Tracing One Mixed-Race Family Across the Generations

This article explores the genealogy and history of a mixed-race family within its historical context. It includes discussions of past events, social norms, and terminology that were used during different periods. We approach these historical aspects with the intention of providing historical insights. We aim to foster understanding of diverse historical experiences while respecting sensitivities.

Observations in Tracing a Multi-Racial Family in Jalisco

1. The following family tree is primarily made up of Mulatos Libres (Free Mulatos) and Indios (Indians), although there is evidence that some of the earlier mulatos libres were the children or grandchildren of Mulatos Esclavos (Mulato Slaves). In fact, in some documents from the 1600s, the name of the employer or slave owner has been given for some individuals.

2. According to Peter Gerhard in “The North Frontier of New Spain,” population statistics for the Lagos jurisdiction showed a population of 8,394 Indians (23%) and 8,674 mulatos (also 23%), out of a total population of 37,048 in 1790. The Spanish population was 10,697 (representing 29%).

3. In Colonial Lagos de Moreno [then known as Santa Maria de Los Lagos], some mulatos and Indians did not have surnames. Those who did have surnames may have discarded them for another surname at some point, possibly based on the name of their employer or the padrinos at their family events (i.e., baptisms and marriages).

4. In baptism and marriage documents, most parish priests in Lagos de Moreno declared the racial classification of their parishioners based on their own biases about race and class. Rarely did they classify a parishioner based on their knowledge of that person’s actual pedigree beyond their parents. Each classification is applied at a “point in time” (such as a baptism). The same person may have had a different classification at the time of their marriage, applied to them by a different priest decades later.

5. Of the mulato and Indian families in this report, several surnames were carried down from generation to generation, including Morales, Montelongo, Delgado and Valadez. In some cases, they may descend from a Spanish progenitor who then intermarried with natives in the area. In other cases, they may have worked for a family with that surname. Delgado and “Macias Valadez” were the surnames of two prominent Spanish families that settled in nearby Aguascalientes in the early 1600s.

6. The most common Indian and mulato surnames were de la Cruz (of the Cross), de los Santos (of the Saints), and de los Reyes (of the Kings), clearly denoting that these parishioners belonged to Christ, the Saints and the King of Spain. These are archetypal Indian surnames and were probably applied randomly by parish priests just to provide a person with a surname when he or she didn’t have one. In most cases, they were transitory surnames that would later be replaced with more permanent surnames that probably had more relevance to their lives.

7. The casta definition of a mulato means their ancestry is half white and half African. It is likely that the mulatos living in Lagos were a mix of Indian, African, and Spanish.

The First Generation: Jose Casimiro Morales

Ancestor No. 1: Jose Casimiro Morales
Son of Jose Morales (2) and Maria Josefa Delgado (3)
Baptized: March 12, 1804 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: June 26, 1836 • Ojuelos, Jalisco (to Zeferina Valdes)
Racial Category at Baptism: Mestizo

The Pedigree of Jose Casimiro Morales

The Baptism of Casimiro Morales (1804)

Context: On March 12, 1804, Jose Casimiro Morales was baptized by his parents, Jose Morales and Maria San Jose Delgado, in the Catholic Church at Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco. The abbreviation “msto” means mestizo, just as the abbreviation “yndo” in the second baptism below stands for Indian. Several of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren emigrated to the United States and their descendants now live in Kansas, Missouri and Texas.

Translation:
In the Margin: Jose Casimiro, mto (mestizo), from Los Magallanes.

Text: In the Parish of Lagos on the 12th of March of 1804 years, I, Father Lasaro Gavino, deputy priest, baptized solemnly JOSE CARIMIRO, mestizo, 10 days from birth in this villa, legitimate son of Jose Morales and Maria San Jose Delgado.

 

The Second Generation: The Parents of Jose Casimiro Morales

Ancestor No. 2: Jose Nosiforo (or Carmen) Morales
Son of Francisco Xavier Morales (4) and Lucrecia Rosalia Montelongo (5)
Baptized: August 4, 1766 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married (1): Feb. 25, 1783 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Maria Tereza de Aranda)
Married (2): Feb. 8, 1794 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Maria Josefa Delgado)
Racial Classification at Baptism and First Marriage: Mulato Libre
Racial Classification at Second Marriage: Indian

Context: The parents, Francisco Xavier Morales and Lucrecia Rosalia Montelongo, appeared to have had at least seven children between 1758 and 1775, including:

  1. Josepha Morales Montelongo, baptized March 26, 1758

  2. Maria Josepha Morales Montelongo, baptized May 30, 1764

  3. Joseph Nosiforo (Carmen) Morales, baptized August 4, 1766

  4. Maria Jpha. Sotela Morales, baptized May 13, 1770

  5. José Francisco de la Cruz Morales Montelongo, born Oct. 22, 1771, baptized on Oct. 22, 1771

  6. Jose Francisco de la Cruz Morales Montelongo, baptized Oct. 5, 1772

  7. María Estefana Josefa Norata, born Aug. 3, 1775, baptized Aug. 20, 1775

It is likely that Jose Nosiforo Morales was born as Jose Carmen Morales. He seems to be the most likely of the children of Francisco and Lucretia to have become Joseph Nosiforo Morales since no child was baptized under that exact name.

The Baptism of Jose Morales (1766)

Translation:
In the Margin:
Joseph del Carmen, Mulato Libre in Corral de Piedras.
Text: In the Parish of Lagos on the 4th of August of 1766, I, Father Miguel Flores, baptized solemnly JOSEPH DEL CARMEN, mulato libre, twenty days from birth in Corral de Piedras, legitimate son of Francisco Morales and Lucrecia Rosalia. Padrinos: Miguel Montelongo and Maria Montelongo [probably a maternal aunt and uncle] de los Maguelles, whom I advised of their spiritual knowledge….

