Rumor Has It....
by Michael Duenas Cruz
(aka Mike, Miguet; Familian Ada', Beyung, Pa'lao, Encho Aniguak, Kiyu)
Posted: 1/10/2021

Oral history is so important in the Chamorro culture. Sometimes, younger generations only have oral histories to remain connected to their heritage.

In my family, it was always rumored that my mother's father, Juan Santos Duenas, was born out of wedlock -- his mother was Antonia Santos Duenas and his father.... Well, the rumor is that his father was of Spanish blood who Antonia met while attending a "pageant" in Spain.

My grandfather Tun Juan died before I was born and his personal story was never truly revealed. And as with so many families, pieces of the truth start to be discovered years later.

I have tried to piece together information about my grandfather. I am still not sure how the surname DUENAS. So much of research includes connecting dots -- and trying to be sure the dots are the correct ones. At least now I have some starting points.

SOURCES

Below are images of (parts) of various sources I have research thus far. Keep in mind that ANY source -- including "official" documents -- may have possible discrepancies or errors.

1897 Spanish Census



In this census, my great-grandmother Antonia appears to be married to Luis de Leon Guerrero but her son (my grandfather) appears in name as Juan de los Santos -- no de Leon Guerrero.

1920 Spanish (Church) Census



In this census, with more detailed personal information, shows my great-grandmother is a widow of Luis de Leon Guerrero Acosta. Again, given the Spanish naming convention Luis' name would nowadays probably be written as Luis Acosta de Leon Guerrero (see the 1897 Spanish Census above).

And my grandfather -- well here is where I was surprised. This census identifies him only as Juan Santos -- no Duenas like his mother. Again, if we wrote out my great-grandmother's name nowadays it probably would appear as Antonia Duenas Santos. Hence, my grandfather's last name would appear as Santos.

And -- surprise -- this 1920 census notes that my grandfather's biological (i.e., natural) father is an Emilio Galvez -- of Spanish descent! And my grandfather is listed as a widower -- his deceased wife is Carmen Leon Guerrero Arriola -- nowadays probably written out as Carmen Arriola Leon Guerrero.

1920 U.S. Census





The 1920 U.S. Census adds even more intrigue. My great-grandmother is listed as Antonia S. Guerrero -- perhaps as in the 1897 Spanish Census (earlier)  -- Antonia S(antos) (de Leon) Guerrero.

And my grandfather is listed as Juan S. Santos -- perhaps the middle initial stands for SANTOS. From my research, a child born out of wedlock would carry the mother's maiden last name TWICE. Hence, Juan Santos Santos.

1930 U.S. Census






1940 U.S. Census