Jul2012 - Los Bexarenos Genealogical Society

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Los Bexareños
Genealogical and Historical Society
Those born in Béxar and those who migrated to and made their home in Béxar throughout the ages, whether under the influence of Tribal Law,
or the laws of Spain, France, the 1st Republic of Texas, the Republic of México, the 2nd Republic of Texas, the Confederate States of América, or
the United States of América are known as Los Bexareños.
Their families extend to all the lands of the world. Once a Bexareño always a Bexareño.
A Newsletter via e-Mail
July 2012
LBGHS Monthly Meeting
July 7, 2012
San Antonio Public Library (Downtown)
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Speaker: Mauricio González Puente
Topic: Historia Gráfica de la Bandera Nacional y Símbolos Patrios
Mr. Mauricio González Puente will present his book “Historia Gráfica de la Bandera Nacional y Símbolos Patrios.” Of all of
México's patriotic symbols, its national flag is the one that represents its aspirations and sovereignty. In its history, México has
suffered numerous transformations in its form of government. These transformations have translated into changes in the
characteristics of its national flag. The presentation will focus on the many changes of México's national flag and its form of
government, as well as other patriotic flags and symbols. The book was begun by Mr. González Puente's father, Colonel and
Doctor Felipe González Puente, as a document on which the author has revised and expanded.
Mauricio González Puente was born in Gómez Palacios, Durango, México. He is married to Marjua Carrillo and has two children
María Guadalupe de Lourdes and Mauricio José. Mr. González Puente is an attorney in Saltillo, Coahuila, México. He has held
various city and state governmental positions as well as civic service. He is presently the president of the Patronato del Museo de
la Angostura. ✥
In This Issue
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14.
LBGHS July Monthly Meeting
Message from the President
Membership Committee • Bernardo de Gálvez
July 4th Ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery • Members de Los Bexareños
Tell Us Your Stories - A Tragic Romantic Tale of Love On The Western Front
The Hispanic Heritage Cup 3rd Annual Golf Tournament
Websites That Tell Our Stories • 33rd Annual Conference in South Padre Island
4th Annual Texas History Extravaganza
Calendar of Events
Queries • Book Sales Committee
Battle of Medina • Tour on 19 Jun 2012
LBGHS Resource Center • Ask The Bexar
In Memory of Vicente Martínez
From Around The State • Message From the Editor
LBGHS Newsletter
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Los Bexareños
Like Us On
Facebook
Click Here
☞
Volume 1 - Issue 2
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Message
LBGHS OFFICERS
from the
Congratulations to the 2012 elected
officers of Los Bexareños Genealogical
and Historical Society. Your willingness
to serve this organization with your time,
effort, work ethics, and countless contributions is truly appreciated.
President’s
Desk
LBGHS In México
2012 EXECUTIVE BOARD
President:! !
Ed Mata
Vice President: ! Joseph Zavala
Secretary:! !
María Elena Martínez
Treasurer:! !
Lillie Johnson
BOARD
DIRECTORS
OF
2011 - 2012:! !
Federico Martínez
2011 - 2012: !!
Sylvia Valero
2012 - 2013:! !
Anthony Delgado
2012 - 2013:! !
Eduardo Hinojosa
2012 - 2013:! !
Yolanda Patiño
In May, I had the occasion to visit
Guerrero, Coahuila, México. Guerrero is
the site of the Royal Presidio de San
Juan Bautista del Río Bravo del Norte,
once commanded by Capitán Diego
Ramón. San Juan Bautista is described
as the “gateway to Spanish Texas” by
Robert S. Weddle in his book, San Juan
Bautista: Gateway to Spanish Texas.
Today, Guerrero is a town of about
2,000 inhabitants. This visit was made
possible by the invitation of the mayor of
Guerrero.
!
Parliamentarian: !
Scenes from this visit will be included in
the upcoming documentary, “Texas
Before The Álamo” which is scheduled to
be released in March 2013. More visits
to México are planned for the very near
future. ✥
Tejano Defenders
Norberto Martínez
José Hernández
Photo by: Ed Mata
It was from this presidio that the
“entradas” into Texas were launched.
Three missions were established at the
site of the Royal Presidio de San Juan
Bautista del Río Bravo del Norte: San
Juan Bautista (Jan 1700), San Francisco
Solano (01 Mar 1700), and San Bernardo
(1702).
San Francisco Solano was
moved two years after its founding
to San Ildefonso, and soon after to the
village of San Jose eight miles from
Guerrero along the bank of the Rio
Grande. The mission was moved once
again to San Antonio and became
Mission San Antonio de Valero, later the
Álamo.
LBGHS Newsletter
Our group included Eddie Flores, Dan
Arellano, George Nelson, and Bill
Millet, producer and director of documentary films. The purpose of our visit
was to visit the original sites of these
historic Missions: San Juan Bautista, San
Francisco Solano and San Bernardo.
We also visited the Paso de Francia, a
river ford about five miles from
Guerrero, which became the principal
Spanish “entradas al despoblado” or
point of entry for exploration and colonization into Texas.
On September 15, 2012, Los Bexareños
together with the Álamo Mission Chapter and the Álamo Couriers Chapter of
the DRT will assist Farmers Insurance
Group in presenting the 4th Annual
Texas History Extravaganza. Come
and join us in paying tribute to the
Tejano Defenders and the Tejana Women
of the Battle of the Álamo. ✥
APPOINTED OFFICERS
Historian:! !
