Speaking of my past...I recently found an old picture of myself from about 5-7 years ago. Although I could have afforded to lose more weight at the time, I of course was significantly thinner than I find myself today. I made a plan and a deal with myself to go to the gym and while I was ready to go after work yesterday, my more distant past pulled me to something else instead.
Instead of working toward a me I knew a long time ago, I jumped on the 605 headed north to the Azusa hills towards the Azusa City Library. It's the only place that holds both of John Arvizu's books and having found out yesterday that my great grandmother's picture is in the book, I decided to skip the gym and seek out my more interesting and unknown past.
It took me quite a while to get there but I eventually did. While I drove through the old part of Azusa I wondered how it looked when my relatives lived there. I was a little upset that I couldn't remember the address of the house they lived in. I could have driven by since I was alreay there. I was sure it was near by since my freeway exit was Azusa Ave. which also happens to be the street they lived on.
Just as I got there I got a call from the Kern County records office. They answered some questions for me concerning applications I'm sending in for Grandpa Ernie's birth certificate, Lupe's marriage license to Andres and hopefully her death records too. I also plan to request a copy of her Decree of Distribution. I believe this is the paper that disbursed her land and house to Auntie Tiny, Auntie Ethel and Grandpa.
Once in the library, to my surprise, I was unable to check out the books which were in their "special collection". Instead I quickly skimmed through the book and took note of copies I wanted to take. I was really surprised at what I found. Here are some little interesting facts I found:
Domingo Arvizu and Francisca Lopez were married in 1861 as recorded by the San Gabriel Mission documents. He was 26 and she was 14! No offense to my past or current relatives but today that would be illegal, but I'm sure it was common for that time.
They had 12 children of which 10 survived:
Jose Loreto (9/8/1862 died in infancy)
Jose Manuel (4/14/1864 to 6/22/1864)
Abran (1/10/1866 to 2/15/1930)
Arnaldo (8/29/1867 to 3/14/1949)
Adela (10/3/1868)
Manuelito (4/14/1874)
Joaquincito (1/8/1876 to 2/6/1942)
Filomeno (11/21/1878 to 7/22/1956)
Mariana (11/3/1880)
Julian (1/28/1883 to 9/2/1942) Guadalupita (2/8/1884 to ?)
Domingo Jr. (7/18/1890 to 5/7/1916)
According John Arvizu, the LA Times wrote an article about Domingo Arvizu's death in February 1912. It said it was the biggest funeral procession the city had seen and that he was a much loved man in the community. Luckily for me, I work at a museum and am in connection with the local library which just so happens to have copies of the LA Times, so I hope to get a copy of this article soon.
In his book, John claims that Lupe's first husband's name was Antotito Pacheco instead of Marino which I found in the 1910 census. He also claims that her second husband's name was Andreas (not Andres). Where he got this version I'm not sure. Likewise, how he knew she was married to him I don't know either but would very much like to find out. So far I have not found anything on him (granted I'm still just starting) and only know of his existence through word of mouth from family. I wonder if John knows about Andres from family members or actual records I just haven't found yet.
Three Arvizu brothers started a pipe company in Kern County in the 20's. This must be the reason Lupe moved to Arvin. She was a widow and he father had died, so I assume she move with her closest brother Julian, whom she lived with for a while before her and Auntie Tiny and Auntie Ethel moved into their own home. It might also explain how Lupe was able to own her own home with a mortgage of $700 a month, (which was the highest mortgage on her block) while being a single mom for more that 90% of her lifetime in Arvin.
So enough of the written evidence, on to the surprising pictures I found relating to my family directly:
From this picture I know EXACTLY where Grandpa Ernie got his smile from.
Instead of working toward a me I knew a long time ago, I jumped on the 605 headed north to the Azusa hills towards the Azusa City Library. It's the only place that holds both of John Arvizu's books and having found out yesterday that my great grandmother's picture is in the book, I decided to skip the gym and seek out my more interesting and unknown past.
It took me quite a while to get there but I eventually did. While I drove through the old part of Azusa I wondered how it looked when my relatives lived there. I was a little upset that I couldn't remember the address of the house they lived in. I could have driven by since I was alreay there. I was sure it was near by since my freeway exit was Azusa Ave. which also happens to be the street they lived on.
Just as I got there I got a call from the Kern County records office. They answered some questions for me concerning applications I'm sending in for Grandpa Ernie's birth certificate, Lupe's marriage license to Andres and hopefully her death records too. I also plan to request a copy of her Decree of Distribution. I believe this is the paper that disbursed her land and house to Auntie Tiny, Auntie Ethel and Grandpa.
