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Jose Antonio Carlos Manriquez and Josefa Catalan - married December 1906

Jose Antonio Carlos Manriquez was born in San Antonio, Baja California in 1883. He ran away from home when he was eleven years of age because he did not want to become a miner in San Antonio. At that time he had finished grammer school and had partially attended high school. He was able to hold different jobs in Mazatlan, Sinaloa but went to the state of Durango where he found work as a bookkeeper and manager of different chain stores. He worked for Genaro Escobosa from 1906 to about 1912. When Genaro died, Carlos was left to run the business and store affairs.

Carlos and Josefa stayed in Durango until about 1912 when they moved to El Rosario, Sinaloa and lived there several years. There, Carlos became a Rent Recorder for the Mexican Federal Government and since he worked for the government, his life and the lives of his family were in constant danger.

Since the children were very young during the revolution, they did not understand what was happening however they saw much bloodshed and cruelty. Carlos tried to maintain his home as happy as possible under all the terrible circunstances thus kept his family oblivious of the revolution as best he could.

Once when young Carlos, the oldest son, was only 4 or 5 years old he witnessed his father being taken from their home at night with only his nightclothes on. Fortunately one of the rebels recognized Carlos Sr. and he was saved otherwise he would have been shot.

The family was not wealthy but were very comfortable. They resided on a small ranch with chickens, horses, cows and pigs and they had a large home. They had ranch hands who worked the animals and care for the property and maids who came when called to wash, iron, cleaning the home and help with the children when needed.

Josefa was capable of taking care of anything but Carlos allowed her on the responsiblity of the children. He made sure there was plenty of flour, potatoes, corn or any other foods. He assured proper care of the ranch by the ranch hands and the home by the maids. He had total disciplinary control of the children. He was extremely good to Josefa and the children but allowed no one to get out of line. He was very struck and severe punishment was his only means of gaining total obedience. Carlos knew everything his family did and where they went even when he was away at work. They lived in a small town and everyone knew the family. If anything happened in the family good or bad, and if he was not told, he'd find out from someone in town or a neighbor. He was always aware of his children's activities.

Carlos and Josefa had discussed the dangerous situation and that he wanted his children to have a better chance in life. Some day they would go to the United States to reestablish permanent goals. That some day came sooner than they had expected. The destruction of Mexico was getting very close to them and he became convinced they would have to leave.

The family lived close to school and each day the children would walk home for their lunch. School started at 8:30 in the morning, they'd have a two hour lunch break at noon and then return to school until 6:00. School was twelve months year around.
One day while on their lunch break and helping the ranch hands with the horses which were out to pasture, they saw a band of men on horses and another group of about 15 or 20 horses with the bodies of men thrown over them. Some were chained while others were roped. When the children questioned Carlos and Josefa about what they had seen, they were just told not to worry but the incident confirmed his decision. Carlos had to take his family away.

Carlos arranged with his friend, Talamantes who was already in the United States, to help him relocate. Considering all circumstances he left without telling anyone and most of his journey was by hiding in trains. He left Mexico in January 1922.

Josefa sold everything and packed what remained; clothing and a few personal belongings. She arranged everything; pass ports, photos and visas. A friend of the family whom they called "Viejito" Moreno offered his services to help Josefa with the eight children to the United States. Viejito became like a member of the family and lived with them for many years. He later lived his with brother, Miguel and his family, until he died. They left El Rosario to Mazatlan on stage coach. Upon arrival there they stayed one night with Dona Maria Escobosa who had a very large beautiful home which was set behind walls, a foundtain in the center of the patio and a balcony overlooking the patio. Carlos was supposed to meet them there but could not so the next morning the family took the train to Nogales. Since the train went no farther then Nogales, they had to walk to the gates across the boarder into the United States. Now safe, they boarded another train in Nogales, Arizona which took them to the old depot in Los Angeles, California where Carlos met them. At the time of this drastic move, Carlos and Josefa had eight children. The family arrived in Los Angeles on July 12, 1922.

Carlos had secured a home for them which was located at 740 North Hill Street near Sunset Blvd.

See the Manriquez Children for some of the tradegies (and some good things) which happened to them after they arrived in Los Angeles.