Arizona to California. His task was to count the miles traveled each day. Soon after his return the Civil War came. Anxious to serve his country, he offered his services to Governor Henry Connolly who commissioned him a First Lieutenant in Company E, First New Mexico Cavalry. The regiment was commanded by the famous Indian fighter Col. Christopher (Kit) Carson. In a short time Baca was promoted to the rank of Captain of the company and was at its head until he resigned from service in He took part in the Battle of Valverde on the 16

17 Rio Grande when General Sibley, Confederate commander, defeated the Union forces under General Canby. I was not a captain then, but a sergeant, Captain Baca related in later years. I arrived at Valverde at night with two hundred men when Colonel Pino said Sergeant, have you run away? I said, No, Colonel, I have stopped the ones that were running away. In our party we lost 90 men, but the other side lost 300; our men were buried in coffins and the others just placed in trenches; they built trenches and put them there while others were fast falling into the river and remained there. This was one of the bloodiest battles of the war. The water from the river could not be distinguished from blood, it was so red. After the Confederates were driven out of New Mexico and the troops were no longer needed to protect the principal towns, they were assigned to various army posts and were sent out after the Apaches and Navajos who were on the warpath in those days. Captain Baca was stationed at all the important posts in New Mexico, including Fort Stanton, Fort Wingate, Fort Marcy, and Fort Defiance in Arizona. After leaving the army he lived in Santa Fe, then moved to Placita del Rio Bonito as Lincoln was then called. Captain Baca lost his arm during the summer of 1889 when he received a bullet wound in his elbow which necessitated amputation. He was wounded in a dispute over cattle and sheep ranges. Someone fired at night into a tent in which he and another man were sleeping, apparently by someone who opposed Baca s grazing his sheep on what was claimed to be cattle range. Mrs. Baca, Juana Chávez Saturnino Baca with daughter, Saturnina 17

18 Families 1880 Salado Flats Census Now we will go through the 1880 crowd by families and see what we know about them. Family 24- Joseph Swan was born about 1842 in Mississippi, his parents were born in Ireland. We know that he was in the Army at Ft. Stanon in 1870; after he finished his service he settled in Salado Flats. He made matches for a living and had hooked up with Manuela Herrera the deserted wife or significant other of William Miller. Manuela Herrera was born about 1845 in Manzano, her parents were Julián Carrillo and Isabel (Ysabel) Herrera. She was apparently the natural child of Isabel (which means her parents weren t married.) Manuela was related to both José Padilla through marriage and to Polonia Herrera through family ties. She finally married Joseph Swan on 11 Mar 1902, the Santa Rita s records show them both being from Tucson and the Padrinos were Isabel Peralta and Ylaria Padilla. Family 25- Manuel Artiaga was born about 1865 in Anton Chico and he died before Eloisa Miller was Manuela s daughter, she was born about Family 26- David McKinley was born about 1845 in Massachusetts. He apparently took over José Padilla s dairy operation when he died, before Francisca Padilla was born in 1856 in Manzano she was the daughter of José Padilla and Polonia Herrera. She and David were married 16 Jul 1871, she later married John Mack. Family 27- Polonia Herrera the widow of José Padilla. She was born in 1824 in Manzano, the daughter of Francisco Herrera and Francisca Ortega. Her sisters: Gertrudis, Lorenza, Juana and Liberada all married men who came to Lincoln County in the 1860s or early 1870s and were well established. Adan Padilla was born in 1865 to Indian parents he was adopted by José and Polonia in He married Teodora Garcia about Family 28- José Chaves y Baca was born in 1836 in New Mexico. He married Manuela on 14 Oct 1881, after she died he married Lola Sandoval the daughter of Jesús Sandoval y Seña and María Torres. Manuela Padilla was the daughter of José Padilla and Polonia Herrera, born in 1850 in Manzano and died before She also used the name Margarita. Family 29- José de Gracia Flores they lived nearer Lincoln in An interesting side note is their ages on the 1870 and 1880 Census. His age is given as 40 yrs old on both, hers is given as 34 then 35 although she was actually 40 and 50; makes you wonder. Lorenza Herrera sister to Polonia Herrera, born in 1830 in Manzano. She was previously married to José María Torres. Family 30- Eugenio Maldonado and Petra Flores, Petra was the daughter of Gracia and Lorenza Flores. 18

19 Family 31- José García and Tomasita Romero a few years later Tomasita died and he married Trinidad Chávez from Salado on 19 Jan Family 32,33 &34- The Para families, the spelling isn t clear, they don t seem to match up with any other families in Lincoln County; perhaps they were itinerant workers. Family 35- Senobio Padilla was the son of José Padilla and Julianita Lucero, born in 1839 in Manzano. In 1870 they lived in Missouri Plaza. Satrurnia Torres was the daughter of José Torres and Trinidad Chaves. She was born in 1845 in Manzano. Family 36- Tioflio Lalonde was born in 1837 in Ogdensburg, New York on the St. Lawrence River but he always referred to himself as a Canadian. Estanislada Padilla was the daughter of José Padilla and Julianita Lucero. She was born in 1846 in Manzano. She was raised by her uncle Ygnacio Guevara who finished his years in their household, he was living with them by There must have been some construction in the area to have a carpenter as a boarder, although he may have worked at the Fort. Family 37- Tomas Chaves and Florencia Trujillo seem obscure but perhaps there is a clue to who they are. They are found as Godparents to Joe Sánchez who married Addie Lalone. José Sánchez and Francisco Guevara 19

20 A Story of the Tucsons Pilgrims is a term often applied to Anglo Pioneers headed west. Perhaps it is also an appropriate term for our intrepid folks in the Salado Tucson crowd. As they traveled down the roads that led into the Rio Bonito, filing in to take up their new home places; some to Salado Flats, some nearer to Lincoln and some to the far reaches of Missouri Plaza on the Hondo. They were truly Pilgrims, not knowing what the future would bring; to some stability, to others a stop along the way to hopefully brighter tomorrows. To add to our Hispano heritage there was an increasing flow of Anglo Pilgrims. Starting with families like Heskill and Ma am Jones, and Robert and Ellen Casey, in the years just after the Civil War. The trails west were full of families and single men looking for their El Dorado. The road west from Texas through Lincoln County was one of the two major trails from the south. From the east, and to the north of Lincoln County, Las Vegas on the Santa Fe Trail and in 1879, the terminus of the Railroad, added to the fold. The population steadily increased. The need for corn and beef for Fort Stanton and the Mescalero Reservation and the ever increasing Gold Fever flamed by a major strike in 1879 in White Oaks provided income. The major village of Missouri Plaza only lasted five or six years ( ) before the water gave out forcing its residents back up the Hondo, Ruidoso and Bonito Valleys. In the mid to late 1870s José and Polonia s extended family had begun to coalesce around them. The 1880 residents of Salado Flats were almost all related to them. To make the story of our Pilgrims complete we have to look a little beyond the Salado and Tucsons. To the west and south the Nogal Mining District attracted men both as miners and as farmer/ranchers. By 1880 there were the families of Jesús Sandoval, Pablo Pino and later José María Vega, to the west and north on the slopes of Vera Cruz Mountain, Juan Artiaga and wife Sabina and others on the slopes of Carrizo Peak (Carizito). In 1885 the powers that be decided to take another Census of the Territory including an Agricultural Census. The enumeration districts were a little different from the previous United States Census, as it happens one group of families matches very closely to our little study. So hopefully, not to put you to sleep, here is that list with notes and observations Census Notes Taken from the pages for Precinct 11. This group appears to start on the lower slopes of Nogal Canyon and perhaps along the westward face of Vera Cruz Mountain and then back around to the Tucson Mountains and ending up in the upper Salado Flats. They are the springboard for the rest of our story. Fam. 1- Vega, Jose M. (age 40) and Esiquia (28) Occ. Ranchman; Antonio (3) Florencio (2) Margarita (1) - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 160 acres, about $3500 in total value which includes $2000 value of the property, buildings and fencing the 20

21 livestock included 10 Milk Cows and 30 other cattle. [FWS] José came to Lincoln from Mexico, perhaps as a teamster but settled in town and in 1880 was working as a Stonemason; as you can see, he must have done well for they have one of the larger spreads in our area. Fam. 2- Ballejos, B. (49) Occ. Herder; Chavez, Jose (33) Boarder Fam. 3- Chavez, Tomas (35) and Florencia, no Occupation - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as renting 160 acres, about $300 in total value which includes $100 value of the property and buildings the livestock 2 Milk Cows and 8 other cattle. [FWS] They had no children, they seemed to get around Lincoln County; their Family Work Sheet, tells of their interaction with the community. Fam. 4- Lanham, Peter (40) Occ. Miner, born in Indiana Fam. 5- Torres, Jose (63) and Trinidad (53) Occ. Ranchman; Doroteo (16) D (male 9) Another Manzano family with long ties to the Padillas. Fam. 6- Latti, Francisco (21) Occ. Ranchman, born in Switzerland; George, Joseph (29) Boarder, born in Italy - On the Agricultural Census he is shown as owning 40 acres, about $1050 in total value which includes $500 value of the property and building and improvements, the livestock include 1 Milk Cow and 25 other cattle. He was from Italy, in the 1900 Census it shows his wife Mary, also from Italy; she must have come out and joined him. We will see him again in the Godfather role. Fam. 7- Gagne, Baptitste (42) Occ. Miner, born in France Fam. 8- Torres Jose Y. (40) Occ. Ranchman - On the Agricultural Census(Torres & Lucero), he is shown as owning 160 acres, about $2025 in total value which includes $500 in property and improvements; also including 10 Milk Cows and 70 other cattle. [FWS] His father-in-law, Juan Lucero lived in San Patricio and José and his wife lived next to them in Studying their FWS, perhaps the family never moved to this section but José was only homesteading here to take advantage of the opportunities. He was another formed Manzanodero. Fam. 9- Chavez Cristoval (46) and Maria (36) Occ. Laborer; Ygnacia (16) Polidora (13) Damancio (7) - On the Agricultural Census (Torres &Chaves) they are shown as owning 160 acres, about $450 in total value which includes $200 in property and improvements as well as 5 head of cattle. [FWS] Another family from the Manzano area that settled Missouri Plaza then the upper Hondo and finally came to this area and settled in. Fam. 10- Stutz, Henry (33) and Sabina (28) Occ. Ranchman; Rebecca (4) Mary (1) - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 40 acres, about $1070 in total value which includes $500 in property and improvements as well as 10 Milk Cows and 20 other cattle. Fam. 11- Sandoval, Jose Jesús (43) and Maria (30) Occ. Ranchman; Isaac (16) Lenor (14) Lola (12) Josefa (8) Ben (6) - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning

22 acres, about $8230 in total value which includes $7000 in property, buildings and fencing as well as 4 Milk Cows and 60 other cattle. [FWS] Jesús came to Lincoln with the 1 st NM Cavalry at Ft. Stannton and married María in 1866, they lived in Missouri Plaza in 1870 and were settled in to their place in our foothills by Jesús must have been a good businessman, they have by far the most extensive spread in our group. Fam. 12- Guevara, Maria (42) head of household; Bisenta (16) Pilar (8) Victoriana (5) listed as daughters? - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 40 acres, about $245 in total value which includes $50 in property and improvements as well as 1 Milk Cow and 4 others. María may have been married to a Juan Guevara but has been hard to track. They are no apparent relation to the Ygnacio Guevara family. Fam. 13- Romero, Doroteo (28) and Agapita (18) Occ. Ranchero; Beatriz (1) Doroteo lived in Lincoln with his family (Juan José Romero) in 1860 but apparently only just returned. Agapita s last name was Guevara so no doubt she is Maria s daughter. Fam. 14- Herrera, Juan N. de (40 born in Mexico) and Luisa (36) Occ. Ranchero; Eugenia (10) Fam. 15- Pino, Pablo (52) and Maria (35) Occ. Ranchero; Maria (7) Abel (4) Bonifacio (8) and Albino Barela (16 no rel. given) - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 40 acres, about $630 in total value which included $500 in property and improvements and did not include any cattle. [FWS] The Pinos were in Lincoln in 1873 when Saturnino and Juana Baca were godparents for their daughter, Josefita. They were on their ranch in the Tuscsons by Fam. 16- Garcia, (Pablo?) Jose (39) and Tomasita (34) Occ. Ranchman; Francisco (15) Nicolcita (11) Domitila (8) Delila (5) Dorotea (2) - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 40 acres, about $1170 in total value which includes $500 in property and improvements and included 14 Milk Cows and 18 other cattle. Fam. 17- Miller, Abran (22) and Juana (19) Occ. Herder; Andrea (3) Dolorita (1) Manuela (40 mother) Julian (10 brother) Roberto (7 brother) [FWS] Manuela was counted twice, once with the Millers and once with her brother; Fam. 21 below. Fam. 18- Silva, Juan A. (48) and Petra (36) Occ. Rancher; Margarita (16) Ibbijen? (8) Manuelita (5) Enriquez (9) - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 80 acres 40 of which were under cultivation, about $1125 in total value which includes $100 in property and improvements as well as12 Milk Cows and 25 other cattle. [FWS] Fam. 19- Herrera, Ologio (32) and Antonia Anastacia (32) Occ. Rancher; Polonia (3) Tely (male 1) Pedro Benividez (15 nephew) - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 80 acres 40 of which were under cultivation, about $1930 in total value which includes $300 in property and improvements as well as 25 Milk Cows and 25 other cattle. [FWS] Ologio s father was killed in Lincoln in 1861, no doubt he returned with the rest of his kin; in 1873 he and Anastacia were married in Lincoln. 22

