Family Histories: Celaya

Florence, Arizona
October 28, 1995

Reverend Bryan Sherry:

The descendants of Concepcion "Chono" Celaya and Tomasa Granillo Tellez extend congratulations in acknowledging this historical event for the 125th Anniversary of our church. Chono Celaya was born at Wickenburg, Az. in 1878 and moved to Florence with his parents when a small boy. Tomasa G. Tellez was born in 1880 at Florence, Az. Chono was a cattleman and farmer in the Florence area. His wagons were provided to transport materials to help build the present church. Chono and Tomasa had nine children: Francisco Arturo, Adolpho, Alberto, Dahlia, Dora, twin daughters--Aurora and Magdalena, Chris, and Hilda. Francisco Arturo Celaya the oldest son married Consuelo Encinas. He worked 14 years for the Town of Florence, and 24 years for the Department of Corrections. Before this period he had worked for the Department of the Interior. Arturo and Consuelo had eleven children: Frank Arthur, David, Alfred, Flora, Pete, Louis, Evangeline, Carmela, Tony, Tommy, and Edward. Arturo Celaya and his family lived in the Gila Chapel during the years of 1937 to 1940. During this period the Arturo Celaya family was building their home on Florence St.--east of the church. Arturo and Consuelo were very loving and dedicated parents and grandparents. They stressed education and religion in their children's and grandchildren's lives. The descendants of Francisco "Arturo" Celaya and Consuelo Encinas Celaya include 38 grandchildren. Many of these grandchildren were born in Florence, baptized, confirmed, and made their first communions, and were married at the Church of the Assumption. Also included are 54 great-grandchildren. Many of these great-grandchildren were also born in Florence and have been baptized and confirmed in our church. Our family has many beautiful memories in this church--many Baptisms, Confirmations, First Communions, Anniversary Parties, and marriages. The Church of the Assumption has been and always will be a very important part in our lives.

Sincerely,
Frank A. Celaya
Consuelo S. Celaya

FRANCISCO "ARTURO" CELAYA and CONSUELO S. CELAYA
Frank & Consuelo S. Celaya 3 children -- Pauline, Frank, Rita 6 grandchildren

David & Irby Celaya 2 children David, Anne 2 grandchildren

Alfred & Julia Celaya 7 children Greg, Daniel, Andrew, Lorena, Tim, Alfred, Bettina 8 grandchildren

Flora & Richard Montaño 6 children -- Richard, Gilbert, Ruben, Cecilia, Irene, Arthur 10 grandchildren

Pete & Sally Celaya 4 children -- Pete, Patricia, Rachel, Elizabeth 6 grandchildren Louie & Margie Celaya 7 children -- Rosemary, Barbara, Michael, Margaret, Larry, Phillip, Louie 17 grandchildren

Carmela & Eddie Anchondo 2 children -- Robert, Paul

Tony & Marian Celaya 2 children -- Lisa, Tony

Tommy & Lillian Celaya 4 children -- Tommy, Laurie, Vickie, Cheryl 5 grandchildren Eddie & Gloria Celaya - 2nd wife 1 child -- Jennifer Lj'jae - 1st wife Irma Gabusi

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