1. No category

Los Bexareños
Genealogical and Historical Society
Those born in Béxar and those who migrated to and made their home in Béxar throughout the ages, whether under the influence of Tribal Law,
or the laws of Spain, France, the 1st Republic of Texas, the Republic of México, the 2nd Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of América, or
the United States of América are known as Los Bexareños.
Their families extend to all the lands of the world. Once a Bexareño always a Bexareño.
A Newsletter via e-Mail
N ove m b e r 2 0 1 3
LBGHS Monthly Meeting
November 2, 2013
San Antonio Main Public Library
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
SPEAKER: Sergio and Melinda Iruegas
TOPIC: The Historic La Bahía Road from San Antonio to Goliad
Sergio A. Iruegas has 26 years of professional archaeological and historical research investigation experience. He has worked for the
Texas Historic Preservation office, and the Massachusetts and Texas Historical Commissions. He has taught historic preservation law
courses for the Continuing Legal Education International. Together with his wife, Melinda, they worked for Harvard University’s
Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology as Curatorial Associates working with Southwestern and Southeastern
archaeological collections. They have co-authored numerous archaeological reports for the federal and state agencies and private
sponsors. Sergio and Melinda specialize in Spanish Colonial and Tejano Historical Archaeology and Caddo Archaeology. They have
documented the original 1750s Ranchos under Falcón Reservoir; National Register investigations of the Pajalache Acequia; the
original Mill site for the first Mission Concepción location for the city of San Antonio; General Zachary Taylor’s Historic Military
Road along the Río Grande at two separate locations near the Río Grande, and Caddo Village sites. Today, Sergio and Melinda are
using their company GTI Environmental, L.L.C. to retrace the precise alignment of the historic La Bahía Road from San Antonio to
Goliad for the Hispanic Heritage Center of Texas. ✥
CONTENT
Cont ents I n T his I ssu e
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
CONTRIBUTORS
LBGHS November Monthly Meeting • Facebook
Message From The President
LBGHS Committees • Announcements
Telling Our Stories - Thank You José Antonio Navarro
Websites That Tell Our Stories • Membership Dues • Gloria Cadena Scholarship Fund
34th Annual Texas Hispanic Genealogical and Historical Conference
LBGHS Merchandise • Legacy South
Telling Our Stories - The Power That Only Tortillas Have
LBGHS Directory • Gloria Cadena Scholarship
Telling Our Stories - Looking For Pedro Flores’ Ancestors
Telling Our Stories - Becerra and Mission Refugio
LBGHS Directory • Gloria Cadena Scholarship
LBGHS Resource Center • Publication Sales • Web Indexes
LBGHS Publications • Announcements
Calendar of Events
Around The State • Message From the Editor • Submit Your Articles
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
Los Bexareños
Dan Arellano
Louis J. Benavides
Tessie Chávez
Anthony Delgado
Mary Esther Escobedo
Santiago Escobedo
Cindy Farmer
Sylvia Flores Garza
Sylvia Morales
Dennis Moreno
Ofelia Olsson
Yolanda Patiño
Joe Pérez
Sylvia Reyna
Rudi Rodríguez
Mike Soler
Minerva Treviño
Estella M. Zermeño
1
Like Us On
Facebook
Visit
Los Bexareños webpage
www.losbexarenos.org
to view archived
email newsletters.
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T
Message
“The mission of Los Bexareños
Genealogical and Historical Society is
to promote awareness of Hispanic
genealogy and history through
publications, public forums, research,
consultations, education, and to
promote the preservation of archival
material for public research.”
from the
AND
HISTORICAL
President’s
Desk
!
November is upon us, as is Halloween.
Many of us are getting ready to treat the
neighborhood kids. We will see our kids and
grandchildren in costumes.
!
President:! !
Louis J. Benavides
Vice President: ! José López
Secretary:! !
María Elena Martínez
Treasurer:! !
Lillie Johnson
BOARD
OF
DIRECTORS
2012 - 2013:! !
Anthony Delgado
2012 - 2013:! !
Eduardo Hinojosa
2012 - 2013:! !
Yolanda Patiño
2013 - 2014:! !
Eleanor Foreman
2013 - 2014:! !
Sylvia Morales
APPOINTED OFFICERS
Historian:! !
!
Parliamentarian: !
Norberto Martínez
José Hernández
LOS BEXAREÑOS
PO BOX 1935
SAN ANTONIO TX 78297-1935
www.losbexarenos.org
Los Bexareños Facebook Page
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
!
November is also the time to reflect on
our LBGHS members and friends—to thank
them for their many contributions this year.
We remember those who are not with us and
the many who are ill. We devote our thoughts
to them and their families.
!
We all know about tradition. Our culture
exudes tradition! We need to remember that
we are now the ones delegated to pass on our traditions to our children and
grandchildren. On “El Día
de los Muertos” (the day of
the dead), I will attempt to
take our grandchildren to
the cemetery to run around,
Catrinas, one of the most
popular figures of the Day of
eat dinner, and do one new
the Dead celebrations at
Mexico
thing: to take pictures to see
if there is any “paranormal
activity.” That is a big thing with the kids,
thanks to the various programs on TV. We
place a picture of our ancestors on the
tombstones; we pray; and, we leave something we know they liked: such as a lite cigar
for one of my Uncles, an orange for my
Granddad, a piece of sugar cane for my Dad,
pan dulce for Mom. Traditions stay traditions
only if we teach them and do them with our
next generation. That is our responsibility.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2013 EXECUTIVE BOARD
!
Some of us went to Founders Day in
October 26, and it was a wonderful event
and fun day. We interacted with many
members from other societies. Los Bexareños
Society was exposed to hundreds of people
as they visited the Álamo, including international visitors, UAB football fans, the
professional soccer team from New York,
the Álamo Comic Con folks, many cheerleaders and their families here for the regional
competition. Yes, the morning was surprisingly busy at the Álamo. This reinforces
why the Álamo is such a great venue to hold
this event.
2
SOCIETY
!
In all of this activity, the conversations
reverted to the worries of the future, “What is
going to happen with all of my research and
books when I pass away?” We all have heard
how after someone dies the “stuff” is tossed
out, sold, and/or the information is not
shared. Those three scenarios are not what
many of us want. Planning ahead is very
important not only to you, but also to your
family members who are or may become
serious about the genealogy of their family
and their family’s history.
!
Los Bexareños has accepted the research
of our members and friends, and it is
available at the LBGHS Research Center and
Library. We include our member’s digital
research. We publish and house many books
written by our members. Our library is a
major part of our strategic planning. This
strategic planning also includes our partnership with the San Antonio Public Library
and their very important Texana/Genealogy
department; and as we “found” on Founders
Day, all the other library archives that were
represented.
!
Let’s give thanks to our families and
friends, to our cultural traditions, and to Los
Bexareños for their assistance in our family
research. I personally give thanks to all of our
volunteers who give of their time to make
this such a wonderful organization. ✥
Happy
Thanksgiving
w w w. n a r r o w s w e s t . c o m
to
Los Bexareños
—Louis J. Benavides
LBGHS President
[email protected]
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
The 200th Anniversary of the
Battle of Medina
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
LBGHS Committees
By Dan Arellano
For Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
Publication Sales!