 

The First Marriage of Jose Nosiforo Morales (1783)

Jose Nosiforo was married for the first time in 1783 to Maria Tereza de Aranda.

Translation:
In the Margin:
Jose Nosiforo Morales, Mulato Libre, and Maria Theresa de Aranda, mestiza

Text: In the Parish of Lagos, on the 25th of February of 1783, having been read in mass on three holidays, on 2nd, 7th and 16th of February, the three admonitions [banns of matrimony] ordered by the Holy Council of Trent, I, Father Tomas de Esquibel, deputy priest, ask for the consent of JOSE NOSIFORO MORALES, mulato libre of Mugueyas, legitimate son of Francisco Morales and Lucrecia Montelongo, to Maria Tereza de Aranda, mestizo from Quarenta, legitimate daughter of Jose Antonio de Aranda and Maria Feliciana Gusman…

 

The Marriage of Jose Morales and Maria Josefa Delgado (1794)

Context: At his baptism and first marriage, Jose Morales was classified as a mulato libre. At his second marriage, he was classified as an “Yndio,” while his bride was listed as an “Yndia.”

Translation:
In the Margin:
Jose Morales and Maria Josefa Delgado, Indians

Text: In the Parish of Lagos, on the 8th of February of 1794… I, Francisco Laro, deputy priest, asked for the consent of JOSE MORALES, widower, and MARIA JOSEFA DELGADO, Indian

 

The Matrimonio Información of Jose Maria Morales (1794)

In Mexico, the Catholic priests would meet with the betrothed couple and their parents and/or witnesses a few weeks before the marriage. In it, they would investigate the young couple to see if they were ready to embark upon their married life. In Lagos de Moreno, this frequently included the asking of witnesses to testify on their behalf.

On January 15, 1794, the priest Jose Lambaren wrote that “a man who said his name was Jose Maria Morales appeared and said that to better serve God he wanted to marry Maria Josefa Delago. Jose Maria understood the seriousness of his oath and realized that he had an “obligation to tell the truth” or endured penalties for not being truthful. Jose Maria Morales stated that he was an Indian from Palo and was a widower of Maria Josefa Aranda who was buried in the Church four years ago. He also stated that he wished to contract in marriage with Maria Josefa Delgado and that he had no relationship through consanguinity or other forms of affinity.

 

The Matrimonio Información of Maria Josefa Delgado (1794)

On the same day, month and year, the girl Maria Josefa Delgado also appeared before the priest and said that, having been instructed in Catholic faith, she understood the seriousness of her oath to God. She stated that her name was Maria Josefa Delgado, and she was an Indian and a legitimate daughter of Jose Dionicio Delgado (deceased) and Maria Quiteria Delgado.

 

The Pedigree of Jose Nosiforo Morales

Ancestor No. 3: Maria Josefa Delgado
Daughter of Jose Dionicio Delgado (6) and Rita Quiteria de Lara (7)
Baptized: April 7, 1776 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Feb. 8, 1794 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Jose Morales)
Racial Classification at Baptism and Marriage: Indian

The Baptism of Maria Josefa Delgado (1776)

Context: At her baptism and her marriage, Maria Josefa Delgado was labelled as an Indian. Her mother did not have a surname at the time.

Translation:
In the Margin:
Maria de Josefa, Indian from Savinda.

Text: In the Parish of Lagos on the 7th of April and 1776, I, Father Antonio Varuchaga, baptized solemnly MARIA JOSEFA, an Indian 20 days after birth in Savinda, legitimate daughter of Jose Deonicio Delgado and Rita Quiteria…

 

The Pedigree of Maria Josefa Delgado

 

The Third Generation: The Grandparents of Jose Casimiro Morales

Ancestor No. 4: Francisco Marselo Morales
Son of Juan de Morales (8) and Paula Petrona (9)
Baptized: March 1, 1725 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Nov. 4, 1754 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Lucrecia de Montelongo)
Racial Classification at Baptism and Marriage: Indian

Context: Francisco Morales was given the name Francisco Marselo at birth in 1725. However, by the time he was married, he was called Francisco Xavier Morales. This apparent change of Francisco’s second name is very common and was discussed by George R. Ryskamp in his publication, Finding Your Hispanic Roots:

“The most common variation found in given names over a person’s lifetime is where a person is given more than one nombre at the time of his birth, but all of the given names are not repeated at the time of his marriage or at the birth of his children. A person often decided in later life not to use the first in the series of given names that he received at birth. For example, it is quite common to find three given names at birth, with the second or third more frequently used in later life.”

Thus, we find that Francisco Morales dropped his middle name (Marselo) and adopted the middle name of Xavier, which she shared with his godfather. Francisco was married to a mulata girl named Lucrecia de Montelongo, who had been born in nearby San Cristobal as the daughter of Torribio Montelongo and Maria Ana Gomes.

 

The Baptism of Francisco Marselo Morales (1725)

Translation:
In the Margin:
Francisco Marselo, Indian of San Xavier.

Text: In the Parish Church of Villa de los Lagos on the First of March of 1725, I, Father Francisco Reynoso, deputy priest, baptized solemnly FRANCISCO MARSELO, an Indian eight days after birth, legitimate son of Juan de Morales and Paula Petrona, residents of La Labor de San Xavier…

 

The Marriage of Francisco Xavier Morales (1754)

Translation:

In the Margin: Francisco Xavier Morales, Indian, and Lucretia Montelongo, married and veiled.

Text: In the Parish of Lagos on the 4th of November of 1754, having read the three dispositions as required by the Holy Council of Trent in three festive days… and no impediments [to marriage] resulting, I, Father Miguel Antonio de Guerruehaya, asked for the consent of FRANCISCO XAVIER MORALES, Indian, originally from and a resident of this parish… legitimate son of Juan Morales and Paula de Thorres; with LUCRECIA DE MONTELONGO, mulata librelegitimate daughter of Toribio de Montelongo and Maria Ana Gomes…

 
Ancestor No. 5: Lucrecia Rosalia Montelongo
Daughter of Toribio Montelongo (10) and Mariana Gomes (11)
Baptized: April 23, 1735 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Nov. 4, 1754 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Francisco Xavier Morales)
Racial Classification at Baptism and Marriage: Mulata Libre

The Baptism of Lucrecia Rosalia Montelongo (1735)

Translation:
In the Margin:
Lucrecia Rosalia, Mulata Libre de San Christobal.

