Pregunta 80 - 21 June 2002

Busco a mis bisabuelos. Juan Morales nacio? esposa Placida Villa nacio 1850's en Alta California. Abuela María Morales, nacio Junio 2, 1875 en Alta California. No tengo otra informacion. Quiero saber si alguien me puede ayudar. Placida Villa llego a Tanama Baja California (Tecate, B.C.) con mi abuela María en brazos. Mi abuela crecio alli. Se caso con el abuelo Manuel Cota, tubieron ocho de familia. No conosco nada de mis antepasados. Me gustaria saber si tubieron mas familia en Alta California. Gracias. [Evangelina Cota (nonmember), Santa Ana, Calif.]
Translation by La Tejedora: I am looking for my great grandparents. Juan Morales born ? wife Placida Villa born 1850s in Alta California. Grandmother María Morales born 2 June 1875 in Alta California. I do not have other information. I want to know if someone is able to help me. Placida Villa arrived at Tanama, Baja California (Tecate B.C.) with my grandmother María in her arms. My grandmother grew up there. She [María] married my grandfather Manuel Cota, they had a family of eight. I do not know anything of my ancestors. I would like to know if they had more family in Alta California. Thanks.

Respuesta a Respuestas a Pregunta 80 - 13 June 2004

[In surfing the Net, I found your Queries. I'm so happy to find my ancestors. If someone can reply, I have copies of documentation of my great grandparents, Juan Morales and Placida Villa. My grandma and siblings were born in Northern California. I have copies of documentation of baptismal records in the different Missions. I would love to find out more. I also have information on Manuel Cota (grandpa), who married Maria Morales. I would love to know how you got this information, so I can continue my research. Thank you. [Eva Gallegos (Cota), (nonmember), Santa Ana, Calif.] Note: I tried to e-mail you Eva, but my e-mail was not accepted. It is not clear who you are addressing your question to. La Tejedora gray850@aol.com

Respuesta a Pregunta 80 - 29 May 2003

Translation by La Tejedora: The Baja California historian, Pablo Martinez, collected birth registrations, baptisms, marriages, and deaths in Baja California up to 1900. In his publication, Guia Familiar de Baja California, are found several registrations referring to this family.
Children of Juan Morales and Plácida Villa:
Isabel Morales, married to Jesus Félix. Her son, Francisco, born in Tecate 31 March 1892.
Francisca Morales married Francisco Aldama in Tecate 29 June 1901. Francisca also appears to have had an illegitimate daughter, María de los Angeles Morales, who died in Tecate at the age of three months 24 March 1901.
Maria Morales, married to Manuel Cota. The births of six children, all in Tecate, are published in the Guia Familiar, or after 1900 by David Pineira: Manuel, 11 April 1896; Eufemio, 23 June 1898; Felipe 19 December 1899; Blas, 3 February 1902; Inocencio, 28 December 1903; Norberto, 17 February 1905.
Manuel Cota, husband of Maria Flores, was born about 1859 in Baja California Sur, son of Cipriano Cota and Josefa González o Morales.

Respuesta a Pregunta 80 - 14 October 2002

Further information on Manuel Cota in Alta California may be helpful: there was only one child of his marriage to María Josefa Bruna Boronda (born 8 October 1799; married 29 September 1817; died 14 May 1882).  This child was named María Manuela Concepcion Cota - she was born 8 December 1826 after the accidental death of her father on 23 August 1826, Monterey.  María Josefa Boronda's parents were Manuel Boronda and María Gertruda Higuera.

Manuel Cota was first married to María Gertrudis Romero about 1796; she was born at Loreto, Baja California about 1779.  They had seven children María de Jesus (1796); Juan Francisco (1797); María Dominga (1799); Josef María (1801); José Simón (1803); Juana María Inocencia (1805) who married Josef Manuel Boronda in 1821; and María de la Soledad (1808).

The mother of these seven children, María Gertrudis Romero Cota died 24 June 1817.  Except for María Dominga Cota, my 3rd great grandmother, who was born in Mission San Fernando, the six other children were born in Santa Barbara. [Ramona Reitz (member), Pacific Grove, Calif.]

Respuesta a Pregunta 80 - 22 June 2002

Yes, our ancestral [great?] grandmother was Juana (Juna) Cota. She owned and operated a dairy business in Carmel Valley, invented and marketed Monterey Jack Cheese. Many original Cota family records can be found at Santa Barbara Mission Archive Library.  [Teresa Russell y Espinosa de Boronda  (nonmember), Long Beach, Calif.]

Translation by La Tejedora: Sí, nuestra abuela (ella bisabuela?) estuvo Juana (Juna) Cota. Ella estuvo propietara y funcionaria de lechería en Carmel Valley. Ella inventió y  promocianá  Monterey Jack Cheese. Muchos documentos original de la familia Cota están en Santa Barbara Mission Archive Library. 

