lorraine “rain cloud” escobar, cg/nal inam mec tanotc lovio_report.pdf · the lineage of...

From the Office of Certified Genealogist & Researcher

Lorraine “Rain Cloud” Escobar, CG/NALSMInam Mec Tanotc

The Lineage of Matthew John Lovio

By Lorraine Escobar, CG/NAL July 29, 2015

Introduction

At the request of Chairman Andrew Salas, of the Kizh Nation, Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians, and in response to his claims Matt Lovio is not an authentic Gabrieleno Indian, I agreed to conduct a genealogical investigation on the facts of his lineage. The result of this investigation and assessment of the available evidence demonstrates Lovio is not of California Indian descent – Gabrieleno or otherwise. Rather, the evidence demonstrates all of his lineages have Mexican origins. This report provides the evidence and analysis which led to that conclusion.

A preliminary online investigation into Lovio’s activities was conducted to investigate how he claims to be related to a Gabrieleno Indian. Although he is publically touted as being a Gabrieleno or Tongva Indian in several articles found on the Internet, there was no mention of where he believed his Indian lineage came from.1 Therefore, both lineages were researched.

First, to show Lovio publicly presented himself as a Gabrieleno Indian, the following Internet excerpts serve as evidence:

1. On the website discussing the 2014 play of Toypurina, in association with the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, Lovio is described as follows: “Matthew LovioWriter, Matthew is a descendant of the Gabrieleno Tongva tribe. … His future goals are to continue to act, write, and to spread and teach the knowledge of his ancestors, the first indigenous people of Los Angeles.”2

2. On the website of the 2013 San Gabriel Mission Car Show, he is shown dressed in native regalia and described as “Gabrieleno Tongva Indian Matt Lovio …”3

3. In 2011, he performed “native” songs and danced for students participating in theSan Gabriel Mission’s Annual Model Contest. He is noted as “Matt “Sky Eagle Who Sings With His Heart” Lovio, a member of the Gabrieleno Tongva tribe.”4

4. The SGV West Valley Journal reports on a reenactment event, “Reenactors invited to participate are Gabrieleno Tongva Indians Matt Lovio...”5

1 The term Tongva has been associated as another name for Gabrieleno; however, recent research has revealed this term did not apply to the Gabrieleños as a community but rather to a single village.

2 http://missionplayhouse.org/about/toypurina2014.3 http://thecitizensvoice.net/?p=7243.4 http://thecitizensvoice.net/?p=3509.

PO Box 579741, Modesto, CA 95357Hm: (209) 524-6348 Cell: (209) 985-9282

[email protected]

http://thecitizensvoice.net/?p=3509http://thecitizensvoice.net/?p=7243http://missionplayhouse.org/about/toypurina-2014

The Lineage of Matthew John LovioPage 2

5. In an article describing an exhibit installed at Santa Fe Springs, Anthony Moralesand Matt Lovio were quoted, “This village is special not only for the Tongva, but for visitors," said Matthew Lovio, a Tongva member.”6

An illustration of Lovio’s true ancestry follows:

As of the writing of this report, it is unknown if Lovio knowingly deceived those agencies and individuals about his true heritage or if he was simply negligent in his responsibility to verify his claims. To be clear, this report only addresses the facts and not his motives.Therefore, in the greater interest of protecting authentic Gabrieleno Indian rights, I have requested Chairman Salas to deliver a copy of this report to Lovio before it is placed in the public domain. Furthermore, upon learning the truth of his ancestry, it is my hope Lovio will embrace his true heritage and, most importantly, cooperate with the Gabrieleno Tribe [aka Kizh Nation] to rectify any damage or harm caused by his error.

The Lineage of Matthew John Lovio

Matthew John Lovio (b. 1975)According to his birth certificate, Matthew John Lovio was born in 1975, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, and his parents are identified as Rudolph Joseph Lovio and Irene Dolores Contreras.7

5 http://sgvjournal.com/sangabrielnewscitynews89/64community/1487reenactorswillvisitsangabrielmissiononsaturdayfeb4.

