Obituaries
Taos County, New Mexico
By Alberto Vidaurre©
1940 Taos County Obits
Main Page
Following are the 1940 obits as found in the Taos, New Mexico Taos Review
News Paper.
Format used: Date of news paper edition, Name, Age, Residence, Date and Place of
Death and Survivors.
1- Thur 4 Jan 1940. Clovevo Gonzales Died last friday at Holy Cross Hospital,
Taos, NM As a result of an accidental shooting 16 Dec 1940. He was shot by his
cousin Johnny LaCome. Buried 21 Dec 1940 in the Questa, NM Cemetery..6 June 1940
District Court June term John LaCome plead guilty to murder and was sentenced to
3 to 5 years in prison, sentence was suspended upon the recommendation of the
District Attorney.
2- Thur 11 Jan 1940. Juan Andres Mirabal Age 69 commonly known as " Gold Tooth
John," of Taos, Pueblo, NM. Died 3 Jan 1940. He was one of the most picturesque
member of the tribe. A great story teller and perhaps the shrewdest financier
around. One of the most photographed persons, at one time his picture adorned
the checks of the local bank.
3- Thur 11 Jan 1940. Raquel Lucero de Quintana Age 78 from Des Montes, NM. Died
Sunday 7 Jan 1940 at Holy Cross Hospital, Taos, NM. Husband Onecimo Quintana.
4- Thur 11 Jan 1940 Rayitos Sanchez de Pacheco Age 78. Died 27 Dec 1939 at 5:00
PM. Survived by son Belarmino Pacheco; Daughters Mrs. Modesto Medina, Mrs. Roman
Duran and Mrs. J. D. Martinez; Sisters Mrs. Juan C. Martinez, Mrs. Teodorita
Casados and Mrs. Maria Ignacita Cordova. Her husband Adonio D. Pacheco died in
1918.
5- Thur 18 Jan 1940. Mrs. Laureanita Ortiz Age 39 of Talpa, NM. (Date and place
of death not listed). Survived by husband Emilio Ortiz; Mother Luz M. Trujillo;
Daughters Mrs. Isabel Chavez, Lily and Rose; Sons Candido and John; Brothers
Cornelio, Agustin and Vidal.She was the daughter of Jose Leandro Trujillo and
Luz Maestas.
6- Thur 18 Jan 1940. Jesus M. Pacheco Age 63 years, 4 months and 23 days of
Montrose, Colorado died 30 Dec 1939 at 9:00 PM. He was born 2 Aug 1876 in
Walsenburg, Co.Married Diavedes Martinez in 1899. They had 11 children.
Surviving are daughters Mrs. Elvira Wells and Miss Lucinda Pacheco; Son Joe
Pacheco.
7- Thur 25 Jan 1940. Adita Dominguez Age 15 years and 2 days of Chamisal, NM.
Died 3 Jan 1940. Daughter of Romulo Dominguez and Eloisa D. Dominguez.
8- Thur 1 Feb 1940. Fred M. Burt Age 65 of Aztec, NM. Died sunday 21 Jan 1940 of
a heart attack. He was born 3 Nov 1874 in St. Paul, Kansas. Survived by wife
Ellen Burt; Brothers Arthur A. of Olympia, Hugh of Rock Island, Ill and G. A.
Burt of Taos, NM; Sisters Katherine E. Burt of Rock Island, Ill, Miss Mima Burt
of Taos, NM and Mrs. Ada Schmalett of Clinto, Ohio.
9- Thur 8 Feb 1940. Maria Rosana Estrella de Aranda Age 27 of Amailia, NM. Died
at 7:00 PM 27 Jan 1940. Survived by husband Celestino Aranda, 5 children;
Parents Genaro and Andreita Gonzales; 2 sisiters and 1 brothers. Names not
listed.
10- Thur 8 Feb 1940. Abelina R. Riley Age 77 of Taos, NM. Died 27 Jan 1940 at
6:00 AM. She married 1st- Antonio Romero, they were married for 10 years. She
married for the 2nd- time with Frank Riley, they were married for 47
years.Surviving Juan Pedro Romero and Alejandro Montoya, daughter Mary T. Riley.