Pregunta 79 - 16 June 2002

I would like any information on my great-great grandmother, Sacramenta Ruiz. I believe she was born between 1830 and 1840 in Los Angeles, California. I don't know if she is from the Efigenio Ruiz or Fructuoso Ruiz branch or neither. She married Bertrand Riviere in the mid-1800s and passed away in 1883 in Los Angeles, California. Which church would have the baptismal records--the San Gabriel Mission or the Los Angeles Plaza Church?
Any information would be appreciated. Thank You. [John Klawitter (nonmember), Sunnyvale, Calif.]

Respuesta a Pregunta - 17 June 2005

 I am researching the development of a particular neighborhood in Los Angeles where Bertrand Riviere lived and owned property.  The 1870 U.S. Census enumerates Sacramenta on page 52 of the Los Angeles Township records.  The handwriting is pretty illegible (and the census enumerators weren't always great spellers) but her last name appears to be "Rivaro."  The 1870 census didn't specify relationships amongst people living in the same household so it's unclear whether she is married to any of the adult males in her household.  "Bertrand Rivere" is listed on the same page, in a different household and appears to be married to "Clara".  By the 1880 census (page 24 of Ballona Township), Sacramenta is listed as the wife of "B. Rivara."  I think it is possible that in 1870, Sacramenta was married to Bertrand's brother.  By 1880, I suspect that the spouses of both Sacramenta and Bertrand had died and that they had married and blended their families!  The details of their listed children on the 1880 census seem to suggest this, anyway.  Based on the census information, her year of birth would be between 1840 and 1850.  I hope this helps.  I would really appreciate it if you would pass along any information you have regarding the Riviere family, particularly information relating to land ownership.  Thanks! [Colleen (nonmember), Los Angeles, Calif.

Pregunta 78 - 11 June 2002

My great grandmother was Jesus Castro de Montijo. She was married to Amado M. Montijo at St. Vincent's or Santa Vibiana's Catholic Church in Los Angeles, Calif. I know she owned land and I know she had cattle. I have seen one of the branding irons.  I used to play with it when I was a small girl. My problem is that I can't find her records.  I stood at her gravesite at Calvary Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum in Los Angeles.  Ramon Castro, born 1816 is there, as is Micaela (spelled Micila on the stone). I am not sure which branch of Castro's they belong to: San Juan Bautista/Angel María Dolores Castro's bunch? I do know.  Grandpa told me Culiacán. I really need help. [Andrea Relf (not yet member), Las Vegas, Nev.]

Pregunta 77 - 11 June 2002

George Emidia Nidever (born August 1847) married María Dolores Bermúdez  (born March 1848) daughter of Milton or Meliton Bermúdez and María Antonia Guevara . I am looking for the parents of Meliton and María, possibly in Santa Barbara. [Cari Herthel (nonmember), Pacific Grove, Calif.]

Pregunta 76 - 6 June 2002

My grandfather was Fermin García born 1878 in San Miguel. His parents were Dionicio García AND Gertrudes Morales, also shown as Gertrudes Contreras. Gertrudes' parents were possibly José Morales and Merced Cota. Gertrudes died December 1897 in San Miguel and was shown as the daughter of Miquel Contreras and Soledad Higuera,  age 37. Also looking for others with these surnames in this area [Judy Garcia (nonmember), Calif.]

Respuesta a Pregunta 76 - 29 June 2004

Hello, I have been trying to find Julia Garcia who is my grandmother.  The person who is trying to find surnames on this pregunta must also be related to me.  It would be interesting to know who this person is.  Any help on my grandmother would be appreciated.  [Evelyn Houston (nonmember) Forest Grove, Oregon]

Pregunta 75 - 6 June 2002

I am trying to find the parish register entries for William/Julian Wilson's baptism and marriage. He came to Branciforte in 1822 or 1823. These records are not found in the Temple records, but I have read that he was baptized at Mission Santa Cruz in 1824. I hope to find where he came from or what his parents names were from these records.  He married María Josepha Alviso sometime between 1824 and 1827. Where can I find copies of the original Santa Cruz parish records so I can look for this information? [Karen Henrie (member), Arlington, Ariz.] Note: I have suggested that not all copies of the Temple records are the same and she should try the LDS (Mormon) copies if she hasn't already. I also suggested that if she could travel she could try the Mission Santa Barbara Archive Library. Any other suggestions? La Tejedora

Respuesta a Pregunta 75 - 30 April 2007

Correction : Julian Wilson was born in England and died in Santa Clara , buried in at the Mission there. Copies of death certificate can be found at the Huntington Library. I am a descendant. [Donn Wilson (not yet member), Modesto, Calif.]

Respuesta a Pregunta 75 - 10 December 2003

Respuesta a Pregunta 75 - 6 August 2003

William "Julian"  Wilson was a 24 year old native of Virginia when he arrived in Santa Cruz, California in 1823.  It was believed that Wilson was a sailor or soldier aboard the privateer fleet of Lord Cochrane, the British adventurer who helped South American countries win their independence, though, there is some evidence of this, but no proof.  He became a permanent resident of Alta California. He applied for Mexican citizenship and was baptized a Catholic in 1824. [Helen Collins (member), San José, Calif.]