6 http://www.whittierdailynews.com/20121111/hiddengemssantafespringsdisplaysitstongvaheritage.

http://www.whittierdailynews.com/20121111/hidden-gems-santa-fe-springs-displays-its-tongva-heritagehttp://www.whittierdailynews.com/20121111/hidden-gems-santa-fe-springs-displays-its-tongva-heritagehttp://sgvjournal.com/san-gabriel-news-citynews-89/64-community/1487-re-enactors-will-visit-san-gabriel-mission-on-saturday-feb-4http://sgvjournal.com/san-gabriel-news-citynews-89/64-community/1487-re-enactors-will-visit-san-gabriel-mission-on-saturday-feb-4


Lovio’s Father—Rudolph Joseph Lovio (b. 1939)According to his marriage record to Irene Dolores Contreras, Rudolph Joseph Lovio was born in 1939, in California, and his parents were named as Raymond Lovio, born in Mexico, and Christina Molina, born in California.8 The 1940 US federal census confirms he was born in California and reaffirms this family unit and birthplaces:

1940 US Census, CA, Ventura County, Santa Paula, Ojai Road, Dwelling 2689 Lovio, Raymond; Head; Male; White; age: 23; married; born in Mexico, Christina; Wife; Female; White; age: 22; married; born in California, Rudolph; Son, Male, White, age: 1; single; born in California

The 1930 US census confirms Raymond Lovio’s birthplace as Mexico as well as his parents – Ygnacio and Julia.10 He, and his parents, immigrated to the United States in 1928.

Since Raymond Lovio’s birthplace was Mexico, the evidence reasonably eliminates this lineage as possessing any California Native American heritage. Therefore, there is no need to further examine the lineage of Rudolph’s father – Raymond Lovio.

Lovio’s Paternal Grandmother—Christina Molina (b. 1918)According to the California Birth Index, Cristina Molina was born in 1918, in Los Angeles County, California.11 Her mother’s maiden surname is listed as Camacho. Her father’s naturalization papers testify to her parentage and her birth in California:

1937 Naturalization Papers for Geronimo Manuel Molina :12

I, Geronimo Manuel Molina, now residing at 3619 Floral Drive, Los Angeles, California, occupationL Cement Finisher, aged 45 years, do declare on oath that my personal description is: color of hair Black, height 5 ft 7 inches, weight 1377 Lovio, Matthew John (1975); certificate of live birth, issued by County of Los Angeles

RegistrarRecorder/County Clerk, California, on 5 Mar 2015.8 Lovio/Contreras (1964), marriage certificate; issued by Los Angeles County Registrar,

California, on 16 Apr 2014; electronic copy provided by Andrew Salas.9 Household of Raymond Lovio, 1940 US federal census, California, Ventura County,

Santa Paula, District 5637, sheet 13B, Ojai Road, Dwelling 268; Source: www.Ancestry.com, 1940 US census, California, Ventura, District 5637, image 26.

10 Household of Ygnacio Lovio, 1930 US federal census, California, Ventura County, Simi Township, SD 13, ED 5619, sheet 7B, Dwelling 179, Family 181; Source: www.Ancestry.com, 1930 US census, California, Ventura, Simi, District 19, image 14.

11 Molina, Cristina (1918); Source: Ancestry.com. California Birth Index, 19051995 [database online]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.

12 Molina, Geronimo Manuel, Naturalization Record (1937); Declaration of Intention, dated 6 Apr 1937; image 357; National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington, D.C.; Naturalization Records of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, Central Division (Los Angeles), 18871940; Microfilm Serial: M1524; Microfilm Roll: 243; Source Information; Ancestry.com. U.S. Naturalization Records Original Documents, 17951972 (World Archives Project) [database online]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010.


pounds; visible distinctive marks, Small pox marks on face, race Mexican; nationality Mexican. I was born in Chihuahua, Mexico on Sept. 30, 1891. I am married. The name of my wife is Gracia C. Molina, we were married on Dec. 20, 1916, at El Paso, Texas; she was born at Chihuahua, Mexico, on Aug. 12, 1901, entered the United States at El Paso, Texas, on 1908, for permanent residence therein ... each of said children are as follows: Christina, 4/15/18; Rosie, 11/28/19; Gloria, 4/1/5/23; Celia, 11/7/23; Anita, 7/26/25; Esther, 2/15/27; all children born in Los Angeles, and now residing with me. ... Signedat Los Angeles, 6 Apr 1937, certification No. 2354096

The 1930 US federal census also confirms this family unit and the stated birthplaces for both of her parents:

