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Subject: SLAVCRY (INDIAN) 8-240 FOLK WAYS
Submitted By: New Mexico Normal University
Dr. Lester haines
Informant: Mary A. kulgenzi
Original Copy: Not Rewritten
fordage: 130
Date: 6/1/10
Approved: Ina Sizer Cassidy, State Director
I.
I
Raines, L.
S-240 Folk Ways
SLAV ETZ (INDIAN)
6/1/36 c1-190
During the early days of Spanish occupation in the Southwest,
Indian slavery existed. Las Vegas and Mora had their share. Ineian slaves
were, it particular, found in the homes of the wealthier ranchers, or
haciendados, where they were engaged in the more menial indoor and out-
door work. As in the South, the system was often beneficent. Trustworthy
and dependable servants often became valued family retainers, marrying,
raising their own families, and frequently taking the family name.
Hilario Romero of Las Vegas had three Indian slaves, Refugia,
Maria, and Felipe, who served the family for almost 60 years. Refugia
and Maria were bought in Texas for g100 each. On a business trip in
Mexico Don Rilario loaned 4200 to an Indian friend. Meeting him again
in _Mexico the following year he requested payment. Unable to meet the
demand the Indian arranged to give his daughter in payment. Thus Felipe
cane into the family. She was to serve longer than the other two. She
did only housework, while the others worked outdoors. After many years
Maria and Refugia were sent home, where they died several years later.
Felipe lived to be a very old woman.
SOURCE OF INFORMATION
Information supplied by Mary A. Ful;;enzi.