Buried in the Kit Carson Cemetery, Taos, NM.
11- Thur 8 Feb 1940. Epifania M. de Romero Age 34 of Ranchos de Tos, NM. Died
11:30 AM 2 Feb 1940 of a cold and fever. Survived by husband Alfredo R. Romero
and 6 children. Names not listed.
12- Thur 15 Feb 1940. Vicente Mares Jr. Age 43 of Ranchitos, NM>. Died Saturday
morning of a heart attack ( 2-14-1940). Survived by wife Petrita T. Mares. 2
daughters from prior marriage Mrs. Guillermo Martinez and Lilliam Mares; Brother
Frank.
13- Thur 15 Feb 1940. Albert Spear Wood Age 47 of San Francisco, Calif. Died 8
Feb 1940 of a heart ailment. He was a grandson of Kit Carson. Survived by wife
Agnes Wood; Son Spear wood; Brother Charles Wood all of the California City;
Sister Miss Leona Wood of Denver, Colo.
14- Thur. 15 Feb 1940. George W. Bond Age 60 Former Clayton, NM resident died at
his home on Burch Street, Taos, NM. He had lived here for 2 years. His home
state was Georgia. Survived by wife and sons Dow and Harvey Bond.
15- Thur 29 Feb 1940. Beneranda Martinez Age 90 resident of Penasco, NM. Died
Saturday 17 Feb 1940 in Raton, NM. She lived the major part of her life in
Trinchera, Colo. Last July she moved to Raton, NM to live with her granddaughter
Mrs. Paul Ferrero, also survived by another granddaughter Mrs. Annie Martinez of
Canada and daughter-in-law Mrs. Felix Martinez of El Paso, Tx.
16- Thur 29 Feb. Mrs. Otto Griener whos husband is the manager of the Tres Ritos
Ranch, NM. Died 20 Feb 1940 in St. Louis, Mo. Hospital.
17- Thur 29 Feb 1940. Teodora Gallegos de Martinez. Born in Abiquiu 1814.
Parents Miguel Antonio Gallegos and Rumalda Lucero. At age 14 married Pascual
Martinez a brother to Padre Martinez. Date and place of death not listed.
18- Thur 14 March 1940. Lorraine infant daughter of Mr & Mrs Olivros Montoya of
El Prado, NM. Died Monday 11 March 1940 at Holy Cross Hospital, Taos, NM. She
was a niece of Taos County Sheriff Isidro Montoya.
19- Thur 14 March 1940 Albert G. Muller Age 80 early Taos merchant died 4 March
1940 at his home in Los Angles, Calif. Survived by wife, daughter (names not
listed) Sons Harry and Fred Muller. Albert and his brother operated a general
store in Taos, NM for many years. He ran it alone after his brothers death.
About 1906 he sold to Bond McCarthy Co.
20- Thur 14 March 1946 Juan de Los Reyes Romero Age 86 died in Trinidad, Colo 28
Feb 1940. Former Taos County resident. Son of Jose Rafael Romero and Maria
Eusebia Garduno.
21- Thur 21 March 1940. Agapito Valencia Age 21 of Galisteo, NM was killed in
Santa Fe, NM, Saturday. Pedro Pena also of Galisteo, NM Has been arrested and
charged with the murder. It was reported that Agapito Valencia was stabbed to
death as a result of a disagreement over a "Seis Reales," debt. Pedro Pena plead
guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in the state prison.
22- Thur 4 April 1940. Edward P. Sammis Age 74 Ute Park resident and life time
merchant of the Cimarron and Eagle Nest, NM region died Tuesday in a Cimarron,NM
Hospital. Born in Polo, Illinois. He is survived by wife name not listed; Son F.
L. Sammis and sister Mrs. O. F. Matkin.
23- Thur 4 April 1940. Pete Pacheco Age 34 of Denver, Colo died Thursday night
28 March 1940 in a Denver, Colo hospital. Born in Trinidad, Colo. Son of Candido
Pacheco and Cruzita Pacheco. He lived in Trinchera,Colo for 16 years and in
Taos, NM. Pete Pacheco a well known boxer is survived by his wife Juanita
Pacheco a 5 year old daughter Roon Pacheco, 9 Sisters names not listed. Aunts
Mrs. Juan Pacheco, Trinidad, Colo., Mrs. Sofia Pacheco, Denver Colo and Mrs.