Santiago Escobedo!
Budget!
Lillie Johnson!
!
The Battle of Medina was fought on August 18, 1813. It was the
biggest and bloodiest battle ever fought on Tejano soil. This battle was
fought between the Spanish Royalist Army led by General José Joaquín
de Arredondo and the Republican Army of the North led by General
José Álvarez de Toledo y Dubois. Over one thousand Tejanos fought
and died in the Battle of Medina. This battle was devastating to the
Tejano community in and around La Villa de San Fernando de Béjar.
One-third of the Tejano population died; one-third fled to Louisiana;
and, the remaining one-third lived in terror.
2018 Conference!
TBA
Facebook!
Anthony Delgado !
Fundraising!
Olga Hickey !
Hospitality!
Sandra Benavides!
Library!
Dennis Moreno!
Membership!
Sylvia Morales !
Property!
Dennis Moreno!
Publishing!
Larry Kirkpatrick!
!
A reenactment of the Battle of Medina will take place on the
football field of Southside High School, during the school’s annual
“Cardinal Fest.” The high school is located at 1460 Martinez-Losoya
Road in Losoya, Texas.
Register !
Scholarship!
Website!
Dennis Moreno!
!
Reenactors should arrive at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 16,
2013, for rehearsal. Those wishing to participate, including women and
children, must dress in period attire: e.g., Tejano, Indigenous, Spanish
Soldier, or Colonial Frontiersman. ✥
Schedule of events
•
10:00-11:00 a.m. Parade Line-up
•
11:15 a.m. Parade begins
•
12:00 p.m. Battle of Medina Reenactment begins
•
12:30 p.m. Cardinal Fest begins
[email protected]
!
[email protected]
!
[email protected]
!
[email protected]
! [email protected]
[email protected]
!
[email protected]
[email protected]
!
[email protected]
Raúl Guerra !
!
[email protected]
Mary Esther Escobedo!
!
[email protected]
[email protected]
Will YOU Volunteer?
L OS B EXAREÑOS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS . Would you be willing to
contribute to the Society by volunteering for one of the committees
listed above. Are you interested in fund raising? Can you assist the
Hospitality Committee? Are you a proficient user of the internet?
Maybe you can help with Facebook or work with the website.
Each one of you has a special talent or skill.
Your ideas and your expertise can greatly advance the cause of this
wonderful organization. Help us help others in their quest to find
their Hispanic ancestors.
San Antonio Public Library
Granaderos y Damas de Gálvez
San Antonio Texas Founding Chapter
Introduction to FamilySearch.org
Branch Location:!
Room:! !
Event Type:!
Staff Name:!
Staff Number:!
Instructor:!
Audience:!
Featured Event: !
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Central Public Library
Connect Training Center
Computer Class
Debbie Countess
207-2500
Debbie Countess
Adults
Texana/Genealogy
Additional Info:
This free genealogy database contains millions of
digitized records for the United States and México, as well as other
countries from around the world. Join us and see how FamilySearch can
help you fill in the branches of your family tree.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
3
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
THANK YOU JOSÉ ANTONIO NAVARRO
By Tessie Chávez
For Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
!
This past February Louis BENAVIDES, President of Los
Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society, called to ask for a
favor. Would my husband and I be willing to sell books at the 218th
birthday party of José Antonio NAVARRO, which was held on
February 23, at the Casa Navarro State Historic Site? We were both
happy to help out.
to verify that this was really him. The large plaque stated that the
names came from the San Fernando records.
We went to the
Chancery office of the Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio. If there
were records about early burials for San Fernando Church, I figured
I could find them there.
Brother Ed LOCH helped us. He immediately knew what we
were looking for and found it. It turns out that a former City of San
Antonio archivist, John OGDEN LEAL, translated the Old City
Cemetery records from Spanish to English. He published an index
to the original Spanish documents of the church, “Camposanto: An
Ancient Burial Ground of San Antonio, 1808-1860.” A copy of this book
can be found on the 6th floor of the San Antonio Library. There,
recorded in 1813 by Father José Darío ZAMBRANO, I found my
ancestor’s name.
When we arrived at the historic site, several groups were already
setting up in the courtyard. Many people were dressed in period
costumes including Maclovio PÉREZ, who served as Master of
Ceremonies. He portrayed José Antonio NAVARRO and welcomed
all. Food was served to the rather large crowd. We sold several
books.
Next to the Bexareños table was an exhibit about the Battle of
Medina. Dan ARELLANO was dressed in period costume. He and
I talked about this famous battle. I did not know much about it.
Burial #
Eight years ago, I found out that my 5th great-grandfather, José
Manuel GOSEASCOCHEA, had been killed near San Antonio in
1813. I always wondered what had happened to him—why was he
in La Villa de San Fernando de Béjar? He was married to María
Francisca XAVIERA DE LA GARZA DE LA GARZA (1770-1833).
Historical records show that he was from Lequito, Spain born in
1768. He was 41 years old in 1813. His home was on the Espíritu
Santo Land Grant, in what is now Brownsville, Texas.
541
!
!
Are the remains of my 5th great grandfather in Milam Park?
Probably not because of the history of this old Campo Santo. The
original Campo Santo is now partly under Santa Rosa Hospital.
When the hospital was being built and any time it expanded,
remains were moved to San Fernando Cemetery No. 1 and San
Fernando Cemetery No. 2. The only person interred there for sure is
Ben MILAM. The benches at Milam Park are in remembrance of
the early people who lived and died in San Antonio. Some, like José
Manuel GOSEASCOCHEA, died far from home in a brutal manner
defending what was then Spanish territory.
!
I also found this excerpt from “De La Garza Falcón, Colonizer” by
Dr. García, pp. 28-29:
De la Garza died soon after obtaining the Espíritu Santo
Grant, leaving his wife to care for their three children. One
of his daughters, MARÍA XAVIERA DE LA GARZA,
married CAPT. JOSÉ MANUEL GOSEASCOCHEA
(1768-1813) on February 27, 1787 in Cd. Camargo, Mexico.
Goseascochea, a native of Lequito, Vizaya, Spain, was the
highest ranking officer of the Calvary Militia in the province
and along the frontier. He was murdered along with
Governor Manuel Salcedo and other officers on April 1,
1813, by Salado Creek near San Antonio, Texas by renegades
of the De Lara Gutierrez Expedition. Evidence indicates
their remains are buried under the altar of the Sacred Heart
in the San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, Texas.
