I started the Escalante Family journey 3 years after my grandfather died. My need for connection to his roots started growing after he was no longer available to answer all of my questions. Then I remembered that in the 7th grade I had done a report on him and his family. I had even gone far enough to record the conversation on cassette tape. Antiquated technology? Yes. But now, it’s a treasure.

I had asked him some very basic questions at the time. Who were your parents? Where were they from? Who were your siblings? And that became the foundation of all future research.

Our beginning starts with my great-grandfather, Leonardo Escalante. He was born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, in 1866. His parents were Leonardo Escalante and Mariana Bustamante. [One thing you will find here are many Leonardos, but try to stick with me.]

My great-grandmother is Rufina Valenzuela de Escalante. She was born in 1868 in San Pedro Palominas, Sonora, Mexico. Her parents were Guadalupe Valenzuela and Francisca Moreno.

Having worked on this history for almost 30 years, I have seen how many people focus on the paternal line of a family. I give big shout outs to the women in my family. I love Leonardo, but he couldn’t have those 9 children on his own, now could he? And from those 9, holy moly! There are a plethora of us thanks to Rufina.

Caveat: I am not one to invent history where I cannot find it. This is probably one of the reasons I’ve gotten only so far. There are many an Escalante’s in the pages of Mexican history. But unless I can find specific links, I can’t claim them. My mantra is “if you want to be related to someone famous, go get famous. Just don’t get infamous.” 🙂

So here are Leonardo and Rufina in pictures. I hope one day to find a clear picture of Rufina, but as of now, this is what we have.

Rufina with her three youngest children (L to R): Lupe, Fernando and Alberto.

I will limit my findings to their 9 children and some of their grandchildren that have passed on. I want to give those living relatives their privacy. So hopefully, you know to which child you are related. You can choose from:  Jose Maria, Leonardo, Jr., Carlos, Ruben, Maria, Francisca, Alberto, Guadalupe and Fernando.