Saturnino Baca
by J. Young
Events & Genealogy
Born: Jose Saturnino Baca
Birthdate: 11/11/1830
Birthplace: Sebeyota, New Mexico
Marriage: Juana Baca Chavez on 09/15/1855 at Lincoln, NM
Children:
Bonifacio Jose Baca (1857-1913)
Maria Yisadora Baca (1859-1892)
Roman Baca (1861-?)
Josefa Baca (1864-?)
Maria Carlota Baca (1865-?)
Saturnina Baca (1867-1892)
Jose Saturnino Baca jr. (1869-1940)
Sara Chavez Baca (1874-1962)
Juan Baca (1878-?)
Jose Luis Angel Baca (1880-?)
Isabel Baca (1883-?)
Arcadio Baca (1884-?)
Manuela Baca (1887-?)
Death: March 27, 1925 at Lincoln, NM
Cause of Death: Unknown
Burial: Lincoln Cemetery, Lincoln, NM
Saturnino Baca was a remarkable individual, born in the quaint town of Cubero, New Mexico. He grew up in the area and attended school locally. Later, he joined a government group that was surveying a trail to California through Arizona. It was a challenging job, and Saturnino’s task was to count the miles.
However, he didn’t let the challenges of his job overshadow his personal life. Saturnino got married to Maria Juana Chavez, and together, they had an incredible 12 children between the years 1857 and 1884. Though it was a large family, they made it work, and each of their children was a blessing.
The list of their children is quite impressive; it includes Bonifacio Jose, Ysiora, Roman#1, Josefa, María Carlota, Saturnina, Sara, Roman#2, Juan, José Luis, Ysabel, and Acadio. Unfortunately, their first child, the first Roman child born, may have died at birth.
Saturnino Baca’s life was one of hard work, perseverance, and love. He knew how to balance his professional and personal life beautifully, and that’s what made him stand out as a remarkable human being. Today, we remember him for his contributions to Lincoln County and the legacy he left behind.
When the Civil War reached New Mexico, Saturnino Baca joined the Army and served as a first lieutenant in the New Mexican cavalry, commanded by Colonel Christopher ‘KIT’ Carson and Captain Gregorio Otero. Baca was promoted to Sergeant and fought in the Battle of Valverde, where hundreds of men lost their lives. After the war, Baca was stationed at various forts and eventually moved his family to Santa Fe and then to Lincoln.
Captain Saturnino Baca allied with Lawrence G. Murphy and The Santa Fe Ring. Murphy’s crew was the leading business group in Lincoln and knew Baca from Fort Stanton, where he was once stationed. In 1868, Baca was elected to the legislature representing Socorro County. His main goal was to establish a new county giving full control to The Ring.
Thomas B. Catron, a young lawyer from Mesilla, later became a U.S. Senator. He was elected to the legislature from Doña Ana County and asked Captain Baca for help in getting seated. In return, Catron promised to use his influence to pass the county bill and wrote up his resolution for membership as instructed by Baca.
The proposal easily sailed through with a unanimous vote, leaving no room for debate. Following its successful passage, Catron was officially sworn in, marking the beginning of his tenure. On another note, the Baca Bill was introduced, which made a significant impact, and was ultimately passed without much pushback. Consequently, Lincoln County was named after the iconic Abraham Lincoln, rendering him an ever-lasting symbol of freedom and hope. In addition to that, Placita Del Rio Bonito was renamed to Lincoln, giving Lincoln County an even more profound connection to one of America’s most beloved presidential figures. Lastly, Baca settled next to The Torreon, marking the beginning of another unforgettable chapter in the history of Lincoln County.
Saturnino Baca’s push for a new county was aided by a committee of notable figures such as Lawrence G. Murphy, William Brady, Florencio Gonzales, and Dr. Joseph Blazer. Major Brady was appointed as the first sheriff and Baca became the first probate judge. Captain Baca also served as sheriff for four years. Blazer and Gonzales served as County Commissioners.
In 1878, a notorious range war commenced between two powerful Lincoln County merchants, which became infamously known as the Lincoln County War. Baca, being a wise and impartial individual, attempted to remain neutral throughout the grueling battle. However, despite his best efforts, he inadvertently became wrapped up in the conflict and manipulated by the Murphy/Dolan faction.
Despite his valiant efforts to remain neutral, Saturnino could not resist the appeal of these powerful entities and ultimately found himself aiding the Murphy boys in the bloody showdown that ensued. Despite his best efforts to protect his home and livelihood, Saturnino was ultimately forced out of his beloved adobe, becoming yet another victim of the tumultuous Lincoln County War.
On April 1st 1878, shots took down Sheriff Brady and Deputy Hindman near the Bacas home. Baca’s children, Carlota and Bonifacio, witnessed the tragic event. Later, Bonifacio testified against Billy in the murder trial.
During the Lincoln County War, Baca played a crucial role in assisting Col. Dudley and Sheriff Peppin during the historic 5-day battle. He also aided several Murphy men as they needed supplies while taking up positions in the Torreon next to his home. The problem for Baca was that the man they were fighting, Alex McSween, owned the Baca house and the Torreon. Charlie Crawford after he was shot by attempting to bring him some water after he was mortally shot.
Tragically, during the conflict, Mcsween’s home burned down, and he himself lost his life, sending shockwaves through the community and then threatening the safety of Baca’s home. Baca, understandably shaken by these events, lived in constant fear for his life and the lives of his loved ones. The widow Mrs. McSween evicted The Baca family after Mr. McSween was buried.
Finding refuge at Fort Stanton, Baca eventually summoned the courage to return to his home and his former way of life. Despite the trauma he experienced, he persevered and even went on to own and run a small ranch northwest of Lincoln.
In the summer of 1889, Saturnino Baca, was wounded in a dispute over his sheep grazing on cattle ranches nearby. Someone made an attempt to end Bacas life as well as the sheep troubles and fired a gun during the night into a tent where he was sleeping. The bullet entered his elbow and shattered it. Baca was forced to have his arm amputated.
During the 1890’s Saturnino Baca served as a postmaster, county commissioner and on the territorial penitentiary commission.
Captain Saturnino Baca passed away in Lincoln on March 7th 1924. Baca was just 94 years old. He is buried at the Lincoln Cemetery