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Facebook
Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society is now on Facebook. This is
one more way we can communicate with
our members and the public. Try it out.
I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
If you have photos or comments, please
contact Anthony Delgado at
[email protected].
He is working hard to keep our Facebook
page updated. Great job, Anthony. ✥
—Ed Mata
Volume 1 - Issue 2
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
MEMBERSHIP
COMMITTEE
If you are not a member yet, you are cordially
invited to join Los Bexareños Genealogical and
Historical Society. Become part of an ever
growing family who loves to do ancestral
research. Meet people who have the same
interests and may be doing research on your
family lineages.
As a member, you will receive a copy of the
annual publication, Los Bexareños Genealogical
Register. You are encouraged to attend the
monthly meetings on the first Saturday of the
month from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at the San
Antonio Public Library (downtown). LBGHS
starts its meeting with a “meet and greet”
between 9:00 and 10:00 am. Meet members
and potential members and/or guests while
enjoying pan dulce, tasty tacos, and coffee.
Between 10:00 and 11:00 am you will be able to
listen to the guest speaker. LBGHS has notable
speakers with an array of interesting topics.
Click on this link to see the list of speakers we
have enjoyed in the recent past.
To become a member, fill out the Membership
Application Form and mail it to the address on
the form. Better yet, bring the form with you
when you attend our next meeting. ✥
MEMBERSHIP FORM
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
The United States , July 4th, and Spanish History
“...an informal alliance had existed since at least 1776 between the Americans and
Bernardo de Gálvez, Spanish governor of Louisiana, one of the most successful leaders
in the entire war...”
Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid, Viscount of Galveston and Count of Gálvez
(23 Jul 1746 – 30 Nov 1786) was a Spanish military leader and colonial administrator who served as colonial governor of Louisiana and Cuba, and later as
Viceroy of New Spain.
Gálvez aided the American Thirteen Colonies in their quest for independence
and led Spanish forces against Britain in the Revolutionary War, defeating the
British at the Siege of Pensacola (1781) and reconquering Florida for Spain.
Gálvez carried out a masterful military campaign and defeated the British
colonial forces at Manchac, Baton Rouge, and Natchez in 1779.
☞
The importance of Gálvez's campaign from the American perspective was that
he denied the British the opportunity of encircling the American rebels from
the south, and kept open a vital conduit for supplies. Gálvez also assisted the
American revolutionaries with supplies and soldiers, a good deal of it through
Oliver Pollock.
Click Here
"Through the years, Hispanic American citizens
have risen to the call of duty in defense of
liberty and freedom. Their bravery is well known
and has been demonstrated time and again,
dating back to the aid rendered by General
Bernardo de Gálvez during the American
Revolution."
Gálvez, who saw it convenient for France and Spain to advance the cause of
the American revolutionaries, was among those who drafted the terms of the
Peace of Paris (1783) that ended the war. By the 1783 treaty Spain officially
regained East and West Florida from the British.
In recognition of his work and help to the American cause, George
Washington took him to his right in the parade of July 4, and the American
Congress cited Gálvez for his aid during the Revolution. ✥
—President Ronald Reagan
LBGHS Newsletter
—WIKIPEDIA, the free encyclopedia
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Volume 1 - Issue 2
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
Fourth of July Patriotic Ceremony
Members de Los Bexareños
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
Doing what they do best...
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
July 4, 2012
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Yolanda GARCÍA Kirkpatrick wins
“The Mamie Wynne Cox Award”
for the year 2012.
•
Witness the Shot Heard ‘Round The World
•
Wreath Laying for All Who Defended Our Freedom
•
Special Musical Presentation by a Fife & Drum Corps
•
Unveiling of Patriotic Stamps by the U.S. Post Office
•
Roll Call of the 13 Colonies with the Firing of Muskets
•
3-Volley Rifle Salute Honoring All Veterans
•
Live Rendition of Taps for All Fallen U.S. Soldiers
•
Demonstration of Colonial Children’s Toys
All are welcome to witness this free, unique event celebrating our
nation’s birthday and honoring all who have given the ultimate
sacrifice in defense of our county.
DIRECTIONS TO CEREMONY SITE: Enter the Ft. Sam Houston National
Cemetery at Harry Wurzbach Rd. and San Antonio Blvd. Continue on San
Antonio Blvd. to its end (about one mile). Make a right turn onto Fredericksburg
St. to its end. The ceremony site is an amphitheater marked “Assembly.”
A hat, sunglasses and an umbrella are advisable.
Sponsored by:
The Order of Granaderos y Damas de Gálvez
This award has been given annually
since 1956, and it was created to
encourage members of the Daughters of
Republic of Texas (the DRT) to research Texas history. The
essay contest is open only to DRT members, and it is
awarded annually at the Historical Dinner at the DRT State
Convention. A wall plaque is displayed in the DRT
Republic of Texas Museum that contains the winnersʼ
names since 2005 (previous winners' names appear on two
engraved silver trays also displayed at the Museum).
Entries are judged by a group of qualified historians who
are not members of the DRT. The Historian General places
the original winning paper in the DRT Library at the
Álamo in San Antonio.
_______________________________
Yolanda’s winning essay is entitled Hidden History of the
Álamo: Oral History Confirmed, and it confirms the oral
histories handed down by the Trinidad de los Santos Coy
and Blas María Herrera families.
For more information call (210) 364-2391 and/or
visit www.granaderos.org for updates.