23 Fam. 20- Archuleta, (Lucio?)Luis (45) and Saralita (25) Occ. Herder; Perfecto (11) Esquipula (4) Liloaria? (1) - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 80 acres 40 of which were under cultivation, about $750 in total value which includes $200 in property and improvements as well as 10 Milk Cows. Fam. 21- Herrera, Jose (38) and Antonia (21) Occ. Rancher; Gregorio (2) Manuela (40 sister) Jose (5 nephew) Isaac (born in May, Nephew) - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 80 acres 40 of which were under cultivation, about $1930 in total value which includes $500 in property and buildings also 25 Milk Cows and 45 other cattle. [FWS] Joseph Swan is absent from this Census, perhaps he was out Cowboyin. José Herrera is a bit of an enigma, but if we take what the Enumerator wrote a face value it makes sense; especially give the relationships of the Manzano folks, Herreras, Padillas and Carillos. Fam. 22- Padilla, Senobio (54) and Saut (40) Occ. Rancher;? (male 12) Severo (9) Bonifacio (7) Juliana (5) Lola (3) - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 80 acres of which 40 were under cultivation, about $1525 in total value which includes $500 in property and improvements and 60 cattle. José Encarnación s son; it is interesting that his brother Ysidro is not found in Lincoln County after Did something happen to this family or did they move on? Fam. 23- Chavez, Jose (40) and Margarita (20) Occ. Rancher; Maria (2?) Ygnacia (10) Saturnino (6) - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 80 acres which includes 40 under culitaion, about $350 in total value $200 in property and improvements, no cattle. Margarita is José Encarnación s daughter. Fam. 24- Pino, Preciliano (27) and Donaciana (16) Occ. Herder - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 80 acres of which 40 were under cultivation, about $300 in total value $200 of which was property and inprovements, no cattle. [FWS] Donaciana was Margarita Padilla Chávez daughter. Fam. 25- Garcia, Ynez (25) and Loreta (20) Occ. Rancher; Tomacita (7) Teresita (6) Flavio (6) Miguel (b. May) - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 80 acres 40 of which are under cultivation, about $1225 in total value which includes $200 in property and improvements and 5 Milk Cows and 60 other cattle. Fam. 26- Ramirez, Dolores (female 36) no rel. given; Ramirez, Francisco (57) Occ. Rancher, Ramirez, Jose (13 son) Fam. 27- Garcia, Bito (34) and Polonia (25) Occ. Rancher; Jose (16) Fedina? (male 13) Lolaria (12) David (10) Consepcion (female 4) Manuel (2) and L. Labadie (female 19 boarder) - On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 80 acres 40 of which were under cultivation, about $650 in total value which includes $200 in property and improvements as well as 5 Milk Cows and 12 other cattle. 23

24 28 thru 59 seem to be part of a mining operation plus a few farmers that don t seem to fit our story. With one exception: Fam. 55- Padilla, A. (21) Occ. Rancher, Polonia (60 Mother) and Emiliano (13 brother) This appears to be José Padilla s original spread. The Census taker reported it a little goofy; Adan was the head and Emiliano, was Emiliano McKinley, Francisca s son and Polonia s grandson. On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 80 acres, about $750 in total value which includes $400 in property, buildings and fencing and inculeds 10 Milk Cows. Tioflio Lalonde (Lalone) and his family [FWS] were living up toward the Nogal Mesa in On the Agricultural Census they are shown as owning 160 acres of which 20 were under cultivation, about $2940 in total value which includes $2000 worth of property, buildings and fencing; his livestock included 4 Milk Cows and 40 other cattle. In the late 1890s they would move down to White Oaks. An Interview with Abran Miller To set the tenor for the next section we will listen to the words of one of our residents: This is an interview of Abran Miller, conducted in 1938 by Edith L. Crawford for the WPA Writers Project. Some minor modifications were made to this document for clarity, ed. I was born in February, 1863 (I do not know the date) at Manzano, New Mexico. I have lived in Lincoln County, New Mexico, continuously for sixty-four years. My father, William (Julián) Miller, was born in Canada. I do not know where nor in what year. My mother, Manuelite Herrera Carrillo, was born in Manzano, New Mexico, but I do not know what year she was born. My father and mother married in Manzano, New Mexico, in There were five children, three boys and two girls. Debbie, Abran, Willie, Eliza and Adolpho Miller. My father was a blacksmith by trade and where-ever we lived he had a shop of his own. We lived in Manzano New Mexico, for about four years. In the fall of 1863 we moved to Springer, New Mexico, where we lived for seven years. Father put up a blacksmith shop and took two hundred head of cattle to run on shares and he built up the herd until he had about one hundred head of his own. We left Springer in 1870, in two covered wagons, drawn by six oxen to each wagon. We took our cattle, about one hundred head with us. We traveled most of the time at night on account of being afraid of the Indians. The only cow boy that I remember helping us, was my mother's brother, my uncle, Pat Carrillo. I used to ride behind him. He would strap me to his waist to keep me from falling off. The men in the crowd carried six shooters in their belts and Winchester rifles on their saddles. We had no trouble making the trip to Fort Sumner in about two weeks. We lived in Fort Sumner New Mexico until Father had a blacksmith shop there too. His herd of cattle increased to about two hundred and seventy five head. In the early spring of 1874 he decided to move to Fort Stanton, New Mexico. We loaded up in the two covered wagons, drawn by six oxen to a wagon, and started for Fort Stanton, which was a military post at that time. 24

25 We crossed the Pecos River at Fort Sumner, New Mexico, and had no trouble crossing the cattle. We grazed the cattle along and took our time and made the trip for Fort Stanton in about two weeks. We lived there for about three years. My brother, Adolpho, was born there and lived only a short time. He died and was buried there at Fort Stanton. My father was blacksmith for the fort. My father rented a small piece of land from A. N. Blazer, who owned and ran the Blazer Mill, which was situated on the Mescalero Indian Reservation. I do not remember just when we moved to this place on the Indian Reservation. The place had a two roomed log house on it, where we lived. My father still had his cattle and he had them on Fernando Herrera's place on the Ruidoso. Father set up a blacksmith shop, planted a garden and about twenty acres in corn. He made a good crop and when he gathered it in the fall he sent word for me to come home. I had been staying with my uncle, Pat Carrillo, who lived not very far away on the Reservation. When I got home my father said; Son, here is my crop and my blacksmith shop, you can sell them. Take care of your mother, I am going away and you will not see me anymore. He left that day on horseback. He went by Dowlin's Mill and sold his cattle to Paul and Will Dowlin, took the money and left the country. Soon after my father went away I went to work for the Murphy Dolan Company, punching cows. I was about seventeen years old. The head quarter ranch house was on the Carrizozo Flats, at what is now the Bar W ranch. After my father left my mother moved to the Solado Flats, about one mile west of where the town of Capitan now stands. When my father had been gone for about four years I got a letter from him one day. He was over on the Rio Grande River, at a place called Casa Colorado, about eighteen miles south of Belen, New Mexico. He wanted me to come over there to see him, so I saddled up my black pony and started. I took me two days to make the trip. When I arrived, I found my father in his blacksmith shop, he said; Hello son, I am glad you came. I want you to have a black stallion I have here, and you can also have this blacksmith shop. I am leaving this time and you will never see me again. He turned and started walking toward the river. I never did see or hear of him from that day to this, nor ever found anybody else that ever saw him after that day. My father was always a very queer man and brooded a lot. I was very small for my age and when I first went to work for the Murphy, Dolan Company. I got my clothes and board and Mr. Murphy gave forty dollars to my mother, each month. I soon made them a good cow hand and then I got sixty dollars a month. They sent me with a bunch of cattle to Elk Canyon, in the Mescalero Indian Reservation. These cattle were to be butchered for the Indians as they needed them. A fellow by the name of Lucio Montoya and I were left to watch the cattle and keep the Indians from stealing them. One morning we got up and it was Lucio's time to go and get the horses. We kept a small black mule in the corral to ride after the saddle horses. While Lucio was saddling up the mule I was looking around to see if I could see anything of the horses. All at once I saw an awful dust rising and I told Lucio to hurry up as I feared someone was rounding up either the cattle or the saddle horses. He rode off in a run. I waited for some time and he did not return. I had just about decided that he had been killed, and I went back to the cabin. I was standing in the door of the cabin when about thirty men rode up to the door. The leader was a nice looking young fellow. He said Hello kid, do you have anything to eat? 25

26 I said, Yes, there is coffee, beans, flour and some canned goods, you are welcome to it, but you will have to cook it yourselves. I have to go and get my horses and see what has become of Lucio. The leader of this gang was Billy the Kid. I did not know it at the time as this was just the beginning of the trouble leading up to the Lincoln County War. This war was between two cattle factions. Murphy and Dolan on one said and McSween and Tunstall on the other. Billy the Kid saw I was just a kid and was scared and he said; Kid don't be afraid for not a man in the crowd will hurt you nor bother anything around here while you are in charge of it. They all got down from their horses and came in. I helped them make some coffee. While we were waiting for the coffee to boil Billy the Kid asked me all about myself, how old I was, where I live, etc. After they had eaten they all rode off toward the head of Elk Canyon. I started out a-foot to find the horses and soon found them. The mule that Lucio had started after the horses on was with them but I could not find Lucio. I soon saw that a horse of Lucio's was gone and I just decided that he had gotten frightened and left. I found out later that this gang of men were with the McSween and Tunstall faction but they never bothered me at all. While my mother was living on the Salado, Billy the Kid came to our house for something to eat. This was after the time he had been to the camp at Elk's Canyon. He recognized me at once and I did him. My mother did not want to feed him because he was not on Murphy's side at that time. I told her how nice he had been to me that time at Elk's Canyon, so she gave him something to eat and let him stay all night. I got up early the next morning and went out to milk the cow. While I was milking the dogs began to bark. I saw several men riding horseback, coming towards the house. I did not have time to warn Billy that someone was coming but he and mother saw them. Mother had a big home-made packing box she used for a trunk and it had a pad lock on it. She hid Billy in this box before the men reached the house. (This was after Bernstein had been killed. Bernstien was the clerk at the Mesaclero Indian Agency, and Billy had been indicted for this killing, and was on the dodge.) When I reached the house I found that the men were Sheriff Peppin and Florencio Chaves, his deputy, and two other men. (I have forgotten their names.) They were looking for Billy. They searched the house but did not find him. Peppin came out in the yard and asked who the black horse with the saddle on belonged to. I told him it was my horse. He wanted to know why I kept a horse saddled and staked out. I told him I kept the horse to go round up the other horses. He did not believe me. I know, for he said to one of his men that Billy the Kid should be around there somewhere. When he did not find Billy they rode away. The Kid stayed in our house all that day and when it got dark Mother asked me to let Billy have my black horse and saddle, as she thought that he would return them to me. I did, and sure enough, in about ten days I got up one morning and found my horse, with the saddle on, in the corral. I never did know who brought him back. I was surely glad, for I thought an awful lot of this horse and I was so afraid that Billy would not get him back to me. I had traded with the Apache Indians for this horse. I had given about ten dollars worth of red flannel, beads and powder for him. When Billy the Kid and his gang had killed Bernstein, a clerk at the Indian Agency, Mr. L. O. Murphy, (of the Murphy, Dolan Company), sent me to Santa Fe, New Mexico, 26