Text: In the Parish Church of the Villa of Lagos, on the 9th of May of 1735, I, Father Salvador de Escamilla, with license from the senior priest, baptized solemnly LUCRECIA ROSALIA, mulata libre 16 days after birth in La Labor of San Christobal, legitimate daughter of Toribio Montelongo and Mariana Gomes, residents of the said La Labor…

 
Ancestor No. 6: Jose Dionicio Delgado
Son of Jose Leonicio Delgado (12) and Josefa Ramirez Torres (13)
Baptized: Dec. 15, 1748 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: July 10, 1773 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Rita Quiteria de Lara)
Racial Classification at Baptisms and Marriage: Indian

Context: When Jose Dionicio Delgado’s parents were married in 1745, their names were Leonicio Delgado and Maria Josepha Torres. Three years later, Jose Dionicio was born, but at his baptism, the surnames of his parents were not given to the parish priest, or the parish priest chose not to write them down. It is also important to note that Leonicio and Dionicio are quite often confused with each other. The misspelling may be the result of a priest who does not hear well, but it does seem that the two names were interchangeable at that time.

Translation:

In the Margin: Jose Dionisio, Indian from the Purgatorio

Text: In the Parish of Lagos on the 15th of December of 1748, I, Father Francisco Xavier Soliz, baptized solemnly JOSEPH DIONICIO, Indian eight days from birth in The Purgatorio [Hacienda], legitimate son of Jose Deonisio and Maria Josepha

 

The Baptism of Joseph Antonio Nasario Delgado (1760)

Context: Another son of Joseph Leon Delgado and Maria Josepha Ramirez was born in 1760, fifteen years after their marriage.

Translation:

In the Margin: Joseph Antonio Nosario, Indian in San Cristobal [Hacienda]

Text: In the Parish of Lagos, on the 29th of the month of June of 1760, I, Father, Miguel Antonio Gurruchaga, baptized solemnly JOSEPH ANTONIO NOSARIO, an Indian, 15 days after birth in San Cristobal, legitimate son of Joseph Leon Delgado and Maria Josepha Ramires…

 

The Marriage of Jose Dionicio Delgado and Rita Quiteria (1773)

Context: In this marriage, there are two Indians being married. However, it is noteworthy that when the parents of Rita Quiteria (the bride) were married in 1744, both of her parents were mulato libres.

Translation:

In the Margin: Joseph Dionicio Delgado, Indian, and Rita Quiteria de Lara, Indian

Text: In the Parish of Lagos on the 10th of July of 1773, having read in solemn mass in three festive days, the admonitions ordered by the Holy Council, I, Manuel Dias, asked for the consent of JOSEPH DELGADO, Indian, originally from and a resident of this parish in the Post of Quarenta, legitimate son of Leon Delgado and Josepha Ramires, with RITA QUITERIA DE LARA, Indian, originally from and a resident of this parish in Sabinda, legitimate daughter of Carlos Antonio de Lara and Maria Valades…

 
Ancestor No. 7: Rita Quiteria de Lara
Daughter of Carlos Antonio Lopes (14) and Maria Encarnación Valadez (15)
Baptized: July 5, 1749 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: July 10, 1773 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Jose Dionicio Delgado)
Racial Classification at Baptism: Spanish
Racial Classification at Marriage: Indian

The Baptism of Rita Quiteria Gomes Masias (1749)

Context: At the time of her birth, Rita Quiteria’s mother was called Maria Masias, although her name was supposed to be Maria Encarnacion Valadez. This may have simply been a mistake by the parish priest recording the baptism. Likewise, the surname Carlos Antonio had may have changed several times from de la Cruz to Lopez to Gomes. This is not surprising among mulatos libre, who may have adopted the surname of their employer or a trusted padrino of their children. The Spanish classification may be due to the fact that there were several Spanish ancestors on this branch of the family.

Translation:

In the Margin: Rita Quiteria, Spanish of Masquita.

Text: In the Parish of Lagos on the 5th of July of 1749, I, Father Francisco Xavier Solis, baptized solemnly RITA QUITERIA, Spanish, 15 days from birth in Mainquita, legitimate daughter of Antonio Gomes and Maria Masias

 

The Fourth Generation: The Great-Grandparents of Jose Casimiro Morales

Ancestor No. 8: Juan Morales
Son of Miguel Morales (16) and Maria de la Cruz (17)
Baptized: June 24, 1698 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Feb. 15, 1722 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Paula Petrona de la Cruz)
Racial Classification at Baptism and Marriage: Indian

The Baptism of Juan Morales (1698)

Context: On June 24, 1698, Miguel Morales and Maria de la Cruz had their newborn son, Juan Miguel, baptized in the church at Santa Maria de los Lagos. In contrast to some of the other lines of the family tracked in this report, the Morales surname appeared to stay with this family from roughly 1684 through the colonial period and into the period of Mexican independence. Today, in the United States, his descendants still carry this surname.

Translation:

In the Margin: Juan, Indian, legitimate child

Text: on the 24th of June of 1698, I baptized and named JUAN, Indian, legitimate son of Miguel de Morales and Maria de la Cruz

The Marriage of Juan Morales (1722)

Context: On February 15, 1722, Juan Morales, now 23 years old, the son of Miguel Morales and Maria de la Cruz, walked down the aisle at the church. His bride, Paula Petrona de la Cruz, was described in the church records as being an Indian woman.

