LYLES vs STATE OF TEXAS:
The UTEP Sonnichsen Library Microfilm Collection holds historic El Paso County Criminal Cases. In CF524, Roll 1, Frames 62292-02366, there are images for complete handwritten pleadings for the lower court felony case, State of Texas vs Geo B Lyles. The Special Collections Department houses El Paso County Record Books with documents dating back to the 18th century.
GEORGE LYLES DIED in New Mexico:
In continuing the quest for primary source information for the origins of ancestor George B Lyles, careful search of the San Albino Church records in the Partidas y Entierros revealed the funeral service entry for George JOHN Lyles, an adult, on 26 August 1878. [FHL 16829]
Another San Albino Basilica Church entry written on 17 August 1878 says that George John Lyles was the baptismal name for George B Lyles; his sponsors were Alexander Bull and wife Clara Ruelas. His parents are given as John Lyle and Isabel Trytel. [FHL 16829]
A most significant find revealed that he died in Mesilla, New Mexico on Sunday afternoon at 4:30 P.M., 25 August 1878. The family printed an announcement in the local newspaper El Independiente informing friends and relatives about the demise of George JOHN Lyles. The notice reveals that G B Lyles, resident for last few months, formerly of El Paso County, had been ill for some time and that he was living at Doña Rosa Marioni's residence. His funeral services were held at the original San Albino Catholic Church at 3 P.M. on 26 August 1878. [FHL 16830]
MARCOS GEORGE LYLES BAPTISM at MESILLA, NM
Fourth son of George Lyles and Basilia McKnight was baptized on 16 May 1857 at San Albino Church at Mesilla NM at twenty-four days old, grandparents are not named, Madrina Concepcion Lucero, and Presbitero Jose de Jesus Cabrera. [FHL 16827]
JUAN ALEJANDRO LYLES BAPTISM at SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Next to youngest son of George Lyles and Basilia McKnight was baptized on 14 May 1867 at San Fernando Cathedral Church, San Antonio. He was born on the 6th of May. Godparents were Rafael Ruelas and Blasa Barela. [FHL 25439]
ISABEL LYLES MARRIES JACINTO CASAREZ at SAN ELIZARIO
Youngest daughter of George and Basilia was married on 16 Feb 1887 in the San Elizario Mission according to the San Elizario church registers. The entry reveals that she was living at Camp Rice, later named Fort Hancock. The wedding sponsors were D. McGovern and Rosa Casarez. [FHL 25370]
A Texas Death Certificate states that Isabel died on 10 June 1906 and was buried in Concordia Catholic Cemetery on 11 June 1906. [FHL 2034276]
MARIA NICOLASA DEL REFUGIO TRIGUEROS BAPTISM AT DURANGO, EL SAGRARIO METROPOLITANO
Baptism: 1 December 1821 Mother: Doña Brigida Trigueros [FHL 707320]
(Half-sister of Basilia McKnight Ruelas)
MARIA DEL REFUGIO TRIGUEROS MCKNIGHT MARRIED LUIS FLOTTE IN CIUDAD CHIHUAHUA:
An intense search for Refugio's marriage revealed their wedding in February 1837 at San Francisco y Nuestra Senora de Refugio de Chihuahua, El Sagrario records. Parents are given as Roberto McKnight y Brigida Trigueros.
GEORGE LYLES MARRIED BASILIA MCKNIGHT RUELAS IN PASO DEL NORTE:
In reviewing and gleaning the church records at Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Paso del Norte, a prime discovery disclosed the marriage date of George and Basilia on 24 Oct 1848 and linked Basilia's mother Candida Trujillo as the wife of Manuel Ruelas. Manuel's son Rafael Ruelas was a leader and founder of the settlement of Mesilla that was established after the Mexican American War in 1850. Rafael also appears as a witness on this church marriage entry. The family story that the young couple used different names when they got married is confirmed: George Elias and Basilia Ruelas. The Presbitero Hinojos entry shows that Candida's married name was used for Basilia's surname and as in many other documents another phonetic spelling of 'Lyles' was written: Elias instead of Lyles. [FHL 162720]
BASILIA RUELAS IN 1841 CENSUS AT BARRANCO COLORADO, CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO:
Finally there is an authentic legal, document listing a young, twelve-year-old Basilia living with Candida Trujillo in Barranco Colorado, Galeana on 30 April 1841. This is an important source that gives a better approximation for Basilia's birthyear: 1829. The household includes Manuel Ruelas, 62 years old, a mayordomo at the McKnight Colonia; and Candida Trujillo, 40 years old; Basilia, 12 years old, and also listed is a six-year-old Otabiano Ruelas. [JMA Film 513, UTEP Microfilm Collections]
GEORGE LYLES CAUSE OF DEATH:
Another news item printed in the Mesilla Daily News on 31 Aug 1878 reveals the cause of death of George Lyles: 'dyspepsia'. The short article says that he had frequented the soothing hot springs outside of Silver City for relief of his affliction. It further says that Lyles was a former resident lately of Texas. [FHL 16831]
CARMEN LYLES MARRIAGE AT SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL, SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS:
Carmen Laheles (misspelled in church entry), oldest daughter of Basilia and George Lyles, married Rodrigo Ruelas on 22 July 1873. Padrinos were Jose Encarnacion Benavides y Clara Ruelas. [FHL 25449]
BASILIA RUELAS BURIAL, 1871
Basilia Ruelas, wife of George Lyles, buried on 3 November 1871 entered in San Fernando Church Death Records, San Antonio. [FHL 25450]
Gone to Texas Pioneer: Chronicles George B Lyles life events in West Texas before 1886, research and application by direct descendant of George B Lyles, Robert E Lyles, Enriqueta Lyles and H Lyles Vasquez.Reviewed, confirmed and certified by TSGS, 1 December 2011 FHL: Family History LibraryJMA: Juarez Municipal ArchivesThis information is provided in order to learn about the origin of the Lyles family. Permission required to be used in any printed form.
Inez Vasquez vasqgen@gmail.com