The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1893-07-02
DESCENDANTS OF DISCOVERIES.
Ancient Spanish Families in a Remote
Corner of New Mexico.

which is almost as Wild as the interior
of Africa, separated from the nearest
railroad point by deserts of deep sand. !
and in the midst of antiquities. such as
the ruins OF the cliff jewellers. ruins of
old churches and ancient architecture
generally, have discovered settle
nent of people who are the hneal de-
scendants of Columb bus and OF those
who were with him on the voyage when
America was discovered. Just across
the Chama river from this old mission
there is d settlement know as Plaza
Colorado or Red Plaza. 1t Is the site
Of the old Spanish city of Coronado,
the ruins of which are now in an ex-
eellent state of preservations- The sur
rounding country is now occupied as
ranches and homes by the Martinez
and Chaves families. They are all
pure Castellanos, and have so in
ternarried in all q the genera
tons since 1910 as to retain the
chief characteristics of their distin-
guished ancestors. The Chsves and
Martinez families have lived here ever
since Coronado Cabeza de Faca came
up TO this country from the coast with
his band of daring followers. That
was in 1910 Previous 70 that some Of
the same party were with Columbus
when he discovered ARCANE. and the
Martinez. the Chaves and the Columbus
families were all related. The city OF
Coronado was esta biished about 1913
Copper and gold were mined IN the
vicinity. and quite mum Der OF manu-
factories were put in operation. The
Chaves family have a huge copper ket-
tie, weighing perhaps two hundred
pounds, that was made where they now
live, and that has been in possession of
the family for over three hundred years
| The Spaniards made poems or slaves OF
the natives, who were finally victorious
over their enemies. destroying their
city and killing and driving most
of them from the country. The pres
ent branches of the Martinez and
/ Chaves families are the descendants OF
the agricultural and pastoral Spaniaros
whom the natives allowed to remain,
1 as they had ever been on friendly terms
with them They still possess all the
| facial and physical characteristics of
| the Spaniards, with classical features,
/ light bronze complexion. black eyes
! and raven black hair. They are peo-
/ pie that would anywhere be considered
| eautiful. especially the females. They
are not only beautiful but highly in
/ telligent, in striking contrast TO many
of the descendants of the original races
I of America all around them. They are
! very quick of thought as well as OF ac-
ton. They are all farmers, except
part of the Chaves family. one of whom
is merchant: another, Frank Chaves,
is sheriff of this county. They raise
lust about enough for themselves and
their stock, having but small surplus
each wear to sell, and IN over three
hundred years have not grown
much richer or much poorer. They
get water from the same ditch as did
their ancestors over three hundred
wears ago. Crops are about OF the
same kind. and life goes on in the same
easy channel. Generation after gener-
alton succeed to the lands. There Is no
immigration. All are apparently salts
fed with their country, to live as their
forefathers lived and be buried at last
in the old churchyard at Abiquln. They
are devout members of the mother
church, and true. TO the cross that Co
lumbus first planted on American soil.
The old church at Abiquin has stood
for over three hundred years. In It's
front yard. eighty by one hundred feet,
over one thousand bodies have been IN
tered one on top OF another. 80 Old
are many of the graves and so forgot
ten the occupants that when burla
is in order a grave is dug regardless OF
what the spade win turn up. Conse-
ouentIv it Is no unusual sight to see
quite a numb Der of skulls and lot OF
human bones lying around loose.
At service time in the church man
gets up on the roof with hammer. and
with dexterous skill, born of long ex-
perience, rings out rapid yet musical
chorus on the old bell. At the same
instant two men stand at the door OF
the church and rapidly fire off double
barreled shotguns. In explanation Of
this thew say il is to drive the devil
away from the church.
The country is land OF almost per
petual sunshine. The climate the year
round is not surpassed on earth II Is
dry. bright. bracing and invigorating.
The scenery Is wild rugged. grand and
picturesque The soil IS sandy, but
very productive by the aid of irriga
ton. So the descendants Of Column bus
are generally sure of fair rewards fol
any agricultural exertions they mas
choose 70 put forth. They are prac
tically isolated from the mighty rush
ard roar Of the commercial world, with
sufficient happiness Tor the day and NJ
particular care for the morrow Such
are the surroundings and actual con
ditions OF the direct DESCENDANTS o