PREGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS
​Nos.: latest through #761 (Years 2019 through 2015) 

This page is for the exchange of genealogical/historical information relevant to early (pre 1848) Hispanic Californians (also called Californianos or Californios) and their descendants. We will include both question (Pregunta) and answers (Respuestas) for the benefit of all the cousins of the questioner. Questions and responses may be submitted by using the following link:  Queries & Responses.

Los Californianos​ does not guarantee the accuracy of any of the information appearing on this page. It was collected and submitted by a family history enthusiast just like you, and has not been verified. When you use this information, please realize that it is meant to be a research tool, not a source of completely error-free material. The genealogical information provided here should be a starting point from which you continue your research. Please take the necessary steps to verify all information before permanently adding it to your own collection of family information. La Tejedora

​Pregunta 790 - 12 October 2018
I would like to know if anyone has any more information on CIPRIANO COTA  born abt. 1836. He is the father of MANUEL COTA GONZALES. I'm asking about information about CIPRIANO COTA'S parents or if he had any milicia records. [Celene Federico (nonmember]

Pregunta 790 - 10 September 2018
I am trying to find information about the Larrinaga (Larrañaga, Larreinaga) family who I believe settled in  San Diego, Alta Calif. I need more information to apply for membership. [Jack DeZell (nonmember)]

​​​Pregunta 789 - 24 July 2018
   Hi: came across your very interesting site while researching a family I believe is part of mine. I am trying to find any descendants of the family of John C KAYS, whose wife was Maria Josefa BURKE: he was one of the founding pioneers of Santa Barbara, and had many children - would love to make contact if any belong to your organisation.  I am in London, England, and researching from this distance is very difficult! Many thanks. [Theresa Musgrove (nonmember), London England]
      Note: In Marie E. Northrop's Spanish-Mexican Families of Early California: 1769-1850, vol. II, pp. 27-28, I found Maria Josefa Bruna BORONDA born 8 Oct. 1799, baptized 10 Oct. 1799 at Mission Santa Clara, Alta Calif. Her parents were  Jose Manuel BORONDA (born about 1750 at Guadalajara, Mex., buried 21 Jan. 1882 at San Luis Obispo, Alta Calif.] and Maria Gertrudis HIGUERA [baptized 28 June 1776 at Mission San Carlos de Monterey, Alta Calif.; died 10 Dec. 1851 at Santa Barbara, Calif.].
   Maria Josefa BORONDA married first Manuel Antonio COTA (as his second wife) on 29 Sept. 1817 at Mission San Carlos de Monterey, Alta Calif. (Manuel died 23 Aug. 1826 from p. 116, vol. I.) She married second Gualterio BURKE (James Walter BURKE) on 9 Jan. 1828 at Mission San Carlos de Monterey, Alta Calif.
   Jose BORONDA and Maria HIGUERA were married when she was 14 on 27 Jan. 1790 at Mission Santa Clara, Alta Calif. They had 14 children and Maria Josefa Bruna was the 6th. Jose was a corporal, carpenter, and teacher at San Francisco and Monterey, Alta Calif., 1790-1818. The school at Monterey was called Tularcitos. He built the first adobe casa outside the presidio walls about 1817.
   On pp. 184-186 I found Maria Gertrudis HIGUERA  was the 4th child (of nine) of Jose Manuel HIGUERA [b. about 1744 at Villa de Sinaloa, Sinaloa, Mex.; buried 29 Aug. 1828 at Mission San Juan Bautista, Alta Calif.] and Maria Ignacia Antonia Limon REDONDO ( or ARREDONDO) [b. about 1752 at Villa de Sinaloa, Sinaloa, Mex.; buried 13 May 1834 at Mission San Juan Bautista, Alta Calif.]. Jose HIGUERA and Maria REDONDO were married about 1769 at Villa de Sinaloa, Sinaloa, Mex. Jose Manuel HIGUERA was head of one of twelve families to come from San Blas, Mex., to Loreto, Baja Calif., and overland to San Diego, Alta Calif., in Sept. 1774; he came with his wife and first two sons. He enlisted in Monterey Company and became an original poblador of Pueblo San Jose, Alta Calif., on 29 Nov 1777. He was a resident of Rancho Natividad at his death.
   These places were part of Nueva España until the Mexican Revolution and then part of Mexico from 1821 until Alta California was acquired by the U.S. in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. It is my understanding that the records of Villa de Sinaloa have been lost. If someone knows otherwise, please let me know.
   I am descended from Maria Gertrudis'  sister, Maria Ygnacia Rita HIGUERA. Buenos días prima Theresa. (Good morning cousin Theresa.) La Tejedora 
   