27 with the message to the governor. I rode this same black horse. I had to go first to Fort Stanton to see the commanding officer. I got there about three o'clock in the morning. The guard stopped me but when I told him what I wanted to see the commanding officer about, he took me to the officer's house. This officer gave me another message and a fresh horse and I started for Santa Fe. I rode to Piños Wells, on the north side of the Gallinas Mountains, that night. I knew a fellow there, by the name of Mario Payne, and he let me have a fresh horse, and I made it on to Santa Fe on the third day. When I went in to see Governor Axtell, and deliver my messages to him he was mad because they had sent such a kid. He asked me why Pat Carrillo had not sent his own son, as he was larger and older than I was. He also told me to tell Mr. Murphy to give me three hundred dollars for that trip, and if Mr. Murphy didn't do it, he would. I got my three hundred dollars from Mr. Murphy all right. That is the only part that I took in the Lincoln County War, although I was working for the Murphy, Dolan Company all during the war. I stayed at the head quarters ranch on the Carrizozo Flats most of the time. I saved up about six hundred dollars while I was working for the Murphy, Dolan Company, and on February 12, 1881, I married Juanita Romero, the daughter of Juan Romero, Of Lincoln, New Mexico. There was no priest in Lincoln at that time and I had to send to Manzano, New Mexico, to get a priest to marry us. Father Louis Bourdier came over from Manzano and married us and I paid him twenty-five dollars to make the trip. We went to housekeeping in Lincoln and I still worked for Murphy and Dolan. My wife and I had five children, three girls and two boys. They were all born at Lincoln, New Mexico; Andres, Lucio, Susanna, Trinidad and Manuela. All of our children are dead except Andres, the oldest one. He is married and lives in Roswell, New Mexico. My wife and I have been separated for a number of years. She lives with Andres, in Roswell. I live here in Carrizozo, New Mexico, and would not live anywhere else. My little one room shack is on the old head quarters ranch place where I used to cut out all the strays from the herd. Abran Miller, Carrizozo, New Mexico, Aged 75 years. [Return to TOC] 27

28 From 1880 until 1920 a Chronology This section is an attempt to show relationships and historical perspective. It is not a detailed genealogical account but a review of friends and family, people that were important; e.g. Padrinos and Madrinas, Godparents and wedding sponsors. Some things were missed, some were skipped and some I don t have. During the Spanish era there were strict rules about who could sponsor what; as the world changed the rules eased up but none the less Church documents generally indicate who is near and dear. In Hispano society Godparents were expected to look after children if something happened to the parents, it was a serious event; also the Godparents often brought the child to the Baptism while the mother was recuperating. Lacking a 1890 Census and given the dynamic nature of Lincoln County during this era the records can give an indication of where our families might have lived and who they might have associated with, ed. The Vega Rancho site,

29 Jesús María Padilla Jr. [FWS] the son of Jesús María Padilla Sr. and Sostena Carillo married Esiquia Sandoval the daughter of Jesús Sandoval y Seña and María Torres about 1879 or White Oaks was officially founded on 15 Aug 1879 after a gold strike on the Homestesd Claim, it was a long way from anywhere with the exception of our little area of interest just to the south. Margarite Vega was born in Jan 1880 to José María and Siquia Vega. She was baptized on 2 Feb 1885 at Nogal (Vera Cruz) her godparents were Cayetano Jaramillo and Dolores Lucero. She married Fred Lalone. It might be interesting to note the names of places in Church Records weren t necessarily in the specific town or community, the Priest often wrote down the name of the general area in which the ranch or other site was located. In the case of the Vegas, their ranch was associated with Nogal but actually was more on the slopes of Vera Cruz Mountain; which the Priest recorded. (See the maps, previous) As things developed, towns and villages as well as several ranches built chapels for the Priest to use. Antonio Lalonde was born 2 Jun 1880 to Tioflio and Lada Lalonde he died as an infant. He was baptized 6 Aug 1880 at Salado. His godparents were Demetrio Perea and Dolores Phillipowski. Juliana Padilla was born 29 Oct 1880 to Senobio and Saturnina Padilla there was no baptismal date given. Her godparents were José Padilla and Apolonia Herrera. She married Julián Serna on 28 Jan Pat Garrett was elected Sherriff of Lincoln County in Nov On 23 Dec 1880 he and a posse captured Billy the Kid at Stinking Springs near Ft. Sumner. Rebeca Artiaga was born 7 Feb 1881 to Juan and Savina Artiaga; she was baptized 29 Jun 1881 at Nogal. Her godparents were Jesús Sandoval and María Torres. She would marry Henry Silva. Within a year or so after Rebeca s birth her father died. Henry Stutz, a neighbor and Savina, her mother got together. Abran Miller the son of William Miller and Manuelita Herrera married Juanita Romero the daughter of Juan Romero and Melquiades Chaves on 12 Feb Paula Herrera was born 29 Jan 1881 to José and Antonia Herrera. She was baptized 14 Feb 1881 at Salado; her godparents were Senobio Padilla and Saturnina Torres. Adelaida Herrera was baptized 15 Feb 1881 at Lincoln; her parents were Ologio and Anastacia Herrera. Her godparents were David McKinley and Francisca Padilla. 29

30 In Lincoln on 28 Apr 1881 Billy the Kid as he was breaking out of jail, shot Deputies Ollinger and Bell. He borrowed a horse and with the leg iron still attached to one leg, rode westward out of town. In a couple of miles he turn up Salazar Canyon and then up Padilla Canyon to the ranch of his friends José María and Sostena Padilla. [FWS] Here they helped him remove the shackle and he was on his way. José was no relation to our José Encarnión Padilla but his family fits into our story. Emma Padilla was born on 13 Jun 1881 to Jesús María Jr. and Esiquia Padilla. She was baptized 5 Aug 1881 in White Oaks. Her godparents were Esiquia s parents, Jesús Sandoval and María Torres. Another family, just to add to the confusion, was the family of José León and Nestora Padilla. [FWS] His father was a brother of Jesús María Padilla Sr. They had come to Lincoln County a few years earlier with Nestora s family, perhaps they influenced the Jesús María Sr. family to come as well. María Antonia Padilla was born on 13 Jun 1881 to José Leon and Nestora, she was baptized on 29 Jun Her godparents were Eusebio Chávez and Crispina García At Ft. Sumner, up the Pecos River, on 15 Jul 1881 Billy the Kid was killed by Pat Garrett and the turmoil of the Lincoln County War was over. At this point we should meet Refugia Ortiz [FWS] whose husband Manuel Leal was killed by Indians on their ranch down in La Luz Canyon. It appears that the Apache Chief Vitorio had decided to break out of the Mescalero Reservation about this time and subsequently butchered a few people along the way. She then married Francisco Baca and then Guillermo Uderos. This leads to another clan, the family of José María and Francisca de Aguayo. [FWS] Don de Aguayo was living in Lincoln in 1870 and practicing law, they moved down the Alamo Canyon. Francisca s brother, James Hill had a promising ranch there and it seemed a good opportunity. Alamo Canyon and La Luz Canyon are near each other at the south end of the Mescalero s Reservation, up above present day Alamogordo. When the Indian business got too messy the Aguayo s moved back to Lincoln by 1880 and eventually settled in Texas Park. Benito Vega was born about 1881 to José María and Siquia Vega. He later married Lucila Augayo. Emilia Silva was born 9 May 1881 to Juan Andrés and Petra Silva. She was baptized 11 May 1881 at Salado; her godparents were Bone (Bonifacio) J. Baca and Isadora Baca. José Chávez and María Manuela Padilla were married 14 Oct 1881.Their marriage record and his remarriage record give the name Margarita in the 1880 Census of Salado Flats, she is listed as Manuela. They had been together quite a while, their daughter, Donaciana was born in Margarita died before

31 Carrie Lalone was born on 8 Nov 1881 to Tiofilo and Lada Lalonde. She was baptized 15 Dec 1881; her godparents were Sam Corbett and Teresa Padilla. She would marry Julián Leal. Victoriano Artiaga was born on 1 Mar 1882 to Manuel and Eliza Artiaga. He married Dolores Lola Padilla. Dolores Lola Padilla was born on 4 Apr 1882 in Capitan. Her parents were Senobio and Saturnina Padilla. She was baptized on 1 May 1882, her godfather was José Torres. She married Vitoriano Artiaga. Apolonia Herrera was born 10 Apr 1882 to Ologio and Anastacia Herrera. She was baptized 25 May 1882 at Lincoln. Her godparents were Jesús Archuleta and Paublita Torres. She married Ysidro McKinley. Florencio Vega was born June 1882 to José María and Siquia Vega. He would marry Juanita Uderos. Meanwhile, around the Mountain, to the north: Lola Padilla de Artiaga and her son, Manuel Artiaga Morris B. Parker's family was amongst the new wave of 'miners' hoping to strike it rich at White Oaks during the summer of (Morris wrote a book called White Oaks detailing his young life there.) Coming from all over the country, people flocked to the small valley, claiming whatever areas they could in hope of finding that one special spot. Parker's family relocated from St. Louis in what he describes as a 'new start. His father, Erasmus Wells Parker, had managed to purchase the South Homestake in 1881, yet knowing almost nothing about mining. Returning to St. Louis, Parker gathered his family, convinced his wife of the opportunities, and headed for White Oaks in After making the trip to Las Vegas by train, the family of five had to make the last 175 miles to White Oaks by buggy. This was no easy feat for the toughest of families, for there was the constant threat of Indian attack, dehydration, or simply getting lost. Luckily for the Parkers, they did not meet up with any Indians and made the journey to their new home with relative ease. From White Oaks Foundation to Fadeout by Max R. Turner. José Torres son of José Torres and Trinidad Chávez and Lucinda Frésquez daughter of Vicente Frésquez and Antonia Tafoya were married 20 Nov 1883, In the jurisdiction of el Rio Bonito. Witnesses were Juan Torres and Mariana Chávez María Concepción Padilla was born 3 Dec 1883 to José and Nestora Padilla. She was baptized on 17 December 1883 at Rio Bonito. Her godparents were Francisco Gómez and Crescencia Salas. She would marry Emiliano McKinley then Silvestre Baca. 31

32 María Stutz was born 13 Dec 1883 to Henry and Savina Stutz. aka. Ma. Concepción Estrada she was baptized 16 Dec 1883 in Nogal. Her godparents were Manuel Trujillo and Ma. Romualda Trujillo. Perhaps her father was not Henry Stutz. She would marry Roberto Miller-Swan The Priest traveled to the communities, from the 1860s to the early 1880s he traveled down from Manzano; no small feat in a buggy or by horseback and the threat of Indian attack. At a pace of about 25 miles a day distances were considerable. Reverend Bourdier s, Three Trips from Manzano to the Settlements May to Nov 1881 From a summary by Ray Mireles: From Manzano to Las Tables, 140 miles 3 Baptisms, 15 May From Las Tablas to Lincoln, 10 miles 3 Baptisms, 24 May 1 Baptism, 27 May at Las Chosas 1 Baptism, 30 May at Pichaco From Manzano to Carrizo, 110 miles 1 Baptism, 25 Jul From Carrizo to Tres Ritos, 25 miles 3 Baptisms, 27 Jul 1 Baptism, 28 Jul From Tres Ritos to Blazers Mill, 19 miles 1 Baptism, 29 Jul 4 Baptisms, 30 Jul From Blazers Mill to San Patricio, 18 miles 3 Baptisms, 1 Aug From San Patricio to Picacho, 18 miles 2 Baptisms, 2 Aug 1 Baptism, 3 Aug From Picacho to San Patricio, 18 miles 3 Baptisms, 4 Aug From San Patricio to Lincoln, 9 miles 2 Baptisms, 5 Aug From Lincoln to Salado, 12 miles 1 Baptism, 6 Aug (A Lalone) From Salado to Lincoln, 12 miles 2 Baptisms, 7 Aug From Lincoln to Las Tablas, 10 miles 2 Baptisms, 7 Aug From Lincoln to Magado/Salado, 12 miles 1 Baptism, 8 Aug (J Herrera) From Magado to Lincoln, 10 miles 1 Baptism, 8 Aug 32

