Juan Páez Hurtado facts for kids

Juan Páez Hurtado (born 1668 – died 1742) was an important Spanish leader. He served as a top military officer, a governor, and a mayor in Santa Fe, which was then part of New Spain.

Early Life and Military Start

Juan Páez Hurtado was born in a town called Villafranca de las Marismas. This town is in Spain, close to the city of Seville. He was baptized on December 22, 1668. Juan grew up in a simple family. When he was a teenager, he joined the Spanish Royal Army in Seville.

A Career in New Spain

Juan Páez Hurtado rose through the ranks in the army. He became a General and a Sergeant. Later, he traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to New Spain. This area included much of what is now Mexico and the southwestern United States. He took part in many battles there.

In Michoacán, which is in present-day Mexico, he joined the troops of Mayor Diego de Vargas. Hurtado later moved to New Mexico. After Vargas passed away, Juan Páez Hurtado became the senior Captain General and Governor of New Mexico. He also served as the Mayor of Santa Fe, the capital city, two times. His first term was from 1704 to 1705. His second term was from 1716 to 1717.

During his time as governor, the Faraones Apaches stole horses and mules from the Spanish. In 1714, Hurtado was chosen to lead a group to find the Apaches. The goal was to punish them, but this expedition was not successful.

Family Life

While in Michoacán, Juan Páez Hurtado married Pascuala López Vera. They had a daughter together in 1688.

Later, on June 30, 1704, he married Teodora Garcia De La Riva. They had three children: Antonia, Gertrudis, and Juan Domingo Paez Hurtado.

Juan Páez Hurtado died on May 5, 1742. He is buried in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His resting place is under the "Altar of the Basilica of Santa María, la conquistadora." This church honors Saint Mary, who is the Patroness of New Mexico.

See also

In Spanish: Juan Páez Hurtado para niños