David Alfonso Montoya

From Wikipedia:  Genealogy, also known as family history, is the study of families and the tracing of their lineages and history.  Genealogists use oral interviews, historical records, genetic analysis, and other records to obtain information about a family and to demonstrate kinship and pedigrees of its members. The results are often displayed in charts or written as narratives.  The pursuit of family history and origins tends to be shaped by several motives, including the desire to carve out a place for one’s family in the larger historical picture, a sense of responsibility to preserve the past for future generations, and a sense of self-satisfaction in accurate storytelling.

This week another chapter of our family story closed with the passing of David Alfonso Montoya who died in Salt Lake City on the night of March 5^th.  David was my uncle and my God Father.

David and Adella Montoya with Judy Montoya; Dec of 1960

Dave, as he was known, was born 14 Jul 1927 to Jose Celestino Montoya (1905-1988) and Manuelita De Los Reyes Lujan (1904-1931) in San Francisco, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.  He was christened at the San Juan de los Caballeros Church near his home.  Dave had an older brother named Jose who was born in 1926 and who died in September of 1927.  He also had a younger brother named Peter Augustine who was born October of 1929 and who died in August of 1997.   When his father, Jose Celestino, married his second wife, Pearl Spencer, Dave gained six additional half-siblings:  Max George (1933-1994); Richard Ernest (1935-1993); Juanita (1937-1949); Rufino Eugene “Murph”); Louis Celestino; and Margie Ann.  From Jose Celestino’s third marriage (to Lea Gladys Overson), Dave gained an additional half-brother:  Robert.

When David was two years old, the 1930 census was taken.  I found David living in Alcalde, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.  He was living with his father Celestino Montoya, age 24 and his mother Manuelita, age 24.  Also in the home was his infant brother Pedro.  Father Celestino owned his own home which was valued at $300.  The residence was listed as a farm – and the family did not own a radio (that was one of the odd questions asked on the 1930 census).  Father Celestino was performing “odd jobs.”  The family is living next door to Manuelita’s father, Antonio Jose Lujan.  Also nearby is Celestino’s sister, Ramona Montoya Gallegos. 

Sadly, David’s mother, Manuelita, died very young at the age of 27 on 13 Aug. 1931, and according to the 1940 census, David is living with his Montoya grandparents.  He is indexed as being 12 years old born in 1928.  He is attending elementary school and he is in the 6^th grade.  He lives in Velarde, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico with his grandfather, Maximiano Montoya, age 69 and grandmother Juanita, age 56.  Also in the home is his younger brother, Pedro, age 10 who is attending school and is in the 1^st grade.  Grandfather Max indicates that he owns his own home which has a value of $150.  Uncle Jose Ilario Montoya, age 24 lives next door with his family.  Sometime after the death of his mother, David’s father Celestino left for Bingham Canyon to work the ore mines.  This is where he met his second wife Pearl and where he can be found with her (along with four of their children) in the 1940 census.  It is my understanding that David was very close to, and may have spent some time living with, Manuelita’s brother Tomas Lujan (1908-1995).

On July 13, 1945 in Salt Lake City, one day before his 17^th birthday, David enlisted into the United States Navy.  The record confirms many things that we already know about David – his date/location of birth; name of his father and grandfather; and it also confirms that his mother is deceased.  Further his World War II draft registration card indicates that he was living at 809 Broad Street in Kannapolis, Cabarrus, North Carolina at the time.  He indicated that he was 19 years old and again confirms his date/location of birth. His grandmother Juanita Montoya was listed as his next of kin.  He appears on several Navy muster rolls as being assigned to the USS Wisconsin BB64 (Feb; Apr; and June of 1946).

USS Wisconsin BB-64

After his discharge from the Navy, it is assumed that he headed to Ogden, Utah where he met and married Maria Adela (Della) Guadalupe Garcia (1933-2009) on 9 Apr 1951.

 

 

 

At some point after their marriage, Dave and Della moved to Salt Lake City where they raised a large family.

Salt Lake City – 1960 Directory Listing

Services/Mass for David will be held on Saturday, March 11th at St. Patrick’s Church in Salt Lake City.  Neil O’Donnell  & Sons of Salt Lake City will be handling the arrangements.  Rest in peace, Dave, you will be missed.

Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. Rossiter Worthington Raymond

 

 

 

 

Hitting the Lotto – Family History Style

Over the last several years, I have reconnected with many of my Montoya uncles, aunts and many cousins.  Most of them I barely know – some of them I have never met – most live in Utah and California.  One of my younger cousins (everyone is younger than me these days), Syndi, set up a family group page for us on Facebook.  There we have shared our lives with each other – told family stories – and exchanged family pictures.  We are all the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Jose Celestino Montoya – and we share his common ancestry.  In this family line there is a real interest in learning about our family heritage – I wish it were so easy with every family line!  I am planning a trip to Utah next year where we are hoping to organize a family reunion.  Really looking forward to that.

This brings me to the point of this short little entry – you just never know when a brick wall will fall, when you find a new document or story, or when a new and spectacular photograph of your ancestors will surface.  While cleaning and sorting through some things at her mother’s house, my cousin, Melissa, found this old photograph tucked away in the pocket of an old jacket.  Thinking perhaps that the younger man was our grandfather, Joe C. Montoya, she posted it on the family page on Facebook for identification.  I immediately recognized the woman as being Juana Martinez Montoya, my great-grandmother.  Sure enough – according to the writing on the back of the photo the people in the photo are:  Juana Martinez Montoya and Maximiano de Herrera Montoya (my great-grandparents) and their youngest son, Raymundo Montoya.  Raymundo died in 1939 at the age of 20 years – which dates the photo prior to 1939 (probably taken in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico).