On August 3, 2013, at the monthly meeting of Los Bexareños, I
asked Santiago ESCOBEDO if he could suggest where I could find
information about the burial site of the 14 Spaniards murdered at
Rosillo Creek. He suggested the records of San Fernando Cemetery
No. 1, and that I should visit Milam Park. I quickly checked the San
Fernando records available for purchase. I found nothing. After the
meeting, my husband and I went to Milam Park. It is located in
front of Santa Rosa Hospital. We walked the park and noted the
large memorial to Benjamin Rush MILAM (Ben Milam). At the east
end of the park, there are a set of benches with brass plaques. A
large plaque states that the names on the smaller plaques are those
individuals buried between 1809-1860 in the Old City Cemetery,
“El Campo Santo.” We found the 1813 section, and there he was,
listed on a brass plaque as José GOCEAFCOCHA (sic). The spelling
was incorrect, but I was certain he was my ancestor. Now I needed
Camposanto Burial
In the index his name is recorded separately. In the original Spanish
record he is included with other Spaniards as a group collectively
buried together on August 28, 1813. The Battle of Rosillo Creek
occurred on March 29, 1813. The Battle of Medina occurred on
August 18, 1813.
Later that weekend, I decided to research the Battle of Medina
using the internet. I thought that perhaps he had died at that battle.
I searched for lists of casualties and couldn’t find any; but, the
historical narratives were quite compelling. I found myself reading
about the events leading up to the battle. One particular narrative
caught my attention. It was eloquently written, and it described the
historical events leading up to the Battle of Rosillo Creek. As I was
reading, I was enthralled by the narrative and did not pay attention
to the author. I continued reading and was suddenly surprised to
find my ancestor’s name listed as one of the fourteen Spaniards
executed by Captain Antonio DELGADO, an officer in the
Republican Army of the North, at Rosillo Creek. Then I noted who
had written the account—José Antonio NAVARRO. Navarro was
eighteen years old at the time of these atrocities. He recorded these
events in 1853, forty years after these events occurred. As I was
reading, I noted that it was exactly 200 years ago to the month that
my 5th great-grandfather died. I was stunned. I felt that José
Antonio NAVARRO had thanked me for attending his party.
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
1813
Aug 28 GOSEASCOCHA (sic), Jose, Spanish, married. Lt.
Col. in the military; killed at the battle of Rosillo
Creek by the insurgents.
Thank you José Antonio NAVARRO for motivating me to search for
my 5th great-grandfather, José Manuel GOSEASCOCHEA. ✥
Copyright 2013. Tessie Chávez. All Rights Reserved.
4
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
Websites That Tell Our
Stories
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
!
There is more to genealogy than just gathering
names of ancestors. Yes, it is important to do the
basics, like pedigree charts, names, dates, places,
family work sheets, etc. But, let us not forget that
there are stories that go with these names. There are
histories in the places and times they lived.
Photographs and stories bring our ancestors to life.
Here we intend to transport you to websites that tell
our stories. ✥
Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
You are cordially invited to join
Become part of an ever growing family who loves to do ancestral
research. Meet people who share the same interest and love of
genealogy, and people who may be doing research on your
particular family lineages.
PLEASE SEND YOUR
MEMBERSHIP DUES
Álamo’s Tejano Heroes Gain Recognition
Bexar Archives Online
To become a member, fill out the 2014 Membership Application
Form and mail it to the address on the form. Better yet, bring the
Bexar County Historical Commission
form with you when you attend our next meeting.
Béxar Genealogy
2014 Membership Form
Children of the Revolución
☞
Hispanic Heritage Month
PBS Documentary: “Latino-Americans”
Click Here And Join Us
Somos Primos
Tejano Monument
GLORIA VILLA CADENA
Texas Tejano
GENEALOGICAL and HISTORICAL
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Tell Us Your Stories
You are invited and encouraged to make a donation to the Gloria
Cadena Genealogical and Historical Scholarship Fund. Los Bexareños
will award scholarships to students who are or will be attending an
accredited college/university. They will be chosen based on their ability
to produce a four generation pedigree chart which is accompanied with an
essay of their ancestors.
!
Do you have a special, interesting, historical,
or just a funny story about your relatives that you
would like to share? Un chiste that you would like
to contribute? Email your ancestral stories, and we
will try to print them in this newsletter on a firstcome-first-serve basis. ✥
Los Bexareños endeavors to encourage students to embrace their
culture and heritage and to get involved in genealogy. The sacrifices of
their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, etc. must not be forgotten.
The younger generations need to be encouraged to retell the stories about
their ancestors handed down throughout the ages. ✥
[email protected]
~~
~~
~~
Please make your donation to the LBGHS Scholarship Fund and
send your check to:
Experiences
that
are
shared
are
added
to
life’s
beautiful
memory
books
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
LOS BEXAREÑOS
PO BOX 1935
SAN ANTONIO TX 78297-1935
5
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
34th Annual Texas Hispanic
Genealogical and Historical Conference
!
The 34th Annual Texas Hispanic Genealogical and Historical Conference
was held on October 10 - 13, 2013, in the beautiful City of Victoria, Texas. It
was hosted by the Victoria Hispanic Genealogical & Historical Society of
Texas; and, what a tremendous job they did!!! Kudos to Sophia Postel
Treviño de Wilson and her army of dedicated workers who made the
conference go smoothly and made everyone feel at home.
!
Once again, the speakers did a fantastic job. People are still talking
about the powerful presentations of José López, Jesse Villarreal, Dr. Crimm,
Dr. Almaráz, and all the other speakers. The vendors had loads of new
books any genealogist would want to buy.
Facebook
☞
D OUBLE -C LICK HERE
TO SEE MORE PHOTOS
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
We can hardly wait for next years conference.
✥
Photos courtesy of Luis and Sylvia Morales.
!
6
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
Los Bexareños Merchandise Order Form
Polo Shirts
Polo Shirt Color
Cost: $25
2XL-3XL - Extra $5
Color Name
Embroidery Color
Banana
Black
Court Green
Yellow
Red
Black
Maui Blue
Red
Stone
Black
White
Black
Royal
Yellow
Black
Yellow
Quantity
Total Cost
By Rudi Rodríguez
For Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
!
In 2013, the Hispanic Heritage Center of Texas agreed
to collaborate with Álamo Colleges—Palo Alto College,
Texas A&M San Antonio—and Texas Tejano.com on a new
Hispanic heritage and legacy project entitled "Legacy
South." This effort will tell the story of an epoch in
Southern Bexar County known as "La Medina" along the
Medina River. This geographical area covers an area
approximately 40 miles long from Macdona-LaCoste to
Elmendorf, Texas. During the 18th and 19th centuries, this
stretch of land was settled and cultivated by major Tejano
Total
5-ounce, 65/35 poly/cotton pique
Knit collar and cuffs
Double-needle armholes and bottom hem
Metal buttons with dyed-to-match rims
Side vents
Hats
Cost: $18
Color
Quantity
Visors
Cost $18
Color
Red
Khaki
Royal
Stone
Black
Total
Name:
Telephone:
Order Total:
SOCIETY
LEGACY SOUTH
4XL, 5XL - Extra $10
Size
(SM, MED, LG, XLG, 2XL,
3XL, 4XL, 5XL)
HISTORICAL
families of the era.
Quantity
Red
Khaki
Royal
Stone
Black
Aqua
Dandelion
Total
!
