Vecinos y La Cruz

[Joseph Puentes <makas@...>]

Hello Everyone,

I was listing to a NPR show about a week ago that was about the Missions 
in and around San Antonio, Texas. Anyway one of the historical experts 
in the discussion touched on the meaning of the word, "Vecino." He said 
that was used for Indios that had successfully made the conversion over 
to the Espanol lifestyle. . .Catholicism. At least that was my 
understanding of what he said.
So what say you? I've seen the word "Vecino" in the marriage records 
mostly in reference to the persons location. . ."Fue Vecino de este 
pueblo de viente anos de edad."
Do you all agree with what I understood that expert said? And if so do 
you all think the way I've seen the word Vecino used is to be understood 
in the same way?
thanks,

Joseph

ps: Has anyone ever noticed that in some records [possibly only death 
records] there is a T or "Cross" in the margin? What do you all think 
that means?