1930 US Census, California, Los Angeles County, Belvedere Township, 4210 Dozier Street, Dwelling 44, Family 4813 Molina, Geronimo; Head; Male; Mex; age: 38; married, first married at age 25;

born in Mexico, both parents born in Mexico; Language spoken in home: Spanish; year of immigration: 1912

, Gracias; WifeH; Female; Mex; age: 29; married, first married at age 15; born in Mexico, both parents born in Mexico; Language spoken in home: Spanish; year of immigration: 1909

, Christina; Daughter; Female; Mex; age: 12; single, born in California, both parents born in Mexico

, Rosa; Daughter; Female; Mex; age: 10; single …, Gloria; Daughter; Female; Mex; age: 6; single …, Celia; Daughter; Female; Mex; age: 5; single …, Anita; Daughter; Female; Mex; age: 4 & 2/12 … , Ester; Daughter; Female; Mex; age: 3 & 2/12 …

A note on Molina’s naturalization papers indicated he was deported from Texas to Mexico in 1938. No further evidence was found to substantiate that event.

The information on the naturalization papers was taken from Geronimo Manuel Molina. In his sworn testimony, he stated both he and his wife, the mother of Cristina, were born in Mexico. Therefore, the evidence eliminates this lineage as possessing any California Native American heritage. Therefore, there is no need to further examine the lineage of Rudolph’s mother—Christina Molina.

13 Household of Geronimo Molina, 1930 US federal census, California, Los Angeles County, Belvedere Township, SD 18, ED 191577, sheet 3A; 4210 Dozier Street, Dwelling 44, Family 48; Source: www.Ancestry.com, 1930 US census, California, Los Angeles, Belvedere, District 191577, image 5.


Lovio’s Mother—Irene Dolores Contreras (b. 1942)According to her countyissued birth certificate, Irene Dolores Contreras was born in 1942, in Belvedere, California.14 Her parents were identified as Roy Vonagus [Venegas]Contreras, White, born in Los Angeles, and Frances Hernandez, White and born in Los Angeles. The facts of her parentage and birth place are confirmed by her 1964 countyissued marriage record which names her parents as Roy V. Contreras and Frances Hernandez.15

Lovio’s Maternal Grandfather—Rudolpho “Roy” Venegas Contreras (b. 1923)The California Birth Index shows Rudolpho Contreras was born in 1923, in California, and his mother’s maiden name is shown as Venegas.16 The 1930 US federal census shows Rodolpho Contra [Contreras], at 6 years old, with both of his parents – Jaun [Juan] Contra [Contreras] and Jesus, his wife:

1930 US Census, California, Los Angeles County, Belvedere Township, 4648 Gleason Street, Dwelling 137, Family 13417 Contra [Contreras], Jaun [Juan]; Head; Male; Mex; age: 38, married; first

married at age 18; born in Mexico; both parents born in Mexico, Jesus; WifeH; Female; Mex; age: 24, married; first married at age: 14;

born in Mexico; both parents born in Mexico, Alina; Daughter; Female; Mex; age: 14; single; born: CA; both parents born in

Mexico, Consuela; Daughter; Female; Mex; age: 12; single; born: CA; both parents

born in Mexico, John, Jr.; Son; Male; Mex; age: 9; single; born: CA; both parents born in

Mexico, Rodolpho; Son; Male; Mex; age: 6; single; born: CA; both parents born in

Mexico, Jesus; Daughter; Female; Mex; age: 4; single; born: CA; both parents born in

Mexico

An investigation into the California Birth Index clarifies this family, in 1930, despite the misspellings of their names:

14 Contreras, Irene Dolores (1942); (informational) birth certificate; issued by County of Los Angeles, Registrar, CA, on 7 May 2014; electronic photocopy provided by Andy Salas.

15 Lovio/Contreras (1964), marriage certificate.16 Contreras, Rudolpho (1923); Source: Ancestry.com. California Birth Index, 19051995

[database online]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.17 Household of Jaun Contra [Juan Contreras], 1930 US federal census, California, Los

Angeles County, Belvedere Township, SD 18, ED 191571, sheet 7A; 4648 Gleason Street, Dwelling 137, Family 134; Source: www.Ancestry.com, 1930 US census, California, Los Angeles, Belvedere, District 191571, image 13.


