What's New in Life Before the Ruins
October 6, 2013
In honor of Bob's Birthday October 7, we have added a slide show of six photographs provided by his wife Scarlett Wirt showing Bob Wirt having a life and family away from the ruins of the Big Bend area. You can see the slide show on Bob's Photo page by holding mouse over "Bob Wirt" in the navigation bar above and then clicking on the drop down menu "Photos of Bob" or click here to see the photos.
Our sister Web site, Familias de Terlingua has honored Bob Wirt by making the Wirt family an honorary family of Terlingua and adding the appropriate pages. Click here to see the Wirt Family Pages.
In honor of Bob's Birthday October 7, we have added a slide show of six photographs provided by his wife Scarlett Wirt showing Bob Wirt having a life and family away from the ruins of the Big Bend area. You can see the slide show on Bob's Photo page by holding mouse over "Bob Wirt" in the navigation bar above and then clicking on the drop down menu "Photos of Bob" or click here to see the photos.
Our sister Web site, Familias de Terlingua has honored Bob Wirt by making the Wirt family an honorary family of Terlingua and adding the appropriate pages. Click here to see the Wirt Family Pages.
January 13, 2013
Today we sadly add a new page called "Bob. Wirt" to Life Before the Ruins. Bob died Saturday January 12, 2013. You can go to his page to leave memorial comments for his family.
Today we sadly add a new page called "Bob. Wirt" to Life Before the Ruins. Bob died Saturday January 12, 2013. You can go to his page to leave memorial comments for his family.
December 2, 2012
Revised the Jesus Garcia Family History to include information from the obituary of grand daughter Virginia Garcia Dominguez. Virginia died at her home in Alpine November 28, 2012 and was buried in Holy Angels Cemetery.
Revised the Jesus Garcia Family History to include information from the obituary of grand daughter Virginia Garcia Dominguez. Virginia died at her home in Alpine November 28, 2012 and was buried in Holy Angels Cemetery.
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October 20, 2012
Revised the Romaldo and Severiano Chavarria Family History. Added information on Adel Celaya, daughter of Susanna Chavarria and granddaughter of Pablo "Gordito" Chavarria.
Revised the Antonio Molinar Family History. Corrected and added information on Jose Molinar, son of Jose Molinar and grandson of Alberto Molinar.
Revised the Romaldo and Severiano Chavarria Family History. Added information on Adel Celaya, daughter of Susanna Chavarria and granddaughter of Pablo "Gordito" Chavarria.
Revised the Antonio Molinar Family History. Corrected and added information on Jose Molinar, son of Jose Molinar and grandson of Alberto Molinar.
October 18, 2012
Revised the Francisco Monclova Family History to add information on the wife and family of Enrique "Henry" Rodriguez Monclova. She was Maria Elena Villarreal, grand daughter of long-time Castolon resident Alvino Ybarra.
Revised the Francisco Monclova Family History to add information on the wife and family of Enrique "Henry" Rodriguez Monclova. She was Maria Elena Villarreal, grand daughter of long-time Castolon resident Alvino Ybarra.
October 17, 2012
Revised the Jesus Garcia Family History to add new information on the family of son Victoriano Garcia.
October 12, 2012
Published the Wenceslado Ramirez Family History. He was a descendant of Marcos Ramirez (report already published). Wenceslado and his wife, Juana Suchil settled in an area known Sierra Chino, downriver from Castolon. He farmed and ranched in the area. They had twelve children. One, son Mariano, settled in La Coyota and was still living there in 1940. Three of the daughters married miners. This report even includes a murder.
October 4, 2012
Revised the Jose Olvera Family History to include information from the obituary of Teodoro Hinojos, great-grandson of Jose Olvera. Teodoro died in Hobbs, New Mexico August 29, 2012.
Revised the Jesus Garcia Family History to add information on daughter Carlota and her family.
Published the Tiburcio Ramirez Family History. He was a descemdant of Marcos Ramirez (history already published). Tiburcio settled in La Coyota in 1909 and was still living there in 1940. He eventually moved to Study Butte, then to Marathon where he died.
Revised the Jesus Garcia Family History to add new information on the family of son Victoriano Garcia.
October 12, 2012
Published the Wenceslado Ramirez Family History. He was a descendant of Marcos Ramirez (report already published). Wenceslado and his wife, Juana Suchil settled in an area known Sierra Chino, downriver from Castolon. He farmed and ranched in the area. They had twelve children. One, son Mariano, settled in La Coyota and was still living there in 1940. Three of the daughters married miners. This report even includes a murder.
October 4, 2012
Revised the Jose Olvera Family History to include information from the obituary of Teodoro Hinojos, great-grandson of Jose Olvera. Teodoro died in Hobbs, New Mexico August 29, 2012.
Revised the Jesus Garcia Family History to add information on daughter Carlota and her family.
Published the Tiburcio Ramirez Family History. He was a descemdant of Marcos Ramirez (history already published). Tiburcio settled in La Coyota in 1909 and was still living there in 1940. He eventually moved to Study Butte, then to Marathon where he died.
September 30, 2012
Revised the Victor Sotelo Family History. New information has been provided throughout the report. A big "Thank You" goes to Maria C. Salinas for providing information on Petra Sotelo Garcia (her mother) and Petra's family.
August 7, 2012
Revised the Jesus Garcia Family History to include information from the obituary of his granddaughter, Sara Garcia Aguilar. Sara died in Odessa August 3, 2012.
Revised the Victor Sotelo Family History. New information has been provided throughout the report. A big "Thank You" goes to Maria C. Salinas for providing information on Petra Sotelo Garcia (her mother) and Petra's family.
August 7, 2012
Revised the Jesus Garcia Family History to include information from the obituary of his granddaughter, Sara Garcia Aguilar. Sara died in Odessa August 3, 2012.
August 1, 2012
The following revisions have been made recently:
The Alejandro Luna Family History, under 9. Rebecca Luna. Added information on the marriage and children of Ezequiel Rivera and added information on the marriage and children of Benjamin Luna Rivera
The Bonifacio Vega Family History: Added information on Francisca Vega, Juan Vega and Manuel Granado in Shafter in 1940.
The Romaldo Arispe Family History: Added information on Pablo and Jose Arispe in Shafter in 1940 and added and corrected information on Pablo’s family.
The Juan Urquieta Family History: Added information on the activities and families of children Santiago, Vicente, Lucia, Andrea, Catalina, Dolores, and Hortencia.