Additionally, associations from Atascosa, Medina, and
Wilson counties have agreed to participate. We are all
proud to present “Legacy South” as a public Hispanic
educational, cultural, and legacy program that will benefit
students, adults, and the entire state. In the future, we will
continue to develop heritage and legacy programs, and we
will seek partners from throughout the state to tell the
story of the state’s first ranching families.
Email:
Paid Date:
Make Checks payable to: Los Bexareños
Mail check
andpayable
order form
Cindy
Farmer
Make
checks
to:to:
Los
Bexareños
16414
Crested
Butte
Mail check and order form to:
San Antonio, Texas 78247
Cindy Farmer
!
The initial phase of the “Legacy South” project will be
a luncheon/presentation on November 21, 2013 from 11:30
a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s Jack
Gunther Pavilion, located at 210 W. Market. The purpose
of this public luncheon will be to present the concept of
“Legacy South” and to bring awareness and support to the
16414 Crested Butte
San Antonio, Texas 78247
If you have questions, please contact Cindy at (210) 656-2085 or at
[email protected]
project, and how it will help champion Tejano Heritage
and legacy in telling the story of San Antonio and Texas.
We are pleased to have support and participation from the
Atascosa County Historical Commission, Los Bexareños
Genealogical and Historical Society, the City of San
Antonio's Office of Historic Preservation, the City of San
Antonio's San Antonio River Authority, State Senator
Carlos Uresti, State Representative Philip Cortez, State
Representative Joe Farías, and others.
!
Also available in green, black, and navy blue.
Ultimately, targeted school districts will be able to
receive the publications, exhibits, documents, and a
documentary to be produced by this project. Lastly, while
working with county, state, and federal agencies, we will
pursue a national Hispanic cultural and historical district
designation championing a place our Tejano ancestors
These handy bags are available to carry
your genealogy books and records.
$15.00
Print your Order
called “La Medina.”
!
For more information on this project, as well as
sponsorship levels, please click here or contact Ms. Dina
Cortez at (210) 863-6191 or at [email protected]. ✥
Form Here
http://www.losbexarenos.org/
MerchandiseOrderForm201308.pdf
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
7
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
THE POWER THAT ONLY TORTILLAS HAVE
By Sylvia Flores Garza
For Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
!
My goodness! Where has my tortilla gone?
!
According to Wikipedia, “a tortilla is a type of thin flatbread made from finely ground wheat flour. Originally derived from the corn
tortilla, a bread of maize which predates the arrival of Europeans to America…” Today, some who sell tortillas will say, “You’ll always enjoy
the authentic, homemade look, texture and taste of a freshly made tortilla-with no lard, no cholesterol, and no saturated or trans fats.”
!
I never knew that a “tortilla” was that important! I guess that growing up with that little round piece of bread as part of my daily menu
was taken for granted! I realize and appreciate the push for better health, but where has my tortilla gone?
!
When I was a little girl, I remember the trips to see my grandparents at a little ranch where they lived outside Victoria, Texas. My
grandfather worked so hard from dawn to late evenings in the fields. When he got home, my grandmother always had his dinner ready for
him and, of course, his hot tortillas. My grandmother, Eugenia LONGORIA FLORES, made the best tortillas I have ever eaten. I’m willing
to bet we all have a mother or grandmother who made the best ones. I had eaten the tortillas my Mom made for us, but they did not compare
to my grandmother’s tortillas. I would never tell my Mom that our grandmother’s tortillas were so much better—that would have been a
mortal sin! Mother thought she made the best.
!
We’d watch our grandmother knead the “masa” with her hands, and when it was perfect according to her, each hand got it’s turn at
flattening that masa and shaping it into the most perfect little round tortilla ever. She would use her rolling pin so naturally to make them a
larger size for the hot comal. Yum! She knew exactly how to do it! Years later I tried to make my own tortillas from scratch; they just didn’t
turn out like hers. I settled for tortillas from the local HEB store. They were good, but not like those of abuelita Eugenia! Something was
missing!
!
My Dad told us a story (never shared outside our home until now) about an incident which happened to him at work. Mother prepared
my Dad’s lunch every day, and he would take one or two of her tortillas occasionally when he was tired of the bologna sandwiches. One day
he said that his tortillas had gotten so hard he threw one of them away. Along came a dog that was always hanging around during lunch,
and off he went with Mom’s tortilla. Dad said they never saw the poor dog again. We would always laugh when he told us the story.
Mother didn’t think it was funny since she, of course, thought she made the best tortillas. On a side note – today PETA would have a case
against her!
!
I also remember when I was little that sometimes Mother would be so busy cooking that she wouldn’t notice (we thought) her “stack” of
tortillas never got beyond a certain height. We would sneak in and grab one and run outside and eat these “on the hide,” so we thought. We
loved doing this when she wasn’t watching. Finally, after a while she would begin to say, “Que pasa aqui?” (What is happening here?) I
know I’ve been here for awhile and I’m not seeing my stack of tortillas getting any higher!” I’ve spoken with lots of my friends who
remember doing the same thing, grabbing the tortillas and taking off! Today I believe our mothers knew what we were doing. They just
pretended not to see us. It was like a little game, and they were letting us “win.”
!
I remember an incident when my younger sister and I got in trouble. We had been fighting with our brother over some little soldier toys,
and he went to complain, or maybe we were arguing, and our Mother overheard us. She was very strict with us and warned us about a
spanking. Apparently, we continued with our little verbal “fight.” All I can remember is seeing Mother chasing our brother around the
house. After a while, Mother stopped running and stood at a corner and waited for him. Along came our brother running for his life. I
remember seeing her grabbing him and spanking him. At about this time, my sister and I looked at each other and without saying a word we
knew exactly what we had to do to escape that punishment! We ran under the house, yep, under the house.
!
The house was built on cement blocks and there was really lots of room for little children to play under the house. It was also very clean
under there. My sister followed me. Mother ordered us to come out for our spanking. Nobody in their “right mind” was going to do that,
and we were in our “right mind.” Mother said, “You can stay there as long as you want, but sooner or later you are going to have to come
out.” We played and played with little cars, made little tunnels in the soft dirt, and had lots of fun with our dolls. Finally, it seemed like we
had been there forever, and it appeared to be getting late when we began to smell them. The tortillas!
!
They smelled so good, and we were so hungry! I could just see the tortilla stack getting taller and taller! We were so scared of getting
the spanking “promised” to us though. We could hear people talking, even our brother. He had already forgotten the spanking, and he was
laughing and eating his tortillas outside so we could see him. I remember being so scared to come out and “face the music,” but we were so
hungry. Mother was waiting for us. She hadn’t forgotten. When we finally came out, she spanked us for arguing and also for daring to
escape. After the spanking, we ate our dinner. Those hot tortillas tasted better than ever! Mother even gave us a little butter to put on them!
!
The power of tortillas! Unless you’ve grown up in a home where these were made by grandmothers and mothers, then HEB tortillas are
good enough for you. Some of us know something is “missing” though. ✥
“One of the things that brings us pleasure is a family meal with tortillas.”