Alina, a mishearing of Elena Contreras, was born on 1916. Her mother’s maiden surname is shown as Beneras, a likely misspelling (or mishearing) of Venegas, Jesus’s maiden surname.18

Consuela Contreras was born in 1918 and her mother’s maiden surname was shown as Venegas.19

John V. Contreras was born in 1921 and his mother’s maiden surname is given as Venegas.20

Rudopho Contreras was born in 1923 and his mother’s maiden surname is given as Venegas. 21 Later, he became known as “Roy.”

Jesus was actually Jessie Lillian Contreras who was born in 1926 and her mother’s maiden surname was given as Venegas.22

Despite the change of Rudolpho’s first name to Roy, this family structure is confirmed ten years later by the 1940 census which shows Roy Contreras, at 16 years old, with his parents – Juan Contreras and Jesus B. [Venegas]:23

1940 US Census, California, Los Angeles County, Belvedere Township, 4642 East Gleason Street, Dwelling 5924 Contreras, Juan; Head; Male; White; age: 34; married; born: Mexico, Jesus B.; Wife; Female; White; age: 41; married; born: Mexico, Johnnie; Son; Male; White; age: 19; single; born: California, Roy; Son; Male; White; age: 16; single; born: California, Jessie; Daughter; Female; White; age: 14; single; born: CaliforniaBañuelos, Juan; Nephew; Male, White; age: 21; single; born: CaliforniaMartinez, Roberto; Nephew; Male, White; age: 15; single; born: California

There was no “Roy Contreras,” born in 1923, in the California Birth Index. And, there was no death entry, prior to 1940, for any Rudolph [or Rudy] Contreras, born in 1923. And, there were no other children born between John and Jessie other than Rudolpho, who later became known as Roy. Evidently, both names refer to the same person.

Roy V. Contreras likely married Frances Nellie Hernandez before 1943 but no marriage record could be found for this marriage. However, according to his World War II Army

18 Contreras, Elena (1916); California Birth Index, 19051995 [database online]. 19 Contreras, Consuela (1918); California Birth Index, 19051995 [database online].20 Contreras, John V (1921); California Birth Index, 19051995 [database online].21 Contreras, Rudolpho (1923); California Birth Index, 19051995 [database online].22 Contreras, Jessie Lillian (1926); California Birth Index, 19051995 [database online].23 The letters B and V are phonetically interchangeable in the Spanish language.24 Household of Jaun [Juan] Contra [Contreras], 1940 US federal census, California, Los

Angeles County, Belvedere Township, SD 12; ED 1933, sheet 3A, 4642 East Gleason Street, Dwelling 59; Source: www.Ancestry.com, 1940 US census, California, Los Angeles, Belvedere, District 1933, image 5.


enlistment record, in 1943, he claimed he was already married.25 The death record of Frances H. Contreras confirms she had been married to Roy Contreras.26

The information on the 1930 and 1940 census records demonstrate both of Rudolph [aka Roy’s] parents – Juan Contreras and Jesus Venegas – were born in Mexico. Therefore, the evidence reasonably eliminates this lineage as possessing any California Native American heritage. Therefore, there is no need to further examine the lineage of Rudolph “Roy” Contreras.

Lovio’s Maternal Grandmother—Frances Nellie Hernandez (b. 1924 – d. 1962)As recorded on her birth certificate, Nellie Hernandez was born on November 24, 1924, in Los Angeles County.27 Her parents were identified as Fernando Hernandez, 26 years old, Mexican, born in Mexico, and Annie Gonzales, 18 years old, Mexican, also born in Mexico. This individual was the second child born to Annie Gonzales.

While it may appear there is a conflict of data regarding her first name, the death certificate of Frances H. Contreras also shows her birth date as November 24, 1924 and identified her parents as Fernando Hernandez, born in Mexico, and Annie Gonzales, but born in California. 28 The birth date and the parents are an exact match to the birth certificate data of Nellie Hernandez. [The difference in her mother’s birthplace is discussed under the section for Anita (aka Annie, Anna) Romero Gonzales.

An examination of the family in the 1930 US federal census offers additional insight on this family:

1930 US Census, California, Los Angeles County, Azusa Township, Center Street, Irwindale, Dwelling 728, Family 72729 Hernandes, Fernando; Head; Male; Mex; age: 30; married; first married at age

24; born in Mexico; both parents born: Mexico; Language spoken in home before coming to U.S.: Spanish/Mexican; Immigration year: 1919

25 Contreras, Roy V.; 1943 National Archives and Records Administration. U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 19381946 [database online]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005; Original data: Electronic Army Serial Number Merged File, 19381946 [Archival Database]; ARC: 1263923. World War II Army Enlistment Records; Records of the National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 64; National Archives at College Park. College Park, Maryland, U.S.A.