Pregunta 788 - 2 July 2018
   Has anyone found the list of California presidio soldiers who donated to King Carlos’ request (2 pesos) to fund Spain. Requested 1781-1784. The donations were used by Spain for the American Revolution? Finding the donation list will open the door for prospective DAR members. 
[Joyce Winsryg (nonmember)]
   Note: Descending from a soldier of Spain serving in Alta California during the American Revolution qualifies a descendant for the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). La Tejedora
​
Pregunta 787 - 13 June 2018
Hello,
    I am searching for any information on Manuel COTA married to Maria MORALES VILLA?
Any information on them would be greatly appreciated. Manuel  COTA'S parents were Cipriano COTA and Josefa GONZALES, he was born abt 1874. He married Maria MORALES who was born in 1878 in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Together they had 9 children in the town of Tecate, Baja Calif. This is all the information I have so far. Any info as to were Manuel was born or lived in his early life would come of great help. 
Thank you very much. [Celene Federico (nonmember)] 
   Please note that Pregunta 780 gives descendants of Cipriano and Josefa. La Tejedora
Pregunta 787 update - 15 June 2018
   Maria MORALES' parents were Juan Morales ANADRADE and Placida Villa OSIA. [Celene Federico (nonmember)]

Pregunta 786 - 7 May 2018
   I'm looking for information on Guillermo CASTRO (Born 1810 ? ) son of Carlos Antonio CASTRO and grand son of Joaquin Ysidro de CASTRO. Any help would be appreciated. [Marie Browder (nonmember)]
Respuesta a Pregunta 786 - 25 Aug. 2018
   Guillermo CASTRO was born February 1809 at Rancho Buenavista, christened 13 February 1809 at Mission San Juan Bautista.
A career soldier, he served in the Mexican army as a lieutenant of the militia at the pueblo of San José, California. He acquired a land grant known as Rancho San Lorenzo. He was a gambler, and sold portions of his land to pay his debts, and probably lost most of his rancho this way. Faxon Dean Atherton bought the remainder of his acres for $400,000. Guillermo took the younger members of his family and moved to Chile. Castro Valley, California is named after him.
He married Luisa PERALTA 31 January 1831 at Mission Santa Clara. They had at least 12 children. [Rondi Frankel (nonmember)]

Pregunta 785 - 4 May 2018
   I would like to know what information there is on Andres COTA - as he is noted as a founder of San Diego. This would not be the Andres COTA (1704-1762) married to Maria Angela de LEON (which Marie Northrop indicates came to California with his sons) he died in 1761 in Loreto. So the founder of San Diego, Andres, must be his son Andres (1749-1830). I am a descendant of one of Andres' (the younger) brothers. Andres did not stay in Alta California, but went home to San Antonio, Baja California Sur, Mexico and had 12 children with a second wife. Looking forward to a response. [Alana Jolley (nonmemeber]
 
Pregunta 784 - 21 March 2018
   Looking for members of my AMADOR family. Celso AMADOR the spouse of Maria Anastasia AMADOR nee PACHECO. Death date and place of death of Celso AMADOR.? He is the son of Jose Maria AMADOR and BERNAL. Has anyone found them on Census 1860 & 1870 & 1880? [Joyce Winsryg (nonmember)] Please note that in Marie Northrop's Spanish-Mexican Families of Early California: 1769-1850, volume I, pp. 31-35 she gives details of Jose Maria, his wife, Maria Magdalena de la Trinidad BERNAL and their descendants. However, the only information on Celso is that he was born about 1821 and married 29 October 1840 at San Jose to Maria Anastacia PACHECO.  La Tejedora

Pregunta 783 - 21 March 2018
   My great-great-great-grea-grandfather I'm told was named Juan Jose ALVARADO born in California abt 1857. He married a Refugia VELASQUE india born in California 1862. story is Juan Jose was a horse thief and kidnapped Refugia. This is how she became his wife? I can not find any family history for either of them nor church records. Im looking for names of thier parents and any history to validate the story that refugia was kidnapped and where she lived before she was with JuanJose. Please help, thank you. [Susan Carmona (nonmember)] Please note that we are assuming Refugia's parents were in Alta California prior to 1848 as she is identified as india. However, that is not necessarily true because some indias came from other areas after 1848. La Tejedora