Copyright 2013. Sylvia Flores Garza. All Rights Reserved.
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
8
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
LBGHS MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
Los Bexareños
!
The Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society’s
Membership Directory - Commemorative Edition is now available to 2013
LBGHS members. The 36-page directory includes 221 Individual and
Joint Membership entries and 19 organization membership entries. Many
entries include photographs of the LBGHS members in color.
Genealogical and Historical Society
Membership Directory
!
The main purpose of the directory is to get people together to
enjoy the wonderful world of genealogy with others on a more frequent
basis. You can see which LBGHS members are researching the same
lineages that you are researching. You can see which members live in
your area, possibly you can organize a home research group. Setting aside
one day a month to do research with fellow members is a good way to
help each other break through those “brick walls”. Group research helps
motivate you to do scrapbooks, write stories, do pedigree charts and
family group sheets. Most importantly, it helps sharing each other’s
family research. Use the directory to stay in touch with your fellow
LBGHS researchers. ✥
San Antonio, Texas
!
Make checks payable to LOS BEXAREÑOS and mail $15.00
per member/directory to:
30TH ANNIVERSARY
SYLVIA MORALES
3543 BYRON ST
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78247-3193
COMMEMORATIVE EDITION
If you have questions, contact Sylvia Morales at:
[email protected]
GLORIA VILLA CADENA
GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND
!
THE GLORIA VILLA CADENA GENEALOGICAL AND HISTORICAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND was originally conceived as an
idea to involve the relatives of Los Bexareños. This is an important tool to get our children and grandchildren, nephews and
nieces to participate in our genealogy research.
!
THE REQUIREMENTS ARE RELATIVELY SIMPLE. A relative of an LBGHS member must be attending an accredited college
or university and students graduating from high school that will be attending an accredited college or university. They are
required to fill out a four generation pedigree chart to the best of their ability and write a 750 word essay on one or more of
their ancestors. The emphasis is on, but not limited to, Hispanic lineages. Their entries will be judged on how much of the
pedigree chart they were able to complete and the content of their essay.
!
THERE WILL BE TWO ANNUAL WINNERS. Each year two winners will be selected. One female student and one male
student. They will each win a $500.00 scholarship, which will be submitted directly to the college or university they are
attending.
!
THIS IS AN INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM. Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society has members in eleven
states and in México and England; consequently, since the scholarship is targeted for relatives of LBGHS members, a
student attending any accredited college or university in the world may apply.
Wings
!
Use this opportunity to get your family involved.
!
There are two gifts we should give our children: One is roots, and the other is wings.
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
9
✥
Roots
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
LOOKING FOR PEDRO FLORES’ ANCESTORS
By Minerva Treviño
For Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
!
I am reminded of a special song
by the Beatles entitled, ”Let It Be”
when I think of my mother’s lifelong
desire to find anything about her
father’s heritage. Well, “Let It Be” is
no longer on our minds today as we
try to find tidbits of information,
either by word of mouth through
relatives’ recollections of my mother,
Herminia FLORES ALANIZ, and her
youth, or by checking court records of
family members that may tie her to
her father. as provided on her cousin’s DNA result. Further research through
G OOGLE.COM resulted in contacting her by phone. She mentioned
that she would be attending the 34th Annual Texas Hispanic
Genealogical and Historical Conference in Victoria, Texas on
October 10th-12th, 2013.
!
My sister, Diana GUERRERO, from Houston, who is credited
for doing much of this research, excitedly decided to attend the
conference to meet Estella DE LA FUENTE. I left Corpus Christi on
Saturday and joined them for dinner and the closing ceremonies. This conference proved to be an invaluable, informative, and most
unforgettable experience. The warmth and graciousness bestowed
on us by the attendees and the speakers at the conference will
forever remain in our hearts. It was an honor to meet and mingle
with the leaders that will help shape the futures of our children and
their children.
!
It is through the powerful tool of
Herminia FLORES ALANIZ
the internet that we are no longer
19 years old
restricted from the truths that bind our
families together. Searching through mounds of records on
ANCESTRY .COM and F AMILY SEARCH . ORG landed us very little
information pertaining to the most common name of Pedro
FLORES. All we had available to work from was my mother’s birth
certificate, but nothing, not even a birth record for her father.
!
This is just a beginning and there is much more to be done.
It will be through such connections, like with Estella who has
offered her extensive research of her Flores family tree in Saltillo,
Coahuila, México, that will keep and drive us to continue our search
for our grandfather, Pedro FLORES, and his family. ✥
!
At that moment, we knew we were on a mission to obtain
records through other means, and this involved lots of legwork. This summer, the search began with obtaining court records such as
the marriage license of my grandparents, María CASANOVA
ZÚÑIGA and Pedro FLORES. A birth certificate of her brother,
Ramón FLORES would also prove very helpful. Obtaining such
records was easy, but the mystery still remained of my mother’s
family members.
“Mother Mary comes to me...
Speaking words of wisdom...
There will be an answer
Let it be, Let it Be!”1
!
Searching for Mother’s baptismal records took us to the San
Fernando Cathedral and the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Mother’s
only bit of information was that she had been baptized there, and
she was proud of that. It is at that point that we started sensing a
bit of accomplishment and at least a starting point. We knew we
were getting close. We were able to ascertain that the paternal
parents were Pedro FLORES and María ZÚÑIGA and that the
“padrinos” were Francisco and Dolores R. FLORES. The search
continued and through exhaustive hours of searching on the
internet, several leads were found that were possible links to the
Flores family.
!
When it seemed there was a standstill in the search, it was
decided that perhaps acquiring a sampling of the oldest living
Flores—first cousin, Juan FLORES, (Ramón FLORES’ son)—would
be taken. On the first week in September, he willingly accepted the
request to submit the DNA test. A special swab of the inside of his
cheek was taken and then submitted for analysis to the F AMILY TREE
DNA labs.
1.
Minerva Treviño, Estella de la Fuente, and Diana Guerrero.
Minerva Treviño (Corpus Christi) and her sister,
Diana Guerrero (Houston), go to the Victoria
conference to meet
Estella de la Fuente.
Diana Guerrero and Estella de la Fuente
!
Just last week, the results came in and it was determined that
there was a match that was linked to an Estella DE LA FUENTE’s
male first cousin. A contact was then made from her email address
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
Songwriters: Lennon, John Winston / McCartney, Paul James
Copyright 2013. Minerva Treviño. All Rights Reserved.
10
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
BECERRA AND MISSION REFUGIO
By Estella M. Zermeño
For Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
!
My Becerra ancestors, some of the earliest settlers of this area,
spent much time at the missions—especially at the Mission Nuestra
Señora del Refugio. Perhaps, this was where they earned their
living, performed their civic and sacramental duties and rituals. Most importantly, the missions must have been the place where they
found solace and hope. There they cried, laughed, and celebrated;
while taming the wilderness of their land, establishing communities,
and naming towns and rivers. They built ranches, stocking them
with cattle, horses, and other livestock. Here, also, they spilled their
blood.