33 From Lincoln to Ft. Stanton, 8 miles 1 Baptism, 8 Aug From Ft. Stanton to Torres Ranch, 5 miles 1 Baptism, 10 Aug From Manzano to Lincoln, 150 miles 5 Baptisms, 16 Oct 2 Baptisms, 31 Oct 1 Baptism, 2 Nov 1 Baptism, 3 Nov 1 Baptism, 5 Nov 1 Baptism, 6 Nov From Lincoln to Picacho, 20 miles 2 Baptisms, 11 Nov From Picacho to Salado, 34 miles 1 Baptism, 23 Nov (J Padilla) The Priest was a guest at people s homes overnight. Pauline Lalone was born 15 Jan 1884 to Tiofilo and Lada Lalonde. She was baptized 1 Jun 1884; her godparents were Daniel McKinley and Francisca Padilla. She died as an infant. Feliz Herrera was born 30 Apr 1884 to Ologio and Anastacia Herrera. He was baptized 12 May 1884 in Lincoln. His godparents were Manuel Trujillo and Romulada Trujillo. Candelario Sandoval was born 2 Feb 1884 to Jesús and María Sandoval. He was baptized 12 May 1884 at Nogal. His godparents were José Herrera and María Antonia Padilla. He would marry Benigna Bueno. Lorenza Padilla was baptized 14 Nov 1884 at 3 months of age at Nogal, her parents were Jesús María Jr. and Esiquia Padilla. Her godparents were Benino and Leonor Sandoval. She would marry Pedro Peralta. María Suzanna Miller was born to Abran and Juanita Miller. She was baptized 16 Feb 1885 at 4 months, in Lincoln. Her godparents were Trinidad Romero and Dolores Herrera. Isaquio Herrea was born 21 Jun 1885 to José and Antonia Herrera. He was baptized 24 Jun 1885 at Magado; his godparents were Lucio Archuleta and Isabel Girón. Addie LaLone was born 31 Jun 1885 to Tioflio and Lada Lalonde. She was baptized 22 Nov 1885 at Bonito. Her godparents were Adan Padilla and Rebecca Lalone. She would marry Joe Sánchez. Manuel Artiaga was born on 11 Aug 1885 to Manuel and Eliza Artiaga. He was baptized 11 Oct 1885 in Lincoln; his godparents were José Carrillo and Nicanora Márquez. 33

34 Rosa Sandoval was born 30 Aug 1885 to Jesús and María Sandoval. She was baptized 5 Oct 1885 at Nogal Cañon. Her Godparents were Rocco Emilio and Rosa Esperanza. She would marry Pablo Telles. José Torres son of José Torres and Trinidad Chávez married Adelaida García daughter of Pedro García and Leonor Gurulé on 29 Nov They were from Nogal Cañon. Witnesses were Jesús Sandoval and María Torres. Lucio Miller was born on 13 Dec 1885 to Abran and Juanita Miller. She was baptized 31 Dec 1885 at Ranchos Sierra Capitan; her godparents were Manuel Artiaga and Luisa Miller. Celso Padilla was born 13 Jan 1886 to Senobio and Saturnina Padilla. He was baptized 27 Feb 1886 at Magado; his godparents were Ologio Herrera and Anastasia Archuleta. Priest s note on the Baptismal Record: Celso married Carolina Luam(?) no date/location given. Tomása Herrera was born 20 May 1886 to Ologio and Anastacia Herrera. She was baptized 11 Jun 1886 at Magado; her godparents were Tomás Chavez and Florencia Trujillo. Segundio Padilla was born 1 Jul 1886 to Jesús María and Esiquia Padilla. He was baptized 4 Sept 1886 at Sierra Capitan; his godparents José Chávez and Adelaida García. José León Padilla Jr. was born 18 Jul 1886 to José León and Nestora Padilla. He was baptized 18 July 1886 at Sierra Capitan; his godparents were Nicolas Chaves and Perfidia Trujillo. He would marry Anita Freeman and then Rosa Olgin. Perciliano Pino son of Pablo Pino and Igninia Cordoba married Donancia Chávez daughter of Manuelita (Margarita) Padilla and José Chávez were married in Dona Ana County about 1886 or After Tomása Romero died José García son of Manuel García and Dolores Mirabal married Trinidad Chávez daughter of José María Chávez and María Baca on 19 Jan They were from Salado; witnesses were Juan Andrés Silva and Petra Ballejos. [FWS] Gregorio Herrera was born 3 Jun 1887 to José and Antonia Herrera. He was baptized 24 Jun 1887 at Magado/Capitan; his godparents were Preciliano Pino and Donaciana Chávez. Louis Lalonde (Luis Lalone) was born 11 Sep 1887 to Tioflio and Lada Lalonde. He was baptized 20 Oct 1887 at Nogal; his godparents were George Sena and Teresa Carrillo. He would marry Elvira Uderos. María Trinidad García was born on 22 Dec 1887 to José and Trinidad García. She was baptized 3 February 1888 at Magado; her godparents were Pablo Pino and María Chaves. Estefana Pino was born 25 Dec 1887 to Preciliano and Donancia Pino. She was baptized 10 May 1888; her godparents Manuel and Romualda Trujillo. She would marry Benino Gallegos. 34

35 Ema Sandoval was born and baptized 9 May 1888 at Nogal, her parents were Jesús and María Sandoval. Her godparents were Doroteo and Victoria Torres. Dave Tinnon from Tennessee and Beckie Lalone [FWS] married about 1888 in White Oaks. She was the daughter of Tioflio Lalonde and Lada Padilla. He became the foreman at the Old Abe Mine in White Oaks. One of his responsibilities was to deliver the gold output to the Freight Company in San Antonio across the dessert on the Rio Grande. Family legend says that one time he was robbed and beaten and that contributed to his death in He is buried at Cedarvale Cemetery in White Oaks. Beckie Tinnon and her four oldest Felipe Padilla was baptized 6 Oct 1889 at 1 month of age at Lincoln to Jesús María and Esiquia Padilla. His godparents were José Chaves y Baca and Margarita Padilla. Virginia Padilla was born 28 Mar 1890 to José León and Nestora Padilla. She was baptized 5 Apr 1890 at Lincoln; her godparents were José Chávez and Doloritas Sandoval. Genoveva Herrera was born on 30 May 1890 to José and Antonia Herrera. She was baptized 27 Jul 1890 at Magado; her godparents were Tomás Chávez and Florencia Trujillo. Clemente Padilla was baptized 6 Nov 1890 at 3 months of age at Nogal his parents were Jesús María and Esiquia Padilla. His godparents were Tomás Chaves and Florencia Trujillo. After Margarita Padilla died José Chávez married Lola Sandoval on 22 Nov 1890; in the Church at Lincoln, they were both from Lincoln. The padrinos were Sam Corbet and Josefa Baca; witness was Ignacio Serna. Lola was the daughter of Jesús Sandoval y Seña and María Torres. Vera Stutz was born in 1891 to Henry and Savina Stutz. Gabriel Olguin the son of Aniceto Olguin and Rosa Barela married Manuela Flores [FWS] daughter of José de Gracias Flores and Lorenza Herrera on 2 Mar 1891 in the Church of Lincoln. They were both from Lincoln. The padrinos were Ceclio Torres and Isabela Barela; the witness was Melquiades Barela. Bernardino Sandoval was born 20 May 1891 to Jesús and María Sandoval. He was baptized 28 Jul 1890 at Torres Ranch; his godparents were Tomás Chaves and Florencia Trujillo. 35

36 Boston (Barton) Freeman married Leonor Sandoval about 1890; she was the daughter of Jesús Sandoval and Maria Torres. Leonor later was married to Nicolas Peralta. [FWS] Anita Freeman was baptized 24 Jul 1891 at 4 months in White Oaks to Boston and Leonor Freeman. Her godparents were Feliz Guebara and Carmelita Torres. She would marry José Leon Padilla Jr. Antonia Vega was baptized 4 Oct 1891 at 43 days of age at Nogal. Her parents were José María and Josefa Vega; her godparents were Doroteo Torres and Donaciana Martines. Gregorio Pino was baptized 10 Nov 1891 at 1 month of age at Tucson. His parents were Preciliano and Donancia Pino; his godparents were Margarito Silva and Lola Sandoval. He would marry Reymunda Silva at the Chapel on the Silva/Peralta Ranch. Jesús Sandoval and his daughter Leonor and Anita Margarito Silva son of Juan Andrés and Petra Siva and Anna María Pino daughter of Pablo and María Pino were married on 14 Nov They were from Salado. The padrinos were Sam Corbett and Josefa Baca; the witness was Andrés Sandoval. She would marry Antonio Pino in [FWS] Andrea Miller was baptized 4 Feb 1892 at 2 months at Salado to Abran and Juanita Miller. Her godparents were Andrés Nejeres and Antonia Maes. She would marry Bonifacio Pino. Margarita Stutz was born in 1892 to Henry and Savina Stutz. Ramon Herrera was born 1 Aug 1892 to Ologio and Anastacia. She was baptized 24 Oct 1892 at Lincoln. Her godparents were Mariano Aldaz and Francisca Torres. Domingo Padilla was born 20 Dec 1892 to Jesús María and Esiquia Padilla. He was baptized 3 Feb1893 at Sierra Capitan; his godparents were Filomeno Peralta and María Padilla. Adan Padilla the adopted son of José Encarnación Padilla and Polonia Herrera married Teodora García about Victoriana Padilla was born 20 Mar 1893 to José León and Nestora Padilla. She was baptized 11 Jan 1894 at Sierra Capitan; her godparents were Rafael Padilla and Altagracia Lujan. 36

37 José Torres the son of José Torres and Trinidad Chávez married Tiburcia Telles the daughter of Luis Telles and Tiburia López, on 15 Jun They were from Ruidoso; the padrinos were Alberto Gonzales and Aurora Gonzales. Elena Freeman was baptized 20 Jun 1893 (no age given) at White Oaks to Boston and Leonor Freeman. Her godparents were Lorenzo Guebara and T. Sisneros. Elvira and Juanita Uderos Elvira Uderos was baptized 24 Nov 1893 in Lincoln to Refugia Ortiz and Guillermo Udreos. Her godparents were Ramon Luna and Lola Sisneros. Rosa Vega was baptized 22 Nov 1893 at 3 months of age at Nogal. Her parents were José María and Josefa Vega; her godparents were Juano Sandoval and María Tims?(sp) Vicente de Jesús Artiaga was born on 5 Apr 1894 to Manuel and Eliza Aritaga. He was baptized 22 May 1894 at Salado; his godparents were Esperidion Lueras and Leonor Sedillo. Teresita Sandoval (a twin) was born on 13 Apr 1894 to Jesús and María Sandoval. She was baptized 21 Apr 1894 at White Oaks; her godparents were David Carman and Epifania Lalone. Hermergildo Sandoval (a twin) was born on 13 Apr 1894 to Jesús and María Sandoval. He was baptized 21 Apr 1894 at White Oaks; his godparents were Anita Lovato and Frederico Lalone. Francisco Herrera was born on 21 Aug 1894 to José and Antonia Herrera. He was baptized 1 Nov 1894 at Capitan; his godparents were Isidro McKinley and Juliana Padilla. Julián Chávez was born on 20 Dec 1894 to José and Lola Chávez. He was baptized 10 Feb 1895; his godparents were Felis Guebara and Carmela Torres. It wasn t all babies and baptisms, an unhappy event unfolded in White Oaks: This fire, the greatest in the town s history, struck the Old Abe on March 9, A kerosene lamp exploded in the hoist house, sending flammable liquid all over the wooden frames of the mine. The place was turned into a mass of fire, killing nine of the twenty men who were working underground at the time. The men were below the surface, almost 800 feet down. 37

