Description
The correspondence between different
branches of the Chávez Esparza family, in Mexico and California.
Background
José Chávez Esparza (1933-1981) and María Concepción Alvarado (1945-1981) were both born in
Calvillo, Aguascalientes, Mexico, José had desired to study agricultural engineering after
graduating from sixth grade at the age of sixteen. The realities of poverty meant otherwise,
and he moved to the capital of Aguascalientes, obtaining work in a tailor shop and later
driving a delivery truck. In 1954 José came to the United States as part of the bracero
program, specifically to the Imperial Valley of California, where he lived in Brawley.
Working for J. C. Reeves Ranches, he obtained his green card in the late 1950s and stayed in
the valley until 1972, when he (with his wife María Concepción Alvarado and two children)
moved to San José, California. He obtained work as an industrial worker, his profession
until his death in 1981.
Extent
0.8 Linear Feet
(2 boxes)
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