Pregunta 782 - 14 December 2017
    Trying to locate descendants of Juan MIRANDA (1795-1845) and Damaso RODRIGUEZ (~1810- ~1855), both of whom lived in the Sonoma area part of their lives. [Peter Meyerhof, (nonmember)]

Pregunta 781 - 1 January 2017
   Antonio Maria de LUGO, my husbands 3rd great-grandfather was born in Alta California in 1775 in the Monterey area.  Antonio was a grantee of Rancho San Antonio present day Los Angeles, in 1810 and was mayor of Los Angeles from 1816-18. His father, Francisco Salvador de LUGO was born in Sinaloa, Mexico and went to Alta California with Captain Rivera, as a soldier of Spain, along with his family to the present day San Diego  in 1769.  Francisco's father was also born in Sinaloa and died in Santa Barbara, Alta California. His father, Pedro de LUGO was born in Sinaloa or Spain. This is what I'd like to clear up. What is Pedro's full name and where was he born? Thank you for your time and help. [Cathy Lugo, (nonmember), Culver City, Calif.]  ​
 
Pregunta 780 - 5 December 2016  
   I've been asking my family for any information about my grandmother and her family.  I found your e-mail online and thought maybe you may have some information for me to piece together.  I am attaching photos of what my cousins sent from Tecate of our family.  My grandmother is Victoria Martinez COTA (Rositas-married name) she was daughter of Felipe Martinez ALDAMA and Josefa Cota  MORALES.  If you have any more information  or know of anyone I may contact for more info please forward e-mail.Thank you. [Valerie Rositas (nonmember), San Diego, Calif.] 

Generation 1
   ***Encarnacion MORALES VILLA, b. December 23, 1878-California.
*Baptism: August 24, 1880, San Emido, Kern Co., California.
*Census: June 25, 1880, 1880 Federal Census Oso Flaco Precinct, San Luis Obispo, California. 
   ***Francisca MORALES VILLA, b. March 25, 1880, California. 
*Baptism: August 24, 1880, San Emido, Kern Co., California. 
 
