VICTIMS
Longino Flores (44) Family
In 1910, the Mexican Revolution forced many Mexicans to flee to the American side of the border because of the violence of the war. Our family was no exception. They must have arrived soon after 1910. Our research did not locate Longino Flores (age 44) and his family in Porvenir, Texas, in the 1910 census, and the massacre occurred in 1918. Therefore, during these eight years, they arrived in Porvenir, built their home, and established a good living for their family.
Longino Flores was married to Juana Bonilla. Together, they settled in Porvenir and began a new life, hoping for a better future for their three children. The family consisted of Longino, his wife Juana, their eldest daughter Benita, and their two sons, Narciso and Juan. The family was very close, and each member had daily responsibilities to help support the household. Benita assisted her mother, Narciso worked alongside his father, and Juan was responsible for caring for the goats—animals he loved dearly.
Rosendo Mesa, my grandfather, arrived in Porvenir, Texas, between 1910 and 1914. He and Longino became good friends and worked together. Rosendo was single, and as was common in those days, a marriage was arranged between him and Benita, the eldest daughter. Rosendo was 39 years old, and Benita was 15. While such an arrangement would be unacceptable today, it was considered normal in the early 1900s.
Juan Flores later told us the story of their marriage. Because Porvenir did not have anyone authorized to perform weddings, the couple had to travel elsewhere to marry. On Tuesday, March 10, 1914, they journeyed to Van Horn, Texas, where they were married by Justice of the Peace Lester S. Smith.
Juan recalled that it was one of the happiest days he could remember. When the couple returned from Van Horn, the community celebrated with a large gathering that included food and dancing for everyone in Porvenir. As Juan shared this memory, his eyes lit up, and he smiled from ear to ear. I often reflect on how the people of Porvenir were filled with joy during that celebration, unaware that only four years later, their lives would be forever changed.
I also think about the many births that took place in Porvenir. Numerous children were born there, including my Uncle Rosendo Jr., born on April 24, 1915, and my Aunt Rosa, born on August 30, 1917. At the time of the massacre, 47 children were left fatherless. It is unimaginable to consider the suffering endured by these children and their mothers.
I often reflect on how my family might never have existed if my grandfather had not survived. Rosendo Mesa was sought by ranchers and Texas Rangers; however, fate intervened, and he escaped death because he was on an overnight trip to obtain supplies.
Juan Flores is the most widely known member of the Flores family because he was the last living survivor of the massacre. Many people are unaware that his brother, Narciso, also survived. Rosendo and Benita were likewise blessed to survive, along with their two children. After the massacre, Rosendo Mesa became the sole provider for both the Longino Flores family and his own family with Benita. Juan Flores, the youngest son of Longino, was the last surviving witness to the tragedy and lived to share its story.
Juan Flores initially confided the details of the massacre to only one person—his nephew, Juan Mesa—swearing him to secrecy. It was not until my father, Lonnie Mesa, passed away that Juan Mesa revealed the story to relatives at the funeral. Many family members found it difficult to believe, as it seemed inconceivable that the Texas Rangers had killed our relatives. It was only when my sister, Elida Tobar, and I began researching our family history that we discovered documentation of the Porvenir Massacre, including the name of our great-grandfather, Longino Flores, among the victims.
In 1998, my sister and I traveled to Odessa, Texas, to speak with our Uncle Juan Flores. After we presented documented evidence of the massacre, he began to open up and share his story with the family and with others who wished to learn the truth. Because of Juan Flores, many crucial details of the massacre have now been preserved and documented.
Juana Bonilla Flores struggled deeply with the loss of her husband. She suffered for many years from what we would now recognize as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Tragically, her suffering ultimately led her to take her own life.
The photograph below is the last known image of Longino Flores with his family. At the top left is Benita Flores Mesa holding her son, Rosendo Jr. At the top right is Juana Bonilla Flores holding her granddaughter, Rosa Mesa. At the bottom left is Rosendo Mesa, and at the bottom right is Longino Flores. The small children on the sides remain unidentified.