The Macario Hinojos Family History: Added information on the marriage and family of son Hipolito
July 16, 2012
Published the Romaldo and Severiano Chavarria Family History. Romaldo and Severiano Chavarria were two of seven children born to Pio Chavarria and Mauricia Flores in Meoqui, Chihuahua, Mexico. The brothers immigrated to the United States and settled in Fort Stockton in the 1870’s. As far as can be determined, Romaldo remained in Fort Stockton, although two of his children lived in the Terlingua area in the early 1900’s. However, Severiano moved his entire family to Southern Brewster County around 1885 and settled in a village that became known as La Coyota. He and his wife Rita Ramirez raised 15 children in La Coyota – a 16th child died there as a baby – and some family members were still living there in 1940.
Many family members made contributions to this report, but a special “thank you” goes to Louisa Franco Madrid, who provided many of the photographs and a lot of information.
June 7, 2012
Revised the Macario Hinojos Family History. Some new information has been added on Macario Hinojos, Jr. That information was provided by granddaughter Selma Huitron. Also, the Ancestor and Siblings sub-section has been merged with the main report.
May 13, 2012
Published the Felipe Ramos, Sr. Family History. Felipe was born May 1, 1894 in Ojinaga, Mexico He immigrated to the United States in 1900 and settled in the Terlingua area, where he worked for the Chisos Mining Company and possibly other mines in the area until 1938, primarily as a hoist mechanic. He move to Shafter for a short time, but by late 1940 he had moved to Alpine, where he lived until his death in 1971. Felipe had 16 children, 6 with his first wife, Ramona Cataño, and 10 with his second wife, Eulalia Flores. Several of the older sons also worked for the Chisos Mining Company.
May 10, 2012
Revised the Juan Macias #1 Family History. New information has been added throughout the report, but especially to the Benjamin Macias section. Thanks to Tony Carrillo for coordinating inputs from various family members.
April 30, 2012
Revised the Antonio Molinar Family History. New information and many new photographs have been added throughout the rerort.
April 26, 2012
Revised the Balbino Granado Family History (Librado Cadena section) to include information from the obituary of Silvia (Cadena) Luna. Silvia died in Dallas, Texas April 22, 2012.
April 16, 2012
The Cemeteries section has been revised to include information on burials in the Terlingua Cemetery. Using information from county death records and records from St. Agnes Church in Terlingua, along with information from legible markers in the cemetery, 285 people have been identified. Additional information from my research and from the records, such as occupation, cause of death, and names of parents and spouses is included when available.
March 9, 2012
Revised the Anastacio Carrillo Family History. Information was added on Ramon Carrillo's daughter Manuela's marriage to Fermin Salas, Jr. and their children and grandchildren. Also, dates and other changes were made throughout the report.
February 25, 2012
Revised the Balbino Granado Family History. The major change is the addition of information on sons Patricio Lujan Granado and Sostenes Granado. However, other changes have been made throughout the report.
February 12. 2012
Revised the Alejandro Luna Family History. New information was added for the families of Adan, Jose, Jesus and Lorenzo Luna. Thanks to Irma Lindley, granddaughter of Jose Luna, for providing information on her family.
January 29, 2012
Revised the Jesus Garcia Family History. New information has been added on the families of Canuta Garcia Rodriguez, Victoriano Garcia, and Matilde Garcia.
January 27, 2012
Published the Dolores A. Moreno Family History. This is the story of a family that spent only a short time in southern Brewster County. Then, after a short stay in Marathon, they moved to Hurley, Grant County, New Mexico to work for the Chino Copper Company. Many of the family members later moved on to the Los Angeles, California area.
January 21, 2012
Published the Preciliano Chacon Family History. Preciliano and his Son Jose migrated from Mexico to the United States in 1913 and by 1920 both were working for the Chisos Mining Company. Preciliano died in Terlingua in 1930. Jose continued to work for the Chisos Mining Company until around 1942. He and other family members settled in El Paso, where some worked for the Dodge-Phelps Copper Refinery. Descendant Blanca Chacon Rivera provided significant information for this family history.
December 26, 2011
Revised the Alejandro Luna Family History, adding information on the families of Josefina Luna Hernandez, Rosa Luna and Lorenzo Luna. The new information was provided by Rebecca Luna Blanco, Louisa Franco Madrid and the obituary of Jose Luis Luna. Jose died in Alpine December 10, 2011.
December 16, 2011
Revised the Juan Macias Family History. Corrections and additions were made to the families of Salomon Macias and Isabel Macias Longoria, both children of Benjamin Macias. This information was provided by Isabel’s daughter Diana Longoria-Prado. Also, new information has been added to the families of Teofilo and Manuel Macias.
November 28, 2011
Revised the Henry Bernard Family History. Over the last six months or so several family members have provided corrections and additions to this report, and the author has found some new information. Changes and additions have been made throughout the report, so I suggest you read to entire document.
November 25, 2011
Revised the Francisco Franco Family History. Between May and October 2011, four members of this family passed away. In May Rita Franco Sanchez, daughter of Antonio Franco and Valentina Chavarria, passed away. Also in May, Julian Franco died in a house fire in Fort Stockton. In October his brother, Bonifacio, died as a result of injuries suffered in the same fire. Julian and Bonifacio were sons of Vicinte Franco and Santos Chavarria. In November 2011, Manuel Franco passed away. He was the son of Jesus and Ventura Franco. The Family History has been revised to record these deaths and to include information from the obituaries.
November 22, 2011
Revised the Jesus Garcia Family History to include information on daughter Placida's family. Photographs of Placida and her husband, Marcelo Dominguez in their younger years, and of "Grandma" Placida have been added. Thanks to Elizabeth Marquez and other family members for providing the photographs and some of the information.
Revised the Alejandro Luna Family History, adding information on the families of Josefina Luna Hernandez, Rosa Luna and Lorenzo Luna. The new information was provided by Rebecca Luna Blanco, Louisa Franco Madrid and the obituary of Jose Luis Luna. Jose died in Alpine December 10, 2011.
December 16, 2011
Revised the Juan Macias Family History. Corrections and additions were made to the families of Salomon Macias and Isabel Macias Longoria, both children of Benjamin Macias. This information was provided by Isabel’s daughter Diana Longoria-Prado. Also, new information has been added to the families of Teofilo and Manuel Macias.
November 28, 2011
Revised the Henry Bernard Family History. Over the last six months or so several family members have provided corrections and additions to this report, and the author has found some new information. Changes and additions have been made throughout the report, so I suggest you read to entire document.
November 25, 2011
Revised the Francisco Franco Family History. Between May and October 2011, four members of this family passed away. In May Rita Franco Sanchez, daughter of Antonio Franco and Valentina Chavarria, passed away. Also in May, Julian Franco died in a house fire in Fort Stockton. In October his brother, Bonifacio, died as a result of injuries suffered in the same fire. Julian and Bonifacio were sons of Vicinte Franco and Santos Chavarria. In November 2011, Manuel Franco passed away. He was the son of Jesus and Ventura Franco. The Family History has been revised to record these deaths and to include information from the obituaries.
