This is the 2nd of two documents that were either handwritten or typed by Antonia Lianez. It is a history of her mother and father how they met and their journey from Mexico to the United States. I have transcribed this as accurately as possible including possible spelling errors made at the time of its writing.

This story covers the beginning of our family as we know and remember and our journey to the United States, our time as migrant workers and the birth of the first Lianez (Yañez) siblings. I have used my mother’s wording and spelling as it was written in her hand. if you have not done so please be sure to read Document 1 for additional history.

God Bless our Family

Tom Lianez

November 10, 2024

1882

in a small barrio in the state of Durango, a young couple made future plans for their newborn son John D Vargas junior. John D Vargas senior and his wife Epiminoa also planned on the baptismal sponsor for baptism and the customary 3 days of Fiesta.

John junior grew up amid the other use of the village. Their games were of endurance to see who could run the furthest distance with a mouthful of water and still have it at the end of the run. Holding a good sized rock in the hand and keeping it outstretched for the longest time. And on and on as each originated the next test. There was also work to do. Water to bring to the house from the well. Care of the fire so it wouldn’t go out. And more for a young man of playful age these seemed always too many tasks.

School was not known at the time but disobedience nevertheless had its punishment in the same bodily area as on this modern day. No amount of endurance minimize the pain!

When John was 10 years old his baptismal sponsor gave him a lovely White Horse. John’s first responsibility, besides his task. He was very proud of his first possession. The small horse had a mind of its own and when it made a move to enter a yard it would do so. No amount of yelling kicking or pulling on the stirrups was going to change el caballo’s mind. So John, amid the yells of owners and giggles of children would have to get down apologize and guide his horse onto the road again. The two began to run errands for the residents of the barrio. It placed money into the family purse and John began to learn the value of money and of serving others. During these young years John senior passed to his eternal rest. The young John knew total family sorrow. The duties of the household now lost the adventure of youth and became the serious day by day challenge of the head of the home. His greatest lesson became a basis of life when he began to care for his sorrowing mother. Gone was the urge to play games for every moment of daylight meant survival for both he and his mother. She began to make fresh bread and tortillas and John would place these on a  persavana ( this was illegable so it could be another word) a large wooden but not deep bowl and deliver orders for the day. He devised a way to place two persavanas on his horse and thus deliver twice as many orders. The only drawback was Caballo who’s still clung to his youthful habit. Now he attempted to get into the homes and would startle families by poking his head in doors or windows period to appease the people of the house John would give fresh baked bread or tortillas. And to pacify his mother he would mix the dough or grind the corn on the metate ( a stone or pedestal) every day at dawn. Singing by he and his mother’s rhythm to the hand grinding or mixing took the drudgery from the hot and trying job. Epiminia Word often tell him of the Spanish conquistadors and of Indian friends, benefactors and enemies. Of customs traditions and methods of survival. And she began daily spoken lessons of the Catholic faith. She taught her son hymns and the prayers she knew.

The time was ripe for she became ill and home remedies and doctors medicines seem to do no good she passed into her eternal rest period from her place of burial John placed his large woven sombrero upon his hat mounted his horse and left the barrio.

She had mentioned the United states, Texas and he set this as his goal with no sense of direction or any ideas of what lie ahead, he walked his horse and wrote it gently. To a boy of 12 years of age time meant sleep arise, work for your food and care for Caballo.

The days and nights passed, slowly interminably long period at times people were generous in food payment and even offered shelter in the pasture for him and his horse. And then there were days of man sized jobs to be done for a small meal and no shelter period his only comfort that Caballo was resting and he could sleep on his horse and trust his mount. Men helped him, for he was just a boy, they taught him many ways of making tasks easier. These were the times John would cry. These were the times John would remember the tenderness of his mother. The strength of his father. He recalled happy times period of beautiful sights of nature and the awareness of the talents of his horse. Little games they learned to play. Long swift rides, just for the sake of riding on his faithful companion. Of sleeping close to Caballo for warmth of being caught in the rain alone on the beach. The sheer knowledge that his clothes were buried deep in the earth with a large stone. That Caballo was sheltered. The joy of being alive, young, free and close to the border. He recalled running up and down that sandy beach crying and yelling until so tired he went into The Cave and lay close to where Caballo was to sleep.

The next gay boy and horse travelled slowly. There was much to say to Caballo. The horse seemed to listen for he would make rumbling noises deep in his throat were you laughing like sound or move of his lovely head. They came to an Adobe Hut at the outskirts of a city John dismounted his force back companion and knocked on the wall of the house. Caballo Followed and nuzzled John shoulder. For just a moment John weakened I was about to turn and hug that wonderful companion. Tears were so close when an elderly lady came to the door. John explained that he would work for food, he and his horse. She offered food which she was preparing. John offered to help and his home training was exhilarating proud, Thankful moment. The elderly lady was overjoyed to get such help. He reglazed Adobe, he made new Adobe for her and stored it for future need. His Hostess andCaballo had become very friendly something unusual for his horse who would know one else but John write him. John felder mixture of jealousy for he loved that horse. Pride that he had trained him so well. The knowledge that Caballo  was loved by this lady  made the parting that was to come a little easier. A week more passed by. John and the lady almost like a mother to him waited for her son. He had gone to the city to work for a merchant for a few weeks and would be returning soon. Meanwhile this kind lady had him where his clothes were John and from a passing merchant bought for John his first pair of socks and shoes! Caballo Add a new saddle John had to break him into the new attire.Caballo  Didn’t like it but after much coaxing, petty and treats he submitted. Later Caballo  developed a proud step a higher hold of the head whenever the saddle was on his back. When senora rode him his stride was something to see! Plain to see the two had developed an understanding.

One dawn Caballo gave his usual alarm neigh and John of habit rose to see what or who. A young boy in the dress of the peon with a basket and a pack on his back was coming toward the house. John guessed it was senora’s son. He went to meet him. The boy was 11 years old, soft spoken, quick to smile. John liked him Caballo was plotting between them nudging one and then the other. The boys loaded the packs and basket on kabayo and talked and laughed. By now senora was coming to greet her son. Such rejoicing and such delicious things to eat! A gift for senora, a lovely shawl. John’s heart sank and hurt the closeness, the feel of it reminded him of his mother. But the guitar music of the neighbors who had brought his family and their food to share started the singing and another day ended. Early the next day john senora and her son made fresh bread and tortillas. Cooked frijoles and put meat to roast.