Generation 2
   ***Maria Paula MORALES VILLA (Juan MORALES ANDRADE) was born June 2, 1875 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., California and died March 11, 1946 in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. She married Manuel COTA GONZALEZ, son of Cipriano COTA and Josefa GONZALEZ. He was born about 1878 in La Paz, Baja California, Mexico and died May 19, 1930 in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. 
   ***Maria Paula MORALES VILLA .
*Baptism: September 19, 1875, Santa Maria, California. 
*Census: June 25, 1880, 1880 Federal Census Oso Flaco Precinct, San Luis Obispo, California. 
**Children or Maria Paula MORALES VILLA and Manuel COTA GONZALEZ are:
1. Concepcion COTA MORALES. 
2. Felipe COTA MORALES m. Inez Paderes CROSBY.
3. Francisca COTA MORALES. 
4. Manuel COTA MORALES b. April 11, 1896, Ensenada De Todo Los Santos, Baja California.
5. Eufemio COTA MORALES b. March 20, 1898.
6. Blas COTA MORALES b. March 2, 1902.
7. Inocento COTA MORALES b. November 28, 1903, Tanama, Baja California, Mexico.
8. Norberto COTA MORALES b. March 13, 1905.
9. Josefa COTA MORALES b. September 24, 1910, Tanama, Baja California, Mexico d. November 18, 1967 in Tecate, Baja California,  Mexico.
   ***Inocento COTA MORALES married Margarita Martinez TELLEZ. Margarita Martinez TELLEZ, daughter of Antonio CAANEZ and Maria TELLEZ.  She was born July 20, 1917 in Washington Camp, Duguense, Arizona.
**Child of Inocento COTA MORALES and Margarita Martinez TELLEZ is: Eva COTA.
   ***Josefa COTA MORALES(Maria Paula MORALES VILLA, Juan MORALES ANDRADE) was born September 24, 1910 in Tanama, Baja California, Mexico. She married Felipe MARTINEZ ALDAMA, son of Jose MARTINEZ and Josefa ALDAMA. He was born about 1885 in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico and died 1950 in San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico.
**Children of Josefa COTA MORALES and Felipe MARTINEZ ALDAMA are:
1. Maria Adelina MARTINEZ COTA MORALES b. May 3, 1947, Tecate, Baja California, Mexico .
2. Susana MARTINEZ COTA.
3. Victoria MARTINEZ COTA  b. December 23, 194? d.May 28, 2014 m. Francisco Rayas ROSITAS. 
4. Emilio MARTINEZ COTA.
5. Rodolfo MARTINEZ COTA .
6. Deseas MARTINEZ COTA .
**Children of Victoria MARTINEZ COTA ROSITAS and Francisco Rayas ROSITAS were born in Tijuana, Mexico.
1. Jose Luis MARTINEZ ROSITAS d. 1985.
2. Manuel MARTINEZ ROSITAS b. February 24, 1965, d. November 16, 1992.
3. Francisco Javier MARTINEZ ROSITAS b. December 23, 1967, d. March 20, 2013.
 *Grandchildren of Victoria MARTINEZ COTA ROSITAS are: 
1. Manuel Francisco ROSITAS, b. August 1, 1981, son of Manuel MARTINEZ ROSITAS.  
2. Jose Luis ROSITAS Jr b. November 2, 1982, son of Jose Luis ROSITAS.  
3. Manuel ROSITAS Jr. b. January 11, 1984, son of Manuel MARTINEZ ROSITAS and Irma Gabriela OCHOA.
4. Priscilla ROSITAS, b. January 12, 1984, daughter of Jose Luis ROSITAS .
5. Valerie ROSITAS, b. November 21, 1985, daughter of Manuel MARTINEZ  ROSITAS and Irma Gabriela OCHOA.
6. Edward Philip ROSITAS, b. February 25, 1990, son of Manuel MARTINEZ ROSITAS and Irma Gabriela OCHOA.
7. Xavier Javier ROSITAS, b. March 21, 1993, son of Francisco Javier MARTINEZ  ROSITAS.
8. Xena Gabriela ROSITAS daughter of Francisco Javier MARTINEZ ROSITAS. 
9. Xanthia Kristina ROSITAS daughter of Francisco Javier MARTINEZ ROSITAS .
10. Xzachary ROSITAS son of Francisco Javier MARTINEZ ROSITAS.
   All grandchildren were born in San Diego, Calif., except for Manuel Francisco ROSITAS who was born in either Whittier or Norwalk, Calif.
*Great Grandchildren of Victoria MARTINEZ COTA ROSITAS are:
1. through 7. no entry.
8. Emerald Rose JOHNSON b. December 6, 2012, daughter of Valerie ROSITAS, San Diego, Calif.
9. Kingston Onyx ROSITAS-JOHNSON b. October 10, 2014, son of Valerie Rositas, San Diego, Calif.
*I did not list the 7 names of great-grandchildren of Victoria MARTINEZ COTA ROSITAS, only my 2 children [Valerie Rositas].
 
Pregunta 779 - 19 November 2016
    I'm trying to locate the relationship between Andres COTA b-circa 1762 in El Fuerte, Sinaloa, Mexico and my great-great-grandfather: Sostenes COTA b-circa 1849 in El Fuerte, Sinaloa, Mexico, married to Teresa SOTO b-circa 1853. My Mother is a descendant of Andres COTA, from San Juan Capistrano; back in 1776, the Mission San Juan Capistrano confirmed this. His son  Antonio married a Native American Indian named Chigila, given Spanish name: Maria Bernarda COTA. Thanks for any help. ​[Ed Romero (nonmember), San Juan Capsitrano, Calif.]  

Pregunta 778 - 7 November 2016
   Hello, I am searching for any information that I can get for grandmother of A. R. ROJAS, author of  many books of the Valjero.  In these books Arnold Rochel ROJAS speaks of his grandmother Rita RUIZ born 1836.  What I know of her is that she had many children with either several husbands or mates.  I had handwritten notes stating her mother 
DOMINGUEZ (India)  and father Martin RUIZ.  I have not been able to validate that information.  The family lived in Pasadena or San Pasqual.  Any information on these names would be so helpful.  This is one of my family brick walls. This has been so difficult to figure out. [Lianna Griff (nonmember), Folsom, Calif.]
 
Pregunta 777 - 1 June 2016  
   I work at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park in Carlsbad, California. I was wondering if there is a CARRILLO descendants group or some way to reach members of the CARRILLO families. We are doing an oral history about Leo CARRILLO and there still must be some CARRILLOS who knew him before he passed away in 1961.  Thank you for any help you can provide.  [Kevin Bender (nonmember), Carlsbad, Calif.]