Longino Flores was married to Juana Bonilla. Together, they settled in Porvenir and began a new life, hoping for a better future for their three children. The family consisted of Longino, his wife Juana, their eldest daughter Benita, and their two sons, Narciso and Juan. The family was very close, and each member had daily responsibilities to help support the household. Benita assisted her mother, Narciso worked alongside his father, and Juan was responsible for caring for the goats—animals he loved dearly.
Rosendo Mesa, my grandfather, arrived in Porvenir, Texas, between 1910 and 1914. He and Longino became good friends and worked together. Rosendo was single, and as was common in those days, a marriage was arranged between him and Benita, the eldest daughter. Rosendo was 39 years old, and Benita was 15. While such an arrangement would be unacceptable today, it was considered normal in the early 1900s.
Juan Flores later told us the story of their marriage. Because Porvenir did not have anyone authorized to perform weddings, the couple had to travel elsewhere to marry. On Tuesday, March 10, 1914, they journeyed to Van Horn, Texas, where they were married by Justice of the Peace Lester S. Smith.
Juan recalled that it was one of the happiest days he could remember. When the couple returned from Van Horn, the community celebrated with a large gathering that included food and dancing for everyone in Porvenir. As Juan shared this memory, his eyes lit up, and he smiled from ear to ear. I often reflect on how the people of Porvenir were filled with joy during that celebration, unaware that only four years later, their lives would be forever changed.
I also think about the many births that took place in Porvenir. Numerous children were born there, including my Uncle Rosendo Jr., born on April 24, 1915, and my Aunt Rosa, born on August 30, 1917. At the time of the massacre, 47 children were left fatherless. It is unimaginable to consider the suffering endured by these children and their mothers.
I often reflect on how my family might never have existed if my grandfather had not survived. Rosendo Mesa was sought by ranchers and Texas Rangers; however, fate intervened, and he escaped death because he was on an overnight trip to obtain supplies.
Juan Flores is the most widely known member of the Flores family because he was the last living survivor of the massacre. Many people are unaware that his brother, Narciso, also survived. Rosendo and Benita were likewise blessed to survive, along with their two children. After the massacre, Rosendo Mesa became the sole provider for both the Longino Flores family and his own family with Benita. Juan Flores, the youngest son of Longino, was the last surviving witness to the tragedy and lived to share its story.
Juan Flores initially confided the details of the massacre to only one person—his nephew, Juan Mesa—swearing him to secrecy. It was not until my father, Lonnie Mesa, passed away that Juan Mesa revealed the story to relatives at the funeral. Many family members found it difficult to believe, as it seemed inconceivable that the Texas Rangers had killed our relatives. It was only when my sister, Elida Tobar, and I began researching our family history that we discovered documentation of the Porvenir Massacre, including the name of our great-grandfather, Longino Flores, among the victims.
In 1998, my sister and I traveled to Odessa, Texas, to speak with our Uncle Juan Flores. After we presented documented evidence of the massacre, he began to open up and share his story with the family and with others who wished to learn the truth. Because of Juan Flores, many crucial details of the massacre have now been preserved and documented.
Juana Bonilla Flores struggled deeply with the loss of her husband. She suffered for many years from what we would now recognize as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Tragically, her suffering ultimately led her to take her own life.
The photograph below is the last known image of Longino Flores with his family. At the top left is Benita Flores Mesa holding her son, Rosendo Jr. At the top right is Juana Bonilla Flores holding her granddaughter, Rosa Mesa. At the bottom left is Rosendo Mesa, and at the bottom right is Longino Flores. The small children on the sides remain unidentified.
Bottom Left to right : Child unknown, Rosendo Mesa and Longing Flores, Child unknown. Top Left to right: Benita Flores Mesa and Juana Bonilla Flores Babies: Rosendo Jr. with Mom and Rosa with Grandmother. This is a very rare picture of one of the men massacred, Longino Flores. Since the wives fled that night no one packed any of their belongings. The day after the massacre, soldiers came in and burned the village down. Benita must have had the picture with her. Later she gave this picture to her daughter, Jesusita. Jesusita then gave it to her daughter Ophelia.