Today was special. John was giving Caballo to his new friend. After polite refusing by mother and son, Caballo  was accepted. The training began as to the care of the horse has John had done for such a long time after day after day. Caballo Accepted all of this attention with soft deep sounds gentle nudges. Days were spent both boys riding Caballo for the fun of it or for serious hunting or running errands. John and the boy began selling bread and tortillas and a route was formed. With some of the money chickens and Roosters were bought and soon eggs were there to be sold. This added enough money to purchase a mule and female goat and soon they were busy selling goat milk and goat cheese!

By now the boy and Caballo were running the route together while he and senora tended the baking, cheese making, milking gathering of eggs and many other tasks. There were days when señora and Caballo  would do the delivery and she would ride the lovely horse into town. She would return with so many wonderful things and gifts for the boys. John never did accept money for the labor so that Caballo wouldn’t be a burden to anyone. Tonight was special. Tonight John abandoned his petate or floor mat to go outside in the bright moonlit night full of the fragrance of roses and the tobacco flower and the well remembered nuances of Caballo.

Someday he would return to visit the family and his horse dawn came too soon.

John helped his two friends and when his young friend and Caballo  left for the daily delivery one told signora of his plan to leave to the United states. It wasn’t an easy parting she had considered him as her son. And though he didn’t voice it she came close to the place he held dear in his heart for his mother. And for the second time a woman shed tears for his well-being.

Nevertheless the want to leave before Caballo came back and caused him to hurry and prepare to leave. He had been taught never to look back on leaving, rather to look ahead and step by step move away. So after signora’s blessing he started away from his second home. He cried. He didn’t look back and kept going a step at a time period he spent nights alone now, wrapped in his sarape and circled by his lariat he had woven by hand to keep away snakes. His malita Or pack close by. Dawn was a lonely time he was so very alone between barrios and cities. But the setting of traps for food, a rabbit, a bird, fresh fruit from a Bush or two busied loneliness away. He had time to observe nature and its ways he was a busy boy. He sang he whistled and he prayed the prayers his mother taught him he was a happy boy. Lonely but happy. Eventually he arrived at the border Mexican side he worked for a rancher on a cattle roundup for meals and shelter period his knowledge of horses won him the admiration of the owner. Evenings John would sit with owner and workers listen to their stories and tell of his own. Many a time and ashamed tears were cried by boy and men. Reminiscences of home and family were awakened.

The owner of the ranch offered him steady work but John wanted to cross the border! So after the cattle round up the owner and men had a Fiesta roundup style for John. The following dawn the owner and John rode to the border on the owner stallions.

The Border

John didn’t know what to expect and was surprised to see such a plain place a bridge no less! The owner of the farm promised john a job whenever he returned period now john was happy two places to come back to! He shook hands with the gentleman so handsome in his charro outfit next to a splendid saddled horse. John walked away step by step. Frightened now very frightened when he became part of others crossing the border just before his turn wants to come he stopped. He turned to look back over miles and miles back to his first home his mind in that short space of time was the final parting pang with this land he loves so very much. He turned and step by step came to the crossing over. Excitement seized him, curiosity gave him strength to pay his nickel and do as he was told crossover into the United states! He was here actually here in the country his dear mother had told him of! It wasn’t too much different yet the soil felt different and the temperature was so hot. The warmest sun had felt this way. He found a tree with a thick shade and sat to rest period he slept. Strange noises awoke him as people walked everywhere and he had trouble understanding what some were saying. He went to the closest house. A lady so very white came to the door. John began his offer to work but was cut short in his speech by so many words and gestures that needed no words. She was motioning for him to leave! She slammed the door at closed. The first door he had come to in America he returned to his tree too scared to know what to do. He looked for nature grown fruit none! The sights of people of quite a distance fascinated him he watched. He saw no one his color. Another day and another night passed beneath the tree. He was very hungry. Maybe if he put his shoes on that might help. He picked up his pack to his waste and walked in his socks and shoes. Poor Caballo now he understood how the poor horse must have felt. He came to the place people walked on. It was white and hard. No one noticed the boy who was trying to walk on a sidewalk. He noticed no one wore a hat like his so he stopped to remove it and somehow attach it to his pack. He came to an open air market saw fruit, smelled it and hunger overcame him. He asked for an orange by pointing to it and saying its name in Spanish naranja . His hands was slapped away and a barrage of words followed. He walked away trying to hold back the tears. The shoes hurt, his head hurt and hunger was stronger then these! So he tried again. With pounding heart he looked for a kind face. There is a young woman who smiled every time someone bought something. He walked across the wide walk, cross the smaller walk to where the large lovely shiny apples were. She was busy putting apples in a bag a paper bag for another nice lady Who smiled and walked away. The young lady selling apples saw him holding the apple in his hand, John smiling his best smile. Suddenly the smile left her face and she grabbed the apple from his hand and started screaming at him. She grabbed a broom and waving it over her head and bringing it down close to his person. John turned and ran bumping into people who pushed him aside, roughly, angrily. John continued to run hoping to find a forest to hide in, to eat to sleep period he ran and ran and found none. Tired he stopped wiped his eyes and stood still. He couldn’t see any familiar surroundings. All look so strange he found a bench sat on it to remove his shoes and socks. He tied the shoelaces together and in the old days he slung 1 over 1 shoulder and one shoe over his back. No sooner than he had done so when some men signaled for him to leave and more strange words! He left. Where to go!

He noticed men leaned against the tree and buildings. So he would lean against the tree now and then to rest he noticed a shaded part in a shade and other trees grouped around it. He headed for this spot, sat down with his back against the post. He spent the night there. The following morning he felt very hungry but no urge to get up in search of food. The day passed and the night came and John remained. The following day at noon a large group of men passed his way a large tall white man came to him and spoke gently! John was so surprised he just burst into his Spanish. The kind man helped him to his feet and gathered shoes and pack and hat called a tall Indian and they spoke. The Indian came towards John and spoke in Spanish. John was so overcome he just stood and cried. His legs suddenly gave way and he fell to the ground. When he awoke he was on a clean bed and a small but neat room! The smell of fresh cooked food came to him. He left the bed and put on his clothes and walked into a long room period as he passed a wide door he saw the Indian mixing something in a large bowl. He climbed down the steps and walked towards the Indian. When this busy man saw John he smiled and started conversation. John was quick to see that wood was needed and water also without being told he did both. He was promptly given other task which he gladly did. His new friend Jose was patient in teaching John the Indian ways of life and John became a good student. When the crew came to eat John ate at the table with them and Jose.  So it was that John became assistant cook of the leading railroad crew.  From 1893 to 1898 John and Jose were cooks for the crew. John was now receiving pay for his work period hunger and fear made good teachers, he spent only for needed commodities. His one luxury was the movies. This proved to be a weakness. The movie and popcorn became a weekly need to john. Next to sunday mass this was part of spending Sunday.