I love this photo so much because it is only the second photograph that I have seen of my great-grandparents.  As my father aged, he looked just like Max does in this photo. (I inherited those great big giant ears too.)  When I look at the face of my son – I see these men in him.  After receiving the photograph – I walked around with a giddy grin on my face for days.

A huge thank you to my family – and especially Melissa – for your willingness to share what you know and what you have.  Together we are weaving our family story.

 

Montoya Family in the 1940 Census

I found my Dad and grandfather in the 1940 census!  I’ve been trying off and on since yesterday; but the National Archives site was being hammered – and the site kept freezing up my computer.  Tonight – success!  There aren’t really that many surprises in this census.  Joe and family are living in Bingham Canyon, Salt Lake County, Utah.  All but two of Joe and Pear’s children were born in Bingham Canyon.  Joe, in 1940, is an ore miner working for U.S. Mining Company.  The family is renting their home for $15.00 a month.  Joe states that for the previous year his yearly wages were $1,880.  Joe and Pearl had been married for eight years.  The children are Max, age 7 (who attended the 1st grade), Richard, age 5 (my dad), Juanita, age 3; and Eugene (Uncle Murph….that’s YOU !!!).  What surprised me the most is that living with Joe and Pearl is Pearl’s father, George Francis Spencer who in 1940 is 70 years old.

Onward to more 1940 discoveries !!

 

Jose Ylario Montoya

My great great grandfather, Jose Ylario Montoya, remains in large part a mystery. In the two census records where we can reliably identify him, we are told that he was born in January 1844 and the next one states 1845 in the New Mexico Territory. The San Juan baptismal and marriage records are silent when it comes to Ylario, only his death date is recorded there. I have long speculated that perhaps he was the first Montoya of our line to settle in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, perhaps arriving from another region of New Mexico. We cannot state with specificity who his parents are – but we have a potentially important lead in the 1850 census.

My cousin Carma and I have both gone through the 1850 New Mexico Territory census, line-by-line and name-by-name. We found only one Jose Hilario Montoya – and we found him in Santa Ana County, New Mexico Territory. Santa Ana was one of the seven original partidos created in New Mexico under Mexican rule. Under American rule, it became a U.S. territorial county from 1852 until 1876, when it was absorbed by Bernalillo County. Santa Ana County does not exist today.

1852 Territorial Map of New Mexico Territory

The 1850 census was enumerated January of 1850 – The person that I believe to be my great great grandfather Jose Hilario Montoya is indexed as “Jose Ilaria Montoya, age 6 born 1844 in New Mexico. He is living with his grandfather Joaquim Montoya, age 81, a farmer who owns $1,400 worth of real estate; his father, Jose Ignacio Montoya, age 47, a farmer; his mother Anna, age 30. Also in the home are 4 siblings: Mercia, age 14; Justo, age 8; Rebecca, age 3; and Jose Bernardo, 10 months. Also in the home are six children with the last name of Baca.  Their connection to the family is unknown at this time.  It should be noted that later in life Justo Montoya can be found in Rio Arriba County and Jose Hilario named one of his daughters Rebecca.

Could this be the family of my great great grandfather?

If – and it’s still an if – I can prove that this is the right family (and I believe it is) then Hilario’s father, mother and grandfather are identified. Further, with the grandfather’s name, this line can be tied back to Bartolome de Montoya through his son Diego de Montoya, a Spanish Alferez. (An Alferez was the next highest ranking official after the Majordomo. He was generally in charge of the king or magnate’s private army, his knights and his armory.)  But I am getting ahead of myself – back to what we do know!

In June of 1860 the family is still present in Santa Ana County, in Pena Blanca. My Montoya grandfather (if this is him) is indexed as “Jose Lario,” age 20 born 1840. He is living with Jose Ignacio, age 90 (the grandfather – but the name is misindexed) who owns real estate worth $1,800 and personal property worth $10,800. Also in the home is his mother Anna Maria, age 40; and nine siblings. Jose Ignacio (the father) must have been skipped by the enumerator – or he has died. There are many Montoya and Gallegos families nearby.

Based on later census records we know that our Jose Ylario Montoya had a wife named Josefa. In the Marriage Books of Santo Domingo and Pena Blanca, there is a marriage record that indicates that Jose Ylario Montoya was the legitimate son of Jose Ignacio Montoya and Ana Maria Gallegos, and that he married Josefa Montoya on 26 November 1863. In my mind the clues are adding up that this is more than likely my great great grandfather, Jose Ylario Montoya.

The 1870 census was enumerated on the 5th day of July, and we see that the family has relocated to Trinidad, Las Animas County, Colorado Territory. My Ylario is indexed as “Jose Hilario,” age 33, he is a farmer who owns $200 worth of real estate and $178 worth of personal property, he states that he was born in New Mexico; he cannot read/write; We find him living with a daughter, age 6, Versele and a son, age 5, Ambrosio. There is no wife in the home. Ylario is living next door to mother Anna, age 54 who is a housekeeper. She owns $350 worth of real estate and $218 worth of personal property. Five of her children, and Ylario’s siblings, are still in the home. Interestingly, living on the other side of Ylario Montoya is the family of Polaris de Herrera. I do not know the connection; however, Ylario would later in life take a mistress, Augustina de Herrera, and have a large family with her, including my great grandfather Maximiano de Herrera Montoya.

1870 Census - Colorado Territory

And here’s where it gets very confusing – the 1880 census finds Jose Ylario Montoya in Bosque, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, where my grandfather and great-grandfather were born. He is indexed as “Ilario,” age 35 born 1845 in New Mexico.  He is a laborer living with his wife Josefa, age 30. The children all belong to Augustina de Herrera, and she cannot be found in any census record – Jose, 16; Marina, 10; Maximiano, 8; Rebecca, 6; Albina 4; Anastario, 2; and Albina, 2 months.

