Re: Trip to Jalisco, Zacatecas

["Edward Serros" <ed@...>]

I went to Zacatatecas and visited a number of towns. Fortunately, I was able to take a 
long-lost relative to Valparaiso, Zacatecas, where he showed me around, including taking 
me to the Iglesia of that city. He knew somebody there at the church but that person was 
not available. He then took me to directly to a small office located adjacent to the church, 
where all the baptism/marriage/death records were kept. We asked if we could review 
baptism records but we received only a cold stare, not a no and not a yes. I got the 
definite impression that it was not allowed. My friend and I kept talking in Spanish, being 
friendly, and dropping a few apellidos here and there; I imagine the entire town is related 
directly or indirectly if you go back far enough.

Anyway, after a little more chit-chat, I told her exactly what years and types of records I 
wanted to see, e.g. 1890-1895 baptisms. Amazingly, she brought out the INDEX to those 
baptisms, which included dates, names (alphabetized). I was like a kid in a candy store. I 
found exactly what I wanted. Each time the archives lady would look up the index, go to 
the back, and bring me the bound records. I  would have stayed for days if I had been 
allowed to do so. Unfortunately we could only stay for 20-30 minutes because of previous 
family obligations. 

Each volume of church records was still in fair-poor condition but I doubt they could last 
much more than 50-100 years more since many pages were practically falling off their 
bound pages---they had been through bad weather, wars, fire, and God only knows what 
else. I was allowed to photograph the records with a digitial camera. Upon leaving, I gave 
the señora 100 pesos which she initially did not take but eventually did; she appeared very 
poor but proud of what she did.

In summary, given my experience, I would call somebody in the city where you plan to go 
and ask if you can review the church records; a true local would help. A date should be 
arranged and perhaps a donation could be made to the church in return for the honor of 
seeing their archives. I have no idea of how you review public municipal records and how 
much red tape is involved. As it is, most of the material, not all, is available via the 
Mormons Films. I still have not found Mormon films of the records I photographed in 
Valparaiso. Maybe in some cities all of the above is allowed without any effort or planning 
but somehow I doubt.

My visit provided church records that proved my direct relationship to the Felguerez family 
of Valparaiso and Colotlan. There was a certain peace that I felt afterward.

Ed