26 Contreras, Frances H (1962); (informational) death certificate, issued by County of LosAngeles Registrar, CA, 17 Oct 2014.

27 Hernandez, Nellie (1924), (informational) birth certificate, issued by Los Angeles County Clerk, California, on 11 Feb 2015.

28 Contreras, Frances H (1962); (informational) death certificate.29 Household of Fernando Hernandez, 1930 US Census, California, Los Angeles County,

Azusa Township, SD 18, ED 19811, sheet 10B, Center Street, Irwindale, Dwelling 728, Family 727; Source: www.Ancestry.com, 1930 US census, California, Los Angeles, Azusa, District 19811, image 20.


, Annie; Wife [to Head]; Female; Mex; age: 23; married; first married at age 16; born: CA; Father born: Mexico; Mother born: CA; Language spoken inhome before coming to U.S.: Mexican

, Irene; Daughter; Female; Mex; age: 7; single; born in CA; Father born: Mexico; Mother born: CA

, Frances; Daughter; Female; Mex; age: 6; single; born in CA; Father born: Mexico; Mother born: CA

, Alfred; Son; Male; Mex; age: 4; single; born in CA; Father born: Mexico; Mother born: CA

, Flecise; Daughter; Female; Mex; age: 6/12; single; born in CA; Father born: Mexico; Mother born: CA

Obviously, the name—Frances—is not the same name as Nellie. But, this family’s use of different first names does not stop there. In the 1940 census, we see the same family unit with an additional child but a difference in the first names name of her children:

1940 US Census, California, Los Angeles County, Belvedere Township, 208 N. Fetterly Avenue, Family 28830

Hernandez, Fernando; Head; Male; White; Age: 42; married; Highest grade completed: 2; born: Mexico; Residence in 1935: same place

, Anna; Wife; Female; White; Age: 33; married; Highest grade completed: 6; born: California; Residence in 1935: same place

, Irene; Daughter; Female; White; Age: 16; single; Attending school: yes; Highest grade: 8; born: California …

, Frances; Daughter; Female; White; Age: 15; single; Attending school: yes; Highest grade: 7; born: California …

, Alfonso; Son; Male; White; Age: 13; single; Attending school: yes; Highest grade: 6; born: California …

, Virginia ; Daughter; Female; White; Age: 11; single; Attending school: yes; Highest grade: 3; born: California …

, Rose ; Daughter; Female; White; Age: 9; single; Attending school: yes; Highest grade: 2; born: California …

Clarifying the Identity of the Children of Fernando Hernandez and Annie GonzalesThe online California Birth databases were searched using Gonzales for the mother and Hernandez for the father for all children born from 1923 through 1931.31 There were no results under the first names as they appeared on the 1930 census – Irene, Frances, Alfred, and Flecise [a misspelling of the name Feliciana]. However, of those entries that matched the search criteria, county birth certificates were ordered. Only three matched the data for the same 1930 and 1940 families:

30 Household of Fernando Hernandez, 1940 US federal census, California, Los Angeles County, Belvedere Township, SD 12; ED 1935, sheet 18A, 208 N. Fetterly Avenue; Family 288; Source: www.Ancestry.com, 1940 US census, California, Los Angeles, Belvedere, District 1933,image 35.

31 Other variant spellings for these names were also used.

http://www.Ancestry.com/


First name &age in April 1930

First name & age in April 1940

First name on birth cert

DOB (from birth cert)

Father’s namePlace of Birth/ethnicityAge(from birth cert)

Mother’s NamePlace of Birth/EthnicityAge(from birth cert)

# of children to this mother(from birth cert)

Frances6 years

Frances15 years

Nellie32 24 Nov 1924

Fernando HernandezMexico/Mexican26 years old

Annie GonzalesMexico/Mexican18 years old

2

Alfred4 years

Alfonso13 years

Alfonso33 30 Oct1926

Fernando Rodreguez HernandezMexico/Mexican[age not given]

Anita Romero GonzalesCalifornia/Mexican[age not given]

[# of birth order not given]

Flecise6 months

Virginia11 years

Feliciana34 22 Oct1929

Fernando HernandezMexico/Mexican31 years old

Annie GunzalezCalifornia/Mexican22 years old

5

The practice of having more than one first name is not uncommon among Spanish families during the period of the late 1800’s through the early 1900’s. A child may be registered with the county with one name but given a different name at baptism, or even confirmation, which is a common Catholic tradition. Therefore, an individual may be known by a different first name than the one given at birth or even both depending on the event and person’s preferences.

