Tejano paperwork?

Question

Alright, my family's "Tejano"-around when TX was Mexico (yes we still exist) I have heared from others that it is impossible to find any family documents (about birth/marriage/death) that were before TX became a state because it was all destroyed. I've heard this alot, is it even worth trying? Anyone been in similiar situation?

Answer 1

http://www.txgenweb.org/tx/restx.htm

is about residents of Texas, 1782 - 1836. It says

This research project began in 1971 by The Institute of Texan Cultures. The original intent of the research was to prepare a draft containing information on Blacks in Texas prior to 1836. The research was broken down into three categories: statistical, census, and general information (general manuscript series).

Since it was impractical to extract only the information concerning persons of Black origin, translation of the complete statistical and census reports of Spanish Texas was accomplished. This material includes demographic, statistical and qualitative data on many ethnic groups, and individual families can be traced for several generations. It also documents the existence of a large number of Blacks among the Spanish and Indian population in Texas long before the influx of Anglo Americans colonizers.

The general manuscript series, consisting in large part of translated summaries, documents the Black's experience in Texas. The translation of this series was not brought to completion. In 1973 the project ended after an evaluation of the work revealed that the intended scope had been surpassed and that the work had the potential for a scholarly publication.

In 1998 The Institute of Texan Cultures granted permission to The TXGenWeb Project to bring this very important collection of early Texas source material to the Internet where it will be freely available to researchers. If you have access to this 3 volume publication and would like to assist in bringing this work Online please contact Trey Holt.

Vol. 1 - Statistical Reports of Texas, 1783 - 1820, and Census Reports of Texas, 1782 - 1806

Vol. 2 - Census Reports of Texas, 1807 - 1834

Vol. 3 - Census Reports of Texas, 1835, and General Manuscripts Series, 1603 - 1803

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It looks like you could help. They have some chapters transcribed, but there is lots left to do.

Answer 2

Catholic church records are very good.  

Baptismal, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage and Death will have the names of both parents including mother's maiden name.  When a person is confirmed not only is the information put in the Confirmation record, a note is made on their Baptismal record that they were confirmed on such and such date.  When a child is confirmed they hold a little card in their hand. On one side is the confirmation name and on the other side is the baptismal information. Those little cards are used to post the parish's records and then they are mailed to the parish of baptism, so they can make note of the confirmation information in the baptismal record.  

I am in the Diocese of Beaumont.  Periodically the registers are sent to the Chancery office to be microfilmed.  

Also, see the link below regarding the Canary Islander colonists

http://bexargenealogy.com/index_islander...

Answer 3

I don't agree that it is all destroyed. What is needed is to deal with records of Texas under Mexican jurisdiction, then if needed, work back into Mexico itself.  Records after statehood are simply different forms, and mandated by the US govt.

http://www.hispanicgs.org/index.htm

Answer 4

In this situation, you have the tremendous advantage of being Catholic. The Catholics kept very good records. You should look to the church for records.