Juan Bonilla Flores, the oldest survivor of the Porviner Massacre, lived to tell the truth about that horrific night on January 28, 1918
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This is a young Juan Flores (circa1930) He suffered from night terrors that were related to the massacre all his life.
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This is Narciso Bonilla Flores. He was Juan's brother, who also survived the massacre. He lived and died with the secret of the massacre. He never spoke about it to anyone.
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Rosendo Mesa lived in Big Spring , Texas with his daughter, Juanita Palomino after Benita died. He survived the massacre, because he went to Candelaria for supplies. This trip saved his life. He and a helper returned to find the remains of the massacre. (circa: 1960)
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Benita Flores Mesa was the daughter of Longino Flores and the wife of Rosendo Mesa. Her two brothers were Juan and Narciso Flores. She and Rosendo became caregivers not only to the boys but also to her mother, Juana. Juana Bonilla Flores was never herself again after the massacre.
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Roman Niéves (48)
Roman Niéves was married to Alejandra and they had 7 Children: Ventura, Margarito, Matilde, Francisco, Casimiro, Yner and another child was born on three months after his death.
Nieves family made a trip to Porvenir in 1978. The trip was very heart-breaking and emotional for all who went.
Photos courtesy of Author Joyce Means: Pancho Villa Days at Pilares
The Herrera Family
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Angie Herrera is a descendant of the Herrera family who lived in Porvenir, Texas. This family lost three brothers Pedro (25), Vivian (23) and Severiano Herrera (25) in the Porvenir Massacre in 1918. They were very young and had only been in Porvenir 10 days. These Herrera brothers had two younger brothers, Martin and Santana. Martin’s job was to take care of the soldiers’ horses. Martin Herrera was Angie’s grandfather. She remembers her Grandfather telling her about the Texas Rangers coming and killing his brothers and left him for dead. He had a scar on his forehead where the Texas Ranger hit him with the end of his rifle. Martin’s mother Juanita Herrera fled to Mexico with his younger brother Santana Moralez Herrera. Martin would cross over to Mexico to see his mother or to bring her back to the United States for short visits. She couldn’t come back to live in Texas ever again. Martin’s Grandmother Estefana cooked and cared for him in Candelaria, Texas. Angie remembers her Aunt Consuelo had a picture of Pancho Villa and she proceeded to asked her Grandfather Martin some questions about the picture and her Grandfather Martin got very angry and told Aunt Consuelo to get rid of the picture. He said, “Because of him (Pancho Villa) they killed my brothers.
Angie said she started looking into the Porvenir Massacre after showing her father, Martin Chavez Herrera, Native American Pow Wows on YouTube. Her father quoted her Grandfather’s words; “We had to deny our Indian Heritage and the Texas Rangers still came and killed my brothers.”
Angie said she started looking into the Porvenir Massacre after showing her father, Martin Chavez Herrera, Native American Pow Wows on YouTube. Her father quoted her Grandfather’s words; “We had to deny our Indian Heritage and the Texas Rangers still came and killed my brothers.”
The Jimenez Family
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Alberto Garcia (35) was married to Victoria Jiménez and they had 3 children Jorge, Celedonio, and Florencia. Victoria not only lost her husband, Alberto but she also lost 2 brothers Serapio and Pedro Jiménez (27) and her cousin Juan Jiménez (16).
Pedro and Serapio Jiménez were massacred while visiting their sister Victoria.
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Lady Victoria Jiménez Garcia with her brother Pedro, sometime before the massacre.
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Lady Victoria Jiménez Garcia with her daughter, Florentina in 1977, sixty years after the massacre. She died in 1982 at the age of 94.
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Photos courtesy of Author Joyce Means: Pancho Villa Days at Pilares
The Jáquez Family
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Tiburcio Jaques (50) and Macedonio Huerta (30) were both lost. Tiburcio was married to Librada Montoya and they had 8 Children: Maria, Jose, Cecilia, Marcelo, Alberto, Ezequiel, Rita , and Juliana. Rita Jácquez was married to Macedonio Huertas. Juliana Jáquez was married to Harry Warren. Harry Warren was the school teacher who documented the massacre. Without his documentation, the Porvenir Massacre would have vanished and the story would never have survived. Olivia Warren Morales was the last living granddaughter of Harry Warren. She resided in El Paso, Texas until her passing in 2023.