Further, it is highly likely the 1930 census data was not collected directly from the household occupants, but rather a neighbor, which would explain the varied ages as well as the varied first names. For example, the 1930 census was taken on April 24th and 25th, in 1930. And, since the question regarding age was “Age at last birthday,” the answers pose some conflicts in the calculated birth years when compared to the actual birth records:

32 1) Hernandez, Nelllie (1924); Source: Ancestry.com. California Birth Index, 19051995 [database online]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005; and, 2) Hernandez, Nellie (1924), birth certificate.

33 1) Hernandez, Alfonso Gonzalez (1926); Source: Ancestry.com. California Birth Index, 19051995 [database online]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005; and, 2) Hernandez, Alfonso Gonzales (1926); delayed birth certificate, issued by County of Los Angeles ReigstrarRecorder/County Clerk, CA, 24 Mar 2015.

34 1) Hernandez, Feliciana (1929); Source: Ancestry.com. California Birth Index, 19051995 [database online]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005; and, 2) Hernandez, Feliciana (1929); birth certificate issued by County of Los Angeles RegistrarRecorder/County Clerk, 24 March 2015.


April 1930 Data California Birth Certificate DataFrances, age 6, born approx. 1923/24

Nellie, born November 1924 – would have been actually 5 years old by April 1930. She had not yet turned 6 years old.

Alfred, age 5, born approx 1924/25

Alfonso, born October 1926 – would have been actually 3 years old by April 1930. He had not yet turned 4 years old, let alone 5 years old.

Flecise, age 6 mos, born October 1929

Feliciana, born October 1929 – was exactly 6 months old.

But, in comparison, the 1940 census was more accurate showing the information likely came from someone in the family:

April 1940 Data California Birth Certificate DataFrances, age 15, born approx. 1925/26

Nellie [aka Frances], born November 1924 – was 15 years old by April 1940.

Alfonso, age 13, born approx 1926/27

Alfonso, born October 1926 – was 13 years old by April 1940.

Virginia, age 11, born 1928/29

Feliciana [aka Virginia], born October 1929 – was 11 years old by April 1940.

The only correct age given for the children in the 1930 census was that of Flecise, or Feliciana. The birth records of three of Fernando Hernandez and Annie Gonzales’s children confirm they are the same parents that appeared on that 1930 census. Despite the errors in ages given for the three oldest children, the county records correct this age error.

Frances “Nellie” Hernandez likely married Roy V. Contreras before 1943 but no marriage record could be found for this marriage. However, according to his World War II Army enlistment record, in 1943, he claimed he was married.35 The death record of Frances H. Contreras confirms she had been married to Roy Contreras.36 Frances H. Contreras died on January 7, 1962, in Los Angeles County.

Lovio’s Maternal GreatGrandfather—Fernando Rodriguez Hernandez (b. 1898 – d.1985)Several documents confirm Fernando Rodriguez Hernandez was born in Mexico—1) the1930 and 1940 US federal census, 2) his death record, and 3) the birth records of his three children.37 Therefore, the evidence eliminates this lineage as possessing any

35 Contreras, Roy V.; 1943, U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records.36 Contreras, Frances H (1962); (informational) death certificate, issued by County of Los

Angeles Registrar, CA, 17 Oct 2014.


California Native American heritage. Therefore, there is no need to further examine the lineage of Fernando Rodriguez Hernandez.

