ORTIZ Family History:

This branch of the Ortiz family came from San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico.  It was Ventura Ortiz I who moved from there to the Mexican State of Coahuila.  Ventura Ortiz I and his brother Martin fought in Mexico’s revolution of 1910.  The revolt was against the existing president, Porforio Diaz, and the differences between the wealthy land owner’s and poor peasants.  Ventura Ortiz I fought throughout Mexico with the “Segundo de Caballeria, Brigada del Cuerpo de Ejercito del Horcesta” under the command of General Francisco Coss Ramos.

During his enlistment he traveled through many Mexican states.  His military records state that in the year 1913 his travels took him to the following areas: Espinaze, Coahulia; Concepcion del Oro, Zacatecas; Arteaga, Coahuila; Santa Clara, Coahuila; and on November 17, 1913 took part in the evacuation of San Antonio de las Alazanas, Coahuila.  In 1914 he served as far south in the state of Puebla traveling to cities such as Panzacola, Cholula, Sanat Maria y Los Frailes and Tepeaca.  Also traveled to the state of Queretaro.  From March 17 through July 12, 1915 fighting through the towns of Tlahuapan, Handosinas, San Juan Tuxco, San Salvador el Verde, San Felipe Ixtahuistla, Santa Rosa, San Jose Bellavista, Espanita, Tepetitla, San Perlo, San Lucas, San Damian, San Amires, San Jerenimo, and Hativitas all in the state of Puebla.  He and his company fought outside the capital, Mexico City in July 1915 fighting in the towns of Calpulalpan and Texcoco.

According to his daughter, Maria de Jesus Ortiz Villanueva, Ventura spent many years in the military.  Part of his responsibility was to transport gold with mules and that he never lost any part of his packages. His marriage to Guadalupe Villanueva was initially opposed by her family who were wealthy, but mostly because of his involvement in the fighting.  The family settled down in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, Ventura spent many more years supporting his family by working in a fabric textile plant.

Guadalupe Villanueva and her family were from Coahuila, Mexico near Saltillo.  Her parents were Senovio Villanueva and Rita Guitierez.    Both, Jose Ventura I and Guadalupe, were laid to rest in Saltillo.