José Francisco Chaves

José Francisco Chaves, one of the most eminent New Mexicans of his time, became a powerful political personality in his county and an acknowledged leader of the Republican Party.

In 1859 while Chaves was serving as a soldier in a military expedition against the Navajos, he was elected to the territorial legislative assembly, but was able to serve for only part of the term. In 1861 at the onset of the Civil War, Chaves received a presidential commission with the rank of major. He served in the First New Mexico Infantry and later was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel for "gallant and meritorious service."

After Chaves was honorably discharged from military service in 1865, he took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar. That same year he also was elected Territorial Delegate to Congress, defeating his first cousin, Francisco Perea. In 1867 Chaves contested the election of C.P. Clever as U.S. Delegate to Congress. The House Committee on Elections found the election had been fraudulent and seated Chaves.

On March 3, 1871 Chaves delivered a passionate speech on the New Mexico Enabling Act, which would grant statehood to New Mexico. He argued that a territorial government was incompatible with the principles of a republican system. Despite his impassioned plea, however, the bill did not pass the House.

Chaves used the floor of the House to argue in favor of the Indian appropriation bill, which would compensate New Mexicans for damages caused by Indians. He argued that according to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the people of New Mexico possessed certain rights equal to, if not superior to, those of Indians, and when Indians committed depredations upon the non-Indian citizens of New Mexico, reimbursement for those depredations should be made by the Federal Government.

He was defeated in his effort to be reelected to a fourth term in Congress, but he continued his involvement in New Mexico's politics. He served as district attorney for the Second Judicial District for two years. In 1875 he was elected to the New Mexico Territorial Legislative Council and was reelected to every succeeding legislature until his death. He was appointed superintendent of Public Instruction in 1901, and also was named New Mexico Historian in 1903. On November 26, 1904 Chaves was assassinated at Pinos Wells, New Mexico; his assassin was never found.