Pregunta 776 - 18 April 2016  
   For those looking for information on Casimiro BRIONES - he died about 1875 and is buried in St. Catherine's Cemetery in Martinez, California.  I am going to see if I can locate the grave in the next couple of months.  [Sally Staley (nonmember), Chico, Calif.]

Pregunta 775 - 7 March 2016
   I am responding to questions or comments on Pedro Antonia BOJORQUEZ and Maria Angela TREJO, son, Bartolome Francisco BOJORQUEZ, son Jose Gerardo BOJORQUEZ, daughter Maria Petra de Los Angeles BOJORQUEZ, her daughter Josephine Elizabeth HARRISON who would be my great- grandmother. My grandmother is Gertrude LUCE.  I read in a book about early California that the land granted to the soldiers by Governor Pico in payment for their military service was lost through nonpayment of property taxes. Bartolome had divided the land equally between himself and nine of the children.  Please feel free to connect. I am trying to go beyond Pedro. The farthest I have been able to go back is Ygnacio Antonio LINARES' parents, Gregorio LINARES and Manuella GONZALES.  [Lynda Smith (nonmember), Penn Valley, Calif.]

Pregunta 774 - 26 February 2016  
   As I  research further in determining who is the father of Ramona ALVITRE (born around 1841 in San Gabriel, Calif.; mother is Rita BERMUDEZ, born around 1820-1826 in San Gabriel), daughter of Juan Hilario BERMUDEZ and Anna LUGO), it is very difficult.  I was told Jose Raymundo ALVITRE was Ramona's father.  Her mission record states Antonio as her father.
   More research shows Rita BERMUDEZ (unmarried) also had  children with the last name VALEZUELA.  Then married and had children with Julian QUINTERO.  Is it possible there was 2 siblings with the same name of Rita BERMUDEZ and another named Maria Rita BERMUDEZ?  I'm confused.  [Susan Lynn Carmona (nonmember), Apple Valley, Calif.]

Pregunta 773 - 26 January 2016
   I am in the process of writing a book on the battle of San Pasqual.  I am interested in keeping the courage and abiding faith of the Californianos who fought alive. We must keep our story alive and their history alive.  I just attended the winter meeting of the Los Californianos in Aptos and asked if any one had information of the Greyhounds, master lancers who fought in the Revolt of December 6, 1846 with General Andres PICO.  Question: Is there a descendant of one of the leaders with Pico, that belonged to the Greyhounds, Los Galgos an elite group of master lancers?  If any one has information they would like to share, I am forever grateful.  [Maria Barr (nonmember), San Bruno, Calif.]
Respuesta a Pregunta 773 - 4 February 2016
   I understood the Californianos to be both, expert horseman and swift lancers, solely based on historic writings, noted events. My 4th GGF was Leandro OSUNA. However, I have not before heard any mention of such a group of master lancers specifically named The Greyhounds - Los Galgos. Only that of dogs, referred to as such, was found in an internet search or, those of Asian descent being referred to of other named master lancers (unrelated to early California history). Am intrigued, curious to know where you found this reference and their connection to the Californianos? Please do tell us more.   [Lisa Marie Cross (nonmember), Palm Springs, Calif.]
Respuesta a Pregunta 773 - 14 February 2016
   Maria, so nice to have met you.  Los Galgos was indeed the division of lancers who, from what I have heard, was captained by Leonardo COTA.  The April meeting in Rancho Bernardo will include a tour of the San Pasqual Battlefield Museum and the Saturday evening speaker will be Don Coates, President of the San Pasqual Battlefield Volunteers.  Gilbert Garcia, our docent at the museum will most likely cover the battle from the side of the Californios, while the dinner presentation will most likely cover it from the side of the gringos. Hope to see you in Rancho Bernardo April 22-24.  [Lynn Adams (member), Escondido, Calif.]
​
Pregunta 772 - 27 November 2015
   Looking for Ignacio HARRIS (ARRIS), soldier at Loreto and his descendents in Northern Calif.  There was an Ygnacio HARRIS (ARRIS) listed as a soldier in Loreto in the late 1700s.  I believe he came to Alta California 1769 or some years later. There was a HARRIS family living on Pine St. in San Francisco in the 1900 Census.  They were friends or relatives of my grandfather, Eduardo ESTRADA, who lived at that address also.  Their children included a Robert Ramon HARRIS, Rennick HARRIS, and Grover HARRIS.  I recall a Natalie HARRIS as a child but she might have been an in-law.  I have pictures of some of them and  I am trying to find what relationship in any they are to the ESTRADAS. I have a letter to my aunt from Robert Ramon HARRIS indicating that he had written a book on the CARRILLO family connections but have no had any luck in finding that book. Any help you can give me will greatly appreciated.  [Ramon W. Jenkins (nonmember), Half Moon Bay, Calif.]