38 When the station tender noticed the disaster on hand, he quickly summoned to his fellow miners and they began the long climb towards safety up the vertical shaft. Climbing up a vertical ladder is not easy, even under normal circumstances. With the pressures of depleting oxygen and sheer exhaustion, it's a wonder that eleven men were able to make it out at all. It took the townspeople two days to extinguish the flames. In a heroic effort, White Oaks, both men and women, fought against the terrible fire with all of the strength and water they could muster. Tents were set up outside the mine for the weary as well as coffee and meals. Most men, however, refused to stop their efforts, for there were friends trapped inside. All of the town efforts went for nothing as the nine bodies were carried out one by one after the flames were extinguished. It was a heavy and sad day for White Oaks. From White Oaks Foundation to Fadeout by Max R. Turner. Joseph Padilla was born 19 Mar 1895 to José León and Nestora Padilla. He was baptized 30 May 1895 at Sierra Capitana; his godparents were Francisco Zamora and Sista Salas. A Priest s note on his Baptismal Record says Joseph married Conrada Sánchez 1 Jan Adolpho Freeman was born 21 Apr 1895 in White Oaks to Boston and Leonor Freeman. He was baptized 21 Apr 1895; his godparents were Donato Chávez and Prisciliana Pino. He would marry Soledad Artiaga. Dorotea Pino was born 29 Apr 1895 to Pablo and María Pino. She was baptized 2 Jun 1895 at Sierra de Tucson. Her godparents were Martín and Guadalupe Vaca. She would marry Boney Trujillo. Ysidro McKinley son of David McKinley and Francisca Padilla and Apolonia Herrera daughter of Eulogio Herrera and Anastacia Acrhuleta, were married, 12 Jan They were from White Oaks; their padrinos were Roberto Ludan and Epifina Lalone. [FWS] Julián Miller son of William Miller and Manuela Herrera and Felipa Guerra the daughter of Salomé Guerra and Longina Varela were married, 13 Jan Julián was from el Salado and Felipa from Ruidoso; the padrinos were Jesús and Desideria Mirabal. [FWS] Gregoria Silva was born 7 May 1896 to Margartio and Anna María Silva. She was baptized 19 May 1896 at Salado. Her godparents were Juan Andrés Silva and Petra Vallejos. Petra Vega was born 26 Jun 1896 to José María and Josefa Vega. She was baptized 20 Jul 1896 at Nogal; her godparents were James Donovan and Hanora Kagan. She died about 1910 in a Convent in Santa Fe. Ana Stutz was born 13 Jul 1896 to Henry and Savina Stutz. She was baptized 14 Sep 1896 in Salado. Her godparents were Julián Miller and Felipa Guerra. She would marry Pantaleon Torres 38

39 Benino Sandoval son of Jesús Sandoval y Seña and María Torres and Josefa López [FWS] daughter of Severiano López and Bibiana Romero were married, 21 Jun He was from White Oaks she was from Lincoln; their padrinos were Feliz Guebara and Carmela Torres. Ysidro Zamóra son of Santiago Zamóra and Dolores Perea and Bonifacia Padilla daughter of Senobio Padilla and Saturnina Torres from el Salado, were married, 21 Jul Their padrinos were Severo Padilla and Juliana Padilla. [FWS] Daniel McKinley was born on 22 December 1896 to Yisidro and Polonia McKinley. He was baptized 23 Mar 1897 at Sierrita. His godparents were Eulogio Herrera and Anastasia Archuleta. Virginia Padilla was born 15 Jan 1897 to José León Sr. and Nestora Padilla. She was baptized 25 Jan 1897; her godparents were José Chávez and Ma. Sandoval. She would marry Francisco Sánchez. Wenislas Herrera was born 28 Sep 1896 to José and Antonia Herrera. He was baptized 21 Jan 1897 at Salado; his godparents were Isidro Zamora and Bonifacia Padilla. Julián Serna son of Victor Serna and María Flores and Juliana Padilla daughter of Senobio Padilla and Saturnina Torres were married, 28 Jan He was from Lincoln she was from Salado; their padrinos were Irineo Padilla and Rosario Vallejos. [FWS] Julián Leal son of Manuel Leal and Refugia Ortiz and Carrie Lalone daughter of Tioflio Lalonde and Lada Padilla [FWS] were married, 20 Mar Julián was from Lincoln and Carrie from White Oaks; their padrinos were Feliz Guebara and Carmelita Torres. Julián Leal and Carrie Lalone José Romero son of Ologio Romero and Casimira Padilla from Lincoln and Barbara McVeigh daughter of Charles McVeigh and Clara Shapkington from Ft. Santon were married 2 Aug Their padrinos were Juan Perea and Epifania Lalone. [FWS] Fannie s Story Fannie (Epifania) Lalone was a typical girl of her era. This little side story is an effort to shed some light on our young ladies of the time. Fannie s father, Tioflio LaLonde, was a hard working immigrant from French Canada who worked his way west in the 1860s. He left Kingston, Ontario in 1857 after working on the St. 39

40 Lawrence River, first as a mate and then as a Captain; he was on the trail west in 1860 at O Fallon s Bluff, Nebraska in the company of a French trader and a couple of Spanish men. In the mid 1860s he became associated with the folks from Manzano, no doubt because of his trading connections. Fannie s mother, Estaislada Lada Padilla was raised by her uncle, Ygnacio Guevara, an Españole from Mexico who mined on Ortiz Mountain above Albuquerque. Ygancio later settled in Manzano with his family and Lada. They lived very near Lada s father, José Encarnación Padilla and his family. About 1867 everybody was in Missouri Plaza in what would become Lincoln County and Lada and Tioflio were married. Tioflio was associated with the Casey Ranch on the Hondo and eventually they lived on Magado Creek where Fannie was born in Fannie s childhood was typical of rural kids in New Mexico in those days. Play and work, no toys to play with except imagination and not many conveniences to work with to make thing easy. She went to about Third Grade in Nogal, she could read and write; in her later years she went to Protestant Churches which used English but read her Bible in Spanish. Andy Fowler, Amanda Eaker, Fannie Lalone As a young lady she had her circle of friends some of which grew up with her (Amada Eaker lived by the Lalones in 1885); she was involved in family and Church related events, being a Godmother for several children. In 1897 she and her cousin, Juan Perea, were Padrinos at José Romero and Barbara McViegh s wedding. [FWS] Usually Padrinos had some family relationship to someone in the Wedding Party; it appears that Fannie might have been a cousin of José s. When she was about 19, her family sold their farm up towards Nogal and moved to White Oaks. Fannie got a job working in the household of the man who owned the Old Abe Mine. 40

41 A perfect time for a youg lady to move to town; plenty of social doin s and lots of young men, a girls dream. After the chores were done; the laundry (by hand), feed the animals (there were still animals in town), do the sewing and whatever mother need. She could have some time off. Young people then as now liked to get around of course but it was a bit of a different proposition then, a 10 or 15 miles horseback ride may take a good part of the day and a buggy or wagon ride would take much longer. On the farm or ranch if she wanted to go visiting a girl would have to saddle her own horse or hitch up her own buggy just to go out. The Lalonde s, like many of the families of the era didn t have much and depending on circumstances they might not eat regularly. Life was a dicey propostion but play and work went hand-in-hand, Fannie got in plenty of both. The girls of our story had the same giggles and insecurities as today but lived in a more demanding environment. ~ ~ ~ Jesús María Gutiérrez son of Lorenzo Gutiérrez and Josefa Segura and Prudencia Baca daughter of Francisco Baca and Refugio Ortiz were married, 25 Oct Both from Lincoln, their padrinos were José Romero and Barbara Romero. [FWS] John Mack son of John Mack and Salomé Garod (They were French Canadians) and Francisca Padilla widow of Dennis McKinley were married, 12 Dec Both residents of Nogal, their padrinos were Francisco Vigil and Elena Frésquez. Roberto Miller-Swan son of William Miller and Manuela Herrera and María Stutz daughter of Henry Stutz and Sabina Estrada were married, 10 Jan The marriage record gives his name as Robert Sevan (Swan) and gives his father as Juan Sevan (Joseph Swan his stepfather). They were residents of Carizito; their padrinos were George Sena and Eloisa 41

42 Miller de Artiaga. They used his stepfather s name, their death records are for Roberto Swan and Mary Swan. [FWS] Nicolas Peralta son of Filomeno Peralta and Hilaria Padilla residents of el Tucson and Leonore Sandoval daughter of Jesús Sandoval y Seña and María Torres residents of White Oaks, were married 24 Jan Their padrinos were Eduvigen Padilla and Antonia Zamora. Leonor was previously married to Boston Freeman. [FWS] Elena Torres was born 12 Feb 1898 to José and Tiburcia Torres. She was baptized 5 Mar 1898 at Patos; her godparents were Policarpio Lobato and Delfina Maes. Elena would marry Salvador Guava, 11 September Manuel Miller was born 8 May 1898 to Julián and Felipa Miller. He was Baptized 19 Jun 1898 in Capitan; his Godparents were Roberto Swan and María Stultz. He would marry Isabel Duran 5 Feb Bonifacio Pino son of Pablo Pino and María Chávez and Andrea Miller daughter of Abran Miller and Juanita Romero were married, 13 Jun Both residents of Tucson, their padrinos were Manuel Artiaga and Lucia Miller. Henry Silva son of Juan Andrés Silva and Petra Ballejos and Rebeca Artiaga daughter of Juan Artiaga and Sabina Estrada were married, 20 Jun Both were from Tucson, their padrinos were Saturnino Baca and Juana Chávez. [FWS] Sofia Serna was born 14 Jun 1898 to Julián and Juliana Serna. She was baptized 25 Aug 1898; her godparents were Isidro Zamora and Saturnina Torres. Sofia married Jaime Torres 12 Nov Vicente Gutiérrez was born 7 Sep 1898 to Jesús María and Prudencia Gutiérrez. She was baptized 20 Sep 1898; her godparents were Guillermo Uderos and Refugio Ortiz. Juan Andrés Padilla was born 27 Nov 1898 to Adan and Teodora Padilla. He was baptized 5 Feb 1899 at Capitan; his godparents were Juan Andrés Silva and Petra Vallejo. Doc Lacey son of Lewis Lacey and Margaret White of Locke Hill, Bexar County TX and Fannie LaLone daughter of Tioflio Lalonde and Lada Padilla were married, 14 Dec 1898 in White Oaks. [FWS] For their wedding night he had rented a room at Mrs. Gallagher s, just as they were settling in there was a terrible ruckus outside, their friends were yellin and hollerin and banging pots and pans, so they had to get up and get dressed and let them in for a visit. Doc and Fannie s Wedding Portrait 42

43 Doc was cowboyin for the Carrizozo Cattle Company down at the McDonald place, he moved Fannie there but she was terribly lonely. An oldtimer, Johnny Patton, was the cook there and Fannie would put on her gloves and go visit him. He took her under his wing, one day he commented that she didn t have a ring, she said that they didn t have the money; a short time later, Johnny bought a ring for her as a wedding present and she wore that ring for the rest of her life. Fannie wasn t happy on the ranch so they moved back to White Oaks and Doc got a job at the Old Abe Mine, where Fannie s brother-in-law, Dave Tinnon, had become the foreman. Doc also worked in a saloon and some stores including Ziegler s. Their first three daughters, Margie, Flo and Alma were born in White Oaks, Doctor Paden delivered Margie but Fanny didn t like that; so a mid-wife, Grandma Sandoval delivered the next few. Juliana Peralta was born 23 Jan 1899 to Nicolas and Leonore Peralta. She was baptized 25 Feb 1899; her godparents were Isabel Peralta and Sabina Padilla. Juliana married Eduardo Zamora 27 Jan Severo Padilla son of Senobio Padilla and Saturnina Torres and Josefa Sánchez daughter of Esiquio Sanchez and Isabel Analla were married, 4 Mar Severo from Tucson, Josefa from Picacho their padrinos were Isidro Analla and Anita Peppin. In 1904 she married Feliz Zamora. [FWS] Roberto Silva was born on 14 Mar 1899 to Margartio and Anna María Silva. He was baptized 24 Apr 1899 at Tucson; his godparents were Roberto and María L. Swan. Susana Silva was born on 16 Apr 1899to Henry and Rebeca Silve. She was baptized 25 Apr 1899 in Tucson. Her Godparents were Isidro McKinley and Apolonia Herrera. Susana Vega was born 24 May 1899 to José María and Josefa Vega. She was Baptized 17 July 1899 at Nogal; her godparents were Benino Sandoval and Margarita Lopez. She died 21 Aug Manuel Padilla was born 15 Jul 1899 to José Leon Sr. and Nestora Padilla. He was baptized 1 Aug 1899; his godparents were Eusebio Gurule and Ema St. John. He would marry Aurora Saavedra. From our introduction; This little excerpt is taken from Ruth Birdsong s book Tracks North in case you were asleep when we passed by: The Capitan Mountains are one of the few mountain ranges in the United States that runs East and West. In 1884 Seaborn Gray homesteaded on Salado Flats and put up a small store. A Post Office was established in 1894 and he was appointed Postmaster, naming it Gray for himself. In January 1899 the El Paso & Northeastern Railway built a branch line into Gray and changed the name to Capitan. The town incorporated in The railroad reached there on September 29, Coal miners came from Pennsylvania (beginning in 1897); they were imported to work the Salado Coal Fields. The first carload of coal was shipped from there September 30, 43