“To their dying days, the founding fathers
of this great nation, Thomas Jefferson,
Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, John
Adams, James Madison, and James
Monroe, once a year would drink a toast to
the contributions of General George
Washington and Governor General
Bernardo de Gálvez, Colonial Governor of
Louisiana.”
—Bruce Buonauro
LBGHS Newsletter
Trinidad and Blas knew each other well; they served in
the Tejas militia in 1820, which was quartered in the
“Quartel” (located at the northwest corner of present day
César Chávez Boulevard and Álamo Street in San Antonio,
Bexar, Texas). They were soldiers, couriers, and scouts for
the Texas Revolution.
Congratulations to Yolanda GARCÍA Kirkpatrick for a job
well done!
Yolanda and her husband, Larry Kirkpatrick, are long time
members of Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society.
They are well known and respected by their colleagues for their
genealogical research and their willingness to help others with
their research. ✥
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Volume 1 - Issue 2
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A Tragic Romantic Tale of Love
On the Western Front
During the American Revolution, Bernardo de Gálvez received
a letter from General George Washington, who was fighting the
British along the eastern frontier, seeking succor from the
Governor of Spanish Louisiana. At this time, Spain had not yet
declared war on the British, but did covertly advise its officers
to assist the Americans in their quest for independence.
Eventually Spain would declare war on England, but only for
its desire to regain the Islands of Majorca and Gibraltar, which it
had lost to England in the French and Indian Wars.
Opening the southern frontier against the English would be
Bernardo de Gálvez, who would be successful in his battles
against the British in the Battle for New Orleans, Pensacola,
Manchac, and many others.
In the meantime, George Rogers Clark would be fighting on the
western frontier; and this was a time of widespread upheaval,
uncertainty, and revolution, and it would seem unlikely that
romance would have time to blossom, but it did. To the
western frontier would be sent the Lieutenant Governor of
Louisiana, Fernando de Leyba, who would defeat the British at
St. Louis. Fernando de Leyba and Bernardo de Gálvez sincerely
liked the Americans and were determined to help as much as
they could in their revolution against the British. Spain,
however, had never made a treaty with the United States and
had never acknowledged its legal right to exist as an
independent state; therefore, in practice it could deny or conceal
its involvement. However, through its agents, de Gálvez and de
Leyba, it managed to covertly supply the Americans with much
needed supplies and armaments. De Leyba was a wealthy
Spaniard who would eventually exhaust his own personal
fortune in his support of the Americans.
George Rogers Clark, fighting on the western frontier would
find the time for frequent visits to de Leyba in search of money
and supplies for the revolution. In charge of the de Leyba
household would be the sister of de Leyba, Theresa. After the
death of de Leyba’s wife, a few years before he arrived in St
Louis, his sister Theresa had assumed the responsibility of
running his household. She would preside over teas, dinners,
and extended afternoons and evenings of entertainment. Due
to his frequent visits and meetings with de Leyba romance
would begin to blossom between Clark and Theresa. With the
blessings of de Leyba the romance became more and more
intense. As the war raged on, George Rogers Clark is
LBGHS Newsletter
A N DC H LI S T UO R B
ICAL
SOCIETY
summoned and was forced to leave to the upper Mississippi
Valley to serve under the command of Colonel Henry Hamilton.
After this he would be so busy with the war that he would have
no time for romance and his visits to San Luis would become
shorter and less often; however, the seeds of romance had been
planted and would continue to blossom.
Letters of love along with marriage proposals and promises to
wait forever were exchanged on a weekly basis, then monthly,
then yearly. Unfortunately for Theresa forever would take too
long. George Rogers Clark, caught up in a disastrous moment
of history, had little choice but to follow the war to Chicago and
eventually to Canada.
In the meantime, after a long illness Fernando de Leyba would
die almost penniless. All of his fortune had gone in aiding the
Americans. Theresa would lose her only means of support, and
there was little hope of ever recovering those loans made in
support of the American Revolution. Alone and destitute,
Theresa, not hearing from George Rogers Clark, had little choice
but to return to New Orleans. In those days, following Catholic
tradition, young Spanish ladies would either marry early or
enter a convent. Theresa de Leyba, not hearing from Clark, not
knowing his whereabouts, not knowing whether he was dead
or alive, turns to the Ursuline Sisters and gave her remaining
years in service of the church.
It is rumored that Clark, upon returning to San Luis and
hearing of the plight of his beloved rushes to New Orleans in
search of Theresa. It is said that on the same day that Clark
arrives Theresa had taken her vows and entered the convent;
alas, it was too late.
So distraught was Clark that in despair he would turn to
alcohol. But alcohol would not sooth his soul nor mend his
broken heart, let alone his irreparable liver. On his dying bed it
is rumored that his last words to his niece were, “I could have
provided you with a wonderful aunt, but alas it was not to be.” And, so ends a tragic tale of love on the Western Front. ✥
—submitted by Dan Arrellano
Based on Bernardo de Gálvez Spanish Hero of the American Revolution
Dr. G. Roland Vela Múzquiz, Author
Architect Richard V. Morales, Illustrator
Dr. Vela Múzquiz is a noted author, speaker, and member of Los
Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society.
Mr. Dan Arellano is the President of the Tejano Genealogy Society of
Austin and a champion of the Battle of Medina story.
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Volume 1 - Issue 2
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
BRING YOUR FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES, AND FAMILY TO SUPPORT
The Hispanic Heritage Center of Texas
The Hispanic Heritage Center of Texas proudly presents The Hispanic Heritage
Cup 3rd Annual Golf Tournament. We look forward to seeing you at The Westin
La Cantera Hill Country Resort on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 8 a.m.
