Pablo Montoya

Pablo Montoya (also known as Jose Pablo Montoya) (July 1, 1792– February 7, 1847)[1] was a New Mexican politician who was active both in the 1837 revolt against the Mexican government, and in the Taos Revolt of 1847 against the United States, during the Mexican–American War.

For the author, see Pablo Montoya (author).
Pablo Montoya
12th Mexican Governor of New Mexico
In office
Early September–21 September 1837
Preceded byJosé María González
Succeeded byManuel Armijo
Alcalde of Taos
In office
1800s
Personal details
BornJuly 1, 1792 Abiquiu, NM
DiedFebruary 7, 1847 (aged 54)
Taos, New Mexico Territory
SpouseMaria Teresa Esquivel

Early life and education

Jose Pablo Montoya was born July 1, 1792, the son of Andres Montoya and Victoria Velarde.[2]

Career

At some point Montoya was the mayor of Taos. In 1837 he was part of the New Mexican Río Arriba Rebellion which briefly put José María González and Montoya as governor of New Mexico. Both González and Montoya were both Taos Pueblo Indians and led the Junta Popular, the most ethnically inclusive government in the history of New Mexico. Montoya replaced González as Governor.[3][4] In September of that year he led an army of 3000 rebels to within a league and a half of Santa Fe, where he arranged a truce with Gen. Manuel Armijo. He secured his personal immunity by turning over the planners of the rebellion, who were jailed in Santa Fe and later executed by Armijo's forces. Montoya was allowed to return to his home.[5]

In January 1847 Montoya participated in the insurrection against United States rule in New Mexico, begun by those who did not accept the Mexican governor's surrender.[6] Historian David Lavender said that Montoya "style[d] himself as the Santa Anna of the North."[7]

Montoya was captured during the 1847 revolt. After the U.S. had re-established control, a military court charged him with and convicted him of treason. The judges sentenced him and 14 other men to death for their roles in the revolt. Montoya and the others were hanged in the Taos Plaza on February 7, 1847.

Personal life

He married Maria Teresa Esquivel and they had established a family in present-day Taos, New Mexico.[8] He was likely a landowner and rancher.

Cultural references

References
  1. Durand, John, The Taos Massacres, Puzzlebox Press, Elkhorn, WI 2004, p. 266
  2. Karen Mitchell, coordinator, "Taos County, New Mexico", New Mexico GenWeb Project
  3. Twitchell, Ralph Emerson (2007). The Leading Facts of New Mexican History: Facsimile of Original 1912 Ed. Sunstone Press. ISBN 978-0-86534-566-9.
  4. Grant, Blanche C., When Old Trails Were New: The Story of Taos, Glorieta, New Mexico: The Rio Grande Press, Inc., 193, reprint of 1932 edition, p. 88
  5. New Mexico History Archived 2012-03-24 at the Wayback Machine
  6. Grant, Blanche C., When Old trails Were New: The Story of Taos, Glorieta, New Mexico: The Rio Grande Press, Inc., 1933, reprint of 1932 edition, p. 88
  7. Lavender, David, Bent's Fort, Garden City, NY: Doubleday and Company, Inc., 1954, p. 281
  8. Karen Mitchell, "Taos Revolt", Taos County, New Mexico, New Mexico GenWeb Project
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