November 22, 2011
Revised the Jesus Garcia Family History to include information on daughter Placida's family. Photographs of Placida and her husband, Marcelo Dominguez in their younger years, and of "Grandma" Placida have been added. Thanks to Elizabeth Marquez and other family members for providing the photographs and some of the information.
November 6, 2011
Revised the Antonio Molinar Family History. The section on the family of Alberto Molinar's daughter Benigna Jaquez Molinar has been revised based on information provided by Benigna's granddaughter Nina Lawson. The section on Eduardo Molinar's son Juan has been revised based on information provided by Manuela Bermudez Armendariz during a chance meeting at Holy Angels Cemetery in Alpine. Juan Molinar was Manuela's first husband. Thanks to both of these ladies for their help.
October 20, 2011
Revised the Marcelo Baeza Family History, adding photographs of four of Marcelo's sons, Pablo, Candelario, Fernando and Juan. These photographs were provided by various family members to Elizabeth Marquez, who provided them to Life Before the Ruins.
October 16, 2011
Revised the Epifanio Salas Family History, adding dates and other details throughout the report. Dates and information on the military service of Eugenio Gamboa Salas were provided by his daughter, Anna Marie (Salas) Romo.
Revised the Antonio Molinar Family History. The section on the family of Alberto Molinar's daughter Benigna Jaquez Molinar has been revised based on information provided by Benigna's granddaughter Nina Lawson. The section on Eduardo Molinar's son Juan has been revised based on information provided by Manuela Bermudez Armendariz during a chance meeting at Holy Angels Cemetery in Alpine. Juan Molinar was Manuela's first husband. Thanks to both of these ladies for their help.
October 20, 2011
Revised the Marcelo Baeza Family History, adding photographs of four of Marcelo's sons, Pablo, Candelario, Fernando and Juan. These photographs were provided by various family members to Elizabeth Marquez, who provided them to Life Before the Ruins.
October 16, 2011
Revised the Epifanio Salas Family History, adding dates and other details throughout the report. Dates and information on the military service of Eugenio Gamboa Salas were provided by his daughter, Anna Marie (Salas) Romo.
October 14, 2011
Revised the Marcelo Baeza Family History. Information was added on the family of Candelario Baeza's son Manuel. Also, information was added on the family of Fernando Baeza. Most of the information on Fernando's family was provided by Manuel Baeza Sanchez, who lives in Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico.
Revised the Marcelo Baeza Family History. Information was added on the family of Candelario Baeza's son Manuel. Also, information was added on the family of Fernando Baeza. Most of the information on Fernando's family was provided by Manuel Baeza Sanchez, who lives in Monclova, Coahuila, Mexico.
October 10, 2011
Revised the Francisco Acosta Family History to add information on the family of Lazaro Acosta. He was the son of Cresencio Acosta, an early resident of Terlingua Abajo, and the grandson of Juan Jose Acosta. Much of the new information was provided by Millie Luna.
Revised the Francisco Acosta Family History to add information on the family of Lazaro Acosta. He was the son of Cresencio Acosta, an early resident of Terlingua Abajo, and the grandson of Juan Jose Acosta. Much of the new information was provided by Millie Luna.
October 9, 2011
Published the Esteban Reyes Family History. Esteban was born in Mexico and came to the United States in 1884. He may have lived in Presidio County before moving to the Terlingua area. He married Faustina Valdez circa 1901. Initially he worked for the Mariposa Mining Company and later probably for the Chisos Mining Company. Around 1923 Esteban and his family moved to Alpine, where he lived until his death.
Published the Esteban Reyes Family History. Esteban was born in Mexico and came to the United States in 1884. He may have lived in Presidio County before moving to the Terlingua area. He married Faustina Valdez circa 1901. Initially he worked for the Mariposa Mining Company and later probably for the Chisos Mining Company. Around 1923 Esteban and his family moved to Alpine, where he lived until his death.
October 5, 2011
Published the Octaviano Celaya Family History. Octaviano was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. He married Francisca Medrano circa 1896 and in 1900 the couple and their first child immigrated to the United States. They initially settled in San Vicente, Texas, but by 1909 they were living in the Terlingua area. Octaviano worked for the Chisos Mining Company until about 1911. Octaviano and his children probably lived in the Study Butte area until around 1924. Two sons worked for Study Butte Mining Company between 1916 and 1918. Octaviano returned to San Vicente, where he died in 1935.
Published the Octaviano Celaya Family History. Octaviano was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. He married Francisca Medrano circa 1896 and in 1900 the couple and their first child immigrated to the United States. They initially settled in San Vicente, Texas, but by 1909 they were living in the Terlingua area. Octaviano worked for the Chisos Mining Company until about 1911. Octaviano and his children probably lived in the Study Butte area until around 1924. Two sons worked for Study Butte Mining Company between 1916 and 1918. Octaviano returned to San Vicente, where he died in 1935.
October 4, 2011
Revised the Bernardino Gamboa Family History, adding new information of son Juan and his family. Most of the new information was provided by Juan's granddaughter, Hilda Hignojos.
Revised the Bernardino Gamboa Family History, adding new information of son Juan and his family. Most of the new information was provided by Juan's granddaughter, Hilda Hignojos.
September 23, 2011
Published the Balbino Granado Family History. Balbino Granado was born in San Carlos, Mexico. He married Francisca Lujan. They probably did not immigrate to the United States, but four of their children lived in southern Brewster County. Daughter Santiaga married Jesus Hernandez and they lived in the Terlingua and San Vicente areas. Son Gil married Longina Salmon. They lived in San Vicente, Terlingua and Terlingua Abajo. Gil worked as a miner and farmer. Daughter Ruperta married Miguel Oyerbides. They lived in San Vicente and Terlingua where Miguel worked as a ranch hand and farmer. Some of their children settled in Monahans. Daughter Albina married Candelario Baeza and they lived in the Terlingua area.
Published the Balbino Granado Family History. Balbino Granado was born in San Carlos, Mexico. He married Francisca Lujan. They probably did not immigrate to the United States, but four of their children lived in southern Brewster County. Daughter Santiaga married Jesus Hernandez and they lived in the Terlingua and San Vicente areas. Son Gil married Longina Salmon. They lived in San Vicente, Terlingua and Terlingua Abajo. Gil worked as a miner and farmer. Daughter Ruperta married Miguel Oyerbides. They lived in San Vicente and Terlingua where Miguel worked as a ranch hand and farmer. Some of their children settled in Monahans. Daughter Albina married Candelario Baeza and they lived in the Terlingua area.
September 21, 2011
Published a major revision to the Antonio Molinar Family History. New information, some of which was provided by Molinar descendants, has been added to several of the family articles. Also, a number of new photographs have been added. Thanks to all who contributed to improve this family history.