This continued for many years period when John was 18 years old in 1899 Jose passed away and John asked to work with the crew. He relished the hard labor it made him sleep well at night.

John laughed years later as he recalled an incident. It happened that John and a group of crew members were returning from a trip to the movies. The moon was bright the air warm and the men harmonized in song as they walked towards camp and sleep. They were within sight of the camp. Suddenly a loud sound upset the harmony of the night. A terrifying squealing ear shattering squealing sound surrounded the camp and the incoming crew. From all directions came quite shapes running helter skelter. Men arose and ran scurrying to no avail. They were hit and sent into space in all directions. John climbed a tree only to come tumbling down as a white form bumped the young tree. His screams were added to the rest of the upward. And now came upright white shapes running after the fleeing men. Cemetery and headstones orderly place seem out of place at night this hampered the running. Of a sudden all was quiet yet no one moved or called out. At dawn John and two crew members came out from behind a mausoleum where they chose to spend the night John thought his heart would stop for his foot struck something fleshy soft and very much alive. Whatever it was sprang up and ran and that seemed to be a signal for the rest period of a sudden there was a recurrence of the night before, the difference was they now they could see. The result was a morning of hysteria. The phantom of the night had been the farmers pigs that had broken loose the night before. The first thing in their path was the cooks quarters. Flower sacks flower barrels and lard cans were everywhere. Poor cook had only time to leave his bedding and climb a small tree that finally broke with his weight. Landing him in the lard and flower at night in the moonlight he seemed an awesome figure chasing the men that were running in fear from him! Poor cook was running after them to catch up with them because he was frightened. And all of this happened in a cemetery because everyone agreed that would be the safest place to camp! It was of course difficult not to laugh after everyone gathered to discuss the night before. And whenever John spoke of the happening his laughter was infectious, one could not help but laugh with him. This time pass for John. In 1904 he joined a group of men that worked for a cattle ranch. He rode many a trail herding cattle to places of sale. Once again he had a horse to ride. He was fast learning the ways of the Americans of the north or Norteños and here and there he was learning their language also. The talents of his youth helped him to become well liked among the men his love of singing and playing guitar and mouth harp made him the center of the crew gathered at evening foreseen. The Indian remedies helped him to care for many a cowboy or a calf or a horse. He was asked time and again to make remedies the way señora had taught him to do. John stayed with this crew for four years 1904, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908. In the fall of 1908 owners of the farm changed ownership and John along with five Cowboys went to Oklahoma. Now with money to his name the ability to write and mastering of some English he was his own man. The men roomed at a boarding house in Oklahoma, they became close friends. But work separated them until only John remained at the boarding house. To receive his first letter from one of his former friends was a great thrill for John. And the day he wrote and mailed his first letter was a day John would remember for years to come. He did odd jobs, jobs he enjoyed, as a cook as a gardener at a popular large restaurant. He worked as an assistant grocery boy where fresh fruit was plentiful. Where his Spanish language was a boon to him and the store owner. People came to John who spoke their language. Many came to john who had first crossed the border and had come as far as oklahoma. And john would contact someone among his friends to help them find a home and a job. These people long remembered John’s kindness. He always had a place to eat for many friends invited him for dinner or supper. In Oklahoma there were many Indians their favorite food was tamales so John learned to make tamales. Many a time he was invited to their celebrations and there he would cook large amounts of tamales for them. He would share in their ceremonies and learn many of their dances and chants the achievement he was so proud of was the recitation of the our father in the Indian language.

 There came a time when John became part of a railroad crew. He started as a cook and when the opening for a new man came John took it. He loved the weight of the hammer the ring of the pounding the rhythm of teamwork. These men worked for the sheer joy of working. The more difficult the job the more they enjoyed it! They took pride in their work so that miles of rail were marked excellent by the inspector people would gather to watch them work period they would chant the words of the workers along with the crew. And the working men excelled in their display of work for the admiring crowds. John developed a deep dark tan and with others he worked shirtless in the hot sun. It felt good to perspire, to feel the cooling breeze and to display the well developed muscles. The pay was good the men were good companions. The sleeping was as once before, out in the open on a cot. John was a happy man he worked with this crew for three years period in 1913 he moved on to Paris TX to work in the cotton fields. With his physics (physique?) He had no problem getting a job in the field. He made friends quickly with the many already working there. There were black families, Indian families and Mexican families. And John learned from each two ease his task, new songs, new spirituals. He lived in a bachelor’s quarters a long building with sectioned off into rooms period two men to A room he was to move in with an elderly man who could outwork most of the Young men, until he met john. This competitiveness made them close friends. He enjoyed the quietness of Carlos and together they would sit on a bench outside their room in the evenings. Hours would pass and they smoked in silence. Each respected the quietness of the other period eventually one would rise say goodnight enter the room and prepare for bed. The other would follow and each in his half of the room would sleep contented.

This new form of friendship lasted for the season and then both would go into the city to rent rooms in a boarding house. It was at such a place that John noticed a young lady in her modesty attracted him to her. She had a quickness of hand and step that distinguished her period and as she serve the boarding men she was polite but quiet. He would often notice her seated on the back porch crocheting or doing drawn work. She wasn’t too tall her weight was light. Her hair long and Raven black in color. If she noticed him watching her she never gave notice of it. John knew he would work for a long time in the cotton fields.

Carlos wise to the ways of the young advised John to save his money. He and John put their money in savings. John gained promotion and (illegible) as crewman. Then bailer, then weighing man. If he could drive a team he could be hauler. John could drive a team and so he had the easy jobs of hauling with more pay. Now he could court Gabriella. He had tried to learn her name when she served him, but she remained silent eyes downcast. He would follow at a respectful distance when she and the lady of the house would go shopping.

Sundays at mass or evening church services John was a few pews back. If she knew it she gave no indication of it so john went to the priest and explained his wanting to know her. The kind priest took him to the House of the owners and stated the young man’s wishes. They asked for a week’s grace to discuss this between them. John agreed. It was then he learned her name period now he began to write and mail letters to her period she never wrote back to him. But now he noticed larger portions of food on his plate! And he when he would greet her she would smile and answer. John bought his first Stetson hat and his second pair of new boots!