About The Hispanic Heritage Center of Texas
For over 150 years the story of the Tejanos and their impact to the tapestry that
is The Lone Star State has been untold. Many historians and scholars have
chosen to marginalize the impact of Tejano Texas.
The Hispanic Heritage Center of Texas will change that with a facility that will be
located in Downtown San Antonio on the grounds of HemisFair Park. The
Hispanic Heritage Center of Texas is a 501(c)(3) established on September 3,
2008. The Center will seek participation from mutual cultural ties from fellow
Texans as well as the countries of México and Spain. The purpose of the Center
will be to educate, elevate, and celebrate the Texas Tejano experience.
The Resort Course at The Westin La Cantera
Hill Country Resort
Carved from the walls of a limestone quarry at the edge of the Texas Hill
Country, The Resort Course at La Cantera features dramatic rocky scenery,
swiftly running streams, and magnificent live oak trees. In a course full of
satisfying golf challenges and visual treats, the most spectacular may be the
sheer, 80-foot drop from the seventh tee to the fairway.
For full information click here ☞
The Hispanic Heritage Cup
✥
☞
Join Us For Lunch A great way to show
support for this event and to help Hispanic
Heritage Center of Texas in San Antonio is to
join us for lunch.
The $35.00 lunch ticket will buy you lunch
and one chance to win an awesome prize.
Prizes include:
➡ Golf for four at La Cantera Golf Club
➡ Two-night stay at the Westin La Cantera
➡ Two-night stay at The Westin Savannah
Harbor Golf Resort & Spa in Georgia
➡ Three-night stay at The Sheraton New
Orleans Hotel in Louisiana
➡ Golf for two at The Club at Sonterra
… and many more grand items! This is your
chance to win one of these great prizes! ✥
Click Here for more information
—Sylvia Morales
Golf anyone? If you (or anyone you know) is interested in golf, this is your chance to play at the prestigious
Westin La Cantera Resort — AND — donate to a very worthy and ambitious cause: to widen and deepen the
understanding of the Spanish, Mexican, and Tejano history and culture that we and our ancestors have shared for
almost five hundred years. The dream of having a Hispanic Heritage Center of Texas in San Antonio—with a
vibrant museum, a scholarly research library, and an exciting “Tejano Living Heritage Village—is very real. This is
your chance to make this dream come true. Pure enjoyment for the golf enthusiast.
For those who do not play golf (like me) but still want to donate to this worthy cause, you can donate any
amount you can afford. Click here to register and make ☞ Just A Donation to the Hispanic Heritage Center! ✥
—Sylvia Morales
LBGHS Newsletter
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Volume 1 - Issue 2
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Websites That Tell Our Stories
There is more to genealogy than just gathering names of ancestors. Yes,
it is important to do the basics, like pedigree charts, names, dates, places,
family work sheets, etc. But let us not forget that there are stories that go
with these names. There are histories in the places and times they lived.
Photographs and stories bring our ancestors to life. Here we intend to
transport you to websites that tell our stories. ✥
Álamo’s Tejano Heroes Gain Recognition
The names aren’t familiar like Crockett and Bowie, but history is starting to honor these defenders.
By: Vianna R. Davila
Published: 10:29 p.m., Sunday, February 27, 2011
Bexar Genealogy
33rd Annual Texas Hispanic
Genealogical and Historical
Conference
“Los Caminos del Río”
Children of the Revolución
South Padre Island, Texas
Hispanic Heritage Month
October 11 - 14, 2012
Somos Primos
Hosted by:
Texas Tejano
Río Grande Valley
Hispanic Genealogical Society
Click on the selections below for more information.
Registration Form
Hotel Registration
Shuttle to Airport
Vendors Application Form
Tell Us Your Stories
Menu Choice
Do you have a special, interesting, historical, or just a funny story
about your relatives that you would like to share? Un chiste that you
would like to share? Email your ancestral stories to [email protected],
and we will try to print them in this newsletter on a first-come-firstserve basis. ✥
~~
Experiences
that
are
shared
are
added
to
life’s
beautiful
memory
books
~~
LBGHS Newsletter
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Tour Information
Speakers
PLEASE REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
The Rio Grande Valley HGS is doing an excellent
job of hosting this year’s Conference. It doesn’t
get better than this. The sun, the beach, the
friendships—all is wonderful! See y’all at South
Padre Island! ✥
Volume 1 - Issue 2
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
Agenda
4th
9:00 am
DRT Tribute to Tejano Defenders & Tejana Women of The
Battle of the Álamo
Dedication of the Phil Collins/George Nelson Álamo Bronze
Sculptures
- in front of The Álamo & Convento Courtyard [ Misión San
Antonio de Valero ]
10:00 am
4th Annual Texas History Extravaganza Commencement
Ballrooms A-B-C • The Menger Hotel • San Antonio, Texas
10:00 am
1st Presentation
Manhunt for La Salle’s French Settlement in Spanish Texas
- Fort St. Louis
11:15 am
2nd Presentation
Who were the Franciscan Priests that founded the Spanish
Missions in Texas
• Lucas Martínez (Director of State Archives, Office of the
Governor - Coahuila, México)
12:30 pm
3rd Presentation
Who founded The Álamo & Where Did It Come From |
Spanish Entradas to Texas
• Dr. Félix Almaraz | Senator Jesús María Ramón |
Francisco Gracia (Mayor - Guerrero, México)
Break
Lunch provided on-site • Exhibit booths • Author autograph
signings • Historic Artifacts
3:00 pm
4th Presentation
Phil Collins & George Nelson – Evolution of The Álamo
