Ezequiel Cabeza De Baca

Ezequiel Cabeza De Baca (November 1, 1864 – February 18, 1917) was the first Hispano elected for office as Lieutenant Governor in New Mexico's first election. His term as Lieutenant Governor was followed by his election as the second elected Governor of New Mexico. This term was brief as he died shortly after taking office. He was the state's first elected Hispanic governor.

Early life

He was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico Territory on November 1, 1864. He studied at the Jesuit College in St. Louis, MO and became a prominent journalist. In 1891, he was associated with Antonio Lucero and Felix Martinez to publish the Las Vegas Spanish weekly newspaper La Voz del Pueblo. He is a descendent of the original Spanish settlers which later became part of the Baca Family of New Mexico. He was elected the Governor of New Mexico on November 7, 1916 and inaugurated on January 1, 1917. He died on February 18, 1917 in office. He had been sick for a long period of time and had traveled to California for treatments which were not successful.

References

• "Biography of Ezequiel C. de Baca". The University of New Mexico. http://elibrary.unm.edu/oanm/NmAr/nmar%231959-095/nmar%231959-095_m5.html. Retrieved 2007-11-25. 

External links

• Ezequiel Cabeza De Baca at Find A Grave
• Biographical information - National Governors Association
• Biographical information by Anselmo F. Arellano
• Biographical information - University of New Mexico