At the end of the week John sans the priest came calling. The owner and his wife agreed that he could call on Gabriella, but they must visit in the parlor. John agreed to return on a Saturday. He bought the shy Carlos with him a gift for Gabriella and the lady of the house. Gabriela came when she was called and sat next to the lady the owners of the house sat beside his wife. John and Carla sat across the room period conversations were rather curt but steady. John poured out the story of his life. The event of the cemetery caused everyone to laugh. John liked to hear Gabriella laugh. The ladies excuse themselves to serve coffee and dessert. This gave the men their time for private conversation and John learned some of the trials of Gabriella. She was with child. She had been caught in the civil war and was one of its living victims. John became more serious in his courting. Here was one who understood suffering and loneliness and hunger and fear. They had this in common. When they were called in to partake of meal, john tried not to appear too eager. Not to show he knew. But she being a woman must have sensed for he could see she had been crying and her blush was obvious to everyone. Talk over coffee was of the cotton and the weather and John and Carlos begged to be excused. Just before they left John presented the gifts he extended his hand to say goodbye to the lady of the house. And then Gabriella she hesitated for a moment and then timidly placed her hand in his for just a moment.

Thereafter John would come courting every other Saturday. Carlos was his constant companion on these visits period now John rented a home that he began to furnish. He and Carlos delighted in the planning and the arranging of furniture. John bought a carriage and a lovely Palomino horse. John had plans of marriage period now he would bring his guitar and Carlos and the woman and Gabriella and he would sing. The letters from John came more often and now he offered to pay board for her period this was promptly refused by the owners. Gabriella was like their daughter, this was her home. They had provided a furnished room for her and she was paid for her services as a waitress. But John had made known his intentions.

Gabriella’s child was born January 13th 1919. John was not able to see her for two months so he did not call. He met the gentleman of the house at the grocery store. Hat in hand he greeted him converse with him and politely asked about Gabriella, and the child. Told that mother and daughter were doing fine. John bought a crib and all it’s needs that day. It was placed in a special room period now began the buying of other things for the baby, besides gifts for Gabriella.

When John was permitted to call on Gabriella he was so nervous. He rode past the house several times. Finally Carlos took the reins of the horse and stopped at Gabriella’s house. When I came in Gabriella was already seated with babe in arms. John stood at a respectful distance and asked to see the child. He and Carlos in perfect time advanced a giant step! They admired the sleeping child and the mother. Now the women of the house gave John a chair to sit a short distance from Gabriela. They and Carlos went into the dining room for coffee and dessert.

John made his wishes known to Gabriella. She consented. When their hosts and guests returned John mentioned his intention of visiting them the following Saturday if they would permit it. Carlos would be his speaker. They agreed and the date was set. The usual goodbyes were said and gifts given. The baby received her first gift from her father to be!

The following Saturday Carlos and John arrived. Carlos took a large bouquet of flowers and was dressed in his very best. The aged man had a gift of speech no rehearsal was needed. John trusted him to say the right words.

Gabriella was called and she was dressed in blue. A blue ribbon coster here to look even darker than usual. The baby wore a pink dress Gabriella had made for her. She was placed on a large white pillow of delicate crochet and lace and ribbons. Gabriella was displaying her (illegible).

Carlos, after a time of conversation explained the seriousness of this visit. As speaker for John he was here to ask for the hand of Gabriella in engagement to John. Would the lady and gentlemen of the house consent? They would. So as the speaker he advanced towards Gabriella and asked her consent in the presence of her sponsors, she voiced a trembling yes. The engagement ring was presented to the lady and gentleman. They admired it and placed it in its box on a tiny flower and ring table Carlos presented the bouquet to Gabriela, she accepted the bouquet. She chose 1 rose and john then came to stand beside her she walked across the room to the tiny table and she gave him the rose to place in the vase. This symbolize the man preparing foundation for wife and family. The ring was removed from its box by the speaker and he handed to John who placed it on the finger of Gabriella’s hand.

Now they were officially engaged to marry. Guests had been invited to witness the engagement. Cake, homemade ice cream and punch were served. The musicians started the waltz for John and Gabriella and John held his promised wife in his arms for the duration of the waltz. They were seated one on each side of the speaker to be individually congratulated. When guests were gone and goodnight said. The waiting of one year was promised.

Now John would call on Gabriella at the house during the day when the lady of the house was present. He was bringing his checks to Gabriela to keep for him. When they went riding Carlos was a chaperone, he would drive the carriage. The days seemed to disappear as soon as they began.

The date of the 17th. Gabriela was taken to the bridal shop by the lady of the house. She chose no white dress. She preferred to be married in her blue dress of her engagement day. She had put it carefully, and to a line box to keep for sentimental reasons. She did buy a lovely blue hat and parasol to go with her dress.

On the 18th of January 1920 they went to the courthouse to be married by civil law. The lady of the house and her husband were sponsors. Carlos was babysitter! The day of the 19th of January 2 carriages decorated with ribbons and paper flowers were driven by Carlos and one by pink coachman bought the marriage party to the church.

The lady or nurse maid carried the baby girl in first ahead of the bridal couple. This was the wish of the adopted father and bridegroom. Then came the two flower girls spreading rose petals just few steps behind of Gabriela. John asked Carlos to stand by him and give Gabriella in marriage. The fast aging man never having married was deeply touched. So three people who had experienced heartbreaking tragedies met at the altar, as Carlos placed Gabriella’s hand in John’s hand. The wedding music played softly in the background as wedding vows were recited and rings exchanged. And Mr. and Mrs. John D Vargas and daughter Antonia exited the church to be greeted by a large crowd of well wishers! The lady of the house and her husband Concha and Valentine Santillo had sponsored in marriage the girl they gave shelter to! The priest who performed the ceremony and previously baptized the child couldn’t speak Spanish or English. Nevertheless he came to the wedding reception there were Indians, Mexicans, Americans and black and all one happy group. Many of the crews John worked with came with their families or as bachelors sworn never to marry. Such rejoicing!

Gabriella spent three days and three nights with her sponsor Concha and Valentine. On the 4th day John was granted leave from work and he came to take his family home to the house he had prepared

. The following cotton crop Gabriella asked to go to the fields with him. She was not used to living alone. He consented and became a picker of cotton to be with his wife and daughter. John built a rocking crib for his daughter and this was placed many feet away from the place of picking. A close watch was kept on the crib for snakes were abundant. John carried a machete with him for this purpose. So many times was the life of wife and daughter endangered he decided to buy a business and take his family from the fields.

He asked and was granted a loan and he bought a large restaurant as it was. The next morning at 4:00 AM he and Gabriela placed the sleeping child in her rocking crib next to the counter and cooking began in earnest. Carlos now with cane help them constantly. By 630 John had four 10 LB cans full of steaming hot tamales placed in his self-made selling cart. He would push his cart and the tinkling bell gave notice of a moving vehicle. His practice of voicing in unison gave him melodic tone to his on the instant lyrics of hot tamales. In the early morning the aroma was tantalizing. Men going to work would buy one or two dozen. Before long John wood returned to the restaurant sold out! He had good work and constant clientele at John and Ella’s restaurant the child, Antonia, was no problem, someone’s always holding her, entertaining her, feeding her.

