Family Histories: Espinoza-Monreal

Jose de Jesus Baca Espinoza and Narcisa Martinez Monreal
2180 E Broadmor Dr, Tempe AZ 85282 (602-966-4256)

November 18, 1995

Reverend Bryan W. Sherry, J.C.L.
221 E 8th St
Florence, AZ 85232

Dear Reverend Sherry:

CONGRATULATIONS on the 125th Anniversary of the Church of the Assumption. Of the several missions established in territorial Arizona by French missionaries, this Capilla built in 1870, remains standing. It is an amazing and historical event. It is significant to me since my paternal grandfather, Clemente Monreal, was a Frenchman.

Today only MEMORIES.. remain ... of the many occasions, Masses, baptisms, first holy communions, weddings, anniversaries, funeral services and other church or family celebrations ... all are memorable experiences. We visit Florence and its lovely church often.

My family lived in Florence in the early 1920s. My grandmother, Narcisa Cruz Martinez and my father, Vicente, are among many relatives whose funeral services were held at the Church of the Assumption and are buried in the town's cemetery.

Later in 1929 through 1939 we lived in Coolidge. Father Amancio Manubens from Florence offered Mass in a small hall near the Capitol Feed Warehouse and later in a tin warehouse near the railroad station . Several children from Coolidge, including my twin sister, Sofia and myself went to Florence for First Holy Communion. Coolidge had no church then.

My husband was born in Florence and baptized by Father B. Delgado in 1921. In 1890 his father, Tranquilino Jose, was born and baptized in Florence also. My husband's father Tranquilino, his grandfather Jesus (PaChu) and his great-grandfather Quilino, were parishioners. Their funeral services were held at the church and are buried in the Florence cemetery.

Quilino Espinoza settled in the Florence area in 1874. Today some of his descendants reside in Florence. Family names consist of Espinoza, Segovia, Castro, Celaya, Padilla, Salazar, and others. Likewise some of the descendants of my maternal grandparents reside in Florence. Family names consist of Cruz, Romero, Martinez, Ortega, Bustamante, and others.

During our 50 years of marriage, we baptized babies, witnessed marriages and attended numerous functions in Florence. One of our three children, Cindy, was born in Florence and baptized by Joseph Dominic Jacques.

Sincerley

Narcisa Monreal Espinosa