Leche De Coyote

By Jerry P. Martinez

The beginning of this book is the story of my life followed by the life of my ancestors. I start with my own story, not a story of a hero. Its not a about a famous baseball player that I envisioned in my dreams. My story doesnt involve any spy adventures like the books I enjoy reading. Rather my life I share with you is about a boy born in the hills of Northern New Mexico. Its about a kid that lived the first five years of my life in one of the most impoverished counties in the United States.

My story recognizes the important role my mother Fedelina, played in my life. She gave me and my siblings the opportunity to be educated. Because of her efforts I became educated in the Catholic School system. Because of her foresight I grew up in Santa Cruz, New Mexico, and became educated in the Catholic tradition.

Its about a person that carried through his Mothers wishes. The world she opened led me to become one of the first members of the Martinezs clan to get a College degree.

Its about a career that starts in the New Mexico State capitol and winds up in the California Aerospace Industry. Its about a person that is proud of his heritage, proud of his family, and proud of his country.

My life has been driven by a philosophy learned from the experiences of others. I recognized the importance of learned experiences so I embraced what they shared with me. I adopted their experiences as my own. I lost my father at an early age so I really couldnt use him as a model for learning. I listened to the elders where ever and whenever the occasion presented itself. I learned to avoid the bad and accept what I perceived to be good.

Those of my parents; Andres and Fedelina follow my own story. The others that follow are those of their parents and grandparents. I have enjoyed doing research on them, and it has been especially rewarding to actually put all these stories on paper.

My family comprising of both the Martinez Clan and the Archuletas number in the hundreds. Papatin and Mama Ignacita had thirteen children; the Archuletas Papa Esquipula and Mama Aleja had seven children.

Without a doubt some of these relatives can share much more interesting memoirs than mine. I have knowledge of many interesting stories about them. My uncles served our Country during World War II as some of my older cousins did. Im sure they can relate to some very interesting experiences during those times.

Documentation that contains historical data on our ancestors is available for those interested in Genealogy. The Catholic Churches and missions throughout the southwest have kept records dating back to the colonization of the New World. Other agencies like the United States Census Bureau, The New Mexico Genealogical society and the Organized Church of the Latter Day Saints also maintain information on settlers coming to live in the New World. Information exists on almost every US citizen; all it takes is hours of research.

Also in the past, information about ones ancestors was passed on either written or orally. Ancestors would keep records in Bibles or in books theyd written themselves. It was also very common for the family elders to repeat tales during campfire gatherings or around the dinner table.

My first recollection of tales involving ancestors was my Grandma Ignacita talking about her side of the family. I remember these tales being told over and over.

The story of my maternal grandfather, Luciano Herrera is one that I heard over and over. Mother used to repeat stories relating to him, to a point that I became familiar and intrigued with his life story. I started to do research on him only to discover that genealogy could be fascinating which lead me to do further research on my other ancestors.

Ive documented much

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 29, 2007
• ISBN: 9781469118307

Jerry P. Martinez

Jerry Polito Martinez was born in Coyote, New Mexico in 1939 and grew up in Santa Cruz, New Mexico. He got a BBA from the College of Santa Fe and an MBA from Loyola Marymount of Los Angeles. Jerry is the father of three sons and two daughters. Retired from TRW Space and Defense an aerospace firm located in Redondo Beach, California in 1999. He currently resides in Orange County, California, with his wife, Laura and youngest daughter Andrea.

Book preview

Copyright © 2007 by Jerry P. Martinez.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2007901697

ISBN:                    Hardcover                  978-1-4257-6984-0

ISBN:                    Softcover                    978-1-4257-6963-5

ISBN:                    Softcover                    978-1-4691-1830-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

37589

Contents

Introduction

Chapter I

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

Chapter VI

Chapter VII

Chapter VIII

Chapter IX

Chapter X

Exploration and Conquest

Paternal Family Tree

Addendum

Maternal Family Tree

Descendants of Herrera family

Bibliography

Introduction

Documentation that contains historical data on our ancestors is available for those interested in Genealogy. The Catholic Churches and missions throughout the southwest have kept records dating back to the colonization of the New World. Other agencies like the United States Census Bureau, The New Mexico Genealogical society and the Organized Church of the Latter Day Saints also maintain information on settlers coming to live in the New World. Information exists on almost every US citizen; all it takes is hours of research.