The 1900 census was enumerated in June of that year. Ylario is still in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. He is indexed as “Ilario J.,” age 56 born Jan 1844; He states that he has been married for 36 years, which matches the marriage record out of Santa Ana County. Ylario is living with wife Josefa who is 50 born Mar 1850; She states that she has given birth 2 times and that both children are living. Living right next door is the mother of Ylario’s other children – who is indexed as Augustina Herrera who was born Oct 1850. She still has four children in the home. Augustina states that she is divorced and that she has given birth to 9 children – 7 are living.

1900 Census

The family story is that Augustina de Herrera was the mistress of Jose Ylario Montoya – and that she lived right next door to Ylario and Josefa. Based on these census records, it is unknown to me who raised my great gandfather, Ylario or Augustina.

According to the death/burial records of the San Juan de los Caballeros Catholic Church in Rio Arriba County, Jose Ylario Montoya died and was laid to rest in Velarde Cemetery on 7 Oct 1902.  I have no information on what became of Josefa Montoya or Maria Augustina de Herrera.

Related articles

• Estaca – Plaza at an Ancient Crossroads (curbowfamily.wordpress.com)

 

A Memorial Day Tribute

Thank you for the sacrifice you made for us.  We remember you today – and every day. 

Richard Ernest Montoya - my father - first man on the left: United States Army

Max George Montoya - My uncle - United States Army

Richard John Quiroz - My sister's father-in-law; United States Air Force

Roy Oliver Curbow - my husband's grandfather - United States Army

Roy Orville Curbow - my husband's uncle - United States Navy

Gene Oliver Curbow - my husband's uncle - United States Navy

 

July 18th ~ One Day in 1949 ~

A little girl in Wittenberg, Germany:

It is Monday morning, July 18, 1949: When I opened my eyes this morning – I woke with a start of excitement! My name is Christa, and today is my 11th birthday! What surprises will the day hold for me I wonder?! It has been a little over four years now since my father’s tragic death at the end of World War II, and my family and I are slowly and painfully beginning to rebuild our lives. As I dressed and made my way to the kitchen, my two older brothers greet me enthusiastically with “Hertzliche Gluckwunche zum Geburtztag Kleine!” (Best wishes on your birthday little one). My mother – though we don’t have much – has a kleinichkeit (“just a little something”) waiting for me at the breakfast table. A banana – I have never had one! But there’s no time to linger long over breakfast – my mother and oldest brother are preparing to leave for work; my second brother has work in the garden and the rabbit hutch must be cleaned today; as for myself – there is always the housework. I wonder if perhaps I’ll have a spare moment to read a chapter out of my favorite book. I do so dearly love to read. Late this afternoon when we gather together again, I will look forward to having a slice of Erdbertorte (“Strawberry Torte”) which my mother has prepared from strawberries out of our garden. I wonder if it’s too much to hope that there might be some whipping cream to go with that torte?

Brother and Sister

A young boy in Ogden, Utah:

It is Monday morning, July 18, 1949: When I opened my eyes this morning – it was still completely dark and quiet outside, and I am very tired. My name is Richard, and I am 14 years old. I can hear my mother in the kitchen as she prepares my father a thermos of coffee and urges my older brother and younger sister out of bed, It is 4:00 a.m. and we have to hurry – today we are driving to Willard to pick fruit – and we have to get on the road. The dew is all over everything and the air is heavy. I fleetingly contemplate sleeping another hour in the backseat of the car. We have barely made it to the edge of town – now wait a minute – are those truck headlights coming toward us? It invaded us violently and without warning – hot twisted metal, shattered glass and shattered lives – and then complete and utter silence. My head hurts so bad , and I can’t move my jaw – it just hangs limply as I try to call to my family. My mother – I can see her on the highway, but she‘s not moving. Max – Juanita – Where are you?  Are you okay?!  And then blessed darkness.

Max, Juanita and Richard

 

My father did lose his mother and his sister on that day long ago.  That one moment in time changed his life forever.  The family sedan was struck head-on by a produce truck driven by a 19-year old who had been driving all night and had fallen asleep at the wheel.  My grandmother died instantly.  Juanita died some hours later from a head injury.  My father suffered a head injury, a broken jaw and various internal injuries. His brother Max went through intensive rehabilitation for a broken leg and internal injuries; however, he did survive.  My father left home and joined the Army at the age of 17 and ended up stationed in Frankfurt.  My mother went on to graduate from German high school and “tailoring” school. When she was 17 years old, she traveled to the “west” (Frankfurt) to visit an aunt and uncle.  While in Frankfort, she met my father at a pub, and they were married shortly thereafter. Like I say ~ it’s destiny.

 

Manuelita De Los Reyes Lujan

Manuelita De Los Reyes Lujan was my grandfather Montoya’s first wife.  She was born in San Francisco (also known as Estaca) Rio Arriba County, New Mexico on the 10^th day of June 1904.  She was christened two days later on the 12^th of June, 1904 at the San Juan de los Caballeros Catholic Church.  Manuelita was the first daughter born to Antonio Jose Lujan (1861-1935) and his wife Maria Encarnacion Martinez (or perhaps Martin) (1857-1926).  The Lujan surname has a long history in northern New Mexico.  Manuelita’s line seems to have been traced back at least to Jose Santos Lujan born 1808 in Abiquiu, when New Mexico was under Spanish rule. 