!
My fourth great-grandfather, Pedro BECERRA, was born in
Louisiana in 1730. His Spanish parents had migrated from Portugal. Spanish servants lived at the missions and were responsible for
blacksmithing, sheepherding, cooking, and making leather goods. Sacramental records of San Fernando Cathedral in Bexar County
show Pedro was sponsor or witness a number of times for various
sacraments. He is listed in the 1780 census of Presidio Nuestra
Señora de Loreto de la Bahía as a campista (herdsman). From the
diary kept by Father Cosme LOZANO NARVAIS, we learned that
on July 12, 1781, Comanche Indians fell on Mission Nuestra Señora
del Rosario and killed the servant, Pedro BECERRA.
!
Miguel BECERRA, the oldest son of Pedro, was born in La
Bahía in 1757. He is listed in the census of 1780 as a soldier in the
Calvary troop. For armaments, he had one escopeta (musket), an
adarga (shield), a lance, and el cuero (a leather protective jacket). In
1794, Corporal Miguel BECERRA was stationed at Mission Refugio. Miguel was involved in a trail ride taking sheep and cattle to
Bernardo DE GÁLVEZ’s troops during the American Revolution.
!
In a copy of a letter, dated January 28, 1794, which was obtained
from the Bexar archives, Corporal Miguel BECERRA informs the
Presidio La Bahía Commander, Juan CORTÉS, that priest Belasco is
ill, and of the many problems he is encountering with the Indians of
the mission. Additionally, a notice is being circulated that an attack
from Fresada Pinta, chief of the Karankawa, is expected. As a result
of the severity of this attack, the mission was moved to its present
site in 1795.
!
On September 30, 1819, records show that Don Becerra and his
wife, Juana, baptized an infant girl—about a month old—who had
been born in the forest, and who was the legitimate daughter of
Pedro and Juana, residents of the mission. She was given the name
María Gertrudis. Did they name her after my second greatgrandmother?
!
On August 8, 1998, I was present during a "public day at the
site," where an archaeological excavation was being done at Our
Lady of Refuge Church in Refugio, Texas. I was pleasantly surprised
when someone handed me a list of burials that had taken place
there. I recognized the name of another infant that my ancestors,
Don Manuel and Doña Juana, had baptized. When I returned home,
I checked my documents and found the baptismal record that I had
obtained from the Catholic Archives in Austin, Texas. It confirmed
my find, and gave me a great sense of connection to my ancestors.
Following is a translation of this baptism record:
Fr. Jose Diaz de Leon
This is a notation from the burial list given to me:
111 Jose Francisco July 19, 1820 Karankawa/
Cujan Male 10 days Parents Prudencio and
Rosa Maria
!
Don Manuel BECERRA, another son of Pedro BECERRA and
my third great-grandfather, was born in La Bahía in 1762. Unlike his
brother, Miguel, Manuel did not choose to be a military man; he
became a farmer and politician. He married Juana CADENA,
daughter of the soldier Diego CADENA. Manuel and Juana had
two daughters, María Josefa BECERRA and Gertrudis BECERRA.
!
Don Manuel BECERRA and his family lived in La Bahía. However, he selected a parcel of land near Refugio, Texas. He would
commute back and forth, cultivating the land, where he later
established his “Rancho Alamito" on Cópano Bay. He and his wife
became active in Mission Refugio, and they made many friends
among the residents of the area. His daughters would be left behind
in the care of grandparents or uncles in La Bahía. As early as 1814,
sacramental records show that his young daughter, María Josefa,
was a sponsor (godmother) at a baptism of a Karankawa Indian girl
at Mission Refugio.
!
On the 18th day of the month of July of
1820, I, the undersigned, Minister of this
Mission of Our Lady of Refugio, Solemnly
baptized and anointed with holy oil, a nineday-old infant, And whom I named Jose
Francisco, Legitimate son of Prudencio and of
Maria Rosa both of the Cujan Nation. His
Godparents were Manuel Becerra and Juana
Cadena, Whom I advised of their obligation of
spiritual bond. In Witness of which I sign.
!
Miguel BECERRA is the grandfather of Tejano hero, Colonel
Juan Nepomuceno SEGUÍN. Miguel’s daughter, Josefa Augustina
BECERRA married Don Erasmo SEGUÍN. Baptism records at the
San Fernando Cathedral show that on November 3, 1806, Juan
Nepomuceno SEGUÍN, son of Erasmo SEGUÍN and Josefa
Augustina BECERRA was baptized. His maternal grandparents,
Miguel BECERRA and Barbara SÁNCHEZ NAVARRO, were
present.
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
He became very involved in the civic affairs of the colonies. When
the first Ayuntamiento (city council) of La Bahía was established
on August 24, 1820, he was elected secretary. He served in the
Ayuntamiento in various offices until 1835.
!
The baptism of José Francisco made Don Manuel BECERRA, a
compadre of Indian Chief Prudencio. Compadre is a term used
between godparents and parents, which means co-parents. The
—Continue on page 12
11
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
infant must have been ill, because he died shortly thereafter and was buried the next day.
!
I shall mention here that on September 3, 1821, by order of the Governor of the Province, Councilman Don Manuel BECERRA
accompanied Commissioner Stephen F. AUSTIN on a seven-day trip to the margins of the Colorado River to check out a suitable site to
establish a new town.
!
On May 13, 1827, Síndico (civil judge) Don Manuel BECERRA, signed on behalf of the settlement of La Bahía, a peace treaty with the
Karankawa and Coco Indians. Several other citizens were present.
!
On September 2, 1827, Don Becerra, good friend of Don Martín DE LEÓN—founder of Victoria, Texas, was made second in command of
the colonies and assumed all responsibilities while de León was absent.
!
Don Becerra was instrumental in the development of Refugio, Texas awarding thousands of acres and town lots to the Refugio colonists. A number of his works are recorded in the “Libro De Becerra” located in the district court records of Refugio County. A volume probably
named after him.
!
On February 8, 1830, Don Becerra took part in the inspections and inventories of Mission Refugio. He was a witness, along with Juan
Nepomuceno ESCALERA, when Father José Antonio DÍAZ DE LEÓN, president of the missions, and Father Miguel MURO signed the
Inventory and Article of Secularization of the Mission of Our Lady of Refugio.
!
A meeting to discuss the secularization of the missions Nuestra Señora del Refugio and Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga
and the relocation of the Indians was held on February 26, 1830. Present at this meeting were the following members of the Ayuntamiento of
La Bahía-Goliad: Alcalde (mayor) Don José Miguel ALDRETE; Regidores (councilmen) José María FALCÓN and Manuel BECERRA, and
Síndico Procurado (Civil Judge) J. Nepomuceno ESCALERA.
!
Don Manuel BECERRA died about 1849, and he was buried at the family cemetery at his “Rancho Alamito,” which was located twelve
miles east of Refugio, Texas.
!