Numerous genealogical groups have been formed and will assist us in seeking information. Although this information has existed for years, it was not readily available like it is today. Volunteers from all walks of life have gathered the data making it available for us to use.

Also in the past, information about one’s ancestors was passed on either written or orally. Ancestors would keep records in Bibles or in books they’d written themselves. It was also very common for the family elders to repeat tales during campfire gatherings or around the dinner table.

My first recollection of tales involving ancestors was my Grandma Ignacita talking about her side of the family. I remember these tales being told over and over.

The story of my maternal grandfather, Luciano Herrera is one that I heard over and over. Mother used to repeat stories relating to him, to a point that I became familiar and intrigued with his life story. I started to do research on him only to discover that genealogy could be fascinating which lead me to do further research on my other ancestors.

I’ve documented much of the research and have complied a lot of data. What I have is very interesting and wish to share it with whoever wants to read this reading. The data is by no means complete, in that I don’t have marriage, birth, or death certificates on every ancestor. The stories told by our family go back many generations dating to the early days of New Mexico. However my generation doesn’t share stories about our ancestors over campfires anymore like my ancestors did with us. This book will be my version of the campfire tale. I have written this because no one else has done it before that I know of.

Our ancestors came from the Extramadura region of Spain starting in the late 1500s and early 1600s. Extramadura was a barren region situated near the Portugal border. People from that part of Spain left their homes because of the poor living conditions. They came to the new World seeking their fortunes like so many other settlers. Others came from the Sevilla and Cordova areas and the Arechuletas came from the Northern part of Spain. Some settled in Mexico City at first, from there they went to Zacatecas and eventually to New Mexico. Others came directly from Spain

I believe this writing will be good for our family history. This documentation will provide much information on our forefathers. One of my grandsons, Matt usually asks questions about his ancestry. Matt, hopefully I can provide you with answers for questions you have yet to ask. These are your roots, the blood of the Martinez, Archuleta, Madrid, Serrano, Herrera and others flow through our veins.

The beginning of this book is the story of my life followed by the life of my ancestors. I start with my own story, not a story of a hero. It’s not a about a famous baseball player that I envisioned in my dreams. My story doesn’t involve any spy adventures like the books I enjoy reading. Rather my life I share with you is about a boy born in the hills of Northern New Mexico. It’s about a kid that lived the first five years of my life in one of the most impoverished counties in the United States.

My story recognizes the important role my mother, Fedelina, played in my life. She gave my siblings and me the opportunity to be educated. Because of her efforts I became educated in the Catholic School system. Because of her foresight I grew up in Santa Cruz, New Mexico, and became educated in the Catholic tradition.

It’s about a person that carried through his Mother’s wishes. The world she opened led me to become one of the first members of the Martinez’s clan to get a College degree.

It’s about a career that starts in the New Mexico State capitol and winds it up in the California Aerospace Industry. It’s about a person that is proud of his heritage, proud of his family, and proud of his country.

My life has been driven by a philosophy learned from the experiences of others. I recognized the importance of learned experiences so I embraced what they shared with me. I adopted their experiences as my own. I lost my father at an early age so I really couldn’t use him as a model for learning. I listened to the elders where ever and whenever the occasion presented itself. I learned to avoid the bad and accept what I perceived to be good.

If my life could be summed up in one or a few words or a phrase it would be I DID. I always tried to accomplish a goal. I vision most everything in a positive sense. The most important lesson I learned from my elders was from the phrase I SHOULD HAVE. Every one of the elders I listened to made that comment about their lives. I SHOULD HAVE. Throughout their lives they regretted not accomplishing what they really wanted. I figured that it was a path to avoid.