Manuelita grew up in and lived all of her life in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.  In the 1910 census (where she is about 5 years old) and in the 1920 census (where she is about 15 years old), she can be found living with her father Antonio, who was a farmer and who later owned his own farm and her mother Maria.  Manuelita had the following known siblings, who can be found in the census records with her:  Antonio (or Bernardo) born 1900; Jose B., born 1907; Tomas or Tomacito born 1908; and Juana Elisaida born 1911.  The family were Spanish speakers.

State of New Mexico – highlighting Rio Arriba County

On 23 February, 1925 Manuelita married my grandfather, Jose Celestino Encarnacion Montoya at the San Juan de los Caballeros Catholic Church in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.  You can see a picture of the church here:  https://curbowfamily.wordpress.com/2011/03/20/estaca-plaza-at-an-ancient-crossroads-2/

The couple had three boys:  Jose Encarnacion Antonio Montoya who was born 1926 and died in 1927; David Alfonzo Montoya who was born in 1928 and is thought still to be alive and Peter Augustine Montoya who was born in 1929 and died in 1997. 

The 1930 census, which was enumerated on April 2^nd, finds Manuelita and Celestino living in Alcalde in Rio Arriba County.  Alcalde (or sometimes Los Luceros) translated means “mayor,” and lies in one of the oldest viticulture sites in North America.  It is reported that Don Juan de Oñate brought grapevines with him over four centuries ago.  When my husband and I traveled there, we were very surprised to see all the fruit trees and grape vineyards flourishing in the Espanola Valley.  I am given to understand that my great-grandfather Maximiano Montoya owned a very large apple orchard with which he supported his family. 

In the census Manuelita is indexed as “wife Manuelita Montoya,” age 24, born about 1906.  She is with her husband who is misindexed as “Celestina,” age 25 and sons David, 2 and Pedro, 6 months (Family #9).  The couple owns their own home which is worth $300 – and they own a radio too!  My grandfather lists his occupation as “laborer doing odd jobs.”  Family #6 is Florentino and Ramoncita Gallegos; Ramona being Celestino’s oldest sister and Family #8 is Jose Antonio Lujan, the father of Manuelita.

1930 Census

  

A little over a year later, on 13 Aug 1931, Manuelita died. This date was taken from the New Mexico Deaths database, and I do not have a copy of her death certificate. No one in the family seems to know what caused her death at the age of 27. She was laid to rest the next day at the San Rafael de Guigne Cemetery in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.

After the death of Manuelita, my grandfather, along with his brother Leopoldo,left for Utah during the Great Depression to work the Kennecott Mine in Bingham Canyon, Utah, where he met my grandmother, Pearl Eva Spencer.  It is presumed by family members that the two boys Dave and Pete were left behind in New Mexico with relatives.  It is unknown to me when the family reunited.

David Alfonzo Montoya (Dave to his family) was my father’s half-brother.  He married Adela Garcia on 9 Apr 1951. Adela recently died in 2009, and it is thought that Dave may still be alive and living in Utah. Dave and Adela Montoya were my Godparents. The couple had at least the following children: Lee; Leo; Lois; Madeline; Mark; Raymond; George; David; James; and Manuelita.

Me – on the day of my christening – with Dave and Dela Montoya

 

Peter Augustine Montoya (Pete to his family) was also my father’s half-brother.  I am fairly certain that Pete married and had children; however, I know nothing about them.  Pete was living in Castro Valley, Alameda County, California at the time of his death in 1997.

Jose Celestino Montoya in his old age - Dave on left and Pete on right

I would very much like to be in touch with any of Dave’s or Pete’s children or grandchildren to talk about the Montoya/Lujan genealogy.

 

 

　

　

 

 

 

 



 

Estaca – Plaza at an Ancient Crossroads

When my husand and I were deciding on where to vacation last year – New Mexico or the Ozaarks – it was an obvious choice for me!  Of course, I wanted to go to nothern New Mexico to visit the ancestral family home of my Montoya family.

 

After spending a few days in Santa Fe we headed north. And there we found Estaca – a small series of villages nestled between the Sangre de Cristo Mountains (the lower Rockies) and the mighty Rio Grande on the high road to Taos.  As I understand it, Estaca is comprised of several small communities (or villages) and the names are very often used interchangeably in the records:  Rancho de los Lopez; Acequia de San Rafael; Plaza de San Francisco; Rio Grande Bosque; Rio Grande; and Arroyo del Palacio.  All of these small communities lie in the Espanola Valley which is about halfway between Taos and Santa Fe.  Would it sound cheesy and predictable to say that my spirit immediately felt “at home” ?

 

Our fist mission was to find the San Juan de los Caballeros Church at San Juan Pueblo. Within the walls of this church are kept the records of at least three generations (and probably four) of my Montoya family recording births, christenings, marriages, deaths and burials. The pueblo was founded around 1200 by the Tewa people who moved there from the north (perhaps southern Colorado). The Spanish conquistador Don Juan de Onate took control in 1598 and renamed the pueblo San Juan de los Caballeros.  He then established the first Spanish capital of New Mexico nearby, thereby merging two great cultures.  In November of 2005 the pueblo returned to its pre-Spanish name – Ihkay Owingeh – “place of the strong people.”

San Juan Pueblo - abt 1906 - church in background

After touring the church grounds and the pueblo, the hunt was on for the ruins of the Montoya adobe. However, before we found them, there were more surprises in store for us. We headed north from the church and crossed the Ro Grande River on the San Juan bridge, from there we took a right on the first road – the Camino Real.  We drove about four miles and we were there.  We came to a small plaza of sorts and in the middle of the road stood a small chapel.

