Hi Mike, I am answering you on the Huerfano List as there are other people that are interested in this family also. My little guy is due here any minute so I'm going to make this a quick note. I think your assumption about Rufino Wilkins not being able to read or write is incorrect. In 1862 he was sworn into office as a Justice of the Peace. In that capacity he performed marriages, sat in on trials, had to keep records etc. Also as a Justice, he had to be able to read and write because back then, the Justice also wrote the beautiful proposals of marriages for the groom and his parents. He had to be literate to be able to do all of his duties. In 1862 he applied for a license for a grocery in his home. He had to be able to transact business in order to keep a store. Plus, from what I learned from the older generation of the family, Rufino was a highly intelligent man, and was highly respected in the community. He was very well spoken and many people went to him for advise about legal matters. I will send the list of children after the baby goes down for his nap. Karen ----- Original Message ----- From: mikey To: Karen Mitchell Sent: Monday, August 22, 2005 7:11 PM Subject: Re: [COHUERFA] Marriages and Baptisms prior Karen If you have time and have a list can you send me your list of Rufinos's kids that you mentioned to Dave. I think that Santiago was the first born: A cousin of mine recently sent this info: In the IGI (International Genealogical Inventory) there is an entry for a Baptism for Jose Torbio Wilkins May 3,1858 in Taos, Arroyo Hondo Nuestra Senora De Los Dolores (perhaps the church) Parents are Juan Rufino and Eleonora Trujillo.This year matches the date that Santiago was born. I cannot yet explain the name Jose Torbio, unless it is a mispelling. On the same page of the IGI a John Wilkins is born in 1827 in New Mexico in Arizona County..a brother of Rufino??We have copy of the signature of Rufino. He signed his last name "Guilques" This Spanish name sounds somewhat like Wilkins and to the Anglo who was writing the document, he spelled the name "Guilques" as Wilkins. It was common that those who were writing could not read or write the Spanish Language and often wrote Spanish surnames phonetically. I believe that the name "Guilques" was forever changed within this one document. Rufino, most likely, could not read English, and could not correct the spelling. I have compiled this list but only 9 children. Husband: Rufino Wilkins Born: 1840 Wife: Leonor Trujillo Born: 1843 Died: December 08, 1918 CHILDREN 1 Name: Cedelia Wilkins F Married: Spouse: Jose Dolores Medina 2 Name: Santiago Wilkins M Born: 1858 Married: November 22, 1881 Spouse: Josepha Aragon 3 Name: Clofi Or Cleofeus Wilkins F Born: 1863 Married: Spouse: Marcellino Pino 4 Name: Pacifica Wilkins F Born: 1865 Married: Spouse: Simon Silva 5 Name: Desidora Wilkins F Born: 1868 6 Name: Pastora Wilkins F Born: 1871 Married: Spouse: Antonio M Sandovall 7 Name: Manuella Wilkins F Born: January 10, 1873 8 Name: Jose Wilkins M Born: 1877 9 Name: Delfina Maria Wilkins ----- Original Message ----- From: Karen Mitchell To: COHUERFA-L@rootsweb.com Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 8:16 AM Subject: Re: [COHUERFA] Marriages and Baptisms prior Hi Dave, Do you remember the old western movies where the Padre is slowly traveling across country on a donkey or mule? That was based on fact. Prior to many of the churches being established the Priests were considered circuit riders that traveled to different localities to perform their jobs. So unfortunately we don't always know where any given record will be prior to St. Mary's being established in late 1869. We do know that Rufino was in the area prior to 1861 because he is listed in the 1861 Territorial census. On April 14, 1862 he was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace in Huerfano County, and also in 1862 he applied for a license for a grocery in his home. From the 1880 census we can determine that he was born about 1840 and Leonore about 1843. So it's conceivable that they were married as early as 1860. He died before 1910 and Leonor died after 1910 census enumeration. I have 13 children listed for Rufino and Leonor but actual birth dates on only two of the daughters. I assume that you are descended from Pacifica Wilkins and Simon Silva. Is that correct? Beings Rufino is listed in the Territorial Election in District 8 or 9 in Precinct 7, which is listed as "on the Arkansas" river, I am wondering if we might find the marriage record at Pueblo. If not there, then perhaps Trinidad or Mora County, NM. They are not listed in the Conejos records that I have. Wish I could be of more help to you but unfortunately this marriage record has been elusive for me also. No I haven't had any "encounters" lately with anything but snakes and gophers. Only two rattlers this year so far, but I expect that to increase in the next weeks as we are getting fibre optic cable laid in this area and I'm afraid the workers might disturb any