Marcelo Jaquez visited Porvenir in the late 70's.
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Eutimio Gonzales (37)
Photos courtesy of Author Joyce Means: Pancho Villa Days at Pilares
Eutimio Gonzales (37), who was Ambrosio’s father-in-law. Eutimio was married to Concepcion Carrasco, and they had 9 children: Francisco, Eulalia, Pedro, Santos, Refugia, Luisiana, Blasa, Geronimo, and a baby.
Eutimo Gonzales and Conception “Chona” Carrasco married on March 6, 1896, in Marfa, TX. Eutimo Gonzales: Place of Birth unknown. Parents: Lojio Gonzales and Santos. Conception “Chona” Carrasco: Place of Birth, Fort Davis, Texas, December 8, 1866. Parents: Urbano Carrasco and Geromina Mata. Children of Eutimo and Conception: Listed with date of birth and Godparents first and then a brief summary.
Eulalia - February 13, 1897: Eltera Gonzales and Dolores Corrales
First married Ambrosio Hernandez and had a son, Victor. Ambrosio was killed along with Eutimo outside of Provenir, Texas, on January 15, 1918. Eulalia’s second marriage was to Isabel Sanchez. They had four children: sons Thomas and Cruz, and daughters Elvera and Elodia. Thomas and Elodia have passed, and Cruz and Elvera still live in Valentine, TX. Elodia passed in 2016.
Francisco - April 4, 1899: Fernanda Renteria and Dolores Flores married Augustina Bustamantes, who had a son named Ernesto before the marriage. Francisco and Augustina had five children together, three sons: Marcio, Ervey, and Israel, and two daughters, Dora and Elise. Ervey and Dora have passed away, and all the other children live in California.
Marcio passed away in 2016. Known as Frankie. Worked at the railroads in Valentine, TX. Then moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico and worked at the Air Force base. He divorced Augustina. Then, I moved to California. There are photos. He was short… 5’ 2’’ like his sisters.
Pedro – October 23, 1902: Jose Bensor and Conception Calanchi married Petra Martinez and had eleven children: eight sons, Roberto, Eutimo, Jesus, Jose, Edwardo, Loranzo, Pedro, and Ricardo, and three daughters, Maria, Genova, and Linda. Roberto, Eutimo, and Jesus have passed away. Pedro, Maria, and Genova live in California, and all the other siblings live in El Paso, TX. Petra and Linda passed away in 2016. Lived in El Paso, Texas.
Santos – September 20, 1905: Siprano Lujan and Braulia Dominguez married Lewis Gomez and have three children: sons Alfredo and Mayo, and a daughter who died at birth along with Santos. Both sons have passed. May have lived in Toyah, TX.
Refugia “Cuca” – July 4, 1907: Calistro Carrio and Liandra Lujan married Manuel Garcia. They had seven children: two boys, Ambrosio and Manuelito, and five daughters, Pauline, Ida, Norine, Lilia, and Bernalda “Bennie”. Ida, Pauline, Manuelito, and Lilia have passed. After Proviner moved to Valentine, TX, and then picked Cotton in Carlsbad, NM. That is where she met Manuel. All sisters were 5’-2” and married 6’-2” men. Raised their family in Carlsbad, NM. Left Carlsbad in 1945 to Buttonwillow, CA, to reunite with Manuel’s brothers and sisters (Carmen, Lalo, Sisto). They all worked as farm laborers: Cotton and potatoes. They worked through Napa and Visalia, settling in San Joaquin, CA, in 1950. They raised their family in San Joaquin. Very good housekeeper. A pretty good cook and was a great manager. Always provided for the family and stretched the resources. Always made oatmeal and coffee for Manuel. Made the beans last until Friday and always had something to eat. Made a bean gravy soup, and as long as there was flour, there was something to eat.