Juan Morales and Paula Petrona had at least six children born in the years following their marriage: María (February 9, 1723), Francisco Marcelo (March 1, 1725), Antonia Bernarda (March 17, 1727), Joséph Joachin (April 3, 1729), Antonio Simon Morales (May 6, 1731), and Dionicia María Anna (April 19, 1733).

The Marriage of Juan Morales (1722)

Translation:

In the Margin: Juan Morales, Indian

Text: In the Parish Church of the Villa de Los Lagos on the 15th of February of 1722… I, Francisco Xavier de Castillo, asked for the consent of JUAN MORALES, Indian of this Villa and of the Hacienda of San Christobal, legitimate son of Miguel Morales and Maria de la Cruz and resident of the said hacienda, and PAULA MARTINA, Indian, originally from the Post of Quarenta, legitimate daughter of Martin de la Cruz and Silveria de Ortega, residents of this post…

 
Ancestor No. 9: Paula Petrona de la Cruz
Daughter of Martin de la Cruz (18) and Silveria Ortega (19)
Baptized: July 19, 1705 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Feb. 15, 1722 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Juan Morales)
Racial Classification: Indian at Baptism and Marriage

Context: Paula Petrona was sometimes also known as Paula Martin. Paula, who was almost 17 years old when she was married, was the daughter of Martin de los Reyes and Silveria de Ortega. Her father had the archetypal Indian surname of de los Reyes when she was born and had another archetypal Indian surname (de la Cruz) by the time she was married. Little is known about her parents.

Translation:

In the Margin: Paula Petrona, Indian of Lagos

Text: On the 19th of July of 1705, I baptized and poured holy oil and chrism on PAULA PETRONA, Indian, legitimate daughter of Martin de los Reyes and Silveria de Ortega of Lavor de San Antonio…

 
Ancestor No. 10: Toribio Efigenio Montelongo
Son of Pedro de Montelongo (20) and Pasquala del Espiritu Sancto (21)
Baptized: April 22, 1700 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Feb. 20, 1730 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Mariana Gomes)
Racial Classification at Baptism and Marriage: Mulato Libre

Translation:

In the Margin: Torivio, mulato, legitimate

Text: on the 22nd of April of 1700, I baptized and poured holy oil and chrism on TORIVIO, mulato libre, legitimate son of Pedro Montelongo and Pasquala de Espiritu Santo of La Estanula Grande…

 

The Marriage of Torribio Montelongo (1730)

Translation:

In the Margin: Toribio Efigenio de San Christobal and Mariana Gomes of El Portyulo, mulatos libres, married and veiled.

Text: In the Parish Church of the Villa of Lagos on the 20th of February of 1730… I… asked for the consent of TORIBIO EFIGENIO DE MONTELONGO, mulato libre, originally from and resident of San Cristobal, legitimate son of Pedro Montelongo and Pasquala de el Espiritu Sancto, with MARIANA GOMES, mulata libre, originally from and a resident of El Portyuelo, legitimate daughter of Alexo Gomes and Mathiana Ortiz….

 
Ancestor No. 11: Mariana Gomes
Daughter of Alexo Gomes (22) and Mathiana Ramirez (23)
Baptized: July 15, 1703 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Feb. 20, 1730 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Torribio Efigenio Montelongo)
Racial Classification at Baptism: Mestiza
Racial Classification at Marriage: Mulata Libre

The Baptism of Mariana Gomes (1703)

Context: Mariana’s father, Alexo Gomes, carried the Gomes surname during her lifetime. However, her mother was a Ramirez at her birth, but was called Ortiz at the time of Mariana’s marriage.

In the Margin: Maria Ana Mestisa, legitimate

Text: On the 15th of July of 1703, I baptized solemnly and poured holy oil and chrism on MARIA ANA, mestisa, legitimate daughter of Alexo Gomes and Mathiana Ramires, residents of this holy parish in La Cañada de los Ortiz…

 
Ancestor No. 12: Jose Leonicio Delgado
Son of Juan Delgado (24) and Felipa de Vega (25)
Baptized: April 25, 1723 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Sept. 20, 1745 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Josefa Ramirez Torres)
Racial Classification at Baptism and Marriage: Mulato Libre

The Baptism of Jose Leonicio (Dionicio) Delgado (1723)

Translation:

In the Margin: Dionicio Joseph, Mulato Libre of Quarenta

Text: In the Parish Church of the Villa de Lagos on the 25th of April of 1723, I, Father Vicente Preciado, deputy priest, baptized DIONICIO JOSEPH, mulato libre, six days from birth, legitimate son of Dionicio Delgado and Phelipa de Vega

 

The Marriage of Jose Dionicio (Leonicio) Delgado (1745)

Context: Dionicio and Leonicio were frequently confused and interchangeable during the Mexican colonial period for both Spaniards and people of color.

Translation:

In the Margin: Deonicio Delgado, mulato, with Maria Josefa Torres, married and veiled.

Text: In the Parish of Lagos on the 20th of September of 1745, having read the admonitions as required by the Holy Council of Trent on three festive days in solemn mass… I, Francisco Xavier Solis, asked for the consent of LEONICIO DELGADO, mulato libre originally from and a resident of this parish in Quarenta, legitimate son of Juan Delgado and Phelipa de Santhiago, with MARIA JOSEPHA TORRES, originally from and a resident of The Purgatorio of this parish, legitimate daughter of Diego Santiago and Maria Gertrudes Torres…

 
Ancestor No. 13: Josefa Ramirez Torres
Daughter of Diego Santiago (26) and Maria Gertrudes Torres
Baptized: May 17, 1722 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Sept. 20, 1745 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Leonicio Delgado)
Classification at Baptism: Indian

The Baptism of Maria Josepha Torres (1722)

Context: Maria Josepha appears to have inherited her surname Torres through her mother. She was classified Indian at her baptism. On her marriage record, her racial classification was not given.