nests in the area. I haven't done any cemetery readings this year because I don't have anyone to go with me so that has cut way back on the "encounters". Pretty boring LOL! Sure wish you all would start a campaign to talk the Johnston's into coming from California again, we'd get alot more cemeteries online. Hmmm, wonder if I could kidnap them. (hehe) But in the meantime, if any of you are in the area and would like to spend a day helping read and document a cemetery, Please let me know, I would appreciate it so very much! It is never wise to go into a remote cemetery alone so I'm pretty much stuck at home with my wishes. Fall is on the way, hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather! Karen ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave Silva" <fourofus@htc.net> To: <COHUERFA-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2005 2:01 PM Subject: [COHUERFA] Marriages and Baptisms prior Hello all on the mailing list, old members and new. Where were the records kept prior to Father Ussel and St. Mary's? I am trying to locate information on Maria Leonor(a) Trujillo & Rufino Wilkins or Juana Apolonia Garcia & Francisco Silva. It is nice to see some activity on the list. Karen, have you had any outdoor adventures? Lions, tigers, bears, Sasquatch? Thanks in advance from Dave & Diane Go Cardinals! (baseball in St. Louis)

Karen!! Dave!! It's Frank (Wilkins) not Mike...don't know how my nic name popped up.. Anyway wanted to clarify what I had posted earlier. There is no question in my mind that Rufino was an educated man. My Dad also insisted he rode with Kid Carson and that records in the Gardner Church would prove that...(but that's for another story) The kind words you used to describe my Great Great Grandfather is truly heartwarming and I believe all of what you said to be true. But, to clarify what I had posted earlier; When Rufino purchased his license for the store, he had to take out a loan of $500. His signature is on record. The Signature appears to be Guilques. (damm Nice Signature too!!) My Guess or assumption was that he may have been weak ONLY in the "English" language. When asked his name by Censustakers who I would assume to be Anglo...their interpetation of his name would come out as Wikes or Wilkins.( It isspelled both ways in various Census's) Maybe by his choice or maybe by not being able to correct the English version of what was being written in English...the name went down as Wilkins...and accepted. I thought I sent a copy of his signature a while back...oh well...old age....I will scan the document and pass it on to all. Thanks all again Frank Looking forward to your list ----- Original Message ----- From: Karen Mitchell<mailto:km1109@aculink.net> To: Huerfano List<mailto:COHUERFA-L@rootsweb.com> ; mikey<mailto:fwilkin1@msn.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 23, 2005 7:20 AM Subject: Re: [COHUERFA] Marriages and Baptisms prior Hi Mike, I am answering you on the Huerfano List as there are other people that are interested in this family also. My little guy is due here any minute so I'm going to make this a quick note. I think your assumption about Rufino Wilkins not being able to read or write is incorrect. In 1862 he was sworn into office as a Justice of the Peace. In that capacity he performed marriages, sat in on trials, had to keep records etc. Also as a Justice, he had to be able to read and write because back then, the Justice also wrote the beautiful proposals of marriages for the groom and his parents. He had to be literate to be able to do all of his duties. In 1862 he applied for a license for a grocery in his home. He had to be able to transact business in order to keep a store. Plus, from what I learned from the older generation of the family, Rufino was a highly intelligent man, and was highly respected in the community. He was very well spoken and many people went to him for advise about legal matters. I will send the list of children after the baby goes down for his nap. Karen ----- Original Message ----- From: mikey<mailto:fwilkin1@msn.com> To: Karen Mitchell<mailto:km1109@aculink.net> Sent: Monday, August 22, 2005 7:11 PM Subject: Re: [COHUERFA] Marriages and Baptisms prior Karen If you have time and have a list can you send me your list of Rufinos's kids that you mentioned to Dave. I think that Santiago was the first born: A cousin of mine recently sent this info: In the IGI (International Genealogical Inventory) there is an entry for a Baptism for Jose Torbio Wilkins May 3,1858 in Taos, Arroyo Hondo Nuestra Senora De Los Dolores (perhaps the church) Parents are Juan Rufino and Eleonora Trujillo.This year matches the date that Santiago was born. I cannot yet explain the name Jose Torbio, unless it is a mispelling. On the same page of the IGI a John Wilkins is born in 1827 in New Mexico in Arizona County..a brother of Rufino??We have copy of the signature of Rufino. He signed his last name "Guilques" This Spanish name sounds somewhat like Wilkins and to the Anglo who was