Juan Pérez De Oñate

• General Notes
  • Explorer and founder of the first European colony in the upper Rio Grande valley of New Mexico.
    
    Twin brother to Cristobal de Onate.
    
    In 1567, at 15 years of age, he took over the responsibility of managing his family properties and mining business.
    
    On August 27, 1592, the Viceroy of New Spain, named him as alcalde mayor of San Luis Potosi.
    
    In July 23, 1596, at the mines of Avino, Durango, he organized his force that would be part of the
    entrada into New Mexico. Source:A History of New Mexico by Gaspar Perez de Villagra, Alcala - 1610, translated by Gilberto Espinosa.
    
    On April 30, 1598, as Conquistador and in the name of King Felipe II of Spain, he took possession of all the kingdoms and provinces of New Mexico. His explorations extended from the Colorado River to the plainsof Kanas
    From 1598 to 1607, he served as governor of New Mexico.
    
    By 1607, he had lost favor with the Spanish government, and on August 24, 1607, he resigned his post. Source:Kiva, Cross, and Crown by John L. Kessell.
    He was the first to give the name "Apache" to the indian tribe of New Mexico. A Zuni word for "Enemy".
    Exiled from New Mexico, he returned to Spain.
    In in Spain, and on October 4, 1625, he signed his last will and testament.
    He was both, uncle and cousin to Juan and Vicente de Saldivar. Cousin to Fray Cristobal de Salazar.

Details of Juan's family with Isabel De Tolosa Cortés Moctezuma