John and Gabriella and Carlos were happy people. Antonio was a happy child. The spring of 1921 John and Gabriella received a letter from a friend living in Gary, indiana. The letter contained news of an abundance of work and good pay period he had heard that the streets were paved with gold. Well it’s true wealth is everywhere. John and Gabriella spoke of this often and were tempted to go on a visit. Curiosity made them want to try, the child cause them to be cautious. Carlos was against the move. There was uncertainty and if they sold the restaurant maybe they couldn’t ever buy it again. Besides he had become very attached to Antonia who now was into everything and kept the early man in constant watch.

Nature helped to solve the decision for them. The day had been very warm in fact a hot dry air. At times the air seemed to stop and even the birds ceased to fly or sing. John remember jose’s teaching not notice the wide openings of the earth at his feet. The ants busy scurrying into the nest not out. He told Gabriella to move the crib into their bedroom and to fasten it with belts to the master bed. Carlos placed Antonia in the crib and stood by with toys and cookies and candies and an extra large supply of towels blankets and diapers. People were gathering at the restaurant now to talk to eat. The premonition of something to happen was mentioned more than more and more. The indians were gathering with their families in large numbers. Soon women and children were crowded into the large restaurant and men and boys stood outside. Conversation was now in quiet tones. The Indians and black families coming in from the fields added to the number. Many women volunteered to help John and Gabriella fill the orders now large in number. Some wash pots, pans, dishes. Some ground corn for tortillas some cared for the many babies. The older girls were willing to entertain the older children. The men and boys began to nail boards on the windows to place carriages and horses in shelters, wherever there was one to be found. As the air became so still and dry that it seemed to sears of flesh men and boys shame face began to push the elderly men and little boys into the now filled restaurant wherever they could find room! Then the men of all ages began edging into the almost no room crowded rooms of John and Gabriella’s restaurant.

Of a sudden the sound of voices was quiet even the children ceased to yell or cry. Some were blessing themselves and beginning to pray softly. One could almost sense the strain of each one starting to grace him or herself. Without warning the large building was felt to lift then spin for what seemed like an eternity. Carlos leaned over the crib of the sleeping Antonia to cover the little body with his. And the attic a man, dwarf size began to run from one end of the attic to try and hold down the building by the might of his weight! The younger men as though commanded to do so divided to either side of the attic and clung to the rafts of the roof! Every bone of the body was Jarred as the large building landed with earth shattering sound. Boards of the floor splintered and pointed Spears of nails and wood. For a moment not another sound was heard. Then pandemonium broke loose as everyone tried to get out to see what had happened. The men quickly gathered at doors and windows to hold back the women and children the young man and John ease out of the door and stood stunned at what they saw. The house attached to the restaurant all-in-one had been lifted and carried. Two blocks and sat down on an open field! Yet not a dish or cup was broken, not a window pane shattered! No one was injured! The serving began with greater and greater urgency and the talk was least the laughter, ear piercing with joy, with relief! Families found each other and each one family large or small carried home orders of tamales or tortillas or tacos, coffee and milk. John and gabriella were near exhausted but they kept on smiling and serving Carlos had made his way through the crowd and would go no further. He climbed on top of a chair and held up antonia for john and gabriella to see. All were well. The indians in the gratefulness to John and Gabriella saying their joyous peace chant. They left. The black saying spirituals after spiritual period their voices blending in in your windows and crescendos. They left. The white man sang his hymn of thanks and prayed a prayer of thanks. They left. The young men started to come down from the attic the strain showing on their faces. They carried Elle minuto the tiny dwarf who had collapsed from exertion of running back and forth. The only casualty. They revived him and he jumped up to start running again. Friendly hands held him down. They explained that all was over and everyone safe. Only then did the little dwarf agree to stop. Everyone ate and drank strong coffee and left. A group of young strong giving young men Speaking of their heroics. El minuto in the midst of them. They left. Some of the ladies and men had remained to help tie to the restaurant. They offered to continue filling orders and serving so John and Gabriella could rest. These two gladly accepted the offer! They walked to the door of the master bedroom to freeze in horror at what they saw the floor was completely splintered, some as high as the ceiling the child’s crib was suspended on the tips of sharp boards some piercing the mattress.

Carlos called to them from the closet and Antonio was busy munching on a large sugar cookie! John put Gabriela on the floor and with great difficulty found sufficient footing to get to the closet he held his child close and with the other hand helped the elderly man through the dangerous maze of splintered floor. Gabriella searched for her little girl and crying hugged her close. Leaned against the wall and fell asleep a kind lady took Antonia and rock the child to sleep period John placed a blanket over his wife and a pillow at her head. He thanked the lady who was caring for his child and walked to his sheltered carriage and horse. He climbed into the carriage placed the upper part of his body on the seat and slept. Carlos sat on a chair leaned against the wall and slept. No amount of awakening and coaxing for him to lie down did any good. He was not about to abandon Gabriella and Antonia. The aged man slept.

The next day John told Gabriella that he decided to leave the restaurant business. They would move to (illegible). He had heard there was work there, this life was not exactly to his liking. He didn’t want to see his family go through this tragedy again. Gabriella did not argue. They found a wealthy Indian who had mentioned interest in the restaurant. He bought his business as it stood. John Gabrielle and Carlos packed their belongings into a newly bought wagon and team Carlos held Antonia and Gabriella definitely drove the carriage.

They arrived in (illegible) and Juan went to the work center. Mr. Hooks hired John to work on his farm. House and planting land furnished and good pay period John was so happy he could hardly speak to tell his wife and friend the good news. He climbed into the wagon seat and motioned for his wife to follow. They stopped at a grocery store and bought provisions and a new bed for Antonia. They followed Mr. Hooks to their new home.