Lovio’s Maternal GreatGrandmother—Anita (aka Annie, Anna) Romero Gonzales (b. Oct/Nov 1906 ????)Unfortunately, no primary evidence was found for Annie’s birth, death, or marriage to, or divorce from, Fernando Hernandez (even though his death record stated he was divorced at the time of his death). The search on the California Birth database (using Ancestry.com and Familysearch.org) using a variety of combinations of names and spellings turned up no likely matches which strongly suggests this person was not born in California. Nonetheless, there is ample evidence which reveals her ethnicity, when and where she was born, and even how she viewed herself. When primary evidence is absent, it is yet useful to examine the indirect and secondary evidence data to see what it tells us about her

Her NameAnnie was known by several names (notwithstanding spelling errors):

Annie Gonzales (1924, Frances/Nellie’s birth certificate [BC])38

Anita de Hernandez (1927, Alfonso’s baptism record)39

Annie Gunzales (1929, Feliciana’s BC)40

Annie Hernandez (1930 census)41

Anna Hernandez (1940 census)42

Annie Gonzalez (1944, Alfonso’s marriage certificate [MC] 43

Mrs. Annie R. Hernandez (1944, signature on Alfonso’s MC)44

Anita Gonzales (1944, reference to Alfonso’s MC on his delayed BC)45

37 1) Household of Fernando Hernandez, 1930 US Census, California, Los Angeles County, Azusa Township; 2) Hernandez, Fernando Rodriguez (1985); informational death certificate, issued by County of Los AngelesRegistrarRecorder/County Clark, California, 1 Jun 2015; 3) Hernandez, Nellie (1924) birth certificate; 4) Hernandez, Alfonso Gonzales (1926); delayed birth certificate; and, 5) Hernandez, Feliciana (1929); birth certificate.

38 Hernandez, Nellie (1924), (informational) birth certificate.39 See section of application, “Abstract, Evidence as Stated in Documents,” Hernandez,

Alfonso Gonzales (1926); delayed birth certificate.40 Hernandez, Feliciana (1929); birth certificate.41 Household of Fernando Hernandez, 1930 US Census, California, Los Angeles County,

Azusa Township.42 Household of Fernando Hernandez, 1940 US federal census, California, Los Angeles

County, Belvedere Township.43 "California, County Marriages, 18501952," index and images, FamilySearch

(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K86YH19 : accessed 28 April 2015), Alfonso G Hernandez and Mary Basulto, 17 Nov 1944; citing Los Angeles, California, United States, countycourthouses, California; FHL microfilm 2,135,842.

44 Ibid.45 See section of application, “Abstract, Evidence as Stated in Documents,” Hernandez,

Alfonso Gonzales (1926); delayed birth certificate.


Annie Gonzales (1945, Rose’s MC)46

Anne Gonzales (1950, Virginia’s MC)47

Annie Gonzales (1950, signature on Virginia’s MC)48

Anita Romero Gonzales (1989, Alfonso’s delayed BC)49

Judging from the difference in her signatures between 1944 and 1950, this may have been period when Annie and Fernando parted ways (officially married or not).

In reviewing the delayed birth certificate of her son, Alfonso Gonzalez Hernandez, a conflict of data appears. He supplied two documents to support the information on his application – 1) his baptism record and 2) his marriage record.50 No doubt derived from his marriage record, his mother’s name was given as Anita Gonzales. But, in comparison to his actual marriage record, it was given as Annie Gonzales in the family data section. And, when she signed it, she wrote Mrs. Annie R. Gonzales. Alfonso’s marriage record number—#29361—matches the one that was given for the delayed birth certificate application. Lastly, on his delayed birth certificate, the name of Anita Romero Gonzales was entered in his mother’s information box. Therefore, both documents refer to the same person. Thusly, these two documents (Alfonso’s marriage and birth record) demonstrate the woman known as Annie R. Gonzales was the same woman known as Anita Romero Gonzales.

Her Birth DateBy comparing the data from what we have so far, it is possible to calculate an approximate birth date provided all the evidence for Annie’s age is correct. The data on the 1930 and 1940 census agree Annie and/or Anna [Gonzales] Hernandez was born sometime after April 24, 1906 and before April 27, 1907. 51 While that narrows it down to a year, her children’s birth records does more. The birth record for her second daughter,Nellie (aka Frances), states Annie Gonzales was 18 years old by November 24, 1924. And, the birth certificate of her fifth child, Feliciana, states Annie Gunzalez was 22 years old by October 22, 1929. So, if those ages, birth dates, and the census data can be considered reliable for Annie’s birth date, the comparison narrows down Annie’s

46 "California, County Marriages, 18501952," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8FP7Y6 : accessed 28 April 2015), Delfino Chavez Basulto and Rosie Gonzales Hernandez, 19 Oct 1945; citing Orange, California, United States, county courthouses, California; FHL microfilm 2,051,336.