Translation:

In the Margin: Maria Josepha, Indian of Puesto

Text: In the Parish of Lagos on the 17th day of May of 1722, I, Father Vicente Preciado de Lazalde, deputy priest, baptized solemnly MARIA JOSEPHA, Indian eight days from birth, legitimate daughter of Diego Phelipe and Gertrudes de Torres.

 
Ancestor No. 14: Carlos Antonio Lopez
Son of Geronimo Deciderio de la Cruz (28) and Nicolasa Dimas (29)
Baptized: Nov. 11, 1725 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Feb. 15, 1744 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Maria Encarnacion Valadez)
Racial Classification: Mulato Libre at Baptism and Marriage

The Baptism of Carlos Antonio Lopez (1725)

At his baptism, Carlos Antonio’s father had the surname Lopez. At his marriage, his father had no surname.

Translation:

In the Margin: Carlos Antonio, Mulato Libre of Quarenta

Text: In the Parish Church of the Villa de los Lagos, on the 11th of November of 1725, I, Father Juan Francisco Reynoso, deputy priest, baptized solemnly CARLOS ANTONIO, mulato libre, nine days after birth, legitimate son of Geronimo Lopez and Nicolasa Dimas

The Matrimonio Información of Carlos Antonio (1744)

According to the marriage preparation a few weeks before the marriage, Carlos Antonio, mulato libre, and the legitimate son of Geronimo Desiderio and Nicolasa Dima, was questioned about his readiness for marriage to Maria de la Encarnación Balades, a mulata libre, who was the daughter of Alonso Balades and Josephia Peña…

 

The Marriage of Carlos Antonio (1744)

Translation:

In the Margin: Carlos Antonio, Mulato Libre of Quarenta, with Maria de la Encarnación Valades, Mulato Libre of Sabinda, married and veiled.

Text: In the Parish of Lagos, on the 15th of February of 1744, having read the three admonitions ordered by the Holy Council of Trent on three festive days, and there being no impediment whatsoever, I, Father Francisco Xavier Solis questioned the consent of CARLOS ANTONIO, mulato libre, originally from and a resident of this parish in Quarenta, legitimate son of Geronimo Desiderio and Nicolasa Dimas, with MARIA DE LA ENCARNACION VALADEZ, mulata libre, originally from and a resident of this parish in Sabinda, legitimate daughter of Alonso Valades and Josepha de la Pena….

 
Ancestor No. 15: Maria Encarnacion Valadez
Daughter of Alonso Valadez (30) and Josefa de la Pena (31)
Baptized: Circa 1726 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Feb. 15, 1744 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Carlos Antonio Lopes)

The Baptism of Joseph Antoni Balades (1725)

Alonso (Also Called Yldefonso) Balades and Josefa de la Pena had several children. Maria Encarnación’s baptism has not been located. The following baptism is for her brother, Joseph Anttonio Balades, born and baptized in 1725.

Translation:

In the Margin: Joseph Antonio, Mulato Libre de Puerto

Text: In the Parish Church in the Villa de Lagos, on the 19th of July of 1725, I, Joseph Arias de Espinosa, with parochial license, baptized solemnly JOSEPH ANTONIO, mulato libre, 14 days from birth, legitimate son of Alonzo Balades and Josepha de Peña

 

The Fifth Generation: The Great-Great-Grandparents of Jose Casimiro Morales

Ancestor No. 16: Miguel Morales
Married to:
Ancestor No. 17: Maria de la Cruz
Racial Classification: Indians

An Indigenous Family

The story of the Morales family begins with Miguel Morales and María de la Cruz. Their first child, Lorenza Morales, was baptized on June 26, 1684 at the Immaculate Conception (Inmaculada Concepción) Church in Ciénega de Mata, which lies almost directly north of Lagos de Moreno. With the baptism of their next known child, Michaela, on November 6, 1690, Miguel and María started bringing their children to the church at Santa María de Los Lagos for baptism. Another daughter, Juana, was baptized on August 17, 1692.

The Descent from Miguel Morales to Daniel Morales

The following descendancy chart shows the descent of the Indian Miguel Morales to one of his descendants who emigrated to the United States, Daniel Morales.

The Baptism of Lorenza (1684)

Lorenza was the first known child born to Miguel Morales and Maria de la Cruz. The padrino Sebastian Ramires was probably a Spanish employer or neighbor, while Francisca de la Cruz was most likely a maternal aunt of Lorenza.

Translation: In the Hacienda of Nuestra Señora de la Limpia, Zienega de Rincon, jurisdiction of the Villa de Aguascalientes on the 26th of the month of June of 1784, I baptized … and poured holy oil on LORENZA, a little Indian girl, the legitimate daughter of Miguel Morales and Maria de la Cruz. The padrinos were Sebastian Ramires and Francisca de la Cruz, whom I advised of their obligations…

The Baptism of Micaela (1690)

The second known child of Miguel Morales and Maria de la Cruz was Micaela. Her padrinos were Antonio Hernandes and Pasqual de la Cruz. The latter padrino was possibly a maternal uncle.

Translation:

In the Margin: Michaela, Indian girl

Text: On the 5th of November of 1690, I baptized solemnly and poured holy oil on MICHAELA, INDIAN, legitimate daughter of Miguel Morales and of Maria de la Cruz. The Godparents (padrinos) were Antonio Hernandes and Pasqual de La Cruz, whom I advised of their spiritual obligation…

 
Ancestor No. 20: Pedro de Montelongo
Married: Jan. 16, 1692 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Pascuala Espiritu Sancto Torres)
Racial Classification at Marriage: Mulato Libre

The Baptism of Nicolasa de Montelongo (1684)

Context: The surname Montelongo appears in the Lagos de Moreno parish books in 1684. Pedro de Montelongo has uncertain origins but was probably the son of slaves. On April 5, 1684, a baby Nicolasa was baptized as the slave girl of Miguel Ortis and one of her padrinos was Pedro Montelongo, who is probably the same man who was married in 1692 It is even possible that while being called the padrino (Godparent) of Nicolasa, Pedro de Montelongo may also have been her father.