His two daughters, María Josefa BECERRA and Gertrudis BECERRA, married José María DE LA GARZA and Francisco DE LA
GARZA, respectively. María Josefa and José María had no children. My second great-grandparents, and Francisco and Gertrudis de la
Garza, had four children, of which one of them was Genoveva DE LA GARZA, my great grandmother. Genoveva married Miguel
LOZANO, long time resident of Refugio, Texas. He was born at “Rancho Papalote” in 1838.
!
Paula Euphemia LOZANO, my grandmother, was the only child
of Genoveva and Miguel Lozano. She was born at “Rancho Alamito”
near Refugio, Texas on March 20, 1871. She was baptized at Our Lady
of Refuge Church on May 9, 1871. Her godparents were Salvador
LOZANO and Facunda CABASSOS. Rev. A. BADELON officiated. !
Genoveva died shortly after the birth of my grandmother, Paula. Genoveva’s sister, Trinidad DE LA GARZA, and Juan Elias LOZANO,
brother of Miguel, and a Confederate soldier, took in my grandmother
and raised her. They had no other children.
!
Paula LOZANO married Apolonio MARTÍNEZ in 1890. They
were now living in a small ranch in Goliad. My father, Plácido
MARTÍNEZ, was born in La Bahía in 1897, in a cabin which had been
located at “Rancho Alamito,” and which was pulled to La Bahía by
oxen.
!
In 1920, Plácido MARTÍNEZ married Paula CABRERA
CORTINAS, a Canary Island descendant, and a long time resident of
La Bahía. They had eleven children. I was number seven. I was born
on February 14, 1932. My family moved to Houston when I was quite
young. There, I met and married my husband, William ZERMEÑO. I
became a mother, and we have four wonderful children: three sons and
a daughter, and six beautiful grandchildren. My husband and I retired
from the U.S. Postal Service. We decided to move back to Goliad—to
my roots. We live in La Bahía, and when I go for a walk, I feel as if I
am stepping on the footprints of my ancestors. I will be forever
grateful to my grandmother, Paula DE LA GARZA LOZANO, who
left so many great documents, told me stories, and instilled in me a
passion for my genealogy and our history, and to my husband,
William, for all his encouragement and patience in my research. ✥
Pedro BECERRA
Guadalupe HERNÁNDEZ
Manuel BECERRA
Juana CADENA
Francisco DE LA GARZA
Gertrudis BECERRA
Miguel LOZANO
Genoveva DE LA GARZA
Apolonio MARTÍNEZ
Paula Euphemia LOZANO
Plácido MARTÍNEZ
Paula CABRERA
William ZERMEÑO
Estella MARTÍNEZ
Copyright 2013. Estella M. Zermeño. All Rights Reserved.
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
12
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
The LBGHS Resource Center & Library
THE LBGHS RESOURCE CENTER & LIBRARY is open to the public on Saturdays
(except the first Saturday of the month) from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You will be
able to do your family research in a very friendly and casual environment. You
will be able to peruse the books and other genealogical information at your
leisure. There will be volunteers to help you with any questions you may have.
They can help you start your family tree or assist you in your research. It is
preferable to set an appointment, so they can dedicate some time just for you.
Call or email Yolanda Patiño at (210) 434-3530 /[email protected] or
Dennis Moreno at (210) 647-5607 / [email protected].
The following list of resources is an ongoing project.
Be sure to keep checking as the list will be updated as
additional indexing is completed.
INDEX TO THE LBGHS LIBRARY
HELP FOR THE BEGINNING GENEALOGISTS. The Society assists individuals in
getting started with genealogical research through beginner's workshops. Beginners also receive one-on-one assistance from the more experienced
members of the Society. ✥
The Library is located
on the campus of Holy
Rosary Parish.
The
Church is located at 159
Camino Santa María,
just north of Culebra
Road. Park in the noted
parking lot and walk
through the gate to the
courtyard and turn to
the right passing the
LBGHS
Resource Center
Parking
&
Library
Camino San
ta María
Library
Culebra Ro
ad
first building. ✥
Click to see a
Books and Resources Journals Family Genealogy Facts and Events (as of Feb 2013)
(as of Feb 2013)
(as of Feb 2013)
(as of Feb 2013)
INDEX TO THE LBGHS REGISTERS
Introduction to the Index
Index of Articles sorted by Title
Index of Articles sorted by State and Location
Index of Wills, Estates and Death Records sorted by Surname
Larger Map
LBGHS
Publication Sales
Genealogists
$5.00 Discount !!!
Extraordinaire
!
Los Bexareños is fortunate to have Dennis Moreno and Yolanda
Patiño. They are always ready to help someone with their research. People are often referred to them, because they need help in starting their genealogy, or they've come to that preverbal "brick wall." Sometimes the load becomes heavy with all the requests for
assistance, especially now that Los Bexareños is getting more
exposure. Los Bexareños is well known throughout Texas, as well as
outside the United States. An individual was recently referred to
Los Bexareños by Ancestry.com. Apparently, they had exhausted all
their resources. That person is now a member of Los Bexareños. !
There are many experienced members in the Society. Los
Bexareños needs others who will step-up-to-the-plate to offer their
expertise, their knowledge, and their time to help Dennis and
Yolanda with the heavy load. Please contact Dennis Moreno or
Yolanda Patiño if you think you can help out. Maybe you have
access to a good resource, or you're knowledgeable of a particular
region, or you personally posses information that would be helpful
to others. Whatever your area of expertise may be, just share that
with Dennis and Yolanda so that they have more resources at their
disposal.
!
Dennis and Yolanda man the Resource Center every Saturday,
except for the first Saturday of the month. They are a very valuable
asset to our organization. Thank you Dennis and Yolanda for all
that you do for Los Bexareños! ✥
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
OFF
THE PRICE OF ANY PUBLICATION OVER
$10.00
When you contact Mr. Santiago Escobedo and let him know
which publication you want to buy, and you pick it up at
the LBGHS regular monthly meeting. All requests must be
made by 10:00 a.m. the Thursday before the scheduled
Saturday meeting.
You can view the LBGHS book titles by
double-clicking here
PUBLICATIONS FOR SALE.
If you have ordered publications by mail and
you have not received them, please contact Mr.
Escobedo at his email address listed below.
You can contact Mr. Escobedo at this email:
[email protected]
13
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
LBGHS Publications
CA01
El Valle de San Buenaventura, Provincia de Coahuila,
Origen y Confirmación de Una Comunidad 1753-1777
By Lucas Martínez Sánchez, 2004.
Paperbound, illustrated, 47 pages.
The book is in Spanish.
The book contains part of the 1753 report
of the visit by Pedro de Rábago y Terán,
as well as the 1777 census for
el Valle de San Buenaventura.
Price:
$12.00 plus postage
CA02
Beginnings of a Community, San Buenaventura,
Coahuila,
Censuses of 1753 and 1777
By Daniel and Frances Gómez, 2004.
Paperbound, illustrated, 33 pages.
The book is in English.
The book contains part of the 1753 report
of the visit by Pedro de Rábago y Terán
to the Valley of San Buenaventura.