44 1899. At first the fields gave every promise of being practically inexhaustible; but soon afterwards, as operations progressed and the pits dug deeper, the coal veins were found to be badly broken by underground faults and dikes. The veins narrowed between solid rock walls so that extraction of the coal became more and more difficult and expensive Due to the veins pinching out mining at the Salado Coal Fields had to be abandoned. With this main source of rail traffic eliminated, the budding enterprise was finished. By May 1, 1901, there was no more use in pretending that the stoppage of work in the Salado mines was of a temporary nature. The coal field was abandoned and the machinery was pulled out of the mines Capitan about 1910 Susanna Miller was born on 2 Oct 1899 to Abran and Juanita Miller. She was baptized 22 Oct 1899; her godparents were Francisco Córdova and Mariana Romero. Aaron Artiaga was born on 22 Oct 1899 to Manuel and Eliza Artiaga. He was baptized 28 Nov 1899; his godparents were Parpio Lobato and Delfinia Maes. Margarita Torres was born on 22 Feb 1900 to José and Tiburcia Torres. She was baptized 17 May 1900; her godparents were Pablo Torres and Francisca Cordova. Juan Miller was born on 11 Dec 1899 to Julián and Felipa Miller. He was baptized 26 Feb 1900; his godparents were Manuel Artiaga and Eloisa Miller. Doroteo Peralta was born 22 Jul 1900 to Monico and Ramona Peralta. He was baptized 2 Sep 1900; his godparents were Filomeno Peralta and Hilaria Padilla. He would marry Tomacita Pino on 12 Nov Victor Serna was born 15 Aug 1900 to Julián and Juliana Serna. He was baptized 26 Nov 1900 at Tucson; his godparents were Ciprian Vallejos and María Jaramillo. He would marry Cirila Vigil, daughter of Daniel Vigil later he married Elfida Frésquez Chavez, 30 Dec

45 Victoriano Artiaga son of Manuel Artiaga and Eloisa Miller and Lola Padilla daughter of Saturnia Torres and Senobio Padilla were married, 4 Jan They were both from Tucson; their padrinos were Julián Miller and Felipa Guerra. [FWS] José Chávez was born on 11 Jan1901 to José and Lola Chávez. He was baptized 22 Apr 1901 in White Oaks; his godparents were Candelario and Rosa Sandoval. Soledad Artiaga was born 3 Feb 1901 to Manuel and Eliza Artiaga. Her godparents were Iginio Sausedo and Julia Aguilar. She would marry Adolfo Freeman 6 Mar Paula Padilla was born 2 Mar 1901 to Adan and Tedora Padilla. She was baptized 31 Mar 1901; her godparents were Abel Pino and María Chávez. Francisita Silva was born 29 Mar 1901 to Henry and Rebeca Silva. She was baptized 23 Apr 1901 in Tucson; her godparents were Catarino Baldonado and Leonor Gurule. She would marry Damecio Peralta on 22 Sep Clara Peralta was born 27 May 1901 to Nicolas and Leonor Peralta. She was baptized 30 Jun1901; her godparents were Juan L. Reyes and Encarnación Gonzales. She would marry Nestor Aguilar 12 Mar José Vega was born 19 Jun 1901 to José María and Josefa Vega. He was baptized 2 Oct 1901 at Nogal; his godparents were Frederico and Adelaida Lalone. He would marry Amada Swan. George Herrera was born on 17 Apr 1901 to José and Antonia Herrera. He was baptized 11 Jul 1901 in Lincoln; his godparents were Refugio Trujillo and Romualda Trujillo. He would marry Amelia Reyes 18 Sep Antonio Silva was born 6 Aug 1901 to Margartio and Anna María Sliva. He was baptized 1 Sep 1901; his godparents were Preciliano Pino and Donaciana Chávez. Twins Eloisa and Saturnina Artiaga were born 16 Aug 1901 to Victoriano and Lola Artiaga. They were baptized 27 Aug 1901, Eloisa s godparents were Roberto Swan and Dorotea Pratt and Saturnina s were Julián Serna and Juliana Padilla. Manuela Miller was born on 28 Aug 1901 to Abran and Juanita Miller. She was baptized 6 Oct 1901; her godfather was Candelario Griego. She would marry Desiderio Márquez 19 Feb Elvira Miller was born on 10 Oct 1901 to Julián and Felipa Miller. She was baptized 8 Dec 1901; her godparents were Porfirio and Beatriz Chávez. She would marry Clemente Padilla 24 Nov 1916 in Lincoln. Emiliano McKinley son of David McKinley and Francisca Padilla and María Concepción Padilla daughter of José León Sr. and Nestora Padilla were married, 19 Dec Emiliano 45

46 was from Tuscon and María from Lincoln; their padrinos were Isidro McKinley and Apolonia Herrera. [FWS] Joseph Swan and Manuela Herrera were married (finally) 11 Mar She was the widow of William Miller. They were from Tucson; their padrinos were Isabel Peralta and Ylaria Padilla. Pablo Telles son of Luis Telles and Tiburcia López and Rosa Sandoval daughter of Jesús Sandoval y Seña and María Torres were married, 8 Mar They were both from White Oaks; their padrinos were Juan Reyes and Encarnación Gonzales. [FWS] Pedro López son of Lorenzo López and Manuela Torres and Eliza Miller daughter of William Miller and Manuela Herrera were Married 11 Mar They were both from Tucson; their padrinos were Margarito Silva and Ana María Pino. She was previously married to Manuel Artiaga, she later married Boney Zamora. [FWS] Henry Stutz and María Savina Estrada married, 20 May They were both from Tucson; their padrinos were Saturnino Baca and Juana Chávez. Isabel Peralta and Ramona Padilla were married in Manzano. [FWS] On the 14th of July of 1902, I married very solemnly Isabel Peralta single, (23 years), legitimate son of Filomeno Peralta and of Hilaria Padilla, from El Capitan (County of Lincoln), with Ramona Padilla single, (15 years), legitimate daughter of Vicente Padilla, deceased, and of Bersabe Gonzales, from La Cienega, N. Mex. Padrinos, Eutemio Luna and Piedad Armijo. From the marriage records of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Manzano. The Lincoln National Forest was originally established on 26 Jun 1902 with the office in Capitan. This area only included the White Mountains and Capitan Mountains. Presidential proclamations were then signed in 1905, 1906, 1907, 1910, and 1919 adding additional lands to the Lincoln National Forest. This would materially change the way our folks viewed their surroundings. Angelita McKinley was born 1 Oct 1902 to Yisidro and Polonia McKinley. She was baptized 28 Oct 1902 at Tucson; her godparents were Saturnino and Apolonia Herrera. She would marry Flavio Mirabal 5 Jul María Serna was born on 13 Oct 1902 to Julián and Juliana Serna. She was baptized 5 Dec 1902 at Capitan: her godparents were Manuel Ribera and Sabina Estrada. She would marry Casimiro Cabrera 12 July Katie Silva was born 25 Nov 1902 to Henry and Rebeca Artiaga. She was baptized 5 Dec 1902 in Capitan; her godparents were Joseph Tatti and Reymunda Silva. She would marry Ward Leslie. Silvestre Pino was born 31 Dec 1902 to Bonifacio and Andrea Pino. He was baptized 15 Jan 1903; his godparents were Feliz Gonzales and Catarina Peralta. 46

47 Rufina Artiaga was born 28 Jan 1903 to Victoriano and Lola Artiaga. She was baptized 10 Mar 1903; her godparents were Nicolas Peralta and Leonor Sandoval. She would marry Martín Baca 30 Aug 1923 in Belen, NM. Joe Sánchez son of Cresencio Sánchez and María Sánchez and Addie LaLone daughter of Tioflio Lalonde and Lada Padilla were married, 12 Feb They were both from White Oaks; their padrinos were Julián Leal and Carolina Lalone. [FWS] Perciliano Pino son of Pablo Pino and Igninia Cordoba and Donancia Chávez were married in Dona Ana County. She died 16 Feb 1903 and is buried in unmarked grave in White Oaks. Julián Miller was born 16 Feb 1903 to Julián and Felipa Miller. He was baptized 10 Mar 1903 in Tucson; his godparents were Severo Pérez and Rebeca Montoya. Leandro Vega was born 13 Mar 1903 to José María and Josefa Vega. He would marry Narcissa Ramirez. Juan Peralta was born on 17 Mar 1903 to Monico and Ramona Peralta. He was baptized 12 Apr 1903; his godparents were Nicolas Peralta and Leonor Sandoval. Antonio José Padilla was born on 11 May 1903 to Adan and Tedora Padilla. He was baptized 23 Jun 1903 at Tucson; his godparents were Victoriano Artiaga and Dolores Padilla. Jesús María Padilla Jr. son of Jesús Maria Padilla and Sostena Carrillo and Luisa Montoya were married 7 Aug They were both from Lincoln; their padrinos were Nicolas Peralta and Leonora Sandoval. They had both been married before. Feliz Peralta was born on 1 Oct 1903 to Nicolas and Leonor Peralta. She was baptized 24 Nov 1903 at Tucson; her godparents were Filomeno Peralta and Ilaria Padilla. She would marry Margarito Chavez, 12 Aug Fred Lalone son of Tioflio Lalonde and Lada Padilla and Margarite Vega daughter of José María Vega and Esiquia Torres were married, 23 Nov Fred from White Oaks, Margarite from Nogal; their padrinos were Feliz Guebara and Carmela Torres. [FWS] Fred and Margarite s wedding was a three day affair at the Vega Rancho. Dining and dancing the whole time, everybody came. The bride wore a new dress every day. Estela Chávez was born 9 Dec 1903 to José and Lola Chávez. She was baptized 12 Dec 1903 at Patos; her godparents were Eusebio Gurule and Ema St. John. She would marry Aristeo Salcido 24 Jan 1927 in Roswell. Guadalupe Peralta was born 12 Dec 1903 to Isabel and Ramona Peralta. He was Baptized 24 Jan 1904; his Godparents were Cleto Chávez and Prudencia Miranda. 47

48 Henry Silva Jr. was born 27 Jun 1904 Henry and Rebeca Silva. He was baptized 27 Apr 1904 in Tucson/Capitan; his godparents were Abel Pino and Dorotea Stutz. Julia Theresa Artiaga was born 2 Jun 1904 to Victoriano and Lola Artiaga. She was baptized 26 Jun 1904 in Capitan; her godparents were Enrique Silva and Rebeca Artiaga. Sophie Sánchez was born on 17 Jul 1904 to Joe and Addie Sánchez. She was baptized 21 Aug 1904 in White Oaks; her godparents were Frederico and Margarita Lalone. She would marry Lawson Miller, March 20, 1942 in California. Manuela McKinley was born 22 Aug 1904 to Yisidro and Polonia McKinley. She was baptized 18 Sep1904 at Tucson; her godparents were Pedro Peralta and Lorenza Padilla. Beatriz Miller was born 28 Oct 1904 to Julián and Felipa Miller. She was baptized 8 Nov 1904 in Tucson; her godparents were Nicolas Peralta and Leonarda Sandoval. Josephine LaLone was born 29 Oct 1904 to Fred and Margarite Lalone. She was baptized 8 Nov 1904; her godparents were José María Vega and Josefa Sandoval. She would marry Seth VanWickle, 25 May 1930 in California. John McKinley was born on 3 Dec 1904 to Emiliano and María McKinley. He was baptized 25 December 1904 at Capitan; his godparents were John and Francisca Mack. Josephita Telles was born on 19 Mar 1905 to Pablo and Rosa Telles. She was baptized on 27 Mar 1905 at White Oaks: her godparents were Candelario and María Sandoval. She would marry Manuel Saiz, 3 Oct Frank Vega was born 6 Jul 1905 in Nogal to José María and Josefa Vega. He would marry Mariana De Los Reyes 6 Oct 1926 in Tombstone, AZ. Birda Mae Lacey was born on 2 Jul 1905 in a tie house in Carrizozo. As we look at housing today our view is very different from what our forbearers experienced. When Birda Lacey was born in Carrizozo she was born in a tie house, made from railroad ties and canvas. 48

