NEWSPAPERS:

WE CALLED HER “MAMA”

Today I will share the story of my family’s beloved “Mama”, Rafaela Mijon Y Rivera.  I didn’t get to spend much time with her but I knew she was kind, generous, loved her family and was a devoted Christian woman.  Family stories are shared to help us learn a bit about ourselves and reflect on our personal stories.  Today’s story is sad but important on why Mama was orphaned as a young child.

Once upon a time there was a 39 year old man named Guadalupe Mijon Y Cintron.  A man who would today be considered middle aged.  His wife, Juana Eulogia Morales Y Lopez had died on 11 April 1887, Naguabo, Puerto Rico, and he was left with the responsibility of raising his 5 children ages 3 – 15.  He needed to marry quickly so someone could help him raise his children while he worked.  He met Juana Rivera Y Hernandez, about 22 years old and they married, 21 December 1888, Naguabo, Puerto Rico.

I assume Juana took on the responsibility of caring for her husband’s children, and learned to love them.  Perhaps the eldest son who was only about 6 years younger than her loved her like a sister and would have protected her no matter what.  I really want to believe this.  On a typically hot morning on 30 March 1893 in Humacao, Puerto Rico, when Rafaela was a little over 2 years old, neighbors reported having heard Guadalupe arguing over jealousy with Juana.  The previous night Guadalupe had sent his oldest son on an errand.  Upon his  return the next morning he found his father pacing and his step-mother, Juana dead with several stab wounds. 

Guadalupe was arrested and imprisoned in the Humacao County Jail, and a year later he was sent to a prison in Ceuta, Spain where he died, 16 July 1894.

Did you know you can find your Puerto Rico Ancestors in the newspapers? I did!

https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov

I suggest adding quotation marks “Mijon” before and after the name or surname.

I found my great grandfather, Guadalupe Mijon stabbed my great grandmother, Juana Rivera to death in the newspaper, Which is why my grandmother, Rafaela Mijon Y River was orphaned as a young child. A story I would not have known other than finding it in the newspaper.

https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn90070270/1893-04-04/ed-1/seq-3/

Humacao, March 31, 1893 – Yesterday evening Juana Rivera was murdered near the town. It is unknown who is killer but Guadalupe Mijon, husband of the deceased was arrested.

Humacao, April 3, 1893 – Mijon prosecuted, denies being the author of the murder, The indications and the circumstances of the fact accused him. On the very morning of the crime he had a brawl with his wife, out of jealousy of her, threatening her. The intervention of the neighbors prevented the threats from being carried out. Mijon ordered his eldest son to take a cow to a distant place in the afternoon, leaving two small children and one older son at home with his wife. He went outside, and when he returned he saw his father rushing out to find his stepmother dead with five stab wounds.

Are you ready to find out more about your Puerto Rico Ancestry? Ancestry.com is a great place to start. Who knows you may find a long lost DNA relative who has already started a tree and can help you along the way.

Hasta la vista!

Lillian Resto Y Marin