John snapped the whip over the horses heads and urge them to a run. The road was orderly shaded by oak trees evenly spread on each side. About 1/4 mile and the house could be seen. One floor plan. Sturdy and spacious it looked good to him. Behind the house about 100 feet away from the home a forest as far as the eye could see. A sturdy barn large and ready for use. A broader house for chickens and pens for pigs or cows. John shouted with joy this was his idea of home. Gabriella is placing Antonia to try and stand and then the tired Carlos. Juan had entered the house and now he came out and stopped the excited Gabriella as she climbed the steps to the wide all around the house porch. He asked her to go back and help Carlos and the baby to a shade and to be sure and check every step and around the shade tree. Gabriella understood. Snakes! One picked up a long strong branch and gathered snakeskins. These he pushed out the back door then he brought in an aluminum water pail. He put it on a base of large flat rocks then built a fire in it. When embers remained he used gunpowder and fresh wolf weed and black pepper. Then he closed the doors. They went to the barn and did the same, like wise the brooder. When this was all done John arranged the provisions so that wife and child and Carlos could be seated. He built a fire on the flat ground and roasted potatoes and corn and chestnuts. Tortillas were warmed on the embers while the coffee perked. They ate. They sang. They prayed they cried. They slept. Only john kept watch over his loved ones and the fire was kept ablaze all night. Early in the morning Mr. Hooks came to the house. Only John was awake. He was tending the team and the Palomino. As Mr. Hooks hailed the house Antonia awoke and began to cry. Mr. hooks had come to ask them to share meals with his family. John sent Gabriella and Carlos and child he remained to air out the house and barn. He’s saying as he were to in dream dreams of times to come. When he noticed the carriage returning he was surprised to see several wagons loaded with furniture following! The men helped to unload and set up the furniture after Flores had been scrubbed with hot water and lye. Mrs. Hooks came with fresh butter and milk, warm bread and a large steel pot of beans and meat. A bonfire was built and singing and stories lasted into the night. Saturday and Sunday were spent in the city. Purchases were made. Vaudeville enjoyed an acquaintances with new surroundings and church on Sunday. Then home. John began his new job and liked it. He was given a cow and bull, a pair of pigs and some chickens! Gabriella spaded the garden grounds and planted seed. And Carlos it was all he could do to keep up with the forever chattering Antonia. The Knights were beautiful beyond belief. Peaceful and afresh aroma that almost made John homesick for Mexico. By day it was a flash of color as bright colored birds flew and sang around the bright green of the trees. The grass was a carpet of green with a lovely flowers of many varieties. A man’s dream come true. John and his family enjoyed the incredible haven for a number of years period one day John was at Mr. Hook’s home to transplant some rose bushes for Mrs.  Hooks. When he finished his task he mentioned it to her period she paid him for his work and invited him and family for religious services to be held at the Hooks home. That evening John and family arrived at the hooks home. The sunset was peculiar and the air felt clammy. The animals were restless. The birds flew from place to place but no song was heard. John Carlos and Mr. hook spoke of it. They sat on the porch and Mr. Hooks advised his foreman to board doors and windows and care for the animals. The ladies were told to move to the storm cellar. This was an underground shelter period the stairway was not steep and very wide. Everywhere lamps were placed with care, these were being lit. The plans were the same as the upper home. Even to the furnishings. The fireplace was bright with burning logs and the fragrance was everywhere and warm. Supper was served, coffee in the parlor and then Mrs. Hooks played organ music. John went up the stairs and raise the door. The storm was at full strength. Hailstones of large size were everywhere and wind and rain in unison added to the terror of the dark period he went to tell the rest of the group. So it was decided to spend the night in the storm cellar. In the morning the door was open to small measure. The air was warm no rain no hail! The birds were singing. Puddles of water were everywhere. But all seemed safe. The men left the safety of the cellar the ladies the child and Carlos remained. The loss was a large shed that housed the farms implement and wagons. It lay flat on the ground. The houses stood firm. John and the family hurriedly left to go home all were well. This was the day John decided to go to Indiana period to leave Texas and take a chance. So letters were written and letters came. Plans were made and in three weeks John and family were ready to move to the state of Indiana. In that short time Carlos had been put to rest for all eternity. It was good to get away from all this sadness.

The Hooks drove them to the train depot it was a sad parting but a promise of work whenever he returned. Antonia cried as a child will. She chose this time to speed on the trip to the state of Indiana.

When the ladies noticed she was missing and the men were told and the search began. And Tonya had climbed onto the steps of the caboose and was enjoying the sights from these new heights. Mother Sally punished daughter. The train gave its alerting sound and the grabbing of suitcases and running to train coaches and hurried goodbyes took place. The blur of faces and waving hands was the last sight of those wonderful friends after the seating and arranging the reality of what was happening created a silence between man and wife. The child slept

the trip being the first by train seemed long, very long. When the name of Gary, Indiana was called several families hardly prepared suitcases, paper bags, boxes and children to leave the train. John and Gabriella and Antonia followed. Four people came to meet the threesome. John knew none of them. Gabriela was embraced by her niece, nephew and brother-in-law Santiago. John was introduced and Antonio was already being carried. They went by trolley car up Broadway period to John and Gabriella this was beyond belief since they had never ridden a trolley. So many people and traffic and buildings! Then walking so many blocks to reach their home. Food was served and bedroom offered which John and family gladly accepted the next day was spent in getting acquainted. Telling experiences and being told the possibilities of employment. Naturally a tour of the nearby stores and seeing sites meeting new friends. It all seemed so nice, so right. John was taken to the steel mill and an application was filled out. The next day he was called to work period it was new. It was frightening. But John used to hard work that had no problem period he soon adjusted and made friends. One month speed by and John was enjoying his work period he and Gabriella felt they had decided the right thing to do. Then John became ill. He was brought home and a doctor called, John had the dreaded influenza. There was a shed in the back of the house that was used for coal. Gabriella’s relatives decided to put John out there else they would become contaminated. So a mattress and some blankets were reluctantly put out for him. Gabriella stayed in the shed with john tending to him. Food was brought out to the door of the shed. Fresh water and fruit and prescriptions likewise. Antonio was kept in the home for months john was seriously ill. The money he had saved from the expenses of the trip was fast being spent. Wages weren’t being earned. A neighbor seeing what was going on spoke to cabrilla of a house for rent just three houses away. Gabriela for the first time and decisions for the family. She, with the help of Mrs. Moreno rented the four room house. John was forced to get up and walk to their first rented home in Indiana. The mattresses laid on the floor and John to lay down. A very thin very tired man. Mrs. Moreno and borders of her home purchased and bought furniture to the Vargas home and the beginning of a new life for the family began. John recuperated and returned to work. From that day John was never to miss a day of work for the 14 years he would work at the mills. Every day from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

In 1925 John moved his family to Glen park, Indiana. He built his own house and was planning to buy the land and the house. Virgin timber was everywhere dirt roads led to various directions to homes already built at a close distance. John left a lot to be planted. Near the front of the house about 15 feet away Gabriella started a flower garden that measured 12 by 20. The pump was dug and set by John and his daughter. It was a giver of cool water with a spring water taste. It’s crystal clear in all others. The outhouse was to the east and to the edge of the property. A few chickens and a rooster were bought and raised in a chicken coop built by the three in the family. Those were peaceable years. Incidents comical and memorable took place here.

