Jose Francisco Chaves was elected as a Republican to the Thirty‑ninth Congress (March 4, 1865‑March 3, 1867); reelected to the Forty‑first Congress, and served from February 20, 1869, to March 3, 1871.
CHAVES, JOSE FRANCISCO: Born in Padillas, Mexico (now New Mexico), June 27, 1833; attended schools in St. Louis, Mo.; studied medicine at New York College of Physicians and Surgeons; engaged in the stock‑raising business in the Territory of New Mexico; president of the Territorial council for eight sessions; major of the First New Mexico Infantry in the Union Army during the Civil War; promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel; took part in the Battle of Valverde in 1862; commanded the escort that accompanied the officials appointed to organize the Territory of Arizona in 1863; elected as a Republican to the Thirty‑ninth Congress (March 4, 1865‑March 3, 1867); successfully contested the election of Charles P. Clever to the Fortieth Congress; reelected to the Forty‑first Congress, and served from February 20, 1869, to March 3, 1871; engaged in farming and stock raising; district attorney of the second judicial district 187577; member and president of the State constitutional convention in 1889; State superintendent of public instruction from 1903, but died before his term of service began; assassinated in Pinoswells (near Cedar Vale, Torrance County), N. Mex.; a bronze bust of Colonel Chaves was unveiled in the capitol building at Santa Fe in March, 1925.
New Mexico State Records Center and Archives
History Files, Box Serial # 9269
New Mexico, Land of Enchantment Presented by Mr. Hatch. 77th Congress, 1st Session, Senate Document 91, July 24, 1941. Washington, D.C., 1941.
Jose Francisco Chaves; territorial period; Padillas New Mexico