Published a major revision to the Antonio Molinar Family History. New information, some of which was provided by Molinar descendants, has been added to several of the family articles. Also, a number of new photographs have been added. Thanks to all who contributed to improve this family history.
September 8, 2011
Revised the Marcelo Baeza Family History, adding information on the family of his son, Fernando Baeza. The information was provided by Marcelo's great-granddaughter Elizabeth Marquez.
Revised the Marcelo Baeza Family History, adding information on the family of his son, Fernando Baeza. The information was provided by Marcelo's great-granddaughter Elizabeth Marquez.
August 27, 2011
Maria Bustamante Expinoza, daughter of Canuto Bustamante, passed away August 24, 2011 in Odessa. The Canuto Bustamante Family History has been revised to include information from her obituary and the obituaries of her son, Gilberto Espinoza, and grandson, Michael Espinoza. Their obituaries have been added to the "Documents" sub-page.
Maria Bustamante Expinoza, daughter of Canuto Bustamante, passed away August 24, 2011 in Odessa. The Canuto Bustamante Family History has been revised to include information from her obituary and the obituaries of her son, Gilberto Espinoza, and grandson, Michael Espinoza. Their obituaries have been added to the "Documents" sub-page.
August 18, 2011
Revised the Octaviano Lopez Family History, based on information contained in the obituaries of Teresa Lopez Bernal, who died in July 2011, and her daughter Irene Bernal Guevara, who died in November 2010. Copies of their obituaries have been added to the Documents sub-page.
August 13, 2011
Albert G. Sotelo, Sr., son of Victor Sotelo, Jr., passed away in Monahans on August 11, 2011. The Victor Sotelo, Sr. Family History has been updated to include information from his obituary.
August 9, 2011
Published the Jesus Garcia Family History. Jesus Garcia was born in Mexico in 1870 and married Mariana Oliveres in 1888. In 1898 Jesus and Mariana and their first six children immigrated to the United States and by 1899 they had settled in the village of La Coyota, along the Rio Grande River about two miles west of Castolon, Texas. Jesus engaged in farming, raised some sheep and goats, sold fuel wood to the mining companies, and hauled freight for local companies. In the late 1920’s Jesus moved his family to Terlingua, but returned to La Coyota by 1930. He died in La Coyota January 6, 1934 and is buried in the La Coyota Cemetery. Several of the sons also were involved in freighting and selling fuel wood.
July 31, 2011
Revised the Gabriel Gallegos Family History to add a photograph of Casimiro Gallegos, Gabriel's father. The photograph was provided by Alejandro Garcia.
July 28, 2011
Revised the Encarnacion Chavaz Family History to add information on Jose "Pepe" Chavez family. Most of the new information was provided by Jose's daughter Rebeca Chavez Portillo.
Revised the Marcos Ramirez Family History to add information on Jesus Ramirez, son of Ireneo Ramirez, and his family.
July 25, 2011
Revised the Gabriel Gallegos Family History, adding several photographs and information on the families of several of the Gallegos children and grandchildren. Some of the new information was provided by Ramona Luitt Alvarado and other family members.
Revised the Marcelo Baeza Family History to add and correct information on the children of Dolores "Lola" Baiza (Pablo's daughter) and Guadalupe Avila.
July 2, 2011
Published the Isidro Sanchez Family History. Isidro immigrated from Mexico to the Fort Stockton area in the 1870’s, and in 1900 became one of the early residents and land owners in San Vicente, Texas. He made a living by farming and raising goats. He had fifteen children by two wives. Daughter Macaria Sanchez married Cleofas Natividad. When J.O. Langford and family arrived in the Hot Springs area in 1908 to establish their home, they found the Natividad family living on Langford land. Fortunately, an arrangement was worked out to accommodate the needs of both families. Son Cresencio Sanchez became a well known cowboy in the area and worked on the Fred Rice Ranch at Grapevine Springs. Cresencio also had one of the more unusual weddings to be recorded in the area.
June 24th, 2011
Revised the Antonio Molinar Family History, adding information on Justo Molinar's family. This revision was based primarily on the obituary of Jesus Aguilar "Chuy" Molinar, who passed away June 19, 2011 in Odessa.
June 23rd, 2011
Louisa Franco Madrid provided photographs of Modesta Vasquez, Isabel Lopez and Nicanora Lopez, which have been added to the Francisco Lopez Family History, and Maria Arispe's wedding photograph, which has been added to the Rumaldo Arispe Family History. Photographs of some Arispe family grave sites also have been added.
June 20th, 2011
Published the Elijio Garcia Family History. Elijio was born in Mexico circa 1865. He married Anastacia Banda in San Miguel Arcángel Templo, Mexquitic de Carmona, San Luis Potosí. The couple probably remained in Mexquitic de Carmona at least through 1895. In 1905 they were in Sierra Mojada, Coahuila, Mexico and in 1917 they immigrated to the United States. They settled in Mariscal, Texas, where Elijio and at least three of his sons worked in the mercury mine. Sons Luis and Carlos later moved to Terlingua, where Luis worked for the Chisos Mining Co. and Carlos worked on a local ranch. Luis eventually left the area and moved to Shafter, then to Carlsbad, New Mexico.
June 13th, 2011
Published the Alejandro Luna Family History. Alejandro Luna was born in Chihuahua City, Chihuahua, Mexico on February 11, 1858, the third of eight children born to Luis Luna and Refugia Hernandez. He immigrated to the United States in 1879 and married Antonia Lujan in Presidio, Texas. In 1900 Alejandro and Antonia and their family were living in Presidio, where Alejandro was working as a teamster. By 1907 they had moved to the Terlingua area. From 1916 to 1919 he hauled freight for the Study Butte Mining Company, and in 1918 he sold fuel wood to the same company. His income for this period was quite substantial for the time and place and probably enabled him to purchase property in Alpine when he moved there in 1920.
Since this was a large report, I made separate reports for two of Alejandro’s sons, Candido and Raul, to make it easier for the reader to navigate through and for me to maintain.
NOTE: Something new has been introduced in this report. When the text refers to an event (e.g., a marriage) for which an associated document is available, a link will be provided to that document. If you see a word or words in bold text and underlined, just double click on it. For example, in the first paragraph of the report you will see "Alejandro married Antonia". Click on "married" to see the document. To return to the main report, simply click the back arrow (usually in the upper left of your computer screen).
Thanks to the many members of the Luna family who provided information and photographs for this report, and especially to Ariel Luna for taking the lead to gather information and photographs.
May 18th, 2011
Published the Juan Urquieta Family History, the 36th family history published since Life Before the Ruins was launched about this time last year. Juan was born in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico and immigrated to Brewster County in 1900, apparently attracted by job opportunities in the area's mining industry. Juan continued to work in the mines until he moved to Alpine in the early 1940's. Two of his sons also worked in the mines, and two daughter married miners.