San Juan de los Caballeros Catholic Church - present day

Unbeknownst to me at the time, we had arrived at The Plaza and La Capilla (Little Chapel) de San Francisco de Asis.  Delfinia Romero lovingly speaks of the Capilla in a book written by Mary Coyne entitled, A History of Estaca, New Mexico:

The Capilla remains at the heart of this community still, and as I look at it from my window, I contemplate how through the passing years it has consistently been solid, true, constantly there. The purpose of the little brown chapel has always been the same: to give devotion to el patroncillo, the patron Saint Francis and his ideals of hard work, poverty and love of animals. The devotion renews the beliefs and values at the very core of existence for the families in Estaca.

When the story is told of the building of the chapel, we recall that the women….Elizaida, Margarita, Rosaura and Ramoncita {Ramoncita Montoya Gallegos – my great aunt} – used their bare hands to spread the mud plaster on the walls, rubbing gently to make them smooth and to forever imprint upon the capillita their souls as well as their very beings. It will be told that the grave in front of the chapel is that of Antonio Martinez, who gave the land for the capilla because the bulto (statute) of the village’s patron saint, San Francisco, didn’t have a home and was passed from house-to-house throughout the years. Antonio’s gift made it possible for the community to come together and build the little chapel.

Capilla – The satisfaction of a beautiful form
Proportion of vision, Crypts close to ancestor roots
Tribes whisper names, stories
Holy ground. Numinous space. Capilla in Estaca
Fresh glitter of the jewels
Private suffering and death
Revelation.
Written by:  Margaret Rose Coyne (1943-2001)

The Plaza and La Capilla (Little Chapel) de San Francisco de Asis

As a postscript:  That day, we did find what I believe are the ruins of my great grandfather Montoya’s adobe home. The ruins sat on fenced property about a mile south of the “little chapel.“ There wasn’t much left of the adobe.  I’ve posted a picture on this site when I wrote about Maximiano Montoya – you can see it there.  Behind the ruins sat a more modern home; although, it was also in disrepair. Behind that I could see what might have been the apple orchards and behind that was the Rio Grande River. I cannot say for certain that this was the right place; however, I felt peace. It was almost as if the ancestors were whispering, “Welcome home.” 

Since we were technically trespassing – we didn’t stay long! There was a car next to the home, but I didn’t feel comfortable about pounding on doors. I would have loved to have been able to visit with the locals. I would surely have found many relatives. However, this is a culture and a community that does not always accept outsiders. We received several uneasy looks from folks. We did strike up a conversation with an older man on his front porch; but, he claimed not to know about any Montoyas or any ruins in the area……..even though we found them less than a mile up the road!!

 New Mexico – I now understand why they call you the Land of Enchantment – I will be back.

Espanola Valley and Sangre de Cristo Mountains

 Related Articles

• Aunt Ramona – Maria Ramoncita Montoya Gallegos (curbowfamily.wordpress.com)
• Aunt Francis – Maria Francisca Montoya Sanchez (curbowfamily.wordpress.com)
• Jose Leopoldo Montoya (curbowfamily.wordpress.com)
• Our Roots Run Deep (curbowfamily.wordpress.com)

 

Aunt Ramona – Maria Ramoncita Montoya Gallegos

Maria Ramoncita Montoya Gallegos was my grand-aunt – she was known as Aunt Ramona to my father – and she was the dearly loved grandmother of my second cousin Carma Gallegos Owen.

Ramoncita Montoya Gallegos - Photo from the collection of Carma Gallegos Owen

Ramoncita Montoya was the first child born to Maximiano de Herrera Montoya and Maria Juana Adelia Martin”ez.”  Born 27 Feb 1897 in Bosque, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, her birth and christening (7 Mar 1897) are recorded in the books of the San Juan de los Caballeros Catholic Church.

Aunt Ramona lived in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico her entire life.  We can find her there in the 1900 census where she is three years old.  Her parents at this point have been married four years.  Her mother has given birth twice but only Ramona is alive.  Sister Elisa was born in 31 Jan 1899 and died before the 1900 census.  Living nearby is Ilario J. Montoya and wife Josefa Montoya.  Ilario is Ramoncita’s grandfather.  Also close by is her grandmother – Agustina Herrera with several of Ramoncita’s aunts and uncles.  Additionally, her future husband, Florentino Gallegos can be found in the census living nearby with his uncle Roybal Soledad. 

By the 1910 census Ramona is 13 years old.  She is with her parents, Max and Juanita, who have been married 14 years.  Her siblings present in the home are:  Francisca, 10, Leopoldo, 8, Celestino, 6 (my grandfather), and Juan, age 6. 

On 5 July 1916, Ramona married Florentino Gallegos in the San Juan de los Caballos Catholic Church in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.  Florentino was born on 11 Nov. 1873 to Juan Francisco Gallegos and Maria Isabel Martin. 

Florentino and Ramona Gallegos - abt 1947 - photo from the collection of Carma Gallegos Owen

My Aunt Margie and Uncle Louie (along with their other siblings, including my father) spent some summer vacation time with their grandparents in New Mexico.  What Aunt Margie remembers the most about Aunt Ramona was that her house was always very neat and clean.  She doesn’t remember much about Ramona’s husband other than she remembers him being very tall and quiet.  Aunt Ramona spoke no English – only Spanish so there was somewhat of a language barrier.  Margie said that one afternoon she was at Aunt Ramona’s house – in one of the bedrooms – and a snake slithered in and hit itself under the bed.  Margie was screaming out the Spanish word for snake – but must have gotten it wrong – because Aunt Ramona just laughed and shook her head at little Margie!  