Enrique Garcia, Taos, NM.
24- Thur 18 April. Luis Gonzales of Arroyo Seco, NM died 29 March 1940 at 12:40
PM. He was born in Pojoaque, Santa Fe County NM in 1850. He came to Arroyo Seco,
Taos County NM where he married Teresita Duran in 1874. They had 7 children.
Surviving his wife 80 years old, name not listed; Sons Juan F., Ambrosio and
Bernabe Gonzales; Daughters Genoveva and Sencionita Gonzales,
25- Thur 18 April 1940. Alberto Olifredo Casados young son of Mike Casados and
wife, name not listed of Ranchitos de Abago, Taos, NM. Died Monday 8 April 1940
at 10:30 AM. Survived by parents and grandfather Alberto Trujillo.
26- Thur 18 April 1940. Deputy Sheriff Reymundo Martinez of Capulin, Colo,
Edward Dominguez also of Capulin, Colo and Manuel Ortiz of Monte Vista, Colo and
Mrs. Pat Maes died as result of bullet wounds they received in a shoot out, last
Wednesday near the county boundries of Rio Grande and Conejos, Colo. Reymundo
Martinez,Edward Dominguez and Manuel Ortega went looking for Pat Maes at his
ranch. He was not there so they left, soon after Pat Maes got home and he was
informed they they were looking for him. He got in his automobile accompanied by
his wife and young child. Soon he overtook them and a dispute started ending in
the shooting. Pat Maes shot and killed Martinez, Dominguez and Ortega and they
in turn shot Mrs. Maes and the young child. Mrs. Maes died the young child was
wounded but survived. A Mr. Johnson arrived at the scene and he was the one who
notified the county officials.
27- Thur 18 April 1940. Benito Segura Age 69 of Cerro, NM. Died Tuesday night at
12 midnight. Survived by wife Jesuysita Silva de Segura; Sons Sergio, Moises and
Pablo Segura; Daughter Cornelia S. de Cisneros; Brother Enriques Segura; Uncle
Abedenago Segura serving as Taos County Commissioner.
28- Thur 25 April 1940. Maclovia M. de Ortega Age 46 years and 6 months of
Penasco, NM. Died 21 April 1940. Survived by husband Salomon Ortega; young son
Wille Ortega; Siblings Teofilo Maes, Elfido Maes, Aurora Griego and Charles
Griego.
29- Thur 2 May 1940. Alberto Valdez Age 75 of Pueblo, Colo. Died Sunday. He was
a prominent early day figure in New Mexico. He lived in Taos, NM as a young
child. He was Mora County Clerk in 1909-11. Survived by wife Rufinita Valdez and
8 children. Names not listed. Uncle I. V. Valdez, Taos, NM.
30- 2 May 1940. Francisquita S. Fernandez Age 23 Years, 6 months and 19 days of
Arroyo Seco, NM. Died 22 April 1940. Survived by husband Emilio Fernandez, young
daughter Sabinita Elvira Fernandez; Parents Francisco B. Sanchez and Sabina P.
Sanchez; Brother Carmen and Manuel Sanchez; Sister Mrs. Felix P. Sanchez.
31- Thur 9 May 1940. Felipe Delgado native of Las Vegas, NM famous singer and
radio star. Died Tuesday of this week in Los Angles, Calif. He died of Pneumonia
he caught after he submitted to a surgical operation. He was a popular radio
singer in this county as well as Mexico and South America.
32- Thur 9 May 1940. Fructoso Chavez Age 65 of Ortiz, Colo died in Walsenburg,
Colo. 28 April 1940. Survived by brother Jose F. Chavez of Taos, NM; Sister
Adela V. Montoya and daughter Maria.
33- Thur 9 May 1940. Samuel H. Roberts Age 60 of Delhart, Texas was killed
instantly late sunday in a motor vehicle accident near Espanola, NM. and 3 Taos
residents were hurt. The injured are sisters Betty and Desideria Santistevan and
the driver Felix Lopez. Lopez who owns and operated the car. Roberts got a ride
to go Santa Fe, NM where he had left his car some days ago.The Santistevan
sisters were related to Lopez' wife and went along for the ride.