May 6th, 2011
Revised the Julian Garcia Family History to add birth dates and birth places for children of Marcos, Monico and Santiago Garcia.
April 24th, 2011
Revised the Francisco Lopez Family History, adding information on the families of Florencio Lopez and Estefana Lopez. The new information was provided by Corinna Herrera.
April 22nd, 2011
Revised the Francisco Monclova Family History to add information provided by Isabell Salas on the families of Delfina Monclova, Pedro Monclova and Agapita Monclova.
April 18th, 2011
Revised the Antonio Molinar Family History to add information on Mariano Molinar's son Cruz and his family. The information was provided by Cruz Molinar III.
April 7th, 2011
Revised the Francisco Lopez Family History, adding information on Francisco's first son, Juan, and third son, Isabel, and their families.
April 6th, 2011
Revised the Anastacio Carrillo Family History to add information on the marriage of Roman Carrillo and Valentina Huerta and a photograph of Valentina and her son Juan. A copy of their marriage record can be found on the Documents sub-page.
April 5th, 2011
Published the Gregorio Jaquez Family History. Gregorio and his wife Zapopam Acosta both were born in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico. Soon after their marriage in 1866 they moved to Presidio County, Texas, and by about 1905 they had settled in the Terlingua area. Son Rumaldo Jaquez and his sons worked in the mercury mines in the Terlingua area. Several members of this family married members of the Terlingua Molinar family.
April 4th, 2011
Updated the Antonio Molinar Family History to add information and make corrections on the Alberto Molinar family, including information on the death of Ida Molinar Robledo and information on her family, and adding birth dates and places on several of Alberto's children.
March 20th, 2011
Updated the Marcos Ramirez Family History, as follows:
For the family of Luis Ramirez's son Bernabe Ramirez, (A) added information on daughter Petra Ramirez and her marriage and family and (B) added a 5th child, daughter Inez Ramirez, with information on her marriage and family.
For Luis Ramirez's daughter Donaciana Ramirez, added a 4th child, daughter Mauricia Chavarria with information on her marriage and family.
For Luis Ramirez's daughter Antonia Ramirez, added information on the family of her son Atiliano Pando and Marcelina Chavarria.
March 17th, 2011
Revised the Antonio Molinar Family Report to add information on the children of Jose Jaquez Molinar, provided by Tony Molinar. A wedding photograph of Jesus Jaquez Molinar and Roman De La O also was added.
March 5th, 2011
Revised the Bonifacio Vega Family Report to add photographs and family information. The photographs and much of the information were provided by Rene Pena, and Nora Alvarado Snell also provided information.
March 4th, 2011
Revised the Francisco Acosta Family Report to provide information on the families of Erasmo, Maria and Petra Acosta. This revision is based mainly on information provided by Kimberly Acosta Pargas, Erasmo's daughter.
February 24th, 2011
Revised the Bonifacio Vega Family Report to correct an error (thanks to information provided by Elisa Vega) and to add birth dates and marriage dates. Also, the section on Juan Vega, accidently deleted during the last revision, was restored.
February 17th, 2011
Revised the Rafael Navarrete Family Report, correcting errors and adding new information on daughter Leogarda and her family.
February 10th, 2011
Revised the Henry Bernard Family Report, correcting errors and adding new information about Henry's grandchildren and his second wife. This revision is based largely on information provided by family members George Frank Bernard, Loraine Bernard and Cecilia Marin.
Revised the Rumaldo Arispe Family Report to add information on the wife and family of Juan Arispe, Sr.
Revised the Bonifacio Vega Family Report to add information on his granddaughter Delia and her family.
February 3rd, 2011
Revised the Benancio Sanchez Family Report, adding new information about son Ricardo and his family. Much of the new information was provided by Benacio's great granddaughter Graciela Villanueva.
Revised the Bonifacio Vega Family History to add information on granddaughter Carlota’s family, and especially on the family of Carlota’s daughter Anita, who passed away recently in Carlsbad, NM.
January 23rd, 2011
Completed a major revision of the Francisco Monclova Family Report, based on information provided by Francisco’s granddaughter Isabel Fierro Salas and other information discovered by the author. An “Ancestors and Siblings” sub-page has been added.
January 21st, 2011
Revised the Antonio Molinar Family Report to add information on Mariano Molinar and his family.
January 17th, 2011
Started a Cemeteries Page. Eventually it will have photos of several local cemeteries, including Lajitas, Marathon and Holy Angels, but for now the emphasis will be on Terlingua. It is not complete, so check back later for additions.
Revised the Francisco Lopez Family Report to add information on the birth and death dates of Nicanora Lopez Milan and children Antonio and Alberto. Photographs of their graves in the Terlingua Cemetery are now included.
January 16th, 2011
Published the Francisco Monclova Family Report. Francisco came to Brewster County via Presidio and settled in Marathon. His wife, Isabel Valenzuela, was the sister of Felix Valenzuela, a well-known Terlingua area resident. Some of Francisco’s children had ties by marriage to Terlingua area families. Two marriage records and four death records are included in the "Documents" sub-page.
January 15th, 2011
Revised the Francisco Franco Family Report to include information on the marriages of Francisco Franco, Jr. to Tomasa Hinojos and Vicente Franco to Santos Chavarria. Copies of their marriage records have been added to the Documents sub-page.
Revised the Victor Sotelo Family Report to include information on son Ricardo Sotelo and his family. Ricardo passed away recently in Odessa. His obituary has been added to the Documents sub-page.
Revised the Canuto Bustamante Family Report, adding information on the marriage and children of Filomeno Bustamante, Jr.
Revised the Octaviano Lopez, Sr. Family Report, adding information on the marriages of Daughter Rebeca and son Octaviano, Jr. Also added a "Documents" sub-page with family marriage and death records.
Revised the Macario Hinojos Family Report, adding birth and death dates for Macario's son Hipolito. Also, the report has been reformatted to make it easier to read, with some of the material being moved to the new "Ancestors and Siblings" sub-page, and a new sub-page, "Grave Photos" has been added. It has photos of family graves in the Lajitas Cemetery.
January 8th, 2011
Revised the Simon Rodriguez Family Report to add son Juan Rodriguez.
January 4th, 2011
Revised the Marcelo Baeza Family Report, adding information on son Pablo's family and on daughter Placida and her family. Also, two obituaries and a marriage record were added to the "Documents" page.
December 27th, 2010
Revised the Epifanio Pena Family Report, adding information on his parents, his birth place and his marriage to Petra Garcia. Also, a "Parents & Siblings" page was added.