My cousin Carma Gallegos Owen has done extensive research on her grandparents, and all her family, and has written about them comprehensively.  Here is an excerpt of a piece that was published in the New Mexico Genealogist – The Journal of the New Mexico Genealogical Society, which was published June 2006 (Vol. 45, No. 2): 

Florentino and Ramoncita had five children, two of whom died in childhood.*  Florentino was a well-respected carpenter and was known for his large vegetable garden and fruit orchard.  He was well over 6 feet tall.  In contrast Ramoncita was short.  She enjoyed sewing and embroidery and was an excellent cook.  Besides raising their family, one of their contributions to the community was the assisting in building of the Capilla de San Francisco de Asis in 1936.  The construction, in the center of Estaca village, took two years to complete. 

*Maria de los Angeles born 1918; Jose Eugenio born in 1920; Juan born in 1923 and Josifita “Josie” born in 1926.  The name and birth year of the fifth child are unknown to me.  

Florentino Gallegos died at the age of 84 on 5 Nov. 1958.  He is laid to rest in El Guigue Cemetery in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.  Ramona lived to be 84 years old as well, dying on 27 Oct 1981 in Espanola, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.  She is laid to rest with her husband in El Guigue Cemetery.  

Ramona Montoya and Florentino Gallegos

Related Articles

• Aunt Francis – Maria Francisca Montoya Sanchez (curbowfamily.wordpress.com)
• Jose Leopoldo Montoya (curbowfamily.wordpress.com)
• Our Roots Run Deep (curbowfamily.wordpress.com)

 

Richard Earnest Montoya – My Dad

So far I’ve resisted writing about those very close to me – don’t know why – too personal – too raw maybe?  However, twice in the last few weeks I’ve had an opportunity to talk to people about my Dad. 

First – Uncle Louie called to ask about my Dad’s military service.  One of the retirement communities in Ogden is having a fundraiser, and Uncle Louie is having a “brick” made for my dad that will list his years of military service, etc. and then it will be placed in a certain area there at the center which will be dedicated to veterans.  It’s good to know that my dad will be honored in his home town.  Thanks Uncle Louie!! 

Richard E. Montoya - abt 18 yrs old

One of the neat things about having the blog is all the wonderful like-minded people who I’ve met online.  One of them being Charles Hale…..an awesome writer!  I highly recommend his blog to you – “Stories Connect – Love Heals.”  I’ve added his site to my “favorite blogs” in case you want to check back often.  Charles and I got to talking about one of his recent posts and an idea sprung out of that conversation.  He has written a thought-provoking piece on the Vietnam era – and has included my memories of having a father who served in Vietnam.  You can read the story here:  http://storiesconnectloveheals.com/2011/03/18/viet-nam-stole-my-father/.

Richard E. Montoya - either 1967 or 1971 - don't remember which tour

 

 

 

 

 

Aunt Francis – Maria Francisca Montoya Sanchez

Maria Francisca Montoya was known to my father as “Aunt Francis.”  She was one of the daughters born to Maximiano Montoya and Juana Martin in Bosque, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico on 3 Aug 1900.  The Montoya families were members of the Catholic faith, and thus, shortly after her birth on 8 Aug 1900 she was christened in the San Juan de los Caballeros Catholic Church in Rio Arriba County. 

Aunt Francis with her brother Jose Celestino Montoya and husband Abel Sanchez in the background

At the age of 16, on 29 Jan 1917, Aunt Francis married Jose Abel Sanchez.  The marriage took place at (and is recorded in the marriage books of) the San Juan de los Caballeros Catholic Church.  Abel, the oldest son of Luis M. Sanchez and Maria Ascension Martinez, was born in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico on 28 Sept. 1890.  When Uncle Abel filled out his World War I Draft Registration Card on 5 June 1917, at the age of 27, he lists himself as “married,” and a railroad track man by occupation.  He is employed by The New Mexico Lumber Company in El Vado.  He described himself as being short and with medium build with black hair and brown eyes.

 In the 1920 census period, Aunt Francis and Uncle Abel are still in Rio Arriba County – living in El Vado.  El Vado, once the “company town” for R.G. & SW rail line and a booming and bustling lumber center in northern Rio Arriba County is now a ghost town.  In the census, Uncle Abel is listed as a “section foreman working for the railroad.”  It is assumed that he was employed by R.G. & SW.  

El Vado Lake - near the defunct lumber/rail town of El Vado, New Mexico

 In 1930, Francis and Abel are still in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, and in fact, I believe they lived their entire lives there.  Interestingly, all of our Hispanic ancestors in New Mexico are listed as “white” because they are of Spanish descent.  According to this census, Francis and Abel owned their own home (which is a farm); but, do not own a radio.  For some strange reason – this was one of the questions on the 1930 census! 

 Aunt Francis and Uncle Abel had the following known children:  Luis in 1918; Augustina/Filomena in 1920; Orlesta in 1922; Delfin in 1924; and Arturo in 1928. 

 This is the last known record that Maria Francisca Montoya Sanchez left us.  The Social Security Death Index has a listing for:  Marie F. Sanchez – 29 Oct. 1988 in Chimayo, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.  I feel this is probably her – but, unfortunately, the birth date does not match – so I cannot say for certain.  The family recollection is that Aunt Francis died around 1986 in nearby Ojo Caliente. 

Abel Sanchez died 28 January 1978.  His Social Security card was issued in Colorado.  When the railroad town of El Vada shut down in 1923, they moved their operations to Colorado.  So it is very likely that Abel spent some time working in Colorado between the 1920 and 1930 census period. 

I know next to nothing about the children of Francis Montoya and Abel Sanchez.  I assume that there would be some descendants – and that they would probably be living in the Rio Arriba County area of New Mexico.  If any of the children and/or grandchildren of Francis and Abel stumble across this posting – I would love to hear from you !