Complex & Its Artifacts
4:15 pm
5th Presentation
Flags at the Battle of The Álamo & San Jacinto (New
Orleans Grey | Gen. Santa Ana)
• presented by DRT Álamo Defenders Chapter w/ Lorena
Roman - Museo Nacional México City
5:30 pm
6th Presentation
The Álamo Soldiers – The Military Unit From Parras,
México Who Named The Site
• Miguel Angel Muñoz | Dan Arellano (descendant of an
Álamo soldier - Francisco Arellano)
Battle Of Medina - Santa Ana’s 1st Fight In Texas 1813
• Dr. Robert Thonhoff | Roland Vela
7:15 pm
Live Performances
ADINA DE ZAVALA, Savior Of Álamo Convento & San
Antonio Missions
• presented by DRT Álamo Mission Chapter
CHILI QUEENS [in San Antonio’s Military Plaza - 1880s]
With Live Tejano Music & Chili Queens
• presented by DRT Álamo Couriers Chapter
w/ Dr. Marian Martinello
Annual Texas History Extravaganza
Join us at the 4th Annual Texas History Extravaganza presented
by Farmers Insurance Group on Saturday, September 15, 2012, at
the Álamo and the Menger Hotel. The Álamo Mission Chapter
of the DRT will pay tribute to the Tejano Defenders and Tejana
Women of the Battle of the Álamo. Register for the Texas History
Symposium which will be from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm at the
Menger Hotel. Noted authors, historians, and archeologists will
provide interesting facts of our Tejano ancestors. They will also
exhibit Texas & Mexican artifacts. At 7:15 pm, get ready for live
performances and Tejano music.
Texas History Extravaganza Adjournment
All proceeds will benefit the March of Dimes.
Los Bexareños Genealogical and Historical Society together with
the Álamo Mission Chapter and the Álamo Couriers Chapter of
the DRT will assist Farmers Insurance Group in presenting this
extravaganza. September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic
Heritage Month and this extravaganza is part of our heritage
celebration. Come join us in remembering and celebrating our
Tejano Heritage. ✥
LBGHS Newsletter
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9:00 am Dedication is FREE
Extravaganza & Symposium $75.00
For Reservations Call: (210) 485-4444
ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT MARCH OF DIMES
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July 2012
Sunday
Monday
1
2
Tuesday
Wednesday
3
4
Thursday
5
Friday
6
Saturday
7
LBGHS Meeting
9:00 am - 11:30 pm
Patriotic Ceremony
At Fort Sam Houston
National Cemetery
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12
13
14
LBGHS
Resource Center
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
15
16
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19
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21
LBGHS
Resource Center
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Hispanic Heritage Cup
3rd Annual
Golf Tournament
22
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24
25
26
27
28
LBGHS
Resource Center
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
29
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Do you have a “Save The Date” announcement you want to share with your fellow genealogists? If yes, please email your announcement to
[email protected].
Important Dates to Remember in 2012
July 4!
!
Fourth of July Patriotic Ceremony at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
July 21!
!
The Hispanic Heritage Cup - 3rd Annual Golf Tournament
August 18! !
The Battle of Medina Celebration
September 15!
The 4th Annual Texas History Extravaganza
October 11-14!
The 33rd Annual Texas Hispanic Genealogical and Historical Conference
LBGHS Newsletter
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Volume 1 - Issue 2
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
QUERIES
If you are researching your family line and you come to a dead end, this is the place to ask for help. If you have a general
question about an individual, this is the place to seek answers. If you see something that is not quite right or that is just plain
incorrect in one of your genealogy books, this is the place to try to fix it.
Email us your queries, and we will list them in the Newsletter. Los Bexareños community will have the opportunity to work on
these queries. Consider these as mysteries that need to be solved through community effort. This will be a fun way to work
together and help each other with our family research. We will also forward all these queries to our experienced volunteers at
the LBGHS Resource Center & Library, where they will be archived for future generations.
Please email your queries to [email protected].
1. DE LOS SANTOS COY
I am looking for the parents of
María DE LOS SANTOS COY who
married Miguel MORALES on 10
Feb 1853 in San Antonio, Texas.
She was a widow at the time she
married Miguel.
Her marriage
license indicates that she is from
Santa Rosa.
—LUIS MORALES
[email protected]
☞
Click Here
34 years old, married to Clemencia
HERNÁNDEZ; Pedro PERES, 33
years old, married to Josefa DE LA
CRUZ; and Francisca PERES, 24
years old, married to Juan Manuel
GÓMEZ. My questions are: Are
they related?
Could they be
brothers and sister? Who are their
parents? Are they from the Canary
Islands of the PERES CASANOVA
lineage?
—SYLVIA MORALES
[email protected]
—LINDA PÉREZ
[email protected]
2. PERES
The 1795 census of La Villa de San
Fernando enumerates three individuals with the surname PERES.
They are Ygnacio PERES, who is
identifies Nicolás GRIEGO serving
as a Confederate Soldier.
The
“Confederate Pension Applications,
1899-1975” shows an image of the
application filled out by his surving wife, Clara M. de Griego. My
question is: How do I find out if
Clara MARTÍNEZ Griego actually
received compensation?
My family tree is a few
branches short.
3. GRIEGO
The “Texas Civil War Service Records
of Confederate Soldiers, 1861-1865”
Can you help?