December 24th, 2010
Revised the Encarnacion Chavaz Family Report, adding information on the marriages of son Carlos Chavez and Rebeca Luna and on Carlos Chavez, Jr. and Trinidad Luett. Their marriage records have been added to the Chavez Documents page.
December 20th, 2010
Revised the Jose Olvera Family Report, adding information on daughter Paula's marriage to Lazaro Hinojos and their family. Also, two marriage records and two death records were added to the Olvera Documents page.
December 8th, 2010
Updadted the Juan Macias Family Report, adding information on Sabino's daughter Elia and her family.
December 7th, 2010
Updated the Rumaldo Arispe Family Report, adding information on Juan Arispe Sr. and his family and on Roman Arispe's family. The information was provided by Juan Arispe, Jr.
November 20th, 2010
The Stories page has a new look. Now instead of a slid-down menu, you just click on Stories and the titles of all available stories will appear. Simply click on the one you want to read it. The People pages soon will be using the same approach.
November 22nd, 2010
Published the Anastacio Carrillo Family Report. He was born in 1880 in San Luis Potosi. He married Josefina Llanez, who was born circa 1893 in Sierra Mojada, Coahuila, Mexico. They lived in Sierra Mojada and La Esmeralda, Coahuila before immigrating to the United States around 1915. By October 1916 Anastacio was working for the Chisos Mining Company and continued working for that company into 1935. At least three sons also worked for the Chisos Mining Company. Anastacio died January 30, 1936 and is buried in the Terlingua Cemetery.
November 22nd, 2010
Updated the Rafael Navarrete Family Report, adding information on grandson Rafael Navarrete and his family.
November 11th, 2010
Updated the Francisco Molinar Family Report, adding and correcting information on the Andres Molinar family. The new information was provided by Rosalinda Molinar Jordan.
November 9th, 2010
Updated the Francisco Franco Family Report, adding information on Jesus and Ventura Franco and their family.
Updated the Canuto Bustamante Family Report, adding information on Daniel Bustamante and correcting some formatting errors.
Updated the Rumaldo Arispe Family Report, adding information on Pablo Arispe, Sr. and his family.
October 22nd, 2010
Updated the Benancio Sanchez Family Report, adding information on his daughter Antonia Sanchez Portillo and her family.
October 19th, 2010
Published the Canuto Bustamante Family Report. Canuto Bustamante was born November 1, 1856 in Mexico. He was the son of Tomas Bustamante and Petronila Acosta. He probably lived in Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico. Circa 1880 he married Felipa Roman, the daughter of Vicente and Felipa Roman. Canuto and Felipa had seven children, all born in Mexico. In 1911 Canuto and his family immigrated to the United States and settled in the Terlingua area, where Canuto and all of his sons worked in the quicksilver mines. By 1930 he and Felipa had moved to Alpine where he died November 10, 1931. Felipa died in Alpine June 12, 1947 in Alpine. Both are buried in the Alpine Cemetery. The "Documents" sub-page includes 15 death records and 3 obituaries.
October 5th, 2010
Published the Epifanio Peña Family Report. Epifanio and his wife Petra Garcia were early settlers in the Boquillas-San Vicente area in southeastern Brewster County. In 1910 Epifanio was working as a goat herder. The family moved to Sanderson in 1918 and many of them remained their until their deaths.
October 3rd, 2010
Updated the Victor Sotelo Family Report, adding information on he and his wife's birth dates and places and their "church" wedding at "Mina del 34".
September 25th, 2010
Updated the Macario Hinojos Family Report, adding information on Macario's daughter Josefa and her family.
September 22nd, 2010
Updated the Bonifacio Vega Family Report, adding information on granddaughter Reyes Vega Navarro and her family.
September 20th, 2010
Two new items have been added to the "Stories" page, "Fueling the Furnaces" and "Holiday Spirit?". Both are based on Study Butte Mining Company Records from the W. Keesey Collection held by the Archives of the Big Bend, Sul Ross State University, Alpine, Texas.
September 18th, 2010
Updated the Marcelo Baeza Family Report, adding information on Pablo Baiza's daughter Francisca and her family.
September 10th, 2010
Updated the Julian Garcia Family Report to add information on Magdaleno Garcia's wife, Maria Acosta.
August 31st, 2010
Updated the Marcelo Baeza Family Report, adding information on Pablo Baiza's daughter Dolores.
August 28th, 2010
Updated the Julian Garcia Family Report, adding a photograph of Magdalena Garcia and restoring some information that mysteriously disappeared.
August 27th, 2010
Updated the Benancio Sanchez Family Report. Most of the new information was provided by descendant Martha Ramos.
August 24th, 2010
Published the Francisco Acosta Family Report. This family can be traced back to around 1800 in the Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico area. The earliest event found was a wedding in 1801. Several members of this family settled in the Terlingua area. They include Juan Jose Acosta, who many credit with the original discovery of cinnabar in the Terlingua area, which led to the mining boom that began around 1800. Other family members include three early settlers in Terlingua de Abajo. They were Vidal, Carlos and Cresencio Acosta. Another family member, Cleofas Acosta, became a prominant freighter for the Chisos Mining Company.
August 17th, 2010
Published the Antonio Molinar Family Report. Antonio Molinar married Josefa Munos. They were the great-grandparents of several prominent Terlingua area residents. Paz, Juan and Alberto Molinar were very active in the freighting business, hauling cargo for the Chisos and Study Butte mines and other area businesses. They also were farmers, ranchers and land owners. The Molinar School was on Alberto’s property. The father of the Terlingua area Molinars was Victoriano Molinar. He was a brother of Juana Molinar, who was the mother of the Terlingua area Francos.
August 16th, 2010
Published the Francisco Franco Family Report
Francisco Franco was born in July 1849 in Mexico. Circa 1877 he married Juana Molinar. She was born in November 1869 in Mexico, the daughter of Vicente Molinar and Petra Carrasco. She was the sister of Victoriano Molinar, who was the father of the Terlingua area Molinar families. In 1980 they were living at Rancho del Alamo, in Presidio County, where Francisco was working as a laborer. In 1900 they probably were living in Polvo, where Francisco was working as a day laborer. Francisco and Juana had eight children.
Their second child, son Antonio Franco, became a prominent rancher, farmer and freighter in the Terlingua area. He was born in Presidio, Texas 13 June 1881. He married Valentina Chavarria circa 1907 in Castolon. She was born in La Coyota 14 February 1887, the daughter of Severiano Chavarria and Rita Ramirez. In 1910 Antonio and Valentina were living in Marathon with their first two children. He was working as a freight wagon driver at the time. They apparently returned to the Terlingua area soon after 1910. He purchased approximately 960 acres of land along Terlingua Creek, where he build a house and farmed and raised livestock. He sold his produce to the Terlingua and Study Butte mining companies, and also hauled freight. Antonio died in Terlingua 24 February 1945 and is buried in the Terlingua Cemetery. Valentina died in Alpine 31 August 1941 and is buried in Holy Angels Cemetery.
