Chavez Family History

My Grandfather Patrocinio Chaves was a descendent of Don Fernando Duran y Chaves. To read about Don Fernando Duran y Chaves and the Atrisco Land Grant follow this link to the National Park Service.

My mother (Betty) and father (Elias) were born, raised and educated in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My father worked for the Santa Fe Railroad as a laborer where he became a Labor Union activist. During World War II, my father served in the U.S. Coast Guard and my mother worked in a military aircraft Defense Plant in San Diego as a riveter. My mom was known as one of the many “Rosie the Riveter (s)” during the war. My father became a professional boxer during the great depression, and was known as "Kid Lee". My mother was a dedicated homemaker and raised six children. (Frank, Wilfred, Ted, Jo Anna, Adela and myself.) We all received college educations and went on to pursue successful careers. My mother and father taught us the importance of Love, Education, and Family Values.

I'm proud of my New Mexican heritage.