49 When her grandfather and great-grandfather came to the Salado they lived in small places built of adobe or perhaps when they were getting started, in jacals, small structures made of poles stuck upright in the ground, laced together with vines or branches and then plastered, with a pole and mud roof. One other common option was a chosa, a dugout into the side of a hill with the front built up out of adobes or logs, and a pole and mud roof. Of course none of these would have board floors, just packed earth, wet down and swept daily. An adobe in ruins, 1955 It wasn t until the 1890s that board built houses became practical and popular; first with the Anglos and then with the Hispanos. Cirilo Peralta was born 9 Jul 1905 to Monico and Ramona Peralta. He was baptized 20 Sep 1905 in Capitan; his godparents were Isabel Peralta and Ramona Peralta. Abel Pino son of Pablo Pino and María Chávez and Felicitas Gonzales daughter of Felix Gonzales and Catharina Peralta were married, 21 Sep They were from Capitan their padrinos were Isabel Peralta and Ramona Peralta. [FWS] Francisco Padilla was born 4 Oct 1905 to Adan and Tedora Padilla. He was baptized 15 Oct 1905 in White Oaks; his godparents were Julián Leal and Carolina Lalone. He must have died before April 1908, for they named their next son Francisco as well. Teresa Sánchez was born 10 Sep 1905 to Joe and Addie Sánchez. She was baptized 24 Oct 1905 in White Oaks; her godparents were Tomás Chávez and Florencia Trujillo. 49

50 White Oaks Candelario Sandoval son Jesús Sandoval y Seña and María Torres and Benigna Bueno daughter of Marcos Bueno and Encarnación Gonzales were married, 25 Oct They were from White Oaks; their padrinos were Dolores Lueras and his wife. Benigna later married Gregorio Sedillo. [FWS] Benino Gallegos son of Felix Gonzales and Natividad Peralta and Estefana Pino daughter of Preciliano Pino and Donaciana Chavez were married, 30 Oct 1905 in Lincoln. Their padrinos were Severo Pérez and Rebeca Montoya. [FWS] Albert LaLone was born 11 Nov 1905 to Fred and Margarite Lalone. He was baptized 26 Mar 1906 in Nogal; his godparents were Julián Leal and Carolina Lalone. He would marry Eva, May 5, 1934 in Califoria. Adelaida Chávez was born 16 Dec 1905 to José and Lola Chávez. She was baptized 30 Mar 1906 in White Oaks; her godparents Joachim Patiry and Silveria Ortiz. Tomacita Pino was born 20 Dec 1905 to Bonifacio and Andrea Pino. She was baptized 6 Feb 1906 at Capitan; her godparents were Preciliano and Carmelita Pino. She would marry Doroteo Peralta 12 Nov Manuel Artiaga was born 14 Feb 1906 to Victoriano and Lola Artiaga. He was baptized 3 Apr1906; his godparents were Lauterio Baca and Francisca Chávez. Antonio Peralta was born 17 Jan 1906 to Isabel and Ramona Peralta. He was baptized 3 Apr 1906 in Capitan; his godparents were José Torres and Rosa Chávez. Miguel Peralta was born 2 Mar 1906 to Nicolas and Leonor Peralta. He was baptized 25 Mar 1906 in Sierra Capitan; his godparents were José León Padilla and Nestora Zamora. 50

51 Juan Andres Silva was born 27 Mar 1906 to Henry and Rebeca Silva. He was baptized 5 Jun 1906 in Capitan; his godparents were Preciliano Pino and Carmelita Pino. Louis Earl Lacey was born 2 Sep 1906 in Carrizozo and died 9 Jun His death is notable because at the time there was no cemetery in Carrizozo; his father Doc Lacey got together with his business associate Ira Whetmore and donated the property for Evergreen Cemetery. Felicitas Margarita Pino was born 27 Oct 1906 to Abel and Felicitas Pino. She was baptized 9 Dec 1906 at Sierrita; her godparents were Juan Andrés Silva and Petra Gallegos. Julian LaLone was born 16 Feb 1907 to Fred and Margarite Lalone. He was baptized 2 Mar 1907; his godparents were Florencio Vega and Petra Vega. Nicolas Vega was born 10 Oct 1907 to José María and Josefa Vega. He was baptized 21 Mar 1908 at Nogal; his godparents were Bernardino and María Sandoval. He would marry Natalia Montoya. Luisa Peralta was born on 13 Oct 1907 to Monico and Ramona Peralta. She was baptized 18 Jan 1908 in Sierrita; her godparents were Boney Pino and Andrea Miller. Fred Silva was born 8 Jan 1908 Henry and Rebeca Silva. He was baptized 20 Mar 1908 in Capitan; his godparents were Juan Trujillo and J. Cruz Archeveque. He would marry Dorothy Gallegos. Francisco Padilla was born 27 Apr 1908 to Adan and Tedora Padilla. He was baptized 3 May 1908 at Capitan; his godparents were Eulogio Herrera and Anastasia Archuleta. Agapita Padilla was born on 22 Jun 1908 to Jesús María Jr. and Luisa Padilla. She was baptized on 22 Jul 1908 at Capitan; her godparents were Romualdo Moya and Carlota Montoya. She would marry Augustin Salsberry, 12 Aug Angelita Telles was born 2 Jul 1908 to Pablo and Rosa Telles. She was baptized 16 Aug 1908 at White Oaks; her godparents were Luis Telles and Tivurcia López. María del Carmen Peralta was born 16 Jul 1908 to Isabel and Ramona Peralta. She was baptized 3 Sep 1908 in Capitan; her godparents were Bernardo Padilla and Adelaida Padilla. Tomás Archuleta son of Antonio Archuleta and Eloisa Moraga and Manuelita Padilla daughter of Adan Padilla and Teodora García were married, 25 Jul Their padrinos were J. McKinley and Apolonia Herrera. [FWS] María McKinley was born 29 Jul 1908 to Yisidro and Polonia Mc Kinley. She was baptized 7 Sep 1908 at Capitan; her godparents were Tomás Archuleta and Manuelita Padilla. Alex Aguayo son of José María de Aguayo and Francisca Hill and Eufe Baca daughter of Francisco Baca and Refugia Ortiz were married, 19 Aug 1908 in Carrizozo. [FWS] 51

52 Abel Pino and Clara Padilla were married. On the 14th of September of 1908, I married after dispensing of the 2nd degree of Affinity, Abel Pino (27 years), legitimate son of Pablo Pino and of Maria Chavez and widow in 1st marriage of Felicitas Gonzales, from El Capitan, County of Lincoln, with Clara Padilla single, (17 years and 1 month and 14 days), legitimate daughter of Vicente Padilla, deceased and of Bersabe Gonzales from La Sienega, N. M. Padrinos, Jose Antonio Garcia and Ramona Candelaria. From the marriage records of Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Manzano Victoriano Artiaga was born 15 Sep 1908 to Victoriano and Lola Artiaga. He was baptized 6 Nov His godparents were Frederico Romero and Manuelita Mirabal. Fred LaLone, Jr. was born on 29 Aug 1908 to Fred and Margarite Lalone. He was baptized 29 Dec 1908; his godparents were Tioflio Lalone and Estanislada Padilla. He would marry Ellen 19 Feb 1938 in California. Mary Sánchez was born 1 Jan 1909 to Joe and Addie Sánchez. She was baptized 25 Mar 1909 in White Oaks; her godparents were Lorenzo and Maximiliana Guebara. She would marry Ralph Kenny, 24 Mar 1940 in California. Eduardo Torres was born on 16 January 1909 to José and Tiburcia Torres. He was baptized 28 Feb 1909 at Carrizozo; his godparents were Margarito Nuanes and Librada Montoya. Reymundo Peralta was born on 15 Mar 1909 to Monico and Ramona Peralta. He was baptized 23 Jun 1909 in Lincoln; his godparents were José Ma. Padilla and Luisa Montoya. Petronila McKinley was baptized 12 May 1909 in Lincoln, she was the daughter of Emiliano and María McKinley. Her godparents were Isidro McKinley and Apolonia Herrera. Carrizozo was growing. People were moving in to town. From the Southwest Outlook 4 Jun 1909: I wish to explain to the people of Carrizozo the design and plans of the fair grounds I have built. It cost considerable money to fence the forty acres of ground and to build a halfmile track and a baseball diamond, and I am collecting 40 percent of the gate money for all games pulled off in the fair grounds, and as soon as there is enough money collected from such games I will build a grand stand for the accommodation of the people. But at any time the people of Carrizozo wish to use the grounds for any purpose in which they do not charge admission, I would be very much pleased to donate the use of the grounds. I have adopted this plan to avoid going to the already well drained Business men of our town begging for money. When the town becomes large enough we can form a fair association and take over the grounds. Very respectfully, Peter E. Lacey 52

53 Juanita Pino was born on 12 Jun 1909 to Bonifacio and Andrea Pino. She was baptized 19 Jun 1909 at Sierrita; her godparents were Pablo Pino and María Chávez. Juanita Silva was born 12 Jul 1909 to Margartio and Anna María Silva. She was baptized 16 Jul 1909 at Glencoe; her godparents were José Tatti and Reymunda Silva. She would marry Meregildo Gonzales 16 Dec Lois Archuleta was born on 25 Aug 1909 to Tomás and Manuelita Archuleta. She was baptized 26 Nov 1909 at Capitan; her godparents were Joseph Tatti and Reymunda Silva. Louis Lalonde son of Tioflio Lalonde and Estanislada Padilla and Elvira Uderos daughter of Guillermo Uderos and Refugia Ortiz were married, 25 Sep 1909 in Carrizozo. [FWS] Addie Lalonde was born 22 Jul 1909 to Louis and Elvira Lalonde. She was baptized 21 Nov 1909 in Carrizozo; her godparents were Berardino Sandoval and Elvira St.John. She would marry Leonard Martines, May 14, 1933 in California. Louis and Elvira Lalonde, Addie, Juanita and Florencio Vega Pablo Pino was born 3 Oct 1909 to Preciliano and Isidora Pino. He was baptized 21 Nov 1909; his godparents were Gregorio Pino and Apolonia Herrera. He died 12 Jun At old the ranch while fixing a fence, struck by lightning; also killed were cousin Eduardo Silva Gallego, Tia Estefana and Benino s son. Filomeno Peralta was born 14 Dec 1909 to Nicolas and Leonor Peralta. He was baptized 10 Jan 1910 at Lincoln; his godparents were Francisco Zamora and Xista Salas. Martín Vega was born on 30 Jan 1910 to José María and Josefa Vega. He was baptized 20 March 1910 (No GP s listed). He would marry Lucia Swan. Frank Pino was born 9 Mar 1910 to Able and Clara Pino. He was baptized 17 Jun 1910 in Capitan; his godparents were Isabel Peralta and Ramona Padilla. 53