Translation:

In the Margin: Nicolasa, Mulata

Text: In this Villa of Santa Maria de los Lagos on the 5th of April of 1784, I baptized and poured holy oil on NICOLASA, mulata esclava [slave] of Miguel Ortis, daughter of Maria de la Concepcion and Father not known. The padrinos (Godparents) were Pedro de Montelongo and Juan de la Cruz…

The Marriage of Pedro Montelongo and Pasquala (1691)

At the time of his marriage in 1691, the names of Pedro Montelongo’s parents were listed as “padres no conocidos” [parents not known]. It seems likely from that Pedro’s parents may have been slaves at the time of his marriage. Or if he was himself a slave at an earlier date (as seems likely), it is possible that he actually did not know the names of his real parents.

Translation:

In the Margin: Pedro Montelongo, Mulato Libre, with Pasquala de Torres, Mulata Libre

Text: On the 16th day of January of 1691, I married and veiled in the face of the church PEDRO MONTELONGO, mulato libre, resident of this villa, son of parents not known, with PASQUALA DE ESPIRITU SANTO, mulata libre, resident of this parish in the Hacienda of San Christobal, legitimate daughter of Lasaro de Torre and Margarita de Rivera…

 
Ancestor No. 21: Pascuala Espiritu Sancto Torres
Daughter of Lazaro Torres (46) and Margarita Rivera (47)
Baptized: Unknown Date • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Jan. 16, 1692 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Pedro de Montelongo)
Racial Classification at Marriage: Mulata Libre
 
Ancestor No. 22: Alexo Gomes
Baptized: Unknown Date • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: March 5, 1696 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Matiana Ortiz Ramirez)
Racial Classification at Marriage: Mulato Libre

The Marriage of Alexo Gomes with Mathia Ortis (1696)

Context: Alexo Gomes was a mulato libre, most likely a descendant of slaves. Many Indians and mulatos in Lagos de Moreno seemed to have been working for or owned by people name Ortis.

Translation:

In the Margin: Alexo Gomez with Mathia Ortis
Text: On the 5th of march of 1696, I… married ALEXO GOMES, mulato libre of this parish and MATHIANA ORTIS

 
Ancestor No. 23: Mathiana Ortis Ramirez
Daughter of Jose Ortiz (46) and Tomasina Ramirez (47)
Baptized: Unknown Date • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: March 5, 1696 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Alexo Gomes)

The Baptism of a Sister of Mathiana (1684)

Context: Matiana was probably born around 1780, but she had a younger sister named Maria who was born in 1784, the daughter of the same parents, Jose Ortiz and Thomasina Ramires.

Translation:

In the Margin: María, Indian

Text: In this Villa de Santa Maria de los Lagos, on the 22nd of October of 1784, I baptized solemnly MARIA, an Indian girl, daughter of Joseph Oris and Thomasina Ramires. The padrinos were Julio Christoval and Agustina de la Cruz of Cieneguilla.

 
Ancestor No. 24: Juan Delgado
Son of Juan Delgado (48) and Juana de Campos (49)
Baptized: Feb. 10, 1694 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Nov. 12, 1716 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Felipa de Vega)
Racial Classification at Baptism and Marriage: Mulato Libre

The Baptism of Juan Delgado (1694)

Translation:

In the Margin: Juan, Mulata, Legitimate

Text: on the 10th of February of 1694, I baptized and poured holy oil on JUAN, Mulato, legitimate son of Juan Delgado and Juana de Campos.

 

The Matrimonio Información of Juan Delgado (1716)

Context: Five weeks before their wedding took place in Lagos, Juan Delgado and Phelipa de los Reyes met with the parish priest and were joined by witnesses willing to testify on their behalf to their readiness for marriage. In these questions, JUAN DELGADO stated he was a mulato libre, originally from and a resident of Quarenta, legitimate son of Juan Delgado, mulato libre (deceased) and Juana de Campos, loba, a resident of Quarenta… PHELIPA DE LOS REYES MARTIN, stated that she was originally from and resident of Cieneguilla… legitimate daughter of Pedro de Facio, Indian, and Juana de los Reyes, mestiza and residents of the said Cieneguilla.

 

The Marriage of Juan Delgado (1716)

The marriage record of Juana Delgado and Phelipa de los Reyes on November 12, 1716 indicated that they were mulatos libres and were residents of Quarenta in the Lagos jurisdiction. The names of their parents were not given.

 
Ancestor No. 24: Juan Delgado
Son of Juan Delgado (48) and Juana de Campos (49)
Baptized: Feb. 10, 1694 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Nov. 12, 1716 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Felipa de Vega)
Racial Classification at Baptism and Marriage: Mulato Libre
 
Ancestor No. 26: Diego Santiago (or Diego Phelipe)
Married: July 21, 1715 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Maria Gertrudes Torres)

The Matrimonio Información of Diego Phelipe (1715)

A month before they were married, DIEGO PHELIPE, Indian originally of San Christoval de los Gomes, resident of San Ysidro, a laborer for General Nogales, the son of unknown parents, expressed his wish to contract in marriage. His bride-to-be was GERTRUDES DE TORRES, Indian, originally from and a resident of the same Hacienda of San Cristoval, legitimate daughter of Nicolas de Torres and Pasquala de Cilba [Silva], Indian residents of the said hacienda.

The Marriage of Diego Santiago and Gertrudes de Torres (1715)

The actual marriage of Diego Santiago and Gertrudes de Torres took place in Lagos de Moreno on July 21, 1715. It indicates that the newlyweds were Indians but does not give the names of their parents.