34- Thur 16 May 1940 Bonnie (Mrs. Benjamin) Lowe Age 19 of Taos, NM died Tuesday
morning 14 May 1940, following a surgical operation at Holy Cross Hospital Taos,
NM. Survived by parents J. Eugenio Medina and Casandra G. Medina; Husband
Benjamin Lowe (married in 1938); Son 2 year old son Benjamin Read Lowe; Maternal
Grandparents Rafael and Manuelita Gonzales; Brothers Joe and Eugenio, Jr:
Sisters Mary M. Gurule and Viola.
35- Thur 23 May 1940. Aurelio Montoya Age 50 of Questa, NM died in Rock Springs,
Wyo 7 May 1940. Survived by wife Anna R. Montoya; Sons Frank and Frank;
Daughters Amelia, Edna, Elvira and Cecilia.
36- Thur 23 May 1940. Teresita R. Martinez Age 60 of Taos, NM died in Cheyenne,
Wyo 17 May 1940 at 4:00 PM. Survived by husband Flavio Martinez; Sons Daniel of
Cheyenne, Wyo, Eloy, Bernardino and Flavio Martinez Jr., of Taos, NM.Their
wives, her daughter-in-laws Bessie F., Ida, Josefina and Mary all of Cheyenne,
Wyo. Daughters Adela, Josefita and Ursula M. of Taos, NM. Their husbands J. E.
Gutierrez, Joe Madrid of Cheyenne, Wyo and Lucio Martinez. She was buried in the
Olivet Cemetery.
37- Thur 30 May 1940. Edward Martinez Age 12 of Arroyo Seco, NM was dragged to
his death near his parent's Reyes and Matilde M. Martinez home. Monday by a
frightened pony. He died of a broken neck. He had the lead rope tied around his
small waist. The parents concluded that the horse the boy was leading to a
pasture became frightened and bolted, tied to the other end of the rope, Edward
Martinez was dragged by the running horse.
38- Thur 30 May 1940. Maria Encarnacion Quintana Age 76 died (date/place of
death not listed). Her husband Antonio F. Gallegos died in 1932, 8 years ago.
Survived by children Macario, Francisco, Salome and Antonio Gallegos; Daughters
Mrs. R. Duran, Mrs. J. B. Quintana, Mrs. Pedro Sanchez, Mrs. Ben Madrid and Mrs.
Pablo Sanchez.
39- Thur 30 May 1940. Dr. J. F. Baca well known medical doctor and surgeon died
in the hospital as result of injuries he received at the hands of one of his
patient. Survived by his wife, name not listed. Daughter Consuelo a Nurse in Rio
Arriba County, resident of Espanola, NM.
40- Thur 6 June 1940. Domingo Branchal Age 19 drowned about 10:30 AM Tuesday.
Date of death not listed. Unable to swim he jumped into the Randall pond near
Canon, NM. His companion Celestino Vigil Age 18 was unable to help him and ran
to get someone to help. His body was recovered 2 hours later. His father Loreto
Branchal was buried just 2 days prior on monday, his death came after a lengthy
illness.
41- Thur 6 June 1940. Wlliam Adair Age 49 Taos Native resident of Las Cruces,
NM. Died at his residence monday. He was the eldest son of William Adair and
Virginia Cloutheir.
42- Thur 6 June 1940. Mrs. Weltha Johnson Age 69 of Oklahome died in Taos, NM
thursday. She was visiting a son Roy, also surviving her is her husband (name
not listed), another sun Clarence; Daughters Mrs. Ora Steuart of Taos, Mrs.
Leona Wilson of Calif and Mrs. Jewel Carr of the family home.
43- Thur 6 June 1940. Loreto Branchal Age about 70 died at his residence in
Canon de Fernandez, NM Sunday. Survived by Wife, 3 sons and 3 daughters, names
not listed. His son Domingo Branchal drowned in the " Preson del Mr. Huffmam."
The Branchal came to this community about 3 years ago.