Pregunta 771 - 3 November 2015  
   My grandpa is Carlos Cota SERRANO, son of Blas COTA who migrated to Tecate in the 1800s. Carlos COTA married Josefina LOPEZ MEZA, daughter of Maria Francisca Meza THING and Vicente LOPEZ. Their parents were Benito MEZA OSANA and Eulogia Thing RUIZ; their parents were Antonio MEZA and Petra OSUNA. They were from the San Diego region. I don't know their birth dates but they are also from the 1800s. Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you. [Gerardo Garcia Cota (nonmember)]

Pregunta 770 - 31 October 2015  
   I need some clarification for the name of a descendant of Feliciana ARBALLO – the VALLEJO family.  I am working on a book for the San Diego Natural History Museum that is being dedicated to Helen VALLEJO CHAMLEE, who is a direct descendent of Felciana ARBALLO who was on the second Anza Expedition.  This is crazy, but we don’t really know if her maiden name was Helen VALLEJO WITHAM or Helen VALLEJO CHAMLEE. Her  name appears various ways as Helen Chamlee WITHAM and Helen Witham CHAMLEE. When I interviewed her in the 1970s, she was Helen WITHAM, assistant curator in the Botany Department at the museum.  Later she used the name Helen VALLEJO  CHAMLEE, which is the name that appears with many awards she received later in life.  I had thought if we could find out what really is her maiden name, maybe we could figure it out. Can anyone provide some help here with all the history and genealogy work you do for Anza Expedition descendants?  Thanks!  [Diana Lindsay, (nonmember) Sunbelt Publications, 1256 Fayette Street, El Cajon, CA 92020]

Pregunta 769 - 31 October 2015
​Buenos días, 
   I’m an independent author based in Pasadena, and have been developing a new book project about the French-born corsair Hippolyte Bouchard (1780-1837), and his attacks on the Spanish authorities in Alta California nearly 200 years ago—including the raising of the Argentine flag over Monterey.  This amazing true story, when it is remembered at all, is often simply portrayed as “pirates” raiding for plunder—when Bouchard was actually a licensed privateer in the South American wars of independence.  In that sense, the whole fascinating episode represents a rare connection between California’s past and the larger story of the pan-American struggles for separation from European empires.  Given the connections to Latin American history, from here to the Southern Cone, I’ve been reaching out to people and organizations with direct connections to the story.  Among the Californianos, I’m sure there are a range of opinions regarding the whole saga of Bouchard, and there are many interesting tangents such as the case of Joseph CHAPMAN, the first U.S.-born and English-speaking resident of Los Angeles County, previously a crew member of Bouchard’s ships before being captured by the Spanish, and who became a Mexican citizen, intermarrying and using his construction skills to assist several Missions and even La Placita church in the Plaza of Los Angeles.  I would certainly be interested if anyone among the descendants of Joseph CHAPMAN and Guadalupe ORTEGA y SANCHEZ had opinions regarding the Bouchard story, if there was any family consensus on the matter passed down over time, for example.   [Michael Melzer (nonmember), Pasadena, Calif.]