 
Ancestor No. 26: Diego Santiago (or Diego Phelipe)
Married: July 21, 1715 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Maria Gertrudes Torres)

The Baptism of a Brother of Maria Gertrudis Torres (1698)

Context: Maria Gertrudes de Torres was probably born in the late 1690s. Her baptism was not located, but the baptism of her brother, Juan de Santiago, took place on August 13, 1690 in Lagos de Moreno. Their father was Nicolas de Torres, and their mother was Pasquala de Silva. However, Pascuala’s surname at the time of her marriage of Nicolas was de los Reyes, an archetypal Indian surname in those days.

Translation:

In the Margin: Juan de Santiago, Mestizo, Legitimate Child.

Text: In the month of August of the year 1698, I baptized and poured holy oil and chrism on JUAN DE SANTIAGO, mestizo, legitimate son of Nicolas de Torres and Pascuala de Silva of the Hacienda of San Antonio…

 
Ancestor No. 28: Geronimo Deciderio de la Cruz
Son of Sebastian de la Cruz (54) and Magdalena Albares (55)
Baptized: May 21, 1702 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: Nov. 19, 1724 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Nicolasa Dimas)
Racial Classification at Marriage: Indian

The Baptism of a Sister of Geronimo de la Cruz (1698)

It is believed that the Sebastian and Magdalena, the parents of Geronimo, had several children. A baptism of Geronimo has not been located, possibly because he was baptized under a different name. In 1698, Geronimo’s sister Francesca was baptized. At this time, both of her parents went by the Indian archetypal surname, de la Cruz. Later, Magdalena would take on the surname Albares.

Translation:

In the Margin: Francesca, Mestiza, Legitimate Daughter

Text: On the 10th of December of 1698, I baptized and poured holy oil and chrism on FRANCESCA, mestiza, legitimate daughter of Sebastian de la Cruz and Magdalena de la Cruz…

The Marriage of Geronimo Desiderio de la Cruz (1724)

Translation:

In the Margin: Geronimo Deciderio, Indian of the Saint [Ysidro] and Nicolas Dimas, mulata libre de Quarenta, married and veiled.

Text: In the Parish Church of Lagos on the 19th of November of 1724, since the three admonitions ordered by the Holy Council of Trent have been read on three festive days in solemn mass, and no impediment [to marriage] has resulted, I, Father Vicente Preciado de Lizalde, deputy priest, ask for the consent of GERONIMO DESIDERIO, Indian, originally from and a resident of this parish in San Ysidro, legitimate son of Sebastian de la Cruz and Magdalena Albares, with NICOLAZA DIMAS, mulata libre, originally from and a resident of this same parish in Quarenta, legitimate daughter of Thomas de la Cruz and Gertrudes Nuñes, and both expressed mutual consent.. and I married them by the words of those present.

 
Ancestor No. 29: Nicolasa Dimas
Daughter of Thomas de la Cruz (58) and Gertrudes Nuñes (59)
Baptized: Sept. 27, 1705 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco
Married: Nov. 19, 1724 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Geronimo Desiderio de la Cruz)
Racial Classification at Marriage: Mulata Libre

The Baptism of Nicolasa (1705)

Context: We know that the parents of Nicolasa Dimas did not carry the surname Dimas. Dimas was the name supposedly borne by the repentant robber crucified alongside Christ (although no name is recorded in the Biblical account). Nicolasa was baptized on Sept. 27, 1705 in Lagos by her parents, and she was later given the second name by her parents (or chose it herself).

Translation:

In the Margin: Nicolasa, Mulata Libre, Legitimate Daughter

Text: On the 27th of September of 1705, I baptized and poured holy oil and chrism on NICOLASA, mulata libre, legitimate daughter of Thomas de la Cruz and Maria Gertrudes, of the port of Quarenta…

The Baptism of Maria de la Cruz (1700)

Context: A sister of Nicolasa named Maria was baptized in 1700, giving us insight into her parentage. At her baptism, Maria’s mother was known only as “Maria Gertrudiz,” but the two padrinos were Nuñez, which may explain why Gertrudes was later referred to as Nuñez.

Translation:

In the Margin: Maria, Mulata, Legitimate Daughter.

Text: On the 10th of March of 1700, I baptized and poured holy oil and chrism on MARIA [or Marta], mulata, legitimate daughter of Thomas de la Cruz and Maria Gertrudiz, residents of this parish. The padrinos were Christoval Nuñez and Pasquala Nuñez.

 
Ancestor No. 30: Alonso Valadez
Daughter of Alonso Valadez (30) and Josefa de la Pena (31)
Baptized: April 30, 1700 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: October 30, 1721 • Cienega de Mata, Jalisco (to Josepha de la Cruz, or Josepha de la Peña)
Racial Classification at Baptism and Marriage: Mulato Libre

The Baptism of Alonso Rodriguez Valadez (1700)

Context: Alonso Valadez inherited his surname from his mother. Valadez is known to be a Spanish pioneer family of the area, generally known as “Macias de Valadez.” It is likely Alonso’s family either lived and worked for the Valadez family or was descended from the Spanish family.

Translation:

In the Margin: Alonso, Mulato, Legitimate Son

Text: On the 30th of April of 1700, I baptized and poured holy oil and chrism on ALONSO, a mulato libre, legitimate son of Diego Rodriguez and Francesca Valadez, the madrina (Godmother) was Juana Valadez…

 

The Matrimonio Información of Alonso Valades (1721)

Context: On September 27, 1721, Alonso Valades, mulato libre, the legitimate son of Diego de los Sanctu and Francisca Valades met with the parish priest at Immaculate Conception Church in Cienega de Mata and expressed his wish to contract in marriage with Josepha de la Cruz, Spanish, legitimate daughter of Juan de Peña and Thomasa de la Santos. The actual marriage record from a month later did not give the names of the parents.

The Marriage of Alonso Valades and Josefa de la Peña (1721)

On October 30, 1721, Alonso Balades [Valadez] was married to Josefa de Peña in Cienega de Mata, a parish close to Lagos de Moreno.

Translation:

In the Margin: Alonso Balades, m.l. (mulato) and Josepha de la Cruz, Spanish.

