Guadelupe Villanueva
Guadelupe was born December 12, 1856 to Lazaro Antonio Villanueva and Maria Marta Padilla, at Golden, New Mexico. At the age of 12, she married Stanton Brannin. Their first child was born in March of 1871. She was of Spanish heritage, which centers around a matriarchal culture. She was the center of the family. Her sister taught her to garden, cook and sew. She tanned leather to make garments for her family. She raised all 13 of their children to adulthood.
There are many stories to be told of this family. I'll share a couple of my favorites. Once, a group of Apache braves rode up to the Brannin cabin on Sapillo Creek, near Silver City, New Mexico. The braves wanted food. Guadelupe gave them something to eat. They were admiring the Brannin's dark headed, black eyed children. Then Richard (Dick) Brannin came out of the cabin. He didn't have those same Spanish features - but had blonde curls and blue eyes. The braves wanted to scalp the "little gringo". Guadelupe convinced them that she was the daughter of Chief Victorio, a highly respected Apache chief. Her story seemed true to them. They left the Brannin ranch and never bothered the Brannin stock again.
Stanton gathered up the family, and they started their trek to Montana. On the way, Luella became sick with typhoid fever. She had a new baby. Guadelupe also had a little one. So, Guadelupe shared her breast milk with little Tooie and provided the nourishment she needed. She also tended Luella back to health.
When the family finally settled in Montana, Guadelupe found safety with her back to the mountains. She was lovingly called "Granny Brannin" by some and Mrs. Brannin by others. She was a welcomed mid-wife in the community. She faced many trials and heartaches. In her later years she had a wide lap and a big hug. It is said that she cooked the best billy goat roast. After a series of strokes, she died in March 1930.
picture: Guadelupe Villanueva Brannin