44- Thur 13 June 1940. Beriah McGranahan Age 87 retired rail road engineer for
the Bessemer Rail Road in Pennsylvania died in Taos, NM saturday at the home of
his daughter, Mrs. A. D. Galloway. He came to Taos, NM 17 years ago to make his
home. Survived by sons James of Austin, Tx. Harvey of Linesville, Pa., and
George of Youngstown, Ohio.; Daughters Mrs. A. D. Galloway and Mrs. Lora Lewis
of Greenville, Pa.
45- Thur 13 June 1940. Diego Arellano age 28 years, 9 months and 18 days died 22
May 1940. Buried in the San Cristobal, NM Cemetery. Survived by wife Lafida
Arellano, 3 sons and 2 daughters, Names not listed. Parents Juan Andres Arellano
and Catalina Arellano; Brother Juan and sisters Emilia G. Vigil, Elena,
Emerenciana, Natividad, Teodocia and Cirila Arellano.
46- Thur 27 June 1940. Discoved Sunday in the rugged Rio Grande channel near
Questa, NM the body of E. R. Wakefield a Denver, Colo adventurer lost 4 July
1938 in a Rio Grande navigating attempt. He and a companion A. S. Hunt attempted
to negotiate the swift waters of the river for 300 miles South from Alamosa,
Colo. The boat capsized in the Black Canyon. Hunt reached shore and Wakefield
was carried away by the strong current. A. S. Hunt identified the body. Claimed
by a son Alvin Wakefield to be taken to Albuq, NM for the funeral and burial.
47- Thur 4 July 1940. Walter A. Easton Age 67 of Colorado Springs, Colo died
last week. He was a native of Green Field, Iowa. Born 21 July 1873. Survived by
his wife and 5 sisters names not listed, One of the sister is Mrs. Cora Easton
Kitts of Taos, NM.
48- Thur 4 July 1940. Ralph C. Durie of Taos, NM died Monday night at his
daughter Mrs. James Duell's Taos Home. He was a retired Santa Fe employee. He
was born in New Jersey. He came to Raton, NM in 1902 and worked for the Santa Fe
for years. Retiring 7 years ago to make his home in Taos, NM. Survived by wife,
name not listed; Sons Fred, Ralph and Martin all of Raton, NM; Daughters Mrs.
Claude Smith, Raton, NM and Mrs. Duell of Taos, NM. Burial will be at the
Fairmont Raton, NM Cemetery.
49- Thur 4 July 1940. Mrs. Ludwig W. Ilfeld Age 62 of Las Vegas, NM. Died
Wednesday at 2:00 PM of a heart ailment. Born in Silver City, NM she moved to
Las Vegas, NM as a child. Survived by her husband Ludwig Ilfeld, well known New
Mexico merchant; Sons Max, Taos businessman, Carl of Los Angles, Calif. and Dr.
Frederick Ilfeld of Los Angles, Calif.
50- Thur 4 July 1940. Virginia Garcia Age 60 of El Prado, NM. Died last Friday.
Wife of Juan Jose Garcia deceased 1-1/2 year, well known shoe maker and shoe
repairs.
51- Thur 11 July 1940. Mrs. Regina Oppenheimer Age 68 Taos, NM Resident for 2
years died in an Albuq. NM. Hospital. She was born in Ober-Alterheiim, Germany.
She came to Taos, NM to reside with her daughters Mrs. Bella Oppenheimer House
and Mrs. Claire Oppenheimer, who are the only survivors. Buried in the N'Nal
B'Rith Cemetery in Albuq. NM. on Monday 6 July 1940.
52- Thur 11 July 1940. Herman Mutz, colorful Elizabeth Town, NM Pioneer died
Tuesday night at his home ranch. Born in Germany and came to "Etown" 59 years
ago during the gold boom. He built the Mutz hotel there. He was buried at the
Etown Catholic Cemetery. Survived by sons Adolph, Emil of Copper Cliff, Calif
and John of Okla; Daughters Mrs. Jessie Young, Mrs. Lyman Pratt of Red River, NM
and Mrs. Margarguarita Clarke of Denver, Colo.