 

Our Roots Run Deep

The latest episode of Who Do You Think You Are featuring Tim McGraw’s discovery of his family’s “rags-to-riches” story with ties to George Washington got me to pondering about our collective families and the role they played in shaping our nation.  Several of the family lines that we are working on have deep roots – in fact they were present here even before America became a nation. 

Brothers, Joseph Curbow (1755-1850) and William Curbow (1757-?), were both Revolutionary War soldiers who served on the North Carolina Line.  According to William’s pension papers, the family home in North Carolina was burned to the ground by the British.  William also spent the brutal winter of 1777-78 in Valley Forge with General George Washington.  The family story that has been passed down is that both Joseph and William were present at the British surrender in Yorktown in 1781.  Fact or fiction?  I don’t know – but it is fascinating to contemplate, don’t you think?

Edward Grantham (1643-1704) is my son’s 9^th great grandfather.  He was known as Old Edward.  He lived in Surry County, Virginia.  The family home was known as Grantham Reeds and was located directly across the James River from Jamestown, which was founded on May 14, 1607, and is the first permanent English settlement in what is now America! 

My husband’s gg-grandmother was Ellen Elizabeth West.  The West family has a long and interesting history in America and in England.  John West (1590-1659) was the colonial Governor of Virginia from 1635-1637.  He was the fourth son of Thomas West, 2^nd Baron De La Warr.  Did you know that this is where our state “Delaware” got its name?  John West’s plantation is the site of present day West Point, Virginia.  One of the sons of Governor West was Lieutenant-Colonel John West.  He was married to Unity Croshaw, a granddaughter of Raleigh Croshaw, one of the founders of Jamestown, Virginia.  Time and legend have not been kind to Unity – it has been reported that she was a shrew, and that she divorced her husband for adultery when he left her to live with Cockacoeske – Queen of the Pamunkey  – and purportedly a cousin to Pocahontas.  Again – fact or fiction?  I don’t know.

Meanwhile, out west, Bartolomé de Montoya, a Spanish Conquistador arrived in New Mexico on 24 Dec. 1600.  The family came as part of the second Onaté  expedition, whose colony consisted of 65 settlers.  The Montoya family brought with them 25 servants, cattle and equipment needed to start a new life in Nuevo España.  From the family of Bartolomé de Montoya the Montoya surname was firmly established in New Mexico – and virtually all Montoya families from New Mexico descend from him.  

And yes, in case you are wondering – we have our fair share of lunatics – thieves – and drunkards in our family tree too.  Trials, tribulation, tragedy and drama were often the norm – divorces, family feuds, unplanned pregnancies, “bar-room difficulties” and the like have been uncovered.  Our Ham family can be tied to the outlaw Jesse James; and our Curbow family can be linked with the gunslinger John Wesley Hardin.  It’s all good though……they’re family!

 

Jose Leopoldo Montoya

 

Jose Leopoldo Montoya – Photo courtesy of Margie Montoya

Jose Leopoldo Montoya was my grand uncle – born 27 Aug 1902 in Bosque, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico – one of the sons of Maximiano de Herrera Montoya and Maria Juana Adelia Martin – and the older brother of my grandfather.  Leo was christened in the San Juan de los Caballeros Catholic Church on 7 Sept 1902.  Leo spent his childhood with his family growing up in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.  We can find him there in the 1910 and 1920 census periods.  Leo states that he has been attending school; that he can read and write; and that he speaks English. 

In the 1930 census there is a Leopoldo Montoya, age 28, born 1902 in New Mexico living and working at the Sunnyside Mine in San Juan County, Colorado.  (Sunnyside was a gold/silver/lead/copper/zinc mine.)  Leo is indexed as a boarder and a Mexican.  With him is a Joe Montoya, age 23.  I don’t know for certain that this is Uncle Leo (and my grandfather Joe Montoya) – but it’s a strong possibility.  My grandfather and my uncle were ore miners.  They left New Mexico during the Great Depression looking for work.  They ended up in Bingham Canyon, Utah where they worked the Kennecott Copper Mine (also known as the Bingham Canyon Mine). 

Bingham Mine - 1942

 Kennecott is located southwest of Salt Lake City in the Oquirrh Mountains.  It is the deepest open-pit mine in the world.  The mine has been in production since 1906  – and has been designated as a national historic landmark.  

Bingham Mine

 According to his death certificate, Leo did marry.  I do not know when and where.  His wife’s name was Ermelinda Herrera.  Ermelinda was born around 1900 in New Mexico.  I do not know what became of her – and would be interested in hearing from any of her children and/or grandchildren.

Unfortunately, Jose Leopoldo Montoya died young in life (as did many of Maximiano’s children) – he died of pneumonia after abdominal surgery at the Bingham – Salt Lake County Hospital at only 32 years of age on 16 May 1935.