Pregunta 74 - 6 June 2002

Respuesta a Pregunta 74 - 31 May 2007

Ms. Stefanie Rodriquez: I noticed you mentioned some Robles family members. I have a relative named Loretta L. Robles (born 10 April 1871) in Jolon, California, who was a Salinan Indian. I believe her father was Teodoro Robles. Teodoro married Augustina Celia Soberanes at the Mission San Antonio. I am just starting my search on this family.   I was wondering if you had any information on your Robles family? Thank you. My E-mail is jam8lrs@aol.com (Salinan Tribal Historian). [James T. Larson,  (member), El Paso de Robles, Calif.]

Respuesta a Pregunta 74 - 22 September 2004

UPDATE - 6 November 2002

I have more information for Pregunta #74, that may help.  Costadia Alviso (my great great grandmother) was married to Solomon Aguilar. They had one child, Juan Aguilar (my great grandfather).  Costadia's second husband was Narcisso Robles, I know they had two sons, Guadalupe Robles and Ross Robles, and one daughter, Rita Robles. [Stefanie Rodriguez (nonmember), Corona, Calif.]

Pregunta 73 - 2 June 2002

We are seeking the names of the children of José de los Inocentes Valdez, son of Josef Cresencio Valdez y María Paula Josefa Alanis and wife, María Loreta Delores de Garcia Ortega, the daughter of José María Martin Ortega y María Inocencia Moraga. They were married 27 November 1840 at Mission Santa Barbara. Can you help? Thank you. [Noreen Woodfin (member), Monterey Co., Calif.]

Respuesta a Pregunta 73 - 6 June 2002

Although I can't help with the children's names for José de los Inocentes Valdez, I do have all of the family names (including some spouses) for the children of José Cresencio Valdez and María Paula Josefa Alanis, and two more generations of the Valdez family dating to about 1730 in case you do not have these.  Please let me know. [Ramona Reitz (member), Pacific Grove, Calif. montysar@redshift.com ]

Pregunta 72 - 1 June 2002

I am looking for more connections to the Arce family, and also tracing my mother's side of the family which includes Concession Guerrero. [Oscar Arce (member), Azusa Calif.]

Pregunta a Respuesta a Pregunta 72 - 17 June 2005

To Irene Barnett of Buena Park, Calif.--my ARCE family was from Guaymas, Sonora; and Mazatlan, Sinaloa.  I have only been able to go back to Luis Arce, born in approx. 1870. I would appreciate any information you may have, including information about JUAN DE ARCE, the Englishman with the Spanish name, and the two ARCE brothers who were part of the Portolá  Expedition. Thank you. [Rebecca Madera (nonmember), Alhambra, Calif.] 

Note: According to Marie Northrop's Spanish-Mexican Families of Early California: 1769-1850, vol. I, pp. 40-41: 

José Gabriel de Arce, soldado de cuera of 1769 Portolá Expedition arrived at Monterey with a pack train from San Diego. He returned to Loreto with Sgt. Ortega in September 1770 and was a sergeant there in 1782. "Arce believed to be an English name." José was born about 1727 at Villa de Sinaloa, Sinaloa, Mexico of Francisco Pereda y Arce and Rosa Lopez. About 1760 at Loreto, Baja California, Mexico he married Ana Gertrudis Velasco (Velesquez) [buried 31 August 1785 at Velicata, Baja California]. They had 8 children from about 1760 to 25 February 1780, all born in Baja California. José married second on 8 June 1786 at Mission Rosario, Baja California, Maria Josefa Aguilar. They had 3 children between 20 November 1788 and 11 November 1792, all born in Baja California.

According to Gateway to Alta California by Harry Crosby pp. 144-146:

José was born about 1724 and died 1800, buried at San Fernando de Velicatá. Mr. Crosby gives details of his military career from the time of his enlistment in 1749 until his retirement in 1784. His brother, Sebastián Constantino de Arce was born about 1736 at Villa de Sinaloa; died 1795 at Purísima Cadegomó. Sebastián married first Josefa Rafaela Espinosa and they had one child. He married second, Francisca Velázquez and they had seven children. Mr. Crosby gives details of his military career from the time of his enlistment in 1759 until his death, at which time he was Mayordomo at Misión de la Purísima de Cadegomó.

Needless to say, none of the above mentioned children were born as late as 1870, nor were any named Luis. La Tejedora

Respuesta a Pregunta 72 - 4 November 2004

How far back do you want to see on the Arce's?  Do you have a first name or place of birth?  The first Arce in Baja was Juan de Arce, an Englishman with a Spanish name, who was raised in Mexico around the Sinaloa area.  There are also two Arce brothers that were soldiers on the Portolá expedition with Father Junipero Serra in 1769.  They returned to Baja California around 1770 and settled in the Loreto, La Purisima Mission area of Baja de Sur. [Irene Barnett (nonmember), Buena Park, Calif.] 

Pregunta 71 - 1 June 2002

I am particularly looking for information on Manuel José de Sosa (Sossa), foreman,  (on San Mateo and Guevavi Ranches) for Juan Bautista de Anza.  Manuel was an ecclesiastic scribe and married to Anza's wife's aunt, María Nicholas Gomez de Silva.  I am also looking for any early Sosa/Soza family.  Thank you. [Carol Soza Leekley (nonmember), Ventura, Calif.]