47 "California, County Marriages, 18501952," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K82WRZT : accessed 14 March 2015), Anne Gonzales inentry for Leonardo Ortega Espinoza and Virginia Gonzales Hernandez, 24 Apr 1950; citing Los Angeles, California, United States, county courthouses, California; FHL microfilm 2,117,734.

48 Ibid.49 Hernandez, Alfonso Gonzales (1926); delayed birth certificate.50 See section of application, “Abstract, Evidence as Stated in Documents,” Hernandez,

Alfonso Gonzales (1926); delayed birth certificate.51 1) Household of Fernando Hernandez, 1930 US Census, California, Los Angeles

County, Azusa Township; and 2) Household of Fernando Hernandez, 1940 US federal census, California, Los Angeles County, Belvedere Township.


actual birth date between October 22 and November 25, 1906. That birth date coincideswith her ages given on both the 1930 and 1940 census as shown on the following chart:

Her BirthplaceWithout primary evidence of Annie’s birth, it is not possible to correct or confirm existing data. But, it is worth noting what the available evidence has to say on the matter:

Year Stated

Source Stated Birthplacefor Annie

Parent Birthplace

1924 BC Nellie Fernandez Mexico NA1929 BC Feliciana California NA1930 1930 census California Mexico/California1940 1940 census California (data not given)1944 MC Alfonso Hernandez California NA1945 MC Rose Hernandez California NA1950 MC Virginia (Feliciana)

HernandezCalifornia NA

The preponderance of evidence principle requires an evaluation of the qualitative characteristic of evidence, not the quantitative quality. While one might consider this list as an indicator Annie was truly born in California, the lack of an entry for her in the California Birth Index refutes such an assumption. Further, because the 1924 birth certificate for Nellie [aka Frances] Hernandez was created earlier than all the others, more weight can be assigned its data. Her EthnicityNo birth record could be located for Annie’s first daughter—Irene Gonzales Hernandez—born around 1923. But the two earliest records found for her daughters were recordedin 1924 and 1929. Being closer to the point of Annie’s birth than the rest of the evidence,these records hold the most weight. Overall, the available evidence defined Annie’s ethnicity as follows:


Year Source Stated Ethnicity for Annie

1924 BC Nellie Fernandez Mexican1929 BC Feliciana Mexican1930 1930 census Mexican1940 1940 census White1944 MC Alfonso Hernandez White (re: Alfonso)1945 MC Rose Hernandez White (re: Rose)1950 MC Virginia (Feliciana) Hernandez White (re: Virginia

Annie was never referred to as an Indian or Native American in these seven records. While it is true that many Native American Indians were identified as Mexican and/or White, it is also just as true that many Mexican Americans were identified as White. For example, when Fernando Hernandez died, his daughter—Virginia Gallardo [nee: Feliciana Hernandez formerly married to Leonardo Espinoza]—claimed he was White/Mexican American.52 The 1930 census identified him as a Mexican while the 1940 census later identified him as White. The same birth records of his children identifyFernando as Mexican. Then, when his children married—1944, 1945, and 1950—they identified themselves as White.

Perhaps the last clue to consider is the way the 1930 census questions were answered. Since Fernando was born in Mexico, he was asked the question, “Language spoken in home before coming to U.S.,” to which he answered, “Spanish/Mexican.” He immigrated in 1919. There was no year given for Annie’s immigration but her answer to the “Mother Tongue (or Native Language) of Foreign Born,” was given simply as “Mexican.” A close up of that section follows:

52 "California Marriage Index, 19601985," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V6G1YPB : accessed 5 July 2015), Fred E Gallardo andVirginia Hernandez, 12 Oct 1974; from "California, Marriage Index, 19601985," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2007); citing Los Angeles, California, Center of Health Statistics, California Department of Health Services, Sacramento.


As previously discussed, it is highly feasible the information was not provided by either Fernando or Annie due to the different names and age variances. But, if this answer was given by Annie, she thought of herself as Mexican. If it was given by a neighbor, others thought of her as Mexican.

Conclusion

The evidence clearly and reliably shows Matthew John Lovio does not posses any California Indian blood on his father’s side. As for his mother’s side, the evidence does the same thing, in the same way, with the exception of his greatgrandmother, Annie Gonzales. This exception exists only because no primary evidence was found for her. However, the available evidence is not mute on the subject—quite the opposite; it establishes a reasonable likelihood Annie Gonzales was Mexican and not a California Native American Indian.