Leo is laid to rest in the Bingham Canyon Cemetery in Salt Lake County, Utah.  The Bingham Canyon Cemetery is defunct and abandoned and was taken over by Kennecott Mine several years ago.  Most of the remains were moved to the newer Bingham Cemetery on old Bingham Highway.  A volunteer checked the cemetery map for me.  He found Jose Leopolodo Montoya – but sadly he is listed as “unknown.”  He is one among 1,100 unknown burials.  The majority of these people were employees at Kennecott Copper Mine.  There have been several attempts to clean the cemetery, but most of the markers are in disrepair, and there was an estimate that 75 percent of the graves aren’t actually marked.  The volunteer has visited the cemetery on many occasions and he stated that a good portion of the graves are marked with tin funeral home markers that are so worn from the elements, a name doesn’t even remain, just a weathered tin rod.  There is a cemetery survey that was completed as part of a Boy Scout project a few years ago online:

Name: Leo Montoya
Birth: 28-Aug-1903, Lyden, New Mexico
Death: 16-May-1935, Bingham Canyon, Utah
Burial: 19-May-1935
Cause Of Death: Bilateral Lower Lobar Pneumonia. Surgery for Pyloroplasty, Cholecystectomy
Father: Maxiniono Montoya – New Mexico
Mother: Juanita Martinez – New Mexico
Spouse: Ermelinda Herrera Montoya
Cemetery section: UNKNOWN
Original Cemetery Reference #: M84 & M118
Information about this burial in old Bingham Mortuary records: YES

Bingham City Cemetery

 

Maximiano de Herrera Montoya – the Spaniard – El español

Maximiano de Herrera Montoya – known in life as Max – was my great grandfather.  Max was born 21 Aug 1871 in Estaca, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, one of the sons of Jose Ylario Montoya and Maria Augustina de Herrera.  

Maximiano de Herrera Montoya

The village of Estaca is located in the Espanola Valley on the “high road” to Taos. 

Estaca, also known as the Plaza de San Francisco, is home to the descendants of early Spanish settlers.  (The village names of “Plaza de San Francisco” or “Estaca” and even “Bosque” seem to be used interchangeably.)  I believe that Max’s genealogy will eventually be tied to that of Bartolome de Montoya (born in Cantillana (near Seville), Spain) who came to New Mexico via Mexico City with the Second Onate Expedition in December of 1600. 

It does not appear that Max’s parents were married.  Max’s mother, Maria Augustina de Herrera seems to have been the mistress of Max’s father.  She lived in the same village – in fact, directly across the street from Jose Ylario Montoya and his wife Josefa.  I image THAT could have been awkward. 

Max married my great grandmother Maria Juana Adelia Martin on 6 Apr 1896 in the San Juan de los Caballeros Catholic Church in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.  The couple had a large family – Maria Romancita (“Aunt Ramona”) born 1897; Elisa born 1899; Maria Francisca (“Aunt Frances”) born 1900; Jose Leopoldo born 1902; Jose Celestino (“Grandpa Joe”) born 1905; Juan Nepomuceno born 1908; Jose Amadeo born 1912; Augustina Felipa born 1914; Jose Hilario (“Larry”) born 1915 and Crecensio Raymundo born 1918.

Max and his wife owned a lovely property in the Espanola Valley bordering the Rio Grande River (Rio Bravo del Norte).   On it stood the Montoya adobe compound along with the fruit and vegetable orchards which supported the family.  As written to me by my cousin Carma:  “In 1980, I traveled with my parents to New Mexico.  We saw the home of Max and Juanita and it was made of adobe and was beginning to show its age.  It had been vacant for many years and the center beams were falling.  As my dad remembered the fun times at his grandparents, he told of wonderful meals, loving hugs and well wishes, of chile ristras and corn hanging from the porch, and of the happier times of youth.  Dad told me several times that he truly felt loved by his Grandpa Max and Grandma Juanita.” 

Remains of Montoya adobe home (Dated 1974 - Photo Courtesy of Carma Owen)

 When my husband and I traveled to Estaca in 2009 – my goal was to find the remains of the Montoya adobe – and we DID find it!  Sadly it is almost in ruins – but still there nonetheless.  Very near that location – in Velarde – we found a street named Camino Montoya (“Montoya Way”).   

 Maximiano de Herrera Montoya died in Lyden, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico on 30 July 1945.  He is laid to rest in the Velarde Cemetery – his gravestone is not identified but may “possibly” be marked as M.M.

Montoya Section of Velarde Cemetery - There is a stone marked "M.M."

 

Welcome !

Happy New Year!  Welcome to my genealogy blog which is dedicated to the Curbow-Montoya family and their collective ancestors! 

Why genealogy?  I once read that the average person does not know the names of their great-grandparents.  While reading this – I felt profoundly sad.  How could one live and die and be so easily and quickly forgotten?  I have to confess that until I myself embarked on my genealogy journey into the past – I didn’t know the names of my great-grandparents either.  Thankfully, now – not only do I know their names but I know much about their lives and how they lived them as well.

I simply love to walk where my ancestors walked – whether it’s standing in front of the farm house where my great-grandparents toiled in Wittenberg, Germany – or whether I am gazing over the ruins of the Montoya adobe in the beautiful and fertile Espanola Valley of northern New Mexico – or whether we’re quietly standing at Bonnie’s grave in Brownwood, Texas – I feel a sense of connection and peace.  If you will listen and learn from your ancestors they will teach you many lessons, including survival – perseverance – strength – family bonds – wisdom – and yes, forgiveness.

I want to be able to give my son – and his children – and all those that will come after them – a glimpse of this rich history.  My wish is that they will know and love who they are and where they came from.  I want to inspire their interest so that they in turn will pass this family story on to future generations.

For me this genealogy journey has personalized history and has made it real by providing a closer connection to the historical events I learned about in school.  The more information I uncover about our ancestors – the more real these people have become to me – and the more fascinating.  I love learning about the times our ancestors lived in – including their social, religious, and political backgrounds.  Although our ancestors have moved on – their personalities remain – in me – and in you.

Maybe most importantly genealogy has given me the opportunity to ponder my own life and has helped me to put things into perspective.  As I learn about the hardships and tragedies of my ancestors, it makes me realize how relatively easy I have it and how fortunate and blessed I really am.  It gives me a very deep sense of debt and gratitude to those that went before me.

God has told us in his Word ~ our time on this earth is nothing more than a vapor and today is fleeting ~ I hope that you will capture every moment.