Pregunta 768 - 17 August 2015  
Pregunta - Felipe Santiago TAPIA and his families.
   This is the request from one of our members regarding the Felipe Santiago TAPIA family: "Hello.  I recently received copies of the Noticias.  I noticed on page 12 vol. 47 a mention about Felipe Santiago TAPIA...... Juana Maria CARDENAS is/was his 2nd wife. His 1st wife  is/was Juana Maria HERNANDEZ (same given names) hence the confusion.  Maria AntoniaTAPIA is my 4x great-grandmother. Hope this helps clear things up."   Mary R  #805"
   In answer to Editor Rory Franco's request for documented research I submitted the marriages of those children listed as the family of Felipe Santiago TAPIA. Unfortunately, due to space restraints in the October 2015 Noticias my findings were deleted. Please see the Repuesta to this Pregunta for full details. If you have questions please feel free to contact me at sarh.lopez@gmail.com.  [Sheila Ruiz Harrell (member), Modesto, Calif.]
Respuesta a Pregunta 768 - 17 August 2015
Repuesta - Felipe Santiago TAPIA and his families.
   For all of you descendants of Felipe Santiago TAPIA here is what I found, and please note that all names and locations are spelled exactly as they are in the transcriptions of the original entries at ECPP. See the sources listed at the end of this repuesta.
   María RosaTAPIA, daughter of Felipe Santiago TAPIA, age 13 at the time of her father's recruitment on April 5, 1775 for the Anza Expedition, married Sebastian LOPEZ at Mission Santa Clara on 11 Apr 1780, Entry #18. She is identified as a "Donzella" being from the "San Joseph jurisdicion de la Villa de Culluacan" Her parents are identified as Phelipe Santiago TAPIA and Juana María HERNANDEZ (difunta). [SCL Marriages 00018 ECPP.]
   María AntoniaTAPIA, daughter of Felipe Santiago TAPIA, age 12 at the time of her father's recruitment on April 5, 1775 for the Anza Expedition, married Joseph Antonio BUELNA at Mission San Carlos on 26 May 1776, Entry #82. The groom, bride, and bride's parents are all identified as being originally from Villa de Cynaloa. The bride's parents are identified as Phelipe Santiago TAPIA and Juana María HERNANDEZ(difunta). [SC Marriages 00082 ECPP.]
   José Bartolomé TAPIA, son of Felipe Santiago TAPIA, age 11 at the time of his father's recruitment on April 5, 1775 for the Anza Expedition, married María Francisca Maurisia LOBO at Mission San Buenaventura on 24 Nov 1785, Entry #28. His parents are identified as Felipe Santiago TAPIA and María Filomena HERNANDES (difunta) both of Villa de Culiacan. [SBV Marriages 00028 ECPP.]
   Juan José TAPIA, son of Felipe Santiago TAPIA, age 9 at the time of his father's recruitment on April 5, 1775 for the Anza Expedition, living at Monterey 1790, mulato, from Culiacán, 26, single. Nothing further known about this Juan José TAPIA.
   José Cristóbal TAPIA, son of Felipe Santiago TAPIA, age 8 at the time of his father's recruitment on April 5, 1775 for the Anza Expedition. Nothing further known about this José Cristóbal TAPIA.
   José Francisco TAPIA, son of Felipe Santiago TAPIA, age 7 at the time of his father's recruitment on April 5, 1775 for the Anza Expedition, married María de JESUS of Pueblo de Nutka at Mission San Carlos on 03 May 1796, Entry #529. His parents are identified as Felipe de TAPIA ​and Juana María MARÍA [...]MANA with the notation that the groom's mother's name is difficult to read by ECPP. [SC Marriages 00529 ECPP]
   María Manuela TAPIA, daughter of Felipe Santiago TAPIA, age 6 at the time of her father's recruitment on April 5, 1775 for the Anza Expedition, married Juan María PINTO at Mission Santa Clara on 21 Nov 1781, Entry #56. She is identified as being from Villa de Culiacan and her parents are identified as Phelipe Santiago TAPIA and María Filomena (difunta) [SC Marriages 00056 ECPP]
   Maria Ysidora TAPIA, daughter of Felipe Santiago TAPIA, age 5 at the time of her father's recruitment on April 5, 1775 for the Anza Expedition, married Marcos BRIONES at Mission San Carlos on 27 Sep 1784, Entry #263. She is identified as age "poco mas de 13 años" from Villa de Culluacan" Her parents are identified as Phelipe TAPIA and María Philomena HERNANDEZ (difunta). [SC Marriages 00263 ECPP)
Sources:
Census of 1790:A Demographic History of Colonial California, William Marvin Mason. Ballena Press, 1998.
The ECPP, The Huntington Library, Early California Population Project Database, 2006.
   Hopefully this information clears up any issues regarding the parents of the children listed with Felipe Santiago TAPIA and his wife Juana María CÁRDENAS of the Second Anza Expedition 1775-76.
   Feel free to contact me at sarh.lopez@gmail.com but also post your comments here for everyone to read.  [Sheila Ruiz Harrell (member), Modesto, Calif.]

Pregunta 767 - 14 August 2015  
   I’m writing a book on the Californios and do understand the severe economic and political problems they faced after the U.S.-Mexican War.  What I need to know now is what the Californios (especially the major families) did, and where they lived, in the second half of the 19th century.  Any suggestions?  Best, [Hunt Janin (nonmember), St. Urcisse, France.]