From the Book Sales Committee
The following book will be on sale for $10.00 at the LBGHS July monthly membership meeting.
La Inundación en Monterrey: 27 y 28 de agosto 1909 (present day Monterrey, Nuevo León)
The story of the great flood of 1909, as told by eyewitnesses who survived the tragedy. There are stories of families
being wiped out and of properties which were destroyed. The book was written in Spanish and printed in México.
This book was originally published in 1909. It was edited by Aida Martínez and reprinted by Los Bexareños
Genealogical and Historical Society in 2008. The book is paperbound, and it includes 101 pages with an index.
Later, I will include prices for bundled books. These are books that sell individually, but are related to each other and
can be sold at a reduced price.
—Santiago Escobedo
LBGHS Newsletter
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Volume 1 - Issue 2
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
e Battle of Medina
BATTLE OF MEDINA
Texas’ bloodiest military engagement—The Battle of Medina—may have
taken place in this general vicinity in 1813. The early 19th century was a time of
political upheaval, and in 1812, while the U.S. Was at war with England, Spain
faced revolts throughout Latin America, including México. In this revolutionary
climate, Americans and others began efforts to influence the fate of México, of
which Texas was a Province.
Bernardo Gutiérrez and Lt. A.W. Magee marched from Louisiana to Texas in
1812 with their Republican Army of the North. Capturing Nacogdoches and
Trinidad, they moved on to Presidio La Bahía, where they survived a four-month
siege by the Spanish Governors and their Royalist Forces. The Royalist retreated
toward San Antonio in February 1813, and in March the Republican Army
followed them and was ambushed in the Battle of Rosillo. The Republicans
persevered, captured San Antonio and executed the Spanish Governors.
Gutiérrez’s new Republic of Texas, with its Green Flag, was marked by internal
political problems.
Spain sent troops under Gen. Joaquín de Arredondo to retake Texas. Among
his men was Antonio López de Santa Anna, later México’s leader during the
Texas Revolution. The Republicans marched from San Antonio on Aug. 15, 1813
with about 1,400 troops: American volunteers, Tejanos, Mexicans and Native
Americans. Led across the plains south of the Medina River, the fatigued army
faced Spanish troops on Aug. 18 and was soundly defeated. Fewer than 100
escaped; most were executed. The Spanish left the decimated Texans on the
battlefield and proceeded to San Antonio to punish citizens who supported
independence. Eight years later, Mexican leaders ordered the remains of the
fallen soldiers to be buried under an oak tree on the battlefield. Although the
exact site of the battle has yet to be determined archeologically, the story remains
an important part of Texas history.
Tour on 19 Jun 2012
•••••••
••••
Jerry Sifuentes led a tour today to
the area of southern Bexar County
and northern Atascosa County to
familiarize the volunteers with the
possible areas to be searched to
locate the site of the Battle of the
Medina. We went to Brownwood
Road and Campbellton Road, just
west of I-37. There were six of us
on the tour, Jerry Sifuentes,
Mickey Killian, Fred Martínez,
Modesto Silva, Ernest Castillo,
and Larry Kirkpatrick.
Rudy Gutierrez’s 17 acres is the
first property on the south side of
Brownwood Road. We obtained
permission to metal detect at Mr.
Gutierrez's place. Jerry Sifuentes
and Mr. Gutierrez will set a date
for us to metal detect. Mr. Gutierrez has nine racehorses and so
we are not going to actually dig
holes because a horse could possibly step onto a closed hole and
break a leg. The metal detectors
will have to be sufficient. Mr.
LBGHS Newsletter
Gutierrez dug a 15 foot deep stock hand. Mr. Porter is a giant of a
tank, and he said they found no- man, perhaps 6 feet 6 inches, and
thing but sand.
in great shape. He is the author of
History of Atascosa County Through
Mr. Porter is also the
Jerry had a lead on contacting a 1912.
organizer
of the Battle of Medina
Mr. Norman Porter through the
Program
which
will be held on
Jourdanton Courthouse. We went
to the County Clerk’s office and August 18, 2012. He is a member
we were referred to Mrs. Porter’s of the Battle of Medina Society.
law practice across the street. He stated that he and his wife
There we met one of their sons, have been married for 58 years.
Mr. Norman Porter, Jr., who said He demonstrated the use of the
that he lives on Galvan Creek, rods. The rods are two brazing
within one mile of the Loma de rods, bent to provide a six inch
San Cristóbal. Mr. Porter stated handle, with one held in each
that someone mined the sand- hand and pointed forward and
stone off the top of the Loma and level to the ground. The rods
so it is no longer a mountain. Mr. cross while passing over the grave
Porter said that he will be at the of a man, and the rods separate
program on the Battle of Medina when passing over the grave of a
on August 18, 2012. He said that woman. Each of us tried the
he is the one who places the chairs process at the urging of Mr. Porter. in position for the presentation All of us agreed that the rods
really do work, although no one
and then puts them away.
could suggest a scientific reason.
Mrs. Porter called her husband.
Mr. Norman Porter, Sr. who offered to meet us at the Pleasanton
City Cemetery for a demonstration on dowsing for burials. We went and Mr. Porter was
already there, dowsing rods in
by Mr. Landon Martin, the father
of Mrs. Sexton. Mr. Sexton is
knowledgeable about the history
of the area. Mr. Sexton agreed
that we could dig and metal
detect on the 486 acre plot of land
on Applewhite Road that they
have for future development. The
land is still forested. Mr. Sexton
stated that we should not bring
any machinery onto the property
such as tractors to move the earth
but that hand shovels are fine. The digs should be arranged in
advance, and he will leave the
gate open all day for us. His office
is open from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
on Saturday afternoons. We will
lock the gate before we leave.
