Ezequiel Cabeza De Baca

Ezequiel Cabeza De Baca (November 1, 1864 – February 18, 1917) was the first Hispano elected for office as lieutenant governor of New Mexico's first election. His term as lieutenant governor was followed by his election as the second elected governor of New Mexico. This term was brief as he died shortly after taking office. He was the state's first elected Hispanic governor, and the first governor born in New Mexico after its annexation by the United States.

Early life He was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico Territory, on November 1, 1864. He studied at the Jesuit College, now Regis University, in Las Vegas, NM. He worked for the railroads before becoming an influential journalist and Editor of La Voz de Pueblo. Ezequiel C. de Baca was married on December 14, 1889, to Margarita C. de Baca at Peña Blanca, NM. He is a descendant of the original Spanish settlers who later became part of the Baca Family of New Mexico.

He died on February 18, 1917, in office. He had been sick for a long period of time and had traveled to California for treatments, which were not successful. He was buried in the Mount Calvary Cemetery in Las Vegas, New Mexico.

De Baca County is named for Governor de Baca.

Children Ezequiel and Margarita Cabeza de Baca had 14 children, 5 of whom died in infancy.

Adolfo Amado C de Baca 1890–1953 Alvar Nunez C de Baca 1892–1892 Horacio Virgilio C de Baca 1893–1893 Margarita Esefan C de Baca de Martinez 1895–1969 Jose C de Baca 1897–1897 Horacio C de Baca 1898–1970 Maria Juana C de Baca 1900–1902 Celia C de Baca 1902–1996 Hortencia C de Baca 1903–1996 Alfonso C de Baca 1907–1951 Maria Natalia Adeleida C de Baca 1909–1973 Ezequiel C de Baca 1911–1911 Adelina C de Baca 1913–2009 Alicia C de Baca 1916–2010