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By gpf13 |

I was looking at the baptismal records for the children of Martin Fernandes de Vaulus and Isabel de Grijalva y Velasco. They were baptized in Aguascalientes in the period 1618-1634. Their names were given as "Catalina +", "Isabel +", "Jacinta +", "espagnol +" (for Geronima), and "Pedro +". These are in the first film of Aguascalientes baptismal records.

My first thought was that these children had died soon after baptism, but in Jacinta's baptismal record, the baptism date is 25 de Abril 623, and it reads (in part) "Bautise con agua ... ... por la necessd urgente ..." and concludes with "Puse de los olios a 3 de diziembre de 623 fueron madrina Maria de Gabadi su abuela." (Film for Baptisms 1616-1660, image 22). She clearly did not die soon after baptism.

Some names will have the +, and some will not. It is there for both the Spanish and the Indians.

There are a few records marked with a Maltese cross; see record for Juana daughter of Francisco Macias Valades and Jacinta de Ortega (same film, image 32).

I am sure the "+" is the Cross, but what does the it mean, or why is it used only sometimes?

George Fulton

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Bill Figueroa

15 years 3 months ago

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George,

The cross or plus sign in early records of Aguascalientes is merely a check
mark to indicate whether the person was "español" and not of mixed race.
The explanation is noted in one of the first record books, I don't remember
which one. The cross was used for several years, until the priest or his
assistant started noting the race or caste as "espl." "indio" "mestizo"
"negro" "mulato" etc. In some baptismal records the priest wrote "que dicen
ser español", probably because the color of the child's skin indicated
otherwise, but in general the priest knew his parishioners and probably
their racial background. I have no doubt that some errors were made, but in
general the markings are accurate.

Bill Figueroa

Wow, Bill this helps and explains why I know some people in records are supposed to be Spanish but always just saw a cross. Thats odd why would the priest say "que dicen ser español" if the newborn is pinkish the newborn will grow to have white skin. It could probably be the reason of Castizo, which you prob know already, 75% white and 25% Indio. It might be a case to say que dicen ser español, since society did except most castizos as Spanish.

-Daniel Camino

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