Pregunta 766 - 20 June 2015  
   My recent mitochondrial DNA results indicate that I have FLORES, VALENZUELA, and MONTOYA relatives. We do not know how we are related. Would appreciate any assistance in sorting out these families and how I am related to them. My paternal line is RUIZ, TOLANO, REAL, GRADILLAS, VASQUEZ; maternal line is ROMERO, CAMACHO, VASQUEZ, GARCIA, MORENO, MARQUEZ, LOPEZ, BRIONES, TAPIA, RAMIREZ.  Thank you, [Lorraine Ruiz Frain (member), Mountain View, Calif. 94040]

Pregunta 765 - 26 May 2015  
   Jose Vibiano TORREZ is my second great-grandfather on the paternal side.  I am trying to find information on his parents' and siblings' names and places of birth in New Mexico. Is there any information out there on that?  [Linda Mazon Guitierrez (nonmember), Tucson, AZ.]

Pregunta 764 - 19 May 2015  
This NEW Pregunta is in reference to existing Pregunta 104 of 18 November 2002:
   I am an Argentinean. My great-great-grandmother, María Concepción CASTRO PERALTA, was born in the San Francisco Bay area in 1835. I can’t afford a membership but I thought I could publish a query in your website. 
María's father was Guillermo CASTRO GARCIA and her mother María Luisa PERALTA ALVISO. I am looking for more data about her descendants and, if it is possible, some pictures. Thank you. [Ramiro Chaves Guevara (nonmember), Buenos Aires, Argentina]

Pregunta 763 - 15 December 2014
   I am looking for information on Ignacio SOTO and his daughter Leandra SOTO who were in San Francisco.  Is there a family tree?  Leandra was born there in 1828.Thank you, [Patrick Orozco (nonmember]

Pregunta 762 - 11 November 2014
   I am looking for any history regarding Brigido ARCE or Loreto ARCE from La Purisima, Santa Rosalia, or Loreto.  The spouse's name was Maria Catalina RUIZ.  I am not sure of the birth years, but all of the individuals lived between 1900-2000.  Thank you.  [Albert Arce (nonmember), Walnut, Calif.]

Pregunta 761 - 28 September 2014  
   James STOKES is my 7th great-grandfather and I have lost most of our history info, since my father's passing.  Does anyone have a picture of James or Maria STOKES and their parents' information?  I believe James STOKES married the widow Maria Josepha SOTO in 1844.  I am descended from their son William.  Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.  [Dayna Gough (nonmember), Shasta Lake, Calif.]
Respuesta a Pregunta 761 - 25 August 2015 
   According to ECPP marriage record SC 01167, Maria Josepha SOTO  married “Santiago ESTOKS”
(James STOKES) 18 Dec 1844 at Mission San Carlos in Carmel. A note in the record says they had “a child in 1852, years after their marriage.” The ECPP database has records for at least 9, possibly 10, children of STOKES 
and SOTO, beginning with a baptism in October 1840. Other sources say there may have been as many as 11 children. Maria Josepha SOTO had been previously married (8 Nov. 1828) to Gil CANO (d. 1839), with whom she had at least 6 children. See ECPP marriage record SC 00974 and burial record SC 03012Y. The number of children is based on a search of ECPP baptismal records.
   The ECPP marriage record SC 01167 contains no information about the groom’s ancestry. There is a great deal of information about “Dr.” James STOKES of Monterey available online and in print. He was a colorful and controversial character.
   The bride’s ECPP baptismal record is SAP 03820. The record shows she was born 16 Nov. 1815 and baptized the next day. She was christened Maria Josefa de los Dolores SOTO. Her parents were Damaso SOTO (1778-1827) and Maria Antonia de Jesus ALBISU (1795- aft. 1835). Both parents were born in Alta California and their baptismal records are in the ECPP database. Other baptismal records in the ECPP suggest Maria Josefa SOTO had at least 8 siblings. The  record shows her maternal  mother Agustina BOJORQUES (also known as BOXORGES) witnessed the baptism and was padrina. Agustina’s ECPP burial record SC 02179 says she and her husband were both natives of Sonora.
   The ECPP database is online at http://www.huntington.org/Information/ECPPmain.htm. Access
is free to all.  [John Ortega (member), La Crescenta, Calif.]
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