Once in the library, to my surprise, I was unable to check out the books which were in their "special collection". Instead I quickly skimmed through the book and took note of copies I wanted to take. I was really surprised at what I found. Here are some little interesting facts I found:
Domingo Arvizu and Francisca Lopez were married in 1861 as recorded by the San Gabriel Mission documents. He was 26 and she was 14! No offense to my past or current relatives but today that would be illegal, but I'm sure it was common for that time.
They had 12 children of which 10 survived:
Jose Loreto (9/8/1862 died in infancy)
Jose Manuel (4/14/1864 to 6/22/1864)
Abran (1/10/1866 to 2/15/1930)
Arnaldo (8/29/1867 to 3/14/1949)
Adela (10/3/1868)
Manuelito (4/14/1874)
Joaquincito (1/8/1876 to 2/6/1942)
Filomeno (11/21/1878 to 7/22/1956)
Mariana (11/3/1880)
Julian (1/28/1883 to 9/2/1942) Guadalupita (2/8/1884 to ?)
Domingo Jr. (7/18/1890 to 5/7/1916)
According John Arvizu, the LA Times wrote an article about Domingo Arvizu's death in February 1912. It said it was the biggest funeral procession the city had seen and that he was a much loved man in the community. Luckily for me, I work at a museum and am in connection with the local library which just so happens to have copies of the LA Times, so I hope to get a copy of this article soon.
In his book, John claims that Lupe's first husband's name was Antotito Pacheco instead of Marino which I found in the 1910 census. He also claims that her second husband's name was Andreas (not Andres). Where he got this version I'm not sure. Likewise, how he knew she was married to him I don't know either but would very much like to find out. So far I have not found anything on him (granted I'm still just starting) and only know of his existence through word of mouth from family. I wonder if John knows about Andres from family members or actual records I just haven't found yet.
Three Arvizu brothers started a pipe company in Kern County in the 20's. This must be the reason Lupe moved to Arvin. She was a widow and he father had died, so I assume she move with her closest brother Julian, whom she lived with for a while before her and Auntie Tiny and Auntie Ethel moved into their own home. It might also explain how Lupe was able to own her own home with a mortgage of $700 a month, (which was the highest mortgage on her block) while being a single mom for more that 90% of her lifetime in Arvin.
So enough of the written evidence, on to the surprising pictures I found relating to my family directly:
From this picture I know EXACTLY where Grandpa Ernie got his smile from.
This one shows Auntie Tiny and Ethel but it was still too early for Grandpa Ernie.
It makes me wonder how John's family got a baby picture of my grandfather. Especially since, as far as I know, my family has never seen pictures of him so young.
Hey lynelle thats the picture I was going to send you of Lupe, but its in color. I will as soon as I get home.
ReplyDeleteBtw, Andrew looks like Grandpa! And next time you go take me with you! lol
ReplyDeleteI cried when I saw this picture of dad....Andrew looks like his name sake!!!Their both so handsome.
ReplyDeleteI cried when I saw the picture of dad...Andrew looks so much like his name sake. They're both so handsome!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Lynelle,
Deleteyou don't know me, But I think we may be related. I too am looking into the Arvizu history of my dads side. my name is Debra (Arvizu) Dexter. My dads name is Robert Arvizu (born 1930). My grandfathers name is Manuel Arvizu, grandson of Domingo Arvizu. My mom and I were looking online for info regarding my grandfather and found ur blog which has given me a lot of info of where I came from :). My mom actually has the actual picture of Domingo and all the grandchildren. I would love to learn more and communicate with u.
Hello Lynelle and Debra...looks like we are family too! My name is Jennifer (Arvizu)Hixon. My Grandfather is Arnold Lawrence Arvizu Jr. his Grandfather was Domingo Arvizu born 1834 and passed in 1912. Thank you for sharing your findings! I'd love to know more. My Aunt(on the Hixon's side)is helping me find more info. Please contact me...it would be great to share our stories. Talking with my Grandmother Theresa (Soto Lopez) Arvizu. I can be reached at jenniferarvizuhixon99@yahoo.com Hope to hear from you!
DeleteP.S. My Grandma Theresa said that Adella, Elemor, Frances and Esmeralda are my Grandfather's sisters and are pictured in the photo with Domingo:) She can recall that photo on my Grandpas wall! Abe is my grandfather's cousin. I am so excited! Jennifer
DeleteHello,my name is John Arvizu and I just came across this. I can't tell you how happy my heart feels at knowing that I was able to bring you some answers in your family quest. If you are on Facebook, you will be able to see many family photos including some of Tiny Pacheco's family.
ReplyDeleteHello, This is Rose Gonzales-Hardy co-author to "Eyes to the Past", a book that I loved putting together. I am so happy that you all were able to connect and find the missing pieces to your family history. I was born and raised in Azusa and as a child didn't realize I was related to a lot of Azusa families. Donating the book to the Azusa library was our contribution to the city of our roots. I'm happy you have enjoyed it.
ReplyDelete