Lusiana – April 4, 1909: Calistro Carrio and Liandra Lujan died at the age of six from influenza. Died before the 1918 Porvenir Massacre.
Andrea – February 4, 1911: Calistro Carrio and Petra Ontiberos had a son out of marriage, fathered by Daniel Acosta; the son’s name was Robert Lee Gonzales. Andrea later married Inez (Nehi) Estrada. Andrea has a grandson named Robert Lee Gonzales (son of Robert) and lives in Hobbs, New Mexico. Andrea’s son, Robert, died in a car accident on
May 5, 1953. Andrea worked as a housekeeper in Carlsbad, NM. Suffered from cirrhosis and a skin condition (maybe eczema or dermatitis). I met her once.
Geromina - March 13, 1913: Patricio Flores and Mersed Pena died at the age of four from influenza. Died before the 1918 Porvenir Massacre.
Blaza – February 3, 1915: Manuel Fierro and Elena Dianda married Ramon Hernandez (died when I was a baby), had had several children, but all died at birth or after a few days. They had three surviving children, Hilda, Eddie, and Ramon (Ray). Hilda married Fred Young and had no children. Ramon married and had two children, Raylyn and Anthony, and lives in Cerritos, CA. Tia Blaza was a very happy and kind woman. Her smile was infectious. She was an excellent baker and always had wonderful hospitality. Her daughter Hilda was very fun and boisterous, very tall and blonde. They lived in LA, and it seemed like Beverly Hills when I would visit.
Micheala “Mickey” – March 15, 1917: Raphael De La O and Manuela Mickey married Silvestre “Ette” Griego and had one son, George, who died at the age of 32. Tia Mickey was also very kind but tough. She too lived in LA, and we would visit over the summers. Tio Ette was a very big man with lots of personality and a great big laugh.
This is all that is known about the Family of Eutimo Gonzales.
Written by: Norine Aldecoa
Edited by Ramon Aldecoa
Eutimo Gonzales and Conception “Chona” Carrasco married on March 6, 1896, in Marfa, TX. Eutimo Gonzales: Place of Birth unknown. Parents: Lojio Gonzales and Santos. Conception “Chona” Carrasco: Place of Birth, Fort Davis, Texas, December 8, 1866. Parents: Urbano Carrasco and Geromina Mata. Children of Eutimo and Conception: Listed with date of birth and Godparents first and then a brief summary.
Eulalia - February 13, 1897: Eltera Gonzales and Dolores Corrales
First married Ambrosio Hernandez and had a son, Victor. Ambrosio was killed along with Eutimo outside of Provenir, Texas, on January 15, 1918. Eulalia’s second marriage was to Isabel Sanchez. They had four children: sons Thomas and Cruz, and daughters Elvera and Elodia. Thomas and Elodia have passed, and Cruz and Elvera still live in Valentine, TX. Elodia passed in 2016.
Francisco - April 4, 1899: Fernanda Renteria and Dolores Flores married Augustina Bustamantes, who had a son named Ernesto before the marriage. Francisco and Augustina had five children together, three sons: Marcio, Ervey, and Israel, and two daughters, Dora and Elise. Ervey and Dora have passed away, and all the other children live in California.
Marcio passed away in 2016. Known as Frankie. Worked at the railroads in Valentine, TX. Then moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico and worked at the Air Force base. He divorced Augustina. Then, I moved to California. There are photos. He was short… 5’ 2’’ like his sisters.
Pedro – October 23, 1902: Jose Bensor and Conception Calanchi married Petra Martinez and had eleven children: eight sons, Roberto, Eutimo, Jesus, Jose, Edwardo, Loranzo, Pedro, and Ricardo, and three daughters, Maria, Genova, and Linda. Roberto, Eutimo, and Jesus have passed away. Pedro, Maria, and Genova live in California, and all the other siblings live in El Paso, TX. Petra and Linda passed away in 2016. Lived in El Paso, Texas.
Santos – September 20, 1905: Siprano Lujan and Braulia Dominguez married Lewis Gomez and have three children: sons Alfredo and Mayo, and a daughter who died at birth along with Santos. Both sons have passed. May have lived in Toyah, TX.