The report includes a photograph of the Franco home along Terlingua Creek. The structure includes a rare example of adobe arches in the Lower Big Bend. The report also includes details of Antonio’s commercial activities.
August 15th, 2010
Published the Macario Hinojos Family Report
Macario Hinojos was born 3 October 1879 in Texas. He grew up and went to school in Presidio, TX. On 13 May 1903 he married Severiana Alvarado. She was born 14 February 1878 in Redford, TX, the daughter of Teofilo Alvarado and Josefa Dominguez. By 1904 they had settled in Lajitas. From 1908 to 1911 Macario worked for Chisos Mining Co. and probably moved his family to the Terlingua area. In 1920 they were living in the Alamito Creek area of Presidio County, where Macario worked as a laborer on a goat ranch. They apparently stayed in that area only briefly and were back in Brewster County in 1921. He probably worked in the Terlingua and Study Butte area mines in the 1930’s, but no details are available. In his later years he lived in Terlingua. Macario died in Terlingua 1 March 1968 of congestive heart failure. Severiana died in Alpine 14 December 1978 of cardiac arrest. Both are buried in the Lajitas Cemetery. Macario and Severiana had nine children
August 15th, 2010
I removed the "Places" page. I will publish it again as soon as I find time to write the descriptions. For the immediate future I plan to concentrate on the "People" pages.
August 5th, 2010
Updated the Bernardino Gamboa Family report (version 6) based mostly on information provided by Sulema Gamboa Carrasco.
August 4th, 2010
Published the Rumaldo Arispe Family report.
Rumaldo Arispe was born circa 1870 in Mexico, probably in Ocampo. He married Inez Garza circa 1900. She was born in Mexico April 20. 1882, the daughter of Teodoro Garza and Romula Pena. Inez died in Brewster Memorial Hospital, Alpine, November 26, 1962 of cerebral thrombosis and is buried in Alpine. Rumaldo and Inez immigrated to the United States in 1913 with their first four children and settled in the Terlingua area. In 1920 he was working as a general laborer and in 1930 as a ranch laborer. Rumaldo and Inez had six children:
August 1st, 2010
Revised the Marcelo Baeza, Bernardino Gamboa and Gilberto Marufo family reports.
July 29th, 2010
Published the Marcelo Baeza Family report. Marcelo was born in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico in 1853, the son of Candelario Baeza and Filomena Ramos. He was baptized in Jesus Nazareno Temple, Ojinaga January 18, 1853. He married Luciana Ramirez in the same church November 28, 1873. She was born in Ojinaga in 1852, the daughter of Luis Ramirez and Dominga Leyva. In 1880 Marcelo and Luciana and their first five children were living in the Fort Stockton area, where Marcelo was working as a farmer. They had twelve children, many of whom had ties to the Terlingua area.
This family can be traced back to the early 1800's in the Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico area (see Ancestors sub page).
July 29th, 2010
Updated the Bernardino Gamboa report (Version 4). Thanks to Sulema Gamboa Carrasco and Louisa Franco Madrid for their help.
July 22nd, 2010
Updated the Bernardino Gamboa and Epifanio Salas family pages, and added a Family Tree sub-page for the Bernardino Gamboa family.Thanks to Sulema Gamboa Carrasco for her contributions to the Librato Gamboa family.
July 19th, 2010
Added the Encarnacion Chavez Family Documented Report, along with the Family Tree and Documents sub-pages.
Encarnacion “Chon” Chavez was born in San Carlos, Mexico in 1856. He married Severa Gomez in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico. The couple had six children while living in Mexico, and another in 1904, just after they immigrated to the United States.
Chon and Severa lived briefly in Lajitas, but by 1905 they had settled in the Terlingua area and remained there until Chon’s death on December 6, 1930. Severa died in Alpine January 13, 1943 and is buried there. According to the 1920 census, Encarnacion and Severa were United States Citizens by that time.
Encarnacion and Severa engaged in a variety of activities to earn income. According to the 1910 and 1920 census records, he was a “laborer”. In October 1916 he probably was working in some capacity for the Chisos Mining Company. In 1917 he hauled 21,714 pounds of freight for the Study Butte Mining Company, earning $130.28. And in July 1921 he was employed briefly by Robert L. Cartledge, Chisos Mining Company Manager. He also raised goats. Severa was a popular midwife and delivered many children in the Terlingua area. She also sold goat milk, cheese and bread.
This family had ties to the Julian Garcia Family, the Octaviano Lopez Family, and the Victoriano Molinar Family.
Encarnacion and Severa had seven children:
July 18th, 2010
Added the Rafael Navarrete Family Documented Research Report, along with Family Tree and Documents sub-pages. The Documents sub-page contains 20 death records and 4 obituaries.
Rafael Navarrete was born in Mexico circa 1850. He married Bruna Gutierrez circa 1874. She was born in Mexico circa 1855 and was the daughter of Jose Maria Gutierrez and Leogarda Valenzuela. Rafael and Bruna immigrated to the United States in 1901, probably from an area about 175 miles south of Chihuahua City, Mexico. By 1910 had settled in the Terlingua area. According to the 1910 census, Rafael was working as a quicksilver miner. In 1920, still in the Terlingua area, he was a general laborer. Although it is not know which mine Rafael worked for, one of his sons worked for Study Butte Mining Company and another for Chisos Mining Company. Rafael and Bruna had eleven children.
July 13th, 2010
Added the Francisco Ortiz Lopez Family Documented Research Report, along with Family Tree, Documents and Photos sub-pages. Francisco probably came from Sierra Mojada, Coahuila, Mexico and settled in Terlingua de Abajo in 1901. He farmed in the area until the early 1920’s and played a large role in building the village canal system. He eventually moved to the Terlingua area, where he raised goats, then to New Mexico.
My thanks to Frank Lopez, Louisa “Lou” Madrid and Corinna Herrera for the family information and photographs they provided for this report.
July 10th, 2010
Updated the Santos Villalba family information in the Marcos Ramirez report, based on information posted by grandson Edward Villalba on the Familias de Terlingua Villalba discussion page.
July 5th, 2010
Added the Victor Sotelo Family, along with Family Tree and Documents sub-pages.
Many of the Mexican families who settled in the Lower Big Bend Region were very mobile. The Victor Sotelo family is a good example; they lived in several different areas and engaged in a variety of work to earn income.
Victor Sotelo Sr. was born in Mexico in 1884 and immigrated to the United States in 1910. Circa 1915 he married Guadalupe Moreno. She was born in Mexico in 1896. They settled initially in the Lajitas, Texas area, where their first child was born. Over the next 17 years Victor and his family lived in Mariscal, Glen Springs, along the Rio Grande near Johnson’s Ranch, in El Ojito, and in La Coyota. Two of the Sotelo children attended the Castolon School in 1932-33.