writing the document, he spelled the name "Guilques" as Wilkins. It was common that those who were writing could not read or write the Spanish Language and often wrote Spanish surnames phonetically. I believe that the name "Guilques" was forever changed within this one document. Rufino, most likely, could not read English, and could not correct the spelling. I have compiled this list but only 9 children. Husband: Rufino Wilkins Born: 1840 Wife: Leonor Trujillo Born: 1843 Died: December 08, 1918 CHILDREN 1 Name: Cedelia Wilkins F Married: Spouse: Jose Dolores Medina 2 Name: Santiago Wilkins M Born: 1858 Married: November 22, 1881 Spouse: Josepha Aragon 3 Name: Clofi Or Cleofeus Wilkins F Born: 1863 Married: Spouse: Marcellino Pino 4 Name: Pacifica Wilkins F Born: 1865 Married: Spouse: Simon Silva 5 Name: Desidora Wilkins F Born: 1868 6 Name: Pastora Wilkins F Born: 1871 Married: Spouse: Antonio M Sandovall 7 Name: Manuella Wilkins F Born: January 10, 1873 8 Name: Jose Wilkins M Born: 1877 9 Name: Delfina Maria Wilkins ----- Original Message ----- From: Karen Mitchell<mailto:km1109@aculink.net> To: COHUERFA-L@rootsweb.com<mailto:COHUERFA-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Saturday, August 20, 2005 8:16 AM Subject: Re: [COHUERFA] Marriages and Baptisms prior Hi Dave, Do you remember the old western movies where the Padre is slowly traveling across country on a donkey or mule? That was based on fact. Prior to many of the churches being established the Priests were considered circuit riders that traveled to different localities to perform their jobs. So unfortunately we don't always know where any given record will be prior to St. Mary's being established in late 1869. We do know that Rufino was in the area prior to 1861 because he is listed in the 1861 Territorial census. On April 14, 1862 he was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace in Huerfano County, and also in 1862 he applied for a license for a grocery in his home. From the 1880 census we can determine that he was born about 1840 and Leonore about 1843. So it's conceivable that they were married as early as 1860. He died before 1910 and Leonor died after 1910 census enumeration. I have 13 children listed for Rufino and Leonor but actual birth dates on only two of the daughters. I assume that you are descended from Pacifica Wilkins and Simon Silva. Is that correct? Beings Rufino is listed in the Territorial Election in District 8 or 9 in Precinct 7, which is listed as "on the Arkansas" river, I am wondering if we might find the marriage record at Pueblo. If not there, then perhaps Trinidad or Mora County, NM. They are not listed in the Conejos records that I have. Wish I could be of more help to you but unfortunately this marriage record has been elusive for me also. No I haven't had any "encounters" lately with anything but snakes and gophers. Only two rattlers this year so far, but I expect that to increase in the next weeks as we are getting fibre optic cable laid in this area and I'm afraid the workers might disturb any nests in the area. I haven't done any cemetery readings this year because I don't have anyone to go with me so that has cut way back on the "encounters". Pretty boring LOL! Sure wish you all would start a campaign to talk the Johnston's into coming from California again, we'd get alot more cemeteries online. Hmmm, wonder if I could kidnap them. (hehe) But in the meantime, if any of you are in the area and would like to spend a day helping read and document a cemetery, Please let me know, I would appreciate it so very much! It is never wise to go into a remote cemetery alone so I'm pretty much stuck at home with my wishes. Fall is on the way, hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather! Karen ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave Silva" <fourofus@htc.net<mailto:fourofus@htc.net>> To: <COHUERFA-L@rootsweb.com<mailto:COHUERFA-L@rootsweb.com>> Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2005 2:01 PM Subject: [COHUERFA] Marriages and Baptisms prior Hello all on the mailing list, old members and new. Where were the records kept prior to Father Ussel and St. Mary's? I am trying to locate information on Maria Leonor(a) Trujillo & Rufino Wilkins or Juana Apolonia Garcia & Francisco Silva. It is nice to see some activity on the list. Karen, have you had any outdoor adventures? Lions, tigers, bears, Sasquatch? Thanks in advance from Dave & Diane Go Cardinals! (baseball in St. Louis)

I finally found the marriage record of Rufino and Leonore on the LDS site. It is in the Arroyo Hondo records. I searched on Maria Leonor Trugillo. Here's the record: 8 Jan 1855, Maria Leonor Trugillo married Jose Rufino Sanches. Nuestra Senora De Los Dolores, Arroyo Hondo, Taos, New Mexico Now all we have to do is find the original record on the film to verify the names. The "Sanches" could be a translator error or maybe he was a Sanches. But the original record should give the parents names. Anyone going to their LDS center soon? Karen