Mr. Jerry Sifuentes took us down
Applewhite Road to look at the
486 acre plot and then took us to a
number of local landmarks on
Trumbo Road and Pleasanton
Road, ending the tour on
Among many stops, Mr. Jerry Pleasanton Road north of the
Sifuentes took us to the office of Medina River. We were all worn
the Texas Land Exchange at 658 S. out after the day’s activities. ✥
Loop 1604 W. We talked to Mr.
James Sexton and his wife. It is a
—Larry Kirkpatrick
real estate office formerly owned
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Volume 1 - Issue 2
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The LBGHS Resource Center & Library
IT WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED ON NOVEMBER 2009. The LBGHS Resource Center & Library is open to the public on
Saturdays (except the first Saturday of the month) from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. You will be able to do your family research in a very
friendly and casual environment. You will be able to peruse the books and other genealogical information at your leisure. There
will be volunteers to help you with any questions you may have. They can help you start your family tree or assist you in your
research. It is preferable to set an appointment, so they can dedicate some time just for you. Call or email Yolanda Patiño at (210)
434-3530 /[email protected] or Dennis Moreno at (210) 647-5607 / [email protected].
HELP FOR THE BEGINNING GENEALOGISTS. The Society assists individuals in getting started with genealogical research
through beginner's workshops. Beginners also receive one-on-one assistance from the more experienced members of the Society.
a
LBGHS
Camino S
anta Marí
MAP AND DIRECTIONS.
The
Library is located on the campus of
Holy Rosary Parish in one of their
portable buildings. The Church is
located at 159 Camino Santa María,
just north of Culebra Road and
adjacent to the southeast part of the
St. Mary’s University campus. Park
in the noted parking lot and walk
through the gate to the courtyard and
turn to the right passing the first
building. The Library is located in
the second building on your right as
you approach it.
Click on the
following link to see a larger virtual
view. ✥
Resource Center & Library
Culebra Ro
ad
Larger Map of Resource Center
☞
Click Here
Ask The Bexar
Why do you have “links” to
websites instead of just printing the
article in the Newsletter?
!
If you click on a URL (usually blue and
starts with http:// or www. or Bold Blue), it
will take you to a website with much more
information on a particular topic. (1) Most
sites or articles are copyrighted, and we need
permission from the authors to print it in this
Newsletter. (2) By not copying what is
already online, we save space; thus, making it
easier to email potentially large amounts of
LBGHS Newsletter
information with less MBs needed to email
this Newsletter. (3) This is a good way to
teach our members to navigate the sometimes
daunting “INTERNET.” There are more
tools on the websites than there are on emails.
For instance, the map of the Resource Center
above may not be as legible as you would like
it to be. If you click on the URL Larger Map
of Resource Center, you will be able to zoom
in and out and even view the area from street
level. There are pretty amazing things you
can do on the “INTERNET.” There is an
incredible amount of information on the
“INTERNET,” and as we find interesting and
relevant articles, we will direct you to them
via these blue URLS. ✥
12
Do you have to have a “source”
for every person, date, place, or event
in genealogy?
!
There is a saying that every good
genealogist adheres to, “Genealogy without sources is mythology!”
!
Citing your sources is an important part
of your genealogical research. Every event
(birth, baptism, marriage, death) should be
backed up by a credible record. If you do not
have a certified record, then use the best
evidence you can find. This link may help
you: About Genealogy. Remember, the
more evidence you have as source information
the more credible your research will be. ✥
Volume 1 - Issue 2
LOS
BEXAREÑOS
GENEALOGICAL
AND
HISTORICAL
SOCIETY
In Memory of ...
Genealogists never die; they simply join their ancestors and create stronger roots.
In Memory of
Vicente Martínez
August 20, 1926 - June 6, 2012
Our hearts were saddened when we learned of the passing of our beloved friend and fellow member of Los Bexareños
Genealogical and Historical Society. Though not a Charter Member, he joined shortly thereafter and worked closely with our
founder, Gloria Cadena, and several of our early members. He was not a skilled computer user, but he had a remarkable memory,
and he maintained meticulous records. Colonel Martínez was an avid researcher with an amiable disposition that endeared him
to all he met. He was particularly helpful to anyone who proved to be related, however remote that connection might have been.
He descended from a Spanish family of nobility; and consequently, he was related to several monarchs. Among his ancestors
were founders of many cities in northeastern México and Texas, including San Antonio.
We salute Colonel Martínez for his distinguished 42 year service in the United States Air Force as a Physician, Obstetrician, Flight
Surgeon, Hospital Commander, and Major Command Surgeon of the Southern Command. It was on a tour of duty in the United
Kingdom that he met his future wife of 51 years, the former Antoinette R. Posatko—also on active duty at the time as an Air Force
nurse. Together they raised three children: two girls and one boy, which resulted in nine grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren. They can well be proud of their progenitor.
We shall miss this dedicated member and disciple of genealogy. We extend our deepest condolences to his beloved wife and
family. May the good Lord bless and guide them in these dark hours of unhappiness. ✥
—Jesse Rodríguez
Vicente and my mother, Irene González
Dovalina de Riojas were first cousins.