53- Thur 11 July 1940. Gabriel Garcia of Questa, NM died 29 June 1940 of a heart
ailment. Survived by wife Elsie Elaine Garcia, 7 year old daughter; Mother
Marinita Garcia; Brother Frank Garcia; Sister Addie Gonzales. Uncle and aunt
Epifanio and Lucinda Garcia of Denver, Colo.
54- Thur 25 July 1940. Rev. Padre Albert Canova Age 57 Parish Priest of Nuestra
Senora de Guadalupe in Taos, NM. For about 2 years died in a Salt Lake City Utah
hospital. He had gone to Utah on vacation and while there he was taken to the
hospital with a burst appendix.He had served as a priest in Santa Fe,
Monticello, Taos and Socorro, NM.
55- Thur 1 Aug 1940. Antonio Tiano Age 59 of Santa Fe,NM died last Wednesday at
his residence. He was a Native of Italy. He had lived in Clayton Union County NM
for about 15 years. He also lived in Taos, NM where he owned a billard saloon
until he sold it to Max Padilla. Survived by wife and several childre. Names not
listed.
56- Thur 1 Aug 1940. John Berry Age 50 of Eagle Nest, NM was discovered dead
monday in an insolated cabin. Sheriff B. H. Mitchell said that he was found
monday by 2 prospectors and had been dead for a short time. It appears that he
died due to a dynamite blast.
57- Thur 1 Aug 1940. Earl Estep Age 36 died while working under a tractor which
slipped from a jack and crushed him to death. He was the head mechanic of the
Taos road construction project. He was killed instantly 5 Aug 1940, Near Embudo,
NM.
58- Thur 8 Aug 1940. Louis Shoffner died at her parents home in West Plains, Mo
at 2:30 PM. Sunday 4 Aug 1940 "Louise" as she was known was a highly effective
and well educated teacher. She taught at the Molybdenum mine school for 10 years
. Survived by husband J. W. Shoffner, 5 sisters, 1 brother names not listed.
Mother Mrs. J. T. Whitmire.
59- Thur 15 Aug 1940. Floyd L. Sloan Age 47 of Amarillo, TX. Died suddenly
Friday night in Red River, NM. While vacationing with his wife and 17 month old
Son. An accidental over dose of sedative was given as a cause of death. Sloan
was assistant state veterans service officer of Texas. His body was returned to
Amarillo, Tx where he resided for burial.
60- Thur 15 Aug 1940. Meliton Martinez Age 83 years and 5 months of Canon de
Fernandez, NM died 31 July 1940 at 4:00 PM in Tafoya, NM. He was born in Canon
de Fernandez 27 Feb 1857. In 1879 He married Emilia Madrid.They have surviving
sons Levi, Adolfo, and Jose Rafael Martinez; Daughter Wife of Bonifacio
Fernandez of Tafoya, NM. Sister Emiliana M. Rivera of San Antonio, Colo. Brother
Estevan Martinez of Canon de Ferandez. Buried in the Canon de Fernandez, NM
Cemetery.
61- Thur 15 Aug 1940. Tomasita Arellano de Cordova Age 53 years, 10 months and 6
days died 22 July 1940 at 6:00 AM. Born in Arroyo Hondo, NM 16 Sept 1886.
Survived by husband Jose Santistevan Cordova; Son Flavio Chacon; Daughters
Ofelia C. Cordova and Sidelia C. Martinez. Buried 23 July 1940 in the San
Cristobal, NM Cemetery.
62- Thur 15 Aug 1940. Vincent Thomas died in Santa Fe, NM. Former Taos resident.
Died last week. Survived by wife Adela Santsitevan de Thomas; Son Manuel V;
Daughters Illen and Lillian T. Vigil. Buried 12 Aug 1940 in the Cemetery El
Rosario.
63- Thur 15 Aug 1940. Prescilia Fernandez Died at her home in Penasco, NM. She
was the youngest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Max Fernandez. She died of a heart
ailment.
64- Thur 15 Aug 1940. Pedro Vigil died at his residence in Talpa, NM. Survived
by daughter Zoraida V. de Montoya of Taos, NM; Son Rolando M. Vigil of Denver,
Colo.
65- THur 29 August 1940. Faustina M. Trujillo of Llano, NM died 20 Aug 1940.