The rest of the book consists of the 1777 census of
San Buenaventura, Sardinas, Cuatro Ciénegas, and
Nadadores.
Price: $12.00 plus postage
Los Bexareños provides many publications for its members and for the public.
Visit http://www.losbexarenos.org/publications.htm to view a list of LBGHS
publications for sale.
Contact Santiago Escobedo at his email: [email protected]
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
By Mike Soler
For Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
Ruiz-Herrera Cemetery
“Día de los Muertos” Blessing
10:00 a.m.
by Fr. Janish
Sacred Heart Church
Some refreshments will be available.
Please bring your own chairs.
The Ruiz-Herrera Cemetery Association will
hold its annual blessing and reunion on
Saturday, November 2, 2013, on the cemetery
grounds at 10:00 a.m.
The annual gathering is a Von Ormy tradition
that draws nearly 250 people to what can be
described as part prayer service and part local
history conference.
After a traditional blessing, attendees display
tables of family photos, genealogy charts and
local history that dates back to the 1700s. The
cemetery is located at the end of Ruiz Herrera
Lane, off Quesenberry Road, at what was the
original settlement site of Von Ormy.
The Ruiz family began ranching in the area in
the mid-1700s and established a permanent
settlement on the Medina in the mid 1820s. The Ruiz-Herrera Cemetery is notable for
being the final resting place of two heroes of the
Álamo, Francisco A. Ruiz, the mayor of San
Antonio who buried the fallen after the seige,
and Blas Herrera, a scout who warned the
defenders of Santa Anna’s approach.
!
Hope for good weather/a nice day. I
myself have been under the weather so to speak.
I had knee replacement in August. The recovery
is coming along, but very slow as I see it. However, I will be there, on one leg more or less. ✥
Call me if you have questions (210)
884-6188.
To Los Bexareños,
The Río Grande Valley Hispanic Genealogical Society has just completed our new book which we are
offering for sale: “Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Reynosa, Tamaulipas, México, Book III, Marriage
Index 1811-1823.” It is available for purchase through our website:
www.rgvhispanicgenealogicalsociety.com
Thank you,
—Ofelia Olsson
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
14
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
November 2013
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Feliz
Día de Acción de Gracias
Friday
1
Saturday
Día de los Muertos
2
LBGHS Meeting
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Ruiz-Herrera
Cemetery Blessing
10:00 a.m.
3
4
5
Daylight
Intro to
FamilySearch.org
Savings Time
Public Library
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
“Fall backwards”
10
11
12
6
7
8
LBGHS
Resource Center
Granaderos
Dinner - 6:30 p.m
Meeting - 7:15 p.m.
13
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
14
15
Veteran’s
Day
17
18
9
LBGHS
Resource Center
16
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Battle of Medina
Southside HS
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
19
20
21
22
23
Legacy South
LBGHS
Resource Center
Luncheon
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
24
25
26
27
28
Happy
29
30
LBGHS D
Resource Center
SE
10:00 a.m.L-O2:00 p.m.
C
Thanksgiving
Do you have a “Save The Date” announcement you want to share with your fellow genealogists? If yes, please email your
announcement to [email protected]
Important Dates to Remember
November 1-2!
Día de los Muertos
November 2 !
Los Bexareños membership meeting - San Antonio, TX
November 2 !
Ruiz-Herrera Cemetery - Día de los Muertos Blessing -Von Ormy, Texas
November 3 !
Daylight Savings Time - Don’t forget to set your clocks - Fall backwards
November 5 !
Introduction to FamilySearch.org - San Antonio Public Library - San Antonio, TX
November 6 !
Granaderos y Damas de Gálvez - Dinner and Meeting - San Antonio, TX
November 11!
Veteran's Day - Thank a Veteran
November 16!
Battle of Medina Reenactment at Southside High School - Losoya, TX
November 21!
Legacy South Luncheon and Public Presentation - San Antonio, TX
November 28!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING from Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society
November 30!
LBGHS Resource Center & Library WILL BE CLOSED for Thanksgiving - San Antonio, TX
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
15
Volume 2 - Issue 11
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
From Around The State
Austin :!!
!
News from Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin
Corpus Christi :! !
News from Spanish American Genealogical Association (SAGA)
Dallas :! !
!
News from HOGAR de Dallas
Harlingen :!
!
News from Río Grande Valley Hispanic Genealogical Society
Houston :!
!
News from Hispanic Genealogy Society of Houston
Laredo :! !
!
News from Villa de San Agustín - Laredo Genealogy Society
San Elizario :!
!
News from San Elizario Genealogy and Historical Society
Victoria :!
!
News from Victoria Hispanic Genealogical and Historical Society of Texas
This section is dedicated to our sister Hispanic Genealogy Societies throughout the State. Just click on the blue link and it will take you to their website or their Facebook page.
Message from the Editor
!
The 2013 Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 — October 15) was
jammed packed with events, TV shows, conferences, seminars, and so much
more—all to commemorate our Hispanic heritage. Many of us participated in
one or more of these events.
!
One special event was the 34th Annual Texas Hispanic Genealogical and
Historical Conference that took place in Victoria, TX on October 11-13. The
conference was hosted by the Victoria Hispanic Genealogical and Historical
Society of Texas. They are a relatively small organization and they did an
outstanding job of hosting this year's conference. The conference offered tours to
the ruins of Mission Nuestra Señora del Espíritu Santo de Zúñiga, the Presidio
Nuestra Señora de Loreto de la Bahía, and the monuments of General Ignacio
Zaragoza and Colonel James Fannin. There were raffles, a silent auction, and
vendors; and, let's not forget the networking that took place and so much more. Reunions of old acquaintances and the forging of new alliances and friendships
took over the hallways and the lobby area. Everyone left the conference with a
renewed and reinvigorated energy to pursue or to continue the SEARCH for our
ancestors.
!
Thank you Victoria Hispanic Genealogical and Historical Society for your
gracious hospitality and for hosting a fantastic conference this year. Congratulations to everyone who worked on this conference for a job well done!
!
I know many of us look forward to these annual conferences. Next year's
conference will be held in McAllen, TX. ✥
ARTICLES
We need articles from the LBGHS
committees and the general membership.
Please do not worry about writing style,
spelling and grammar. Write down your
stories just as you would tell them to
your family and friends. Send it to the
email address below. We have volunteers
who will make suggestions and assist you
with the writing style, spelling and
grammar. We will send it back to you for
your approval. We will only print your
story after you approve the final version
of the article. You will have full control
of your article, and you will have a printed family story you can share with your
descendants. ✥
!
You can send your comments and
suggested articles to the editor (preferably
before the 15th of the month).
Sylvia Morales
3543 Byron St
San Antonio, TX 78247-3193
(210) 494-7932 or (210) 291-7702
—Sylvia Morales
[email protected]
Happy Thanksgiving!
(preferred method of communication)
Get the latest version of a Free Adobe Reader
Needed to read this Newsletter in PDF
LBGHS eMail Newsletter
16
Volume 2 - Issue 11