The contractor of lands and homes vanished and everyone owing little packed and left. No one knew what else to do who to go to or what to do. John owed a mere $5 to become owner of the land. It was a sad day when this home was left behind. Back to the city of Gary. His job was steady but getting used to the confinement of apartment living wasn’t easy. One night as John returned home someone struck him on the back of the head. He was taken to a hospital, another first for John! He was there for three weeks. John came home to look for another locality to move to. There was a continuity of crime and robbery everywhere. Soon John decided to heed the advice of a nephew by marriage and move to Ohio and field work. There was no delay in packing and moving it was a combined family effort. The trip to Ohio was a joyful one period during the spring everything was a tender green. The openness was something these three people couldn’t ask for more. They were brought to the home where the nephew Joe was boarded. The family was very congenial and made them feel at home and welcome. For several weeks John and Gabriel and daughter did odd jobs about the farm for their meals and board. Then one nice day they went with the Sanchez family to their first field of beets. Acres and acres of beets. So tiny were the plants to be hoed and thinned. One link of the ho and only one plant was to be left the others removed. The handle of the hoe extended 5 or 6 inches. It was stupid labor!

The following week John and Antonia spoke to Mr. Miller the beat field foreman and a field of beads was assigned to the Vargas family just off route 30. A beat field wagon was placed beneath a tree as living quarters 1/2 mile from their work. The quarters of living were restricted as to space. Antonia’s bed filled one complete end of the wagon home. Here she and her mother would sleep period a mattress and blankets on the floor would do for cousin Joe and John. This was rolled up and tied and placed against the wall each morning. It became a sitting spot by day. A squat 4 legged coal heater which doubled as a stove was at one side of the wagon. Opposite a small table and four inverted tomato hampers as chairs. Beside the stove but near the door was a special hamper. It held a big aluminum pail of water. This was pumped and carried 800 feet from the farmer’s well to the beat wagon three times a day. Boxes were stacked whenever there was room. Impromptu cupboards were made of boxes and hampers. Gabriella and Antonia made curtains, hamper covers and headscarves from the curtains that had covered large windows in Indiana. Scrubbing of the floor was a must every day. For morning bodily duties the men would get up early and go to the courthouse in the city to wash their faces and tend to their needs. Meanwhile the women would start the fire set the coffee on to perk and take turns behind a draped curtain to cleanse face and body. When the men returned Joe would remain to bring in and stack wood and pale corn cobs and bring another pail of water. John would take the women to the courthouse restrooms then return to prepare hoes, after breakfast while women packed a night before cooked meal of beans and rice tacos And coffee. Fruit was plentiful under the trees and a small fire roasted the ears of corn or potatoes. Meat was also cooked this way. It was spiced and rolled and placed in the tins of crackers or tomatoes laid covered tight and then placed on the embers. The smaller the fire the better. Deliciousness! Water was kept in a clean glass jug wrapped and tied in a gunny sack. It could be hung from a tree branch and in the shade the breeze would keep it cool. Or it could be buried in a hole in the ground and covered with branches. John would remove his hat look to the skies and offer our days of Labor to God. Each person would stand at the start of his row of beats and bend to begin work period some of the rows were from two to three blocks long period these were tiny. Some were up to 1/2 mile to a mile! Each one took great pains to do excellent work. The lone plant would yield one large beet. This beet at harvest time was plowed out by the farmer. He would take a row of upturned beets and so many feet apart make large piles of beets. Systematically it created a lovely sight of upturned earth, green leaves and white beets. So care was given to the hoeing. The endurance challenge was to see who could last to the end of the row without standing. John was the only one Gabriella would be next period Joe and Antonia would at times endure and at times fall to their knees and their finish the row. The quicker this plot of beads was finished the sooner a new plot was given to the workers. The Vargas soon caught on to this and speed and exactness was a trick soon learned. There is four people could work an acre, soon enough to go on to the next one!

Topping beets had a magic of its own. A long wide knife with a sharp long hook at the tip was used. It would be dug into the beat with one downward swing immediately swing to the left hand, accurately twirled in midair as the knife was raised, the knife and beet top would meet and one sweep would delete the beet. By the time the left hand swung the beet onto the loading pile the beet knife had picked up another beet. This swinging rhythm would continue until the long row beets was topped. This work was done in the fall and into the cold of October and November. Cumbersome two or three pairs of clothes were put on for warmth and boots overshoes over many socks kept the feet warm. But the joy of not having someone watching every move that was made was a wonderful one period we felt trusted, respected. The non car atmosphere when the acres of beets were away from highways and only a car or wagon or tractor was seen to pass by. Strangers though it be in the vehicle a hand was raised in greeting! What more could a man ask for?

Without asking it was granted a few months later the field boss told us he had found a house for us! John took his family to see this home not knowing what to expect. What they saw left them speechless! It was a long house not spread out. A2 story White House with a porch surrounding the outside of the dining room. The parlor was as large as the dining room with two large windows. The light of day was softened by the honeysuckle that was trellised on the South window. Hummingbirds were constant guests of this and many other flowers. Large chestnuts and oak trees, three were at the front of the white fenced yard. Mock orange blossom Bush greeted as one Andrew to the north entrance of the fence. A milk house stood at the north side it was to be filled to overflowing with corn cobs for fire in the cook stove. A crabapple tree was at the southern corner. Five large apple trees, 4 plum trees and a pear tree that gave mammoth pears stood overseeing all by the grainery that would be full of corn picked after harvest. A chicken house at leader house 300 to 500 pallets to sell, to eat to can. Eggs in abundance. The large barn was a place of meditation and reading for Antonia it constantly smelled of fresh hay. The wind came in a whistling sound through the openings on the walls. It seemed to clear the openings for the sunshine that seemed as golden beams of light. The chatter of sparrows was never ending. And the calm, patient slow and deep swing of the barn doors made this a haven from human element and the world. The truck patch was very large. Already there was rhubarb that the Vargas family had never seen or eaten. Dill and Rosemary and wild roses were proficient along the garden fence!

The house, the kitchen was not large but ample it had a large pantry. It was the east of the dining room. Next to the kitchen was the utility room period a cistern pump from a 200 plus barrels of water when it rained! A well water pump easily to the kitchen stroke a large stream of water from the pump nozzle. It would take a few strokes to fill a water pail!

Ahead of that a smoke room used to smoke meats and to keep preserved meats and cropped Pickles and, ohh wonderful wonderful! The master bedroom was to the east and South of the parlor and dining room period it was spacious sunny and winter or summer period two large windows made a daily picture of the orchard. Upstairs three large bedrooms! Or two bedrooms and a parlor. From the upstairs one could see tree tops and a quarter mile away houses and their lawns. The grazing animals, cows, horses and sheep were fascinating sight! We could see all the way to the highway 127 to the West of the house. To the southeast the grand victory church. The floors of the house were hardwood inlaid! Around the walls in the kitchen halfway up a hardwood siding! All of this for $5.00 a month! And all everyone could say was thank you over and over again! It was a good life on this Milton coil farm in Hoaglin Township in Van Wert OH.