Death notice submitted by son Virgilio Trujillo.
66- Thur 29 August 1940. Juan Francisco Trujillo died in the Francisco E.
Medina's ranch located near Maxwell Colfax County, NM last Wednesday. He was
killed by lighting while herding some sheep. He is survived by wife and 4
children. Names not listed. Brother Victor M. Trujillo El Prado, NM.
...Eutimio Lopes died a few days prior also killed by lighting in the same
general area of Maxwell, NM...
67- Thur 5 Sept 1940. Mrs Emma Elizabeth Leatherman Age 87. A 30 year resident
of Taos, NM died 31 Aug 1940. Born in Buck County, Pennsylvania in 1852. She
moved to Taos, NM In 1910. Survived by daughters Mrs. Helen McBride and Mrs.
James Cage; Sons Edward and Clarence of Denver, Colo; Granddaughter Mrs.
Marshall Sandusky of Taos, NM.
68- Thur 5 Sept 1940. Cora Vigil died Tuesday at her residence in Pilar, NM
(Cieneguilla) Survived by Parents Francisco Vigil and Filadelfia Gurule de
Vigil; Brother Eloy Vigil.
69- Thur 5 Sept 1940. Abel Santistevan of Costilla, NM. Died at his residence at
the end of last week. Survived by wife and several children. Names not listed.
70- Thur 26 Sept 1940. Corina Mondragon de Trujillo Age 21 of Ranchos de Taos,
NM. Died at her home 18 Sept 1940. She was born in Ranchos de Taos, NM Sept
1917. Survived by Husband Eddy Trujillo, children Eddie Jr. and Lorraine;
Parents Juan Clemaco Mondragon and Beatrice M. Mondragon; Grandparents J. Benito
Mondragon and Maria Leonara V. Mondragon who raised her.
71- Thur 10 Oct 1940. Jose Toribio Roybal Age 86 years and 16 days. Born in
Santa Fe, NM 15 Sept 1853. His parents were born and raised in Pojoaque, NM.
Survived by wife Perfecta Lucero de Roybal; 1 son 2 daughters and 1 brother.
Names, place or date of death not listed.
72- Thur 10 Oct 1940. Alcadio Griego of La Madera Rio Arriba County NM. Died
last Saturday morning in Espanola, NM. He was serving as Rio Arriba County NM
Treasurer. Survived by wife Ernestina Duran de Griego and a child. Parents
Alcario Griego and Josefita de Griego. Several Brothers. He was the nephew of
Florentina g. de Varos, wife of Abad Varos of Taos, NM.
73- Thur 17 Oct 1940. Adelita Quintana Age 4 years and 7 months of El Prado, NM.
Daughter of Manuel Quintana and Sirvilia Rivera de Quintana. Sunday she fell of
a horse drawn wagon that carried several children. She struck her head on the
ground and was immediately rushed to Holy Cross Hospital, Taos, NM, but her
injuries were so severe that medically nothing could be done.
74- Thur 24 Oct 1940. Jose Chacon charred body was found wednesday about 11:00
AM by some children in the debris of a burnt barn in Penasco, NM..14 Nov 1940
Hipolito Mascarenas 21 years old unemployed Llano, NM youth. Tuesday in Judge
Livingston Taylor Taos district Court confessed to killing Jose Chacon. But said
it was self defense that he and the middle aged Jose Chacon got into a fight
late that night in the barn. He was sentenced to from 15 to 25 years in the
state penitentiary.
75- Thur 31 Oct 1940, Helen Ruby Roybal Age 4 years old of Rodarte, NM drowned
in an asequia (ditch) 12 Oct 1940. She was the daughter of Samuel Roybal and
Corina Romero de Roybal. She was found dead by her mothers in the Santa Barbara
river after a 2 hour search.Funeral service in Llano, NM service by Rev. Tomas
Atencio.
76- Thur 14 Nov 1940. Jose Antonio Martinez Age 60, former Taos Marshal died
early Monday morning. He moved here from Des Montes, NM a dozen or more years
ago. Was prominent in village affairs. Survived by wife Marcy Wengert Martinez;
Son Ernesto Martinez, Taos Village water works superintendent; Mother from
Denver, Colo name not listed. Other sons Emilio, Carlos and Bernabe Martinez of
Taos, NM. John Martinez of Penasco, NM and 2 sisters. Names not listed.