It is more gratifying to say; I DID than the alternative.

I recite a poem for inspiration and to remind me not to be complacent. I share this poem with you—Author—forgotten… .

God gave us two ends

One to sit on and one to think with

Success depends on which end we use the most

HEADS WE WIN—TAILS WE LOSE

Those of my parents, Andres and Fedelina, follow my own story. The others that follow are those of their parent’s and grandparents. I have enjoyed doing research on them, and it has been especially rewarding to actually put all these stories on paper.

My family, comprising the Martinez Clan and the Archuletas, number in the hundreds. Papatin and Mama Ignacita had thirteen children; the Archuleta’s Papa Esquipula and Mama Aleja had seven children.

Without a doubt, some of these relatives can share much more interesting memoirs than mine. I have knowledge of many interesting stories about them. My uncles served our Country during World War II as some of my older cousins did. I’m sure they can relate to some very interesting experiences during those times. My own brother George retired as an officer but not before he served his country in the Viet Nam War.

I encourage them to make their life’s adventures public and share them with all of us as I have done.

Chapter I

Dawn—Breeched Birth

"Dios mio", cried my Tia Leonarda (Lala), "viene de pies primero! Paciencia, conpaciencia, calmese, Senora Lala", commanded Dona Gregoria Velarde, the midwife. Dona Gregoria had delivered most of the children born in Arroyo del Agua (¹) and was very experienced. Tia Lala had no prior experience with births but was about to experience her first breech birth. The nearest hospital was about forty miles away with no means of getting there on time.

The one room adobe home my Tio Federico called home would do. The home was very cozy in the early August morning when I was born. The adobe fireplace heated the water required and the earthen floor had been swept clean in anticipation of my birth. Dona Gregoria had arrived the night before because mother was having a hard time with me.

Neither mother nor Dona Gregoria had any idea that I was to be born feet first. This explained why mother was having a hard time during the last hours of this pregnancy. Mother had delivered all six previous children with the help of Dona Gregoria and was very comfortable having her there again. However never before had she assisted with a breech birth.

She was scared but the experienced Dona Gregoria kept her calm as she prepared to deliver me. She also kept my mother calm because mother knew how dangerous a breech birth could be to both mother and child. My mother and I both survived the breech birth. My gratitude and grateful prayers go to Dona Gregoria and mi Tia Lala who assisted with my birth.

Tia Lala was the younger sister of my paternal grandfather, Presiliano Martinez. She was a lovely lady widowed only a few months before I was born.

Tio Federico was the youngest brother of my paternal grandfather, Presiliano. He and his sister, Tia Lala lived adjacent to each other. The one room adobe house had earthen floors, an adobe fireplace, a few pieces of furniture and a bed. It was always very clean. This is what I remember during my subsequent visits.

Dona Gregoria’s duty didn’t cease with the delivery; she was also responsible for documenting my birth. She should, by law, submit the necessary paper work to the Rio Arriba county seat in Tierra Amarilla. The county seat in Tierra Amarilla contained the vital statistics on all its citizens. Dona Gregoria submitted the following information to the county seat:

Name: I was unnamed at the time, later this name was written on the birth certificate: Polito Jerry Martinez, Born: August 5, 1939. Born: Alive (True). Born at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.

I was the fourth child living and the seventh overall born to Andres Avelino Martinez, age 37, and Fedelina Archuleta, age 31. My father was listed as a farmer, my Mom as was a housewife.

Tio Federico understood the situation, which existed between mother and grandmother Ignacita. They simply didn’t get along with each other, and mom was not about to give birth at Mama Ignacita’s house. Tio Federico offered his house even though it meant that he would be homeless for a few days.

