Francisco Antonio Manzanares
This article includes a improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (February 2013) ) |
Francisco Antonio Manzanares | |
---|---|
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New Mexico Territory's At-large district | |
In office March 5, 1884 – March 3, 1885 (Delegate) | |
Preceded by | Tranquilino Luna |
Succeeded by | Antonio Joseph |
Personal details | |
Born | |
Died | September 17, 1904 Las Vegas, New Mexico Territory | (aged 61)
Political party | Democratic |
Occupation | businessman and politician |
Francisco Antonio Manzanares (January 25, 1843 – September 17, 1904) was an American businessman and politician.
Family background and childhood
Francisco Antonio Manzanares, son of Jose Antonio Manzanares and Maria Manuela Valdez, was born in Abiquiú, New Mexico, on January 25, 1843. Barely three years later in 1846, the Mexican–American War commenced. By the time he was seven, New Mexico had become a territory of the United States.
The Manzanares family held a very prominent place in the community. His parents were from Spanish families that moved to the New Mexico territory during the colonial period. Manzanares's father had supported the Union during the
Manzanares grew up with Spanish as his first language, and during his youth attended
Career in business
Manzanares then began his business career with
Though New Mexico was still in a period of transition, Manzanares wasted no time in working to boost the economy. With the help of other members in the community, Manzanares planned and founded Las Vegas Waterworks Association. He did not stop there, however, and soon aided in the development of financial infrastructure of the state by opening First National Banks in Las Vegas, Santa Fe, and Raton.
A political transition
In 1882, Manzanares left the banking business and challenged Republican candidate Tranquilino Luna for a seat in Congress. Luna was declared the winner and initially was seated by the House, but Manzanares later won an election contestation and was seated. Manzanares served as a territorial delegate to the United States House of Representatives from March 5, 1884 to March 3, 1885. He did not run for re-election.
Manzanares was also a member of the board of county commissioners in San Miguel County in 1896 and 1897. He died on September 17, 1904, in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
See also
- List of Hispanic Americans in the United States Congress
Sources
- United States Congress. "Francisco Antonio Manzanares (id: M000118)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.