There were hardships. One season of work in the beats pay was used to pay for groceries, kerosene, clothing, gas and oil for the car. In change john received 1 penny! The kind owner of the grocery gave john 100 lb sack of potatoes, one of pinto beans and a 10 lb can of lard to be paid next beat season! John took the food on the condition that he could work the cost. Agreed.

Paul Krugh learning of this hardship gave meat and fresh milk that winter period Gabriella made corn tortillas, tamales, wheat bread and by careful measuring that hardship was overcome. But in winter chickens lay less coal burns faster and wood piles waste away.

One day Paul Krugh a nearby farmer came to visit eat tortillas and drink coffee. It became a custom of his. This one morning he came in and there was no tortillas, no coffee, no fire in the stove. John told Antonia to tell Paul we were going to get cold period but Paul knew John had no money. He kept looking into the pantry nothing, he went into the dining room no fire in the coal stove. He left in a hurry it was Sunday. John and Antonia dressed warmly dug in the snow for fallen branches it was a useless try the snow was deep. So John and daughter walked across the fields acres and acres of corn stock stubs To another farm to ask for wood. They went into the woods. John tried to build a fire for warmth but the grass was frozen. It would not burn. He struck wood with the axe it bounced back the tree was frozen through! He sent Antonia to Mrs. Rumbles home to get warm while he gathered bark. When Antonia told what had happened the family sacked beans, corns, rice, fresh big bread eggs Mrs. rumble’s daughter shouted to John to get up on the wagon to drive the team. John did so in a dreamlike way as though he doubted his sight. fresh butter, glass jugs of milk and a small crock of fresh rendered lard and cracklings and many jars of canned goods. Placed in cartons. The team was made ready the wagon loaded and John yelled at, motion 2 and whistled at to come to the house. Come he did he thought something had happened to his daughter. His legs stiff with cold suddenly felt alive and he ran over a wide field of hard packed snow. By the time he arrived gasping for breath at the rumble home. He stopped so suddenly he almost fell forward. There on the wagon set Antonia reigns in hand! John did so in a dreamlike way as though he doubted his sight the team started down the country Rd. The shoes of the horses made a loud clunky sound for they were walking on a sheet of ice. How they held to the road was amazing! John didn’t hurry the team rather let them find their footing guiding them only when he needed to turning corners. As he turned the last quarter mile he and Antonia almost stood up! Smoke was coming out of the chimney of the Vargas home! As they came closer the high black mound was in reality coal! Tears do freeze on the eyelashes and on the cheeks! They do indeed!

John and Antonia couldn’t speak because the wind hurt the teeth but sign language and the facial expressions and the eyes spoke loudly! Getting off the wagon was an undignified slide and tumble to the ground. Touching the coal and yelling and jumping by 4 happy people. They hurried to unload the wagon to carry provisions into the house Indian style. The four stood spaced enough to stretch and reach and pass on to place them on the porch and then into the house.

Gabriella watched the operation from the kitchen window crying. As Antonia and Lauren opened the kitchen door a sight to behold. Bread of all kinds white and wheat. Piles of canned goods on the table and chairs and on the floor! And on the stove coffee perked and tea was ready! In the dining room towels, blanket sheets pillowcases, pajamas nightgowns robes! It was really happening! It was real. John returned the wagon to the Rumbles and they drove him home. Supper was a delicious celebration. Prayer I made sobs was Thanksgiving. For all of this had happened on a Sunday when all stores and offices were closed!

The next day was spent in lovingly storing all of the new dreamed of gift. Friends heard and came to visit the Vargas’ to hear the wonderment. John and family didn’t need to expand or dramatize the needed to just show. The following Sunday as the family returned from mass Antonia was upstairs going into her bedroom when she happened to glance S. A procession of cars was leaving grand victory Rd. and came down past the Vargas house. She ran downstairs and told her parents. They hurriedly washed to get into their Sunday shoes to stand on the porch and respect it must be a funeral. As John started for the kitchen door someone knocked. By then John and women grouped to open the door. A young man introduced himself as pastor of the church. They had come to make their offering. John in an almost whisper invited him into their home. Antonia was to interpret. But the minister just leaned out the door a little and made a come in signal and things began to happen! A couple came in and laid on the table a whole ham! They turned to shake hands and embrace the family. Tears were unashamedly allowed to show. They were first to the door when another couple entered with their gift. This went on and on for near an hour and more! The last gift was presented by a aged little lady a set of table service complete! By now John and family were overcome with emotion the minister shook hands and embraced men and women were speechless. So only handshakes were needed! There was nothing left to do for the Vargas family but to sit speechless and look at the gifts and at each other!

John was to return to Gary IN and live in various locations for three years. Happenings there caused him to return to Ohio in 1944 they came to the Nieto residence but only for a few weeks. They found a tiny house at Ohio city. It was in bad shape the holes in the floor were everywhere, John and Antonia flattened out tin cans and covered the holes, linoleum was purchased and laid. Needed furniture bought. And wife and daughter and two grandchildren bought to the little house by the railroad tracks in Ohio city. Once again happiness is a new was theirs. At the door right was a lovely grape Arbor that would yield jams, jellies and juice a large plot for a garden and a small chicken coop for a few chickens. In 1946 a granddaughter was born to Antonia and Louis Lianez. Lewis was home now that war was over and peace was the blessing in America. Before center winter set in it was decided to move from the little house to a warmer home. Lewis found a home in the city of van wert at 530 Franklin St.

It was a dubious move for and justice ruled in Ohio for the Mexican. He was not wanted. Nevertheless the move was made. The neighbors resented but a philanthropist spoke for John and family and for three years the family lived in peace. John became ill with cancer and for six months he went from hospital to home where he died in peace. The quiet soft spoken lover of God’s Work and of humanity lay in state in this rented home. He was honored by so many who came to pay him their last respects. He was laid to rest, after the church services at Woodland cemetery in Van Wert. The very grounds where his ancestors once lived in peace. Now his daughter Antonia her husband Louiss their children and their grandchildren carry on for John!

There is a large gap in this story and lit looks like Mom had put this aside for a period of time and then returned to finish it. If you read the other history of our family beginning with her marriage to Dad it will help fill in some of the blanks of our family’s history here in Ohio.

Tom Lianez November 10, 2024