Text: In the Zienege de Mata on the 30th of October of 1721, I married and veiled ALONSO BALADES, mulato libre, with JOSEPHA DE PENA Y LA CRUZ, Spanish…

 
Ancestor No. 31: Joseph de la Peña (or de la Cruz)
Daughter of Juan de Peña (62) or Thomasa de la Santos (63)
Baptized: Unknown • Cienega de Mata, Jalisco, Mexico
Married: October 30, 1721 • Cienega de Mata, Jalisco (to Josepha de la Cruz, or Josepha de la Peña)
Racial Classification at Marriage: Spanish

The Baptism of a Brother of Juan Joseph Pena (1715)

A baptism for Josepha de la Peña was not located. However, the baptism of her younger brother, Juan Joseph Pena, was found in the Cienega de Mata church book.

Translation:

In the Margin: Juan Joseph, Spanish, Legitimate Son

Text: In the Hacienda de Nuestra Señora of Limpia Concepción Zienega de Rincon, auxiliary of the Parish of the Villa de Aguascalientes, on the 28th day of the month of October of 1715, I baptized and poured holy oil and chrism on JOSEPH, Spanish, legitimate son of Juan de Peña and Thomasa de los Santos, residents of this parish….

 

The Sixth Generation:The Great-Great-Great-Grandparents of Jose Casimiro Morales

Ancestor No. 46: Joseph Ortiz
Son of Alonzo Ortiz (92) and Thomasa de la Cruz (93)
Married: July 15, 1680 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Thomasa Ramirez)
Racial Classification at Marriage: Indian

The Marriage of Joseph Ortiz (1680)

On July 15, 1680, Joseph Ortiz was married to Thomasa Ramirez. They were the great-great-great-grandparents of Jose Casimiro Morales, and they were both classified as Indians.

Translation:

In the Margin: Jhoseph Ortiz and Thomasa Ramires, Indians

Text: On the 15th of July of 1680, in the Villa… I married JHOSEPH ORTIS, legitimate son of Alonso Ortiz (deceased) and Thomasina de la Cruz, Indians… with THOMASA DE LA CRUZ Y RAMIREZ, Indian, legitimate daughter of Juan Sebastian and Andrea Magdalena, Indians of this pueblo…

 
Ancestor No. 48: Juan Delgado
Married: July 7, 1680 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Juana Campos)
Racial Classification at Marriage: Mulato Libre

The Marriage of Juan Delgado and Juana Campos (1680)

Juan Delgado and Juana Campos, the great-great-great-grandparents of Jose Casimiro Morales, were married on July 7, 1680. It is a lengthy document, but it is also very difficult to read. It appears that JUAN DELGADO, a mulato libre, parents not given, was married to JUANA CAMPOS, a mulato libre who was the daughter of Luis Campos, a mulato esclavo (slave) of Nicolas Muños, and of Maria de la Cruz, an Indian criados [raised] by [illegible name].

 

The Descent from Juan Delgado and Juana Campos to Jose Casimiro Morales

This line of descent comes from Juan Delgado and Juana Campos – who were married in 1680 – to their great-great-great-grandson, Jose Casimiro Morales, born in 1804.

 
Ancestor No. 49: Juana Campos
Daughter of Luis Campos (98) and Maria de la Cruz (99)
Baptized: Circa 1660 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco
Married: July 7, 1680 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Juana Campos)
Racial Classification at Baptism and Marriage: Mulata Libre

The Baptism of a Sister of Juana Campos (1659)

Context: The baptism of Juana Campos has not been located. However, a Maria Campos born in 1659 may be Juana Campos and she may have changed her first name later. Her father is Luis de Campos, who was a mulato slave, while her mother was an Indian. Thus, we have the case of a young girl, who was free at birth, but her father was a slave at that same time.

Translation:

In the Margin: Maria, Mulata Libre

Text: on the 29th day of the month of September of 1759, I baptized and poured holy oil on MARIA, mulata libre, legitimate daughter of Luis de Campos, mulato esclavo, and Maria de la Cruz, Indian…

 
Ancestor No. 54: Nicolas de Torres
Married: Feb. 3, 1694 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Pasquala de los Reyes)
Racial Classification at Marriage: Indian

The Marriage of Nicolas de Torres (1694)

On Feb. 3, 1694, Nicolas de Torres was married to Pasquala de los Reyes in Lagos de Moreno. The parents’ names were not given, so no progress was made on this branch of the family.

Translation:

In the Margin: Nicolas de Torres and Pasquala de los Reyes, Indians of Quarenta

Text: on the 3rd of February of 1694, I married… Nicolas de Torres, Indian, resident of this parish, and Pasquala de los Reyes, Indian, also of this parish…

 
Ancestor No. 58: Thomas de la Cruz
The Mulato Slave of Nicolas Muños
Married: July 21, 1697 • Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco (to Gertrudes Nuñes)
Racial Classification at Marriage: Mulato Esclavo

The Marriage of Thomas de la Cruz (1697)

In 1697, Thomas de la Cruz was the slave of one Nicolas Muñoz. He married Gertrudes Nuñes who was a free mulato, and as a result, their children were likely to be free mulatos.

Translation:

In the Margin: Thomas de la Cruz, Mulato Esclavo, with Gertrudes Nuñes, Mulata Libre.

Text: On the 21st of July of 1697, I married and veiled according to the order of the Holy Mother Church THOMAS DE LA CRUZ, mulato esclavo [slave] of Nicolas Muños of this parish… and GERTRUDES NUNES, Mulata Libre…

The Descent from Thomas de la Cruz to Jose Casimiro Morales

The following table shows the descent from Thomas de la Cruz and Gertrudes Nuñes – who were married in 1697 – to their great-great-great-grandfather, Jose Casimiro Morales, born in 1804.

 
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Understanding the Mexican Casta System: A Historical and Cultural Perspective