Their parents, Enrique and Sabinita were
twins. We have many fond memories
and stories of the Gonzalez family. Our
thoughts and prayers are with you. He
leaves a strong and rich legacy and will
be remembered for his many accomplishments and contributions. Abrazos, Mari
Riojas Gonzalez de Lester, Austin, Texas
(grandaughter of Enrique and Irene
González)
~Mari Lester • Austin, TX
I truley loved Vincente like a father or
uncle figure. He was always trying to
work on "our" genealogy connection.
The only problem was, as our dear friend
Gloria said, "he wrote like a chicken!"
He loved to write the most interesting
history and notes, but they were hard to
read. I was amazed at his brilliant mind
even in his later years. We also shared
our love of dogs. God bless this sweet
and kind man who was so dear to me.
~DK Flores/Smith • Houston, TX
LBGHS Newsletter
Dear Family,
I was privileged to have served with Dr.
Martínez, first at Bentwaters RAF Base,
Ipswich, England, where I was assigned
to the Flight Surgeon's Office. It was
during this assignment that Dr. Martínez delivered our oldest daughter on
April 16, 1961. He would be pleased to
know that Cindy is now a Research Associate at the UTSA Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Martínez next
appeared in our lives during the early
1970s when he assumed duties as
Command Surgeon, U.S. Southern Command, Albrook Air Base, Canal Zone,
Panama. I was then on staff in the
Medical Department, Inter-American
Air Forces Academy. I lobbied hard to
have the honor of providing my friend,
Dr. Martínez, his orientation tour of our
facility. In later years, I was assigned to
the Office of the Surgeon, HQ Air Training Command, and worked together on
several cases when Dr. Martínez headed
the Medical Board Section at Wilford
Hall. He was truly a brilliant and
remarkable person, yet humble and com-
We are so saddened to hear of the passing
of our dear friend, Vicente. I will miss
his smile and his sweet stories about
cooking meals for his beloved dogs. I
know he is in heaven proofing genealogy
entries. Please know you are all in our
thoughts and prayers. Much love,
Denny and Laura (Galvan) Weaver
Learned, humble, and kindhearted—it
was my privilege to come to know
Vicente through his final illness. May he
rest in peace in the arms of our loving
Father.
~Mark Harden • SanAntonio, TX
Dr. Martínez was a dear friend of Gloria
Villa Cadena, my mother. My sisters
and brothers and I extend our sincere
sympathies.
~Maribeth Galvan
Mary Elizabeth Galvan
Laramie, WY
13
passionate to his very core. Dr. Martínez
is as close as one can get to the picture of
the ideal family physician. My wife
Betty and our family join me in sending
our respect and condolences to the
Martínez Family. Hasta la vista, amigo
querido!
~Ruben Hernández
Universal City, TX
Vicente was an outstanding officer and a
very, very, good friend. He loved to cook
and would share many recipes. He used
to say that he would love to go to New
York and open a Gourmet Mexican
Restuarant. He was very kind and
always tried to find excuses for people's
misbehaviors. I know the Lord will allow
him to open his restauraunt in Heaven
and surround him with all the people
that he loved on earth.
~Ret. Col. Edwin D. Ramos, MD
Sylvia E. Ramos, R.D.
San Antonio, TX
Volume 1 - Issue 2
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From Around The State
Austin :!
!
News from Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin
Corpus Christi :!
News from Spanish American Genealogical Association (SAGA)
Dallas :!
!
News from HOGAR de Dallas
Harlingen :!
!
News from the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Genealogy Society
Houston :!
!
News from Hispanic Genealogy Society of Houston
Laredo :!
!
News from Villa de San Agustín - Laredo Genealogy Society
This section will be dedicated to our sister Hispanic Genealogy Societies throughout the State. They can let us know what their
organizations are doing and what their members are researching. We are looking for volunteers who are willing to stay in touch
with the different Hispanic Genealogy Societies and encourage them to submit monthly reports on their organizations. We are
also contemplating “Around The Nation” and “Across The Border” as resources for genealogical information. I do not want to
get too far ahead of ourselves, but we are willing to entertain all ideas for this Newsletter. ✥
Message from the Editor
"
I want to thank all of you who responded to last month’s newsletter. Your kind and generous remarks were heartwarming. I
do want to make one thing clear. Last month’s newsletter was the inauguration of Los Bexareños eMail Newsletter. The first
newsletter of this great organization was published on February 1984 and the Editor was none other than our beloved Mrs. Gloria
V. Cadena. I did not have the pleasure of meeting the founder of Los Bexareños, but in reading her newsletters I am encouraged
and inspired to carry on in her glorious tradition. I am convinced she wanted to share her knowledge and expertise in genealogy
with as many colleagues and potential genealogists as she could. She encouraged others, through her example, to share their
genealogical findings. She dreamed that her newsletters would “serve as a medium of expression for the organization itself and
that our members [would] share their searches and their discoveries with us.”
#
Share your searches and discoveries with your family, friends, and other genealogists.
"
Please do not worry about writing style, spelling and grammar. Write down your stories just as you would verbally tell them
to your family and friends. Send it to the email address below. We have volunteers who will make suggestions and assist you
with the writing style, spelling and grammar. We will send it back to you for your approval. We will only print your story after
you approve the article. You will have full control of your article, and you will have a printed family story you can share with
your children and grandchildren. ✥
"
You can send your suggested articles to:"
Sylvia Morales
3543 Byron St
San Antonio, TX 78247-3193
(210) 494-7932 or (210) 291-7702
[email protected] (preferred method of communication)
LBGHS Newsletter
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Volume 1 - Issue 2