Victor eventually moved to Del Rio, Texas and was a resident of that town when he died in 1950. Victor’s wife Guadalupe died in Ward County, Texas (probably Monahans) on February 16th, 1979. Victor and Guadalupe had eleven children.
July 4th, 2010
Updated the Candelario Baiza section of the Marcos Ramirez Documented Report and added the "Family Tree" and "Documents" sub-pages.
Where Micaela Danced has been added to the "Stories" page.
July 1st, 2010
The Julian Garcia Family has been added to the “People A-M Page”
Julian Jimenez García was born January 16, 1865 in Ojinaga, Chihuahua, Mexico. He immigrated to the United States with his family around 1873. In 1883 he married Isabel Chavez in Fort Stockton, Texas. The daughter of Fermin Chavez and Pilar Ornales, she was born in Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico in 1864 and immigrated to the United States with her family circa 1873. Julian and Isabel lived in Fort Davis and Marathon before moving to Terlingua in 1901.
In their early years in Terlingua, Julian and his brother Dolores worked as freighters and hauled mail between Terlingua and Alpine. Julian’s three oldest sons, Monico, Marcos and Dario drove the mail coach. By 1916 Julian probably was working for the Chisos Mining Company and in 1927 he was a salaried employee of that company. In 1918 Julian purchased a section of land between Study Butte and Terlingua. That section is still known as the “Garcia Section”.
June 30th, 2010
A "Stories" Page has been added. It will contain stories, most of which have been passed down verbally from generation to generation. Although I plan to publish only stories that seem credible, they cannot be verified with public records.
June 18th, 2010
Version 3 of the Epifanio Salas Family Documented Report has been published, with corrections and additions provided by descendant Consuelo "Connie" Aguilar Portillo.
June 16th, 2010
The Benancio "Ben" Sanchez Family has been added to the "People N-Z" page.
Benancio “Ben” Sanchez was born in 1861 in the state of Coahuila, Mexico. He immigrated to the United States around 1900. He had three wives and 18 children. In 1918 and 1919 Ben worked in various capacities with the Study Butte Mining Company, selling fuel wood and lime and hauling freight. Some specific information is available on his income derived from these activities. After the mine closed in1919, Ben moved his family to Castolon, where he worked as a tenant farmer for the La Harmonia Company. Again, some specific information is available on how Ben fared as a farmer. He left the area in 1925 and moved to Alpine, where he died on April 9th, 1932.
Ben’s son Joaquin also worked for the Study Butte Mining Co., both in the mines and on the furnace crew. Specific information is available on his earnings as a miner. After the mine closed in 1919, Joaquin moved to Marfa, where he died on June 28th, 1936.
Ben’s son Ricardo Sanchez also worked for the Study Butte Mining Company, both in the mines and hauling freight. He moved with his father to Castolon, where he worked as a tenant farmer for the La Harmonia Company. Specific information is available on Ricardo’s earnings as a miner and as a farmer. Ricardo eventually settled in Odessa where he worked as a fence contractor. He died there on July 3rd, 1964.
June 15th, 2010
Updated the Bernardino Gamboa and Epifanio Salas reports and family trees.
June 15th, 2010
The Epifanio Salas Family has been added to the "People" page.
Epifanio was among the early settlers in the village of San Vicente, Texas. He and his first wife, Tiburcia Estrada and their five children immigrated from probably San Carlos, Chihuahua, Mexico in 1878 and settled in the Comanche Springs area, near present-day Fort Stockton. Tiburcia probably died in the early 1880’s and Epifanio married Juliana Leyva.
Epifanio moved his family to San Vicente by 1900 and was farming in the area in 1904. By 1910 he and Juliana had moved to Marathon, Texas. However, some members of the family remained in San Vicente.
Son Dionicio married Cornelia Gamboa. They remained in San Vicente at least through 1920, but relocated to Marathon. Dionicio died in Marathon in 1932. Son Marcelino married Natividad Picaso and they remained in San Vicente until Marcelino’s death sometime between 1915 and 1920. Marcelino and Natividad’s son Fermin remained in San Vicente until his death in 1935.
June 12th, 2010
The Simon Rodriguez Family has been added to the "People" page.
Simon was born in Camargo, Chihuahua, México in 1879. He married Juana Galindo in Jesus Nazareno Temple, Ojinaga, Mexico on August 17th, 1899. She was born in Mexico in 1882. In 1905 they immigrated to Southern Brewster County, Texas with three children and by 1906 had settled in the Terlingua area. Three of their children were baptized in Terlingua, Texas between 1906 and 1909. Between October 1916 and September 1918 Simon sold over 58 cords of fuel wood to the Study Butte Mining Company for $385.45. Juana died in Big Spring, Texas on October 27th, 1949 and is buried in the Big Spring City Cemetery. No additional information is available on Simon.. They had nine children:
Son Jose Galindo Rodriguez was born March 19th, 1901. In 1916 he probably worked on the furnace crew for the Study Butte Mining Company. He earned $.75-$1.00 per shift, which was a typical wage for a teenager. Jose eventually settled in Pecos, Texas, where he worked for the P.V.S. Railroad. He died on August 13th, 1976 in Kermit, Texas.
June 10th, 2010
The Jose Olvera family has been added to the “People” page. Jose and his wife Felipa Hinojos lived in southern Brewster County from about 1900 to 1912. They lived in Terlingua, Castolon and San Vicente. Jose worked as a wood hauler and a freighter. They eventually settled in Marathon, where Jose worked as a carpenter. Jose and Felipa both died while living in Marathon and are buried in the Marathon Cemetery.
Jose and Felipa’s son Isidro moved to Marathon, and later to Terlingua where he worked for the Chisos Mining Company. A daughter, Pabla, died in Terlingua and is buried in the Terlingua Cemetery.
June 9th, 2010
The Bernardino Gamboa family was added to the “People” page. Bernardino and his wife Gomecinda Hinojos were among the early settlers in the Village of San Vicente, Texas. When they first came to the United States they settled at Comanche Springs, near present-day Fort Stockton. In 1900 Bernardino and Gomecinda and their nine children moved to San Vicente. They probably traveled with Epifanio Salas and his wife Tiburcia Estrada. In San Vicente Bernardino purchased a section of land and started a general farm.
Bernardino’s daughter Cornelia married Dionicio Salas, the son of Epifanio Salas and Tiburcia Estrada. The oldest daughter of Cornelia and Dionicio was Isabel. She married Manuel Celaya, son of Camilio Celaya and Ignacia Macias, another pioneering San Vicente family.