Refugia “Cuca” – July 4, 1907: Calistro Carrio and Liandra Lujan married Manuel Garcia. They had seven children: two boys, Ambrosio and Manuelito, and five daughters, Pauline, Ida, Norine, Lilia, and Bernalda “Bennie”. Ida, Pauline, Manuelito, and Lilia have passed. After Proviner moved to Valentine, TX, and then picked Cotton in Carlsbad, NM. That is where she met Manuel. All sisters were 5’-2” and married 6’-2” men. Raised their family in Carlsbad, NM. Left Carlsbad in 1945 to Buttonwillow, CA, to reunite with Manuel’s brothers and sisters (Carmen, Lalo, Sisto). They all worked as farm laborers: Cotton and potatoes. They worked through Napa and Visalia, settling in San Joaquin, CA, in 1950. They raised their family in San Joaquin. Very good housekeeper. A pretty good cook and was a great manager. Always provided for the family and stretched the resources. Always made oatmeal and coffee for Manuel. Made the beans last until Friday and always had something to eat. Made a bean gravy soup, and as long as there was flour, there was something to eat.
Lusiana – April 4, 1909: Calistro Carrio and Liandra Lujan died at the age of six from influenza. Died before the 1918 Porvenir Massacre.
Andrea – February 4, 1911: Calistro Carrio and Petra Ontiberos had a son out of marriage, fathered by Daniel Acosta; the son’s name was Robert Lee Gonzales. Andrea later married Inez (Nehi) Estrada. Andrea has a grandson named Robert Lee Gonzales (son of Robert) and lives in Hobbs, New Mexico. Andrea’s son, Robert, died in a car accident on
May 5, 1953. Andrea worked as a housekeeper in Carlsbad, NM. Suffered from cirrhosis and a skin condition (maybe eczema or dermatitis). I met her once.
Geromina - March 13, 1913: Patricio Flores and Mersed Pena died at the age of four from influenza. Died before the 1918 Porvenir Massacre.
Blaza – February 3, 1915: Manuel Fierro and Elena Dianda married Ramon Hernandez (died when I was a baby), had had several children, but all died at birth or after a few days. They had three surviving children, Hilda, Eddie, and Ramon (Ray). Hilda married Fred Young and had no children. Ramon married and had two children, Raylyn and Anthony, and lives in Cerritos, CA. Tia Blaza was a very happy and kind woman. Her smile was infectious. She was an excellent baker and always had wonderful hospitality. Her daughter Hilda was very fun and boisterous, very tall and blonde. They lived in LA, and it seemed like Beverly Hills when I would visit.
Micheala “Mickey” – March 15, 1917: Raphael De La O and Manuela Mickey married Silvestre “Ette” Griego and had one son, George, who died at the age of 32. Tia Mickey was also very kind but tough. She too lived in LA, and we would visit over the summers. Tio Ette was a very big man with lots of personality and a great big laugh.
This is all that is known about the Family of Eutimo Gonzales.
Written by: Norine Aldecoa
Edited by Ramon Aldecoa
Photo courtesy of Author Joyce Means: Pancho Villa Days at Pilares
Ambrosio Hernandez (21)
Ambrosio Hernandez (21) was married to Eulalia Gonzalez and they had one child, Victorio.
Manuel Moralez (47)
Manuel Moralez (47) was the land owner at Porvenir. Manuel was married to Francisca Hernandez and they had 6 Children: Leandro, Jovita Eustacio, Manuela, Juanita and Julia who was born on the very night her father was killed.
Photo courtesy of Author Joyce Means: Pancho Villa Days at Pilares
Antonio Castañeda (72)
Antonio Castaneda (72) was married to Felipa Mendez. We know very little about this couple except that they had only been in Porvenir for three weeks. We also discovered that his father-in-law, Juan Mendez, owned a newspaper in Pilares, Chihuahua, Mexico and that because of him, affidavits were taken and signed from the families and in turn asked the Mexican government for assistance and the Mexican Ambassador Ygnacio Bonilla asked for an investigation. Thus, making this an International incident.
Depositions
