PREGUNTAS Y RESPUESTAS
Nos.: latest through #761 (Years 2020 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 800 - 6 December 2020
Castro Valley (where I live) was part of the Rancho San Lorenzo of Guillermo Castro. The neighboring Rancho San Lorenzo Baja was deeded to Francisco Soto and Barbara Castro de Soto. All of the Castro Valley history books (and the Hayward Area Historical Society) say that Barbara was Guillermo's sister, but what I can find at the Huntington suggests they had different parents, so either they were first cousins or more distant relatives (there were two branches of the Castro Family in Alta California I guess). It is easy to trace Guillermo back to his de Anza party grandfather and father, but I have been unable to trace Barbara's parents back to her grandfather. I know of several references that might answer my question, all locked away in libraries closed due to COVID. What I have says her parents were Mariano de la Cruz Castro and Maria Trinidad Peralta. So, my pregunta is "Who were Maria Barbara Castro de Soto's grandparents"? Thanks! [Richard Kelly, non-member]
Pregunta 799 - 25 October 2020
LORENZANA descendants, are you reading this?
We'd love to hear from you for an upcoming project about the Lorenzana orphans who were sent from Mexico City to Monterey California as very young children in 1800.
Please email me with the name of your Lorenzana ancestor and be added to the growing number of Los Californianos members and non-members too who are Lorenzana descendants!
[Sheila Ruiz Harrell, Life Member #1603; former Los Californianos Genealogist and Membership Secretary, sarh.lopez@gmail.com]
Pregunta 798 - 17 July 2020
I am looking for any information on the Arias family associated with the San Juan Bautista area. Our ancestor was Ascension Arias born around 1850 +/-. She had two children with Oliver Wilcox, Mary Wilcox (our ancestor) and Benjamin Wilcox. I cannot find any record of birth, marriage or death for Ascension. [Kimberly Weller, non-member]
Pregunta 797 - 17 February 2020
I am searching for Maria Francisca Carrillo who married D.J. Woodlief between 1846-1854 probably in California. There was a Maria Francisca Carrillo who died in 1851, that wasn't her, then Maria Francisca Carrillo who married General Vallejo The one that I think might fit is Maria Francisco Carrillo who was living with her parents in Santa Barbara in 1834. There was a Maria Francisca Carrillo who was living in Los Angeles and divorced her husband when divorce became available for women in 1851 Does anyone have information on any of these ladies.
Someone also asked are the Carrillos and the Howards related and the answer is yes they are through D.J. Woodlief. Marie Woodlief Howard and Gladys Woodlief Stovall were D.J. Woodlief nieces. Marie buried in Benicia Ca and Gladys buried in Catholic cemetery in Colma. I would love to connect with any of these cousins. [L. Q. Scott (non-member), quenci@sbcglobal.net]
Pregunta 796 - 23 November 2019
My son is a descendant of Maximo Martinez (Rancho Corte Madera land grant) and I am trying to get more information for him about Maximo - in particular where he is buried. [Liann Sumner, non-member]
Pregunta 795 - 17 November 2019
On Nov 9th 2019 I found a response from Howard Lee Smith, I think that he responded in 2016 or 2017 to a previous question that I had posted. My gg grandfather was Devereaux Jerome Woodlief, Col. D.J. Woodlief. Mr. Smith stated that Woodlief had married a Spanish lady but my computer crashed and I have lost her name. The post started, Maria Franciscia married D.J. Woodlief. Could someone search or tell me where to search on preguntas and respuestas. I understand that they had children. I am a white anglo saxon and am from D.J. Woodlief's first marriage in Texas. He was in Calif. from 1846 till 1854 I would like to know the history of their descendants who are my distant cousins. For direct contact my e-,mail is quenci@sbcglobal.net I I would appreciate any information. [L. Scott, non-member]
Pregunta 794 - 27 October 2019
Are the TWT surnames (EISENGA, CYNTHIA- Surnames To The Temple Records online to view? I tried Family Search and various family sites and can't seem to locate. [Andrea Bassetti, (non-member)]
Pregunta 793 - 17 August 2019
I am looking for info on my great grandfather who had a child with Agustina Miranda on The Rancho San Jose, Pomona Calif about 1863. That child was my grandfather, Blas Miranda Valdez who came to Ariz Territory about 1868 & settled in Redington AZ. Agustina had 2 other children - Tomas & Fransisca who stayed in the area of Azusa Calif. It is not known if my great grandfather's name was also Blas but he was thought to have roots in Argentina. Also would like to know about my great grandmother, Agustina Miranda who probably gave birth to her 3 children on the Rancho San Jose. [Margaret Valdez, (non-member)]
Pregunta 792 - 5 August 2019
Cantua (San Carlos Mission Indian) I am looking for date and place of death for an Ancestor. He went by several names in his lifetime: he was baptized as Buenaventura (no surname); Ventura was his common name; as an adult he added the surname Cantua (not a family name, but perhaps that of a godparent, benefactor, cousin or friend); he sometimes used Ventura Soto; and he may have sometimes used a Native name, Quittit (as did his father and grandfather). He was born on or around July 14, 1816 at the San Carlos (Carmel) Mission in California, and lived all of his life in the Carmel, Monterey County area, moving from house to house with different relatives after he and his wife eventually separated. And, sometime in his early adulthood, he was blinded in a dispute. Our storyteller Isabel Meadows says that Ventura died "1/4 mile upstream of La Rancheria at the house of his son José Antonio...he died of his throat shutting itself, like a strong diptheria." (Fact check: yes, Diptheria was making the rounds in Monterey County in 1884-5.) She also notes that he died sometime after his wife, Teodosia, who passed in 1885. Ventura was alive in 1879, when he was sketched by Joseph Strong at the San Carlos Day service (below). So, sometime after 1885, I think, Ventura died, perhaps as old as 70. I've done a lot of research in this area, but none of my usual sources have anything. Posting here because my mom, Madgel Miranda, used this site a lot and always had good luck. Many thanks! [Deborah Miranda (non-member)]