My parents had moved back to Arroyo de Agua from Santa Fe in the spring of 1939. Mama Ignacita lured them back with promises to mother of a better life. Mother was pregnant with me and would need the help of her sisters in law. Mother agreed to move back. Mama Ignacita loaned them the rooms situated in back of el molino.

The relationship between them didn’t improve and eventually mother moved to Tio Federico’s house. Grandma Ignacita had insisted that mom give birth to me at her house. Mother had made up her mind and nobody not even Andres, my father could convince mom to give birth to me at Mama Ignacita’s house.

I give thanks to my mother, Fedelina, for giving me life; I thank and will pray for Dona Gregoria Velarde for her excellent assistance as the midwife; Tia Lala for her role as the assistant midwife. My prayers and many thanks; lots of thanks to Tio Federico for allowing me the use of his house; acknowledgments for their role in my birth, Andres, my father the donor; Mama Ignacita for driving mom away from her house; and to the construction workers for not having the house completed and available for my birth. Without these people, I would not have been born in a one-room adobe home with a wood burning stove, with an adobe fireplace and earthen floor, kerosene lamps and candles.

My Uncle Juan Ignacio Archuleta and his wife Rosabel were my godparents. During baptism, they picked the name Hipolito; my mom picked the name I’ve been known by all my life—Jerry. The baptismal certificate lists my name as Hipolito Jerry Martinez; my official lawful name as listed on the birth certificate is Polito Jerry Martinez. Mother insisted that my name not be Spanish sounding, she insisted on an American name. Why Jerry—I have no idea. I’ve done several searches on that name; I figured that somebody famous might have influenced her choice of names. My reasoning quite simply is based on the fact that at least six other guys that I went to school with were named Jerry, all in my age range. So somebody famous influenced these other mothers to name their Spanish blooded kids—Jerry. My name is better suited for a kid surnamed kid Smith; frankly I prefer Fernando, Luciano, or Elias but not Jerry.

During one of my many visits with mom, she mentioned that my father had heard me cry while she was pregnant with me. The old wife’s tale and old Spanish belief is, if a child is heard crying while still inside the womb, that indicates that the child will be specially gifted. Interestingly, she didn’t disclose this until I was an adult. I don’t believe in any of that stuff, but I do know that when I was a baby, I cried a lot. Mom’s friends among others, referred to me as El Grune, or Lloron (crybaby), so I was just practicing my cry prior to being released from the womb.

My coming into the world was an act only God can allow, and I really relish this miracle. The nine months it takes to develop an individual and the early years of one’s life are very special. For those reasons I will not downplay my birth, and I continue recording what I know about my early year in this world.

Like the time I refused to drink cow’s milk. I rejected being fed goat’s milk. I wanted to be breast-fed—special baby, huh? Not too special when mom runs dry and can’t feed me. When that happened, my mom had this great idea. Prima Versave (we referred to all the adults as either Prima or Tia) Martinez (Valdez) had given birth to Donaldo about the same time mom gave birth to me. Mom figured that I would be content being breast-fed by Prima Versave. She came over to our home in Arroyo de Agua, to breast feed me. Can you imagine, can you just picture me taking breast milk from another lady? No way, and naturally I rejected her—yea for me! Mother had to spoon-feed me; she fed me cow’s milk with plenty of honey or sugar.

My baby years or rather my first baby year was full of activities. In addition, to the breastfeeding incident, my oldest sister, Jennie, dumped me from the baby carriage, and I was scalded with boiling water.

Mom was busy with the spring seeding and instructed Jennie to take care of me. Mother dressed me up, placed me inside the baby carriage and off I went with Jennie. Walter, George and Jennie pushed me inside La Cochera, a storage shed-like structure, where they liked to play games. On this particular day they would initially start their gamesmanship by baptizing our dog. They were baptizing our dog, Ruby. Walter was playing the part of a priest, George the padrino, Jennie la madrina.

Ruby was a sheep dog that had lost an eye doing battle with the coyotes trying to save the sheep. I don’t know at what part of the baptism