54 José Zenon Padilla was born 9 Jul 1910 to Adan and Tedora Padilla. He was baptized 2 Oct 1910 at Capitan; his godparents were Tomás Archuleta and Manuela Padilla. Tranquilino Artiaga was born 31 Jul 1910 to Victoriano and Lola Artiaga. He was baptized 8 August 1910 in Sierrita; his godparents were Felix Gonzales and Catarina Peralta. Anastasia McKinley was born 12 Aug 1910 to Yisidro and Polonia McKinley. She was baptized 25 Sep 1910 in Capitan; her godparents were John Mack and Francisca Padilla. She would marry Cristobal Chávez 18 Sep 1927 in Carrizozo. Alfredo Vidal Silva was born 28 Apr 1910 to Henry and Rebeca Silva. He was baptized 2 Sep 1910 in Capitan; his Godparents were Juana and Emilio Torres. He would marry Lucinda Romero. Adolph Sánchez was born 13 Apr 1911 to Joe and Addie Sánchez. He would marry Margret, 20 Jun 1936 in California. Antonio Vega son of José María Vega and Josefa Sandoval and Lucille Aguayo daughter of José María de Aguayo and Francisca Hill were married in [FWS] Gregorio Pino son of Presciliano Pino and Donaciana Chávez and Reymunda Silva daughter of Juan Andres Silva and Petra Ballejos were married, July 12, 1911 at the Silva/Peralta Ranch Chapel near Capitan. [FWS] Teresa Peralta was born on 9 Jun 1911 to Monico and Ramona Peralta. She was baptized 3 Aug 1911 in Capitan; her godparents were Bonifacio Trujillo and Dorotea Pino. José María Pino was born 25 Nov 1911 to Bonifacio and Andrea Pino. He was baptized 15 Feb 1912 at Capitan; his godparents were Margarito (ns) and María Pino. He would marry María Domingues 10 Mar Congress admitted New Mexico as the 47th state in the Union on 6 Jan Guillermo Padilla was born on 10 Feb 1912 to Jesús María and Luisa Padilla. He was baptized 13 Apr 1912 at Lincoln; his godparents were Alejandro Trujillo and Emilia Padilla. Florencio Peralta was born on 28 Apr 1912 to Nicolas and Leonor Peralta. He was baptized 22 Jun 1912 at Capitan; his godparents were Felix Gonzales and his wife. Susana Silva daughter of Henry and Rebeca Silva was baptized 2 Jun 1912 in Capitan. She would marry Antonio Archuleta, 2 Jun Maggie Pino was born 10 Jun 1912 to Able and Clara Pino. She was baptized 13 Jun 1912 in Capitan; her godparents were Preciliano Pino and Isidora Chávez. 54

55 Petra Vega was born 1 Jul 1912 to José María and Josefa Vega. She would marry Florentino López, Apr. 8, 1931 in Carrizozo. Bertha Lalonde was born on 14 May 1912 to Louie and Elvira Lalonde. She was baptized 1 Sep 1912 in Carrizozo; her godparents were Juan Romero and Clara Romero. She took Vows in the Religious Community, 15 Aug Bertha Lalonde, Navy Nurse in WW II Carmen Silva was born on 18 Jul 1912 to Margartio and Anna María Silva. She was baptized on 15 Aug 1912 at Sierrita; her godparents were Manuel and Aurelia Gonzales. Margarite Lalone was born 21 Jan 1912 to Fred and Margarite Lalone. She was baptized 22 Dec 1912; her godparents were Pablo Telles and Rosa Sandoval. She would marry Alfred Domschke, 9 Mar 1932 in California. Manuel Padilla was born on 8 Aug 1913 to Jesús María and Luisa Padilla. He was baptized 3 Sep 1913 at Lincoln; his godparents were Eduvigen Padilla and Antonia Zamora. Ramona Padilla was born on 14 Aug 1913 to Adan and Tedora Padilla. She was baptized 15 Sep 1913 at Sierrita; her godparents were Manuel Gonzales and Aurelia Duran. Beatriz Pino was born in Sep 1911 to Gregorio and Reymunda Pino. She was baptized 17 Nov 1912 in Carrizozo. She would marry Benny Sánchez. Presiliano Pino was born 10 Oct 1913 to Gregorio and Reymunda Pino. He was baptized 8 Nov 1913 in Capitan; his padrinos were Saturnino Baca and Juanita Chávez. He would marry Esther López on 24 Aug 1938 at San Patricio. Isadora Peralta was born 25 Dec 1913 to Monico and Ramona Peralta. She was baptized 27 Mar 1914 in Capitan; her godparents were Preciliano Pino and Isadora Pino. Josefita Pino was born in Nov 1913 to Bonifacio and Andrea Pino. She was baptized 7 Jan 1914 at Carrizozo; her godparents were Benito and Isidora Chávez. José Isidro McKinley was born on 7 Mar 1914 to Yisidro and Polonia McKinley. He was baptized 11 Apr 1914 at Capitan; his godparents were Angel Lueras and Rosa Herrera. Louis LaLonde was born 11 Feb 1914 to Louis and Elvira Lalonde. He was baptized 17 Apr 1914 in Carrizozo; his godparents were Mauricio Telles and Bautista Telles. 55

56 Robert Lalone was born 22 Aug 1913 to Fred and Margarite Lalone. He was baptized 15 Nov 1914; his godparents were John Mack and Francisca Padilla. He would marry Joyce Fowler, 8 Apr 1938 in California. Trinidad Artiaga was born on 24 Apr 1915 to Victoriano and Lola Artiaga. She was baptized 27 Jun 1915 in Capitan; her godparents were Boney Zamora and Soledad Artiaga. She would marry Pablo Sandoval 4 Aug Ramon Pino was born on 12 Nov 1915 to Bonifacio and Andrea Pino. He was baptized 27 Dec 1915 at Capitan; his godparents were Boney Trujillo and Dorotea Pino. He would marry Julia Peralta, 21 Oct Carmen Pino was born 28 Aug 1915 to Gregorio and Reymunda Pino. She was baptized 15 Nov 1915 in Capitan; her padrinos were Enrique Silva and Rebecca Artiaga. She would marry Salomon Saavedra 14 Apr Edward Lalone was born on 11 May 1915 to Fred and Margarite Lalone. He was baptized 23 May 1915; his godparents were José Vega and Susana Vega. He would marry Georgene Norris in California. Down on the New Mexico - Mexico Border thing were happening: In the middle of the night on March 9, 1916, life in Columbus, New Mexico changed dramatically. At 1:00 A.M., between 500 and 600 Mexican revolutionaries, led by General Francisco Pancho Villa, crossed the border into the United States. Villa divided his troops and attacked Columbus from the southwest at approximately 4:20 am. This attack caught the entire town, as well as the army camp, by surprise. The Villistas concerned themselves more with raiding than killing, otherwise the town might have been erased. That morning majority of the destruction of the town came from the burning and pillaging of the business district. Surprisingly, the army camp and stables received little damage, even though the horses and armaments must have been attractive to the raiders. Alerted by the gunfire and burning buildings, many Columbus residents fled to the desert, or sought refuge in the school house, the Hoover Hotel, or private homes. The noise and fire sealed the fate of the raiding Mexican Army. U.S. Army officers and soldiers, awakened by the commotion, set up a Benet-Mercier machine gun in front of the Hoover Hotel and produced a murderous rain of bullets. Another machine gun set up on East Boundary Street fired north and caught anyone in the intersection of Broadway and East Boundary in a deadly crossfire. The raid lasted until dawn, or approximately one and a half hours. By this time, the death toll totaled 70 to 75 Villistas. In addition, during the attack on Columbus, eighteen Americans, mostly civilians, died. From the NM State University web site. Tranquilino Silva was born on 4 Mar 1916 to Henry and Rebeca Silva. He was baptized 27 Mar 1916 in Capitan; his godparents were Pablo Pino and Maria Chávez. He would marry Nora Mackey. 56

57 Lugarda Peralta was born on 26 Apr 1916 to Monico and Ramona Peralta. She was baptized 29 Jun 1916 in Capitan; her godparents were Carlos Romero and Josefa Trujillo. She would marry Francisco Trujillo, 23 Jul Emiliano McKinley was born on 3 May 1916 to Yisidro and Polonia McKinley. He was baptized 11 Jun 1916 at Capitan; his godparents were Paulin Aldas and Antonia Mirabal. He would marry Arcenia López, 3 Feb 1940 in Tularosa. 57

58 The WW I Draft From the internet, by Warren Blatt: Over twenty-four million American men registered for the draft for the First World War in 1917 and There were three draft registrations, which included all men residing in the U.S. -- whether native born, naturalized, or alien -- between the ages of 18 and 45. The resulting registration cards can be a good source of genealogical information. The information included on each registration differs somewhat, but generally includes full name, date and place of birth, race, citizenship, occupation, personal description, and signature. Refugia Ortiz s son, Longino Leal On May 18, 1917, the Selective Service Act was passed, authorizing the President to temporarily increase the military establishment of the United States. The Selective Service System was responsible for the process of selecting men for induction into the military service, from the initial registration to the actual delivery of men to military training camps. Under the office of the Provost Marshal General, the Selective Service System was made up of 52 state offices (one for each of the 48 states; the territories of Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico; and the District of Columbia), 155 district boards, and 4648 local boards. These organizations were responsible for registering men, classifying them, considering needs for manpower in certain industries and agriculture, as well as family situations of the registrants; handling appeals of these classifications; determining the medical fitness of individual registrants; determining the order in which registrants would be called; calling registrants; and placing them on trains to training centers. During World War I there were three registrations: The first, on June 5, 1917, was for all men between the ages of 21 and 31. The second, on June 5, 1918, registered those who attained age 21 after June 5, (A supplemental registration was held on August 24, 1918 for those becoming 21 years old after June 5, This was included in the second registration.) The third registration was held on September 12, 1918 for men aged 18 through 45. At each of the three registrations, a different form was used, with a slight variation of questions asked. All three registrations include full name, home address, exact date of birth, age in years, occupation, name and address of employer, citizenship status, citizen of what country, race, eye color, hair color, height, build, city/county and state of the local draft board, date of registration, and signature of applicant. 58

59 Clemente Padilla son of Jesús María Padilla and Esquina Sandoval and Elvira Miller daughter of Julián Miller and Felipa Guerra were married, 24 Nov 1916 in Lincoln. [FWS] Clemente and Elvira Padilla at their daughter Terry s Wedding Gregorio Silva was born on 9 May 1917 to Margartio and Anna María Silva. He was baptized 3 Aug 1917 at Capitan; his godparents were Roberto and Macaria Silva. Alice LaLone was born 30 Mar 1917 to Fed and Margarite Lalone. She was baptized 20 May 1917; her godparents were Xisto Ortiz and Silveria Ortiz. She would marry Neil McCarron, 26 Sep 1939 in California. María Pino was born 21 Jan 1918 to Bonifacio and Andrea Pino. She was baptized 23 Mar 1918 in Capitan; her godparents were Boney and Eloiza Zamora. Jacobo McKinley was born on 12 Feb 1918 to Yisidro and Polonia McKinley. He was baptized 1 Mar 1918 at Insinoso; his godparents were George and Aurora Chávez. Julia Peralta was born 12 Apr 1918 to Monico and Ramona Peralta. She was baptized 2 Jun 1918 in Capitan; her godparents were Pablo Trujillo and Carlota Padilla. She would marry Ramon Pino, 21 Oct Willie Silva was born on 7 May 1918 to Henry and Rebeca Silva. He was baptized 2 Jun 1918 in Capitan; his godparents were Francisco Duran and Anastacia García. 59

60 Louisa Pino was born on 19 Aug1918 to Gregorio and Reymunda Pino. She was baptized 9 Nov 1918 in Carrizozo; her padrinos were Preciliano Pino and Isidora Chávez. She would marry Alfred Martinez, 18 Apr 1939 in Carrizozo. Benjamin Padilla was born 25 Jul 1919 to Jesús María and Luisa Padilla. He was baptized 7 Aug 1919 at Arabela; his godparents were Ramon Torres and María Bustamonte. He would marry Annie Gamboa, 3 Dec Guillermo McKinley was born on 4 Oct 1919 to Yisidro and Polonia McKinley. He was baptized 15 Oct 1919 at Insinoso; his godparents were Guillermo and Aurora Chávez. He would marry Manuela Suárez 1 Dec 1945 in Saint Frances Church, Gallup NM. Emma Padilla was born on 12 Oct 1919 to Clemente and Elvira Padilla. She was baptized 8 Dec 1919 in Capitan; her godparents were Pedro Peralta and Lorenza Padilla. Gilbert LaLone was born on 18 Apr 1919 to Fred and Margarite Lalone. He was baptized 7 Dec 1919 in Carrizozo; his godparents were Alberto Lalone and Josefita Lalone. He died 10 June 1922 in Carrizozo. Casimira Perea and her Nephew, Bryan Tinnon [Return to TOC] 60