Pregunta 791 - 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
(Unfortunately, Queries 782-786 may be permanently lost in the transition from the old to the new website)
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, (non-member), 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 email 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 email. Thank you. [Valerie Rositas (non-member), San Diego, Calif.]
Generation 1
***Encarnacion Morales Villa, b. December 23, 1878-California
*Baptism: August 24, 1880, San Emido, Kern, California
*Census: June 25, 1880, 1880 Federal Census Oso Flaco Precint, San Luis Obispo, California
***Francisca Morales Villa, b. March 25, 1880, California
*Baptism: August 24, 1880, San Emido, Kern, California
Generation 2
***Maria Paula Morales Villa (Juan Morales Andrade) was born June 2, 1875 in Bakersfield, Kern, 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 Canez 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 are and born in Tijuana, Mexico
1. Jose Luis Martinez Rositas d. 1985
2. Manuel Martinez Rositas n. 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, Ca except for Manuel Francisco Rositas is was born in either Whittier or Norwalk, Ca.
*Great Grandchildren of Victoria Martinez Cota Rositas are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.Emerald Rose Johnson b. December 6, 2012 daughter of Valerie Rositas, San Diego, Ca
9. Kingston Onyx Rositas-Johnson n. October 10, 2014 son of Valerie Rositas, San Diego, Ca
*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 G G Grandfather: Sostenes Cota b-circa 1849 in El Fuerte, Sinaloa, Mexico, married to Teresa Soto b-circa 1853. My Mother is a descendent of Andres Cota, from San Juan Capistrano back in 1776, the Mission San Juan Capistrano confirm this. His son Antonio married a Native American Indian named Chigila, given Spanish name: Maria Bernarda Cota. Thanks for any help. [Ed Romero (non-member), 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 hand written 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 (non-member), 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 (non-member), 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 (non-member), 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 solders by Governor Pico in payment for their military service was lost through non-payment 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 (non-member), 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 Rite 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 Rite 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 (non-member), 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 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 (non-member), San Bruno, Calif.]
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 Battlefiled Museum and the Saturday evening speaker will be Don Coates, President of the San Pasqual Battlefield Volunteers. Gilbert Garcia, our docent at he 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.]
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 CA 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 (non-member), Palm Springs, 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 1700's. 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 and 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 (non-member), 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 (non-member)]
Pregunta 770 - 31 October 2015
I need some clarification for the name of a descent 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 though 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, 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 Gaudalupe Ortega y Sánchez had opinions regarding the Bouchard story, if there was any family consensus on the matter passed down over time for example. [Michael Melzer (non-member), 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 ANTONIA TAPIA is my 4x great grand mother. 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 ROSA TAPIA, 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 ANTONIA TAPIA, 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 [...]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 (non-member), 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 (non-member), 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 Web site. MARÍA'S father was GUILLERMO CASTRO GARCIA and her mother MARÍA LUISA PERALTA ALVISO. I am looking for more data about her ascendants 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, non-member]
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 (non-member), 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 (non-member), Shasta Lake, Calif.]
Respuesta a Pregunta 761 - 25 August 2015
According to ECPP marriage record SC 01167, Maria Josefa 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 Josefa 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 grandmother Agustina Bojorques (aka 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.]