77- Thur 21 Nov 1940. Adan Martinez Age 89 of Ranchos de Taos, NM. Died 2 Nov
1940. He completed 89 years 28 Oct 1940. Survived by sons Malaquias M. y Peralta
of Taos, NM, Leocadio Martinez, Ranchos de Taos, NM, Benigno Martinez and
Amarante Martinez from Canon de Taos, NM; Daughters Mrs. Rebecca Martinez de
Maestas wife of Luis Maestas, formally from Gusdorf, NM. and Mrs. Eliza Martinez
de Hartt of Ranchos de Taos, NM, with whom Adan Martinez lived until his death.
78- Thur 28 Nov 1940, Teresita Duran de Gonzales of Arroyo Seco, NM died tuesday
night ( 26 Nov 1940) Not to long ago her son Ambrosio Gonzales also died,
79- Thur 5 Dec 1940. Albert Martinez former Taos Pueblo Governor was found dead
early Saturday evening beside the road leading into the Pueblo. Sheriff Isidro
Montoya believes that he was killed by a hit and run driver. Both legs were
broken and it appears that he died of internal injuries.
80- Thur 5 Dec 1940. Manuel D. Segura Age 43 editor of La Revista de Taos news
paper died late Wednesday night at his residence. Following a 4 weeks long
illness. He had been the editor of La Revista de Taos News Paper for the past 4
years. His body was taken to Las Vegas, NM where he was born and reared.
Services will be held in Las Vegas, NM Saturday afternoon with interment at the
St. Joseph Cemetery.
81- Thur 5 Dec 1940. Manuel Vigil of San Cristobal, NM died 1 Nov 1940 in Arroyo
Hondo, NM. Survived by wife Luisa Medina de Vigil, 3 children; Parents Ezequias
Vigil and wife name not listed. Grandfather Francisco Vigil y Vigil.
82- Thur 5 Dec 1940, Andres E. Romero Age 36 of Albuq. NM. died in Ceboyeta, NM.
He was employed by the New Mexico State Comptroller. He had been in charge of
the Taos County Treasures office for some time. The family Romero resides in
Albuq. NM.
83- Thur 5 Dec 1940. Feliberto Salazar Age 28 years and 2 months of Arroyo
Hondo, NM Died 14 Nov 1940. Survived by wife Dorelia D. de Salazar; Brother Jose
De Jesus Salazar.
84- Thur 19 Dec 1940. Celestino Martinez Age 16 of Cerro, NM. Died of pneumonia.
Date of death not listed. Buried 19 Dec 1940. Son of Mr. & Mrs. Fermin Martinez;
Grandson of Luis Montoya of Cerro, NM. Celestino has 10 brothers and sisters.
Names not listed.
85- Thur 19 Dec 1940. Ricardo M. Montoya and his son Ricardo Montoya Jr. of
Ranchitos Arriba, taos, NM. Were found dead in the house by family members 12
Dec 1940. They were asphyxiated by the carbon monoxide gases of a stove. They
were buried in the Taos Sierra Vista Cemetery.
86- Thur 26 Dec 1940. Mrs. Adelaida S. Baca Age 75 former Taos Resident. Died in
her residence in Santa Fe, NM on Wednesday Morning. Born in Abiquiu Rio Arriba
County, NM in 1855. She spent her youth in Taos and in 1896 she married Sylvano
Baca of Las Vegas, NM. He died in 1936. She was a direct descendent of 2 pioneer
families of New Mexico. The Salazars and Manzanares. Survived by sisters Mrs.
Enrique Gonzales, Miss Lola Salazar of Taos, NM, Mrs O. G. Martinez of Arroyo
Hondo, NM. Brothers J. A. Salazar of Taos, NM, David Salazar of Denver, Colo.
Besides may other relatives , nephews and nieces among whom are Fred Martinez of
the first state bank, Arthur Martinez also of Taos, NM. and Mayor F. F. Baca of
the Coronado Pharmacy.
By Alberto Vidaurre 29 Sept 2010