En la Hazienda de Santiago feligresia de la Villa de Aguascalientes en
treinta y uno de Henero 1740 …

En la Hazienda de Santiago feligresia de la Villa de Aguascalientes en
treinta y uno de Henero 1740 … Maria Antonia, india originaria de el
Pueblo de San Joseph hija de padres no conocidos, fueron sus padrinos
Simon Benites y Juana de Lara, á quienes advertí su obligación y
parentesco espiritual, y lo firme con dicho Señor Cura

This record is very typical for children of unknown parents, and the
padrinos named here happen to be my wife’s direct-line ancestors. I
wonder what the relationship was between Antonia and her godparents,
when there are no other parents known. Did the godparents assume
responsibility for raising the child? Did they merely fine her a home?
Did they do little or nothing but allow their names to be written
down? Just how seriously did godparents take “su obligación y
parentesco espiritual”?

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Best regards,
Stuart mailto:stuartarms@gmail.com