Francisco Xavier Chávez

Francisco Xavier Cháves was the second jefe político (equivalent to governor) of the territory of Santa Fe de Nuevo México after Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1822.

Francisco Xavier Cháves belonged to an old Spanish family that had been prominent in New Mexico since it was created as a province in 1598. He had large holdings of land and livestock and excellent political connections that he leveraged to become one of the dominant traders in the new republic. He had four sons and five daughters. He is also ancestor of singer and actress Demi Lovato. His sons Mariano, José and Antonio José continued and expanded the family business of carrying freight between Mexico and the United States along the Santa Fe Trail.^[1]

In January 1822 the Governor under the Spanish regime, Facundo Melgares, lost the title of governor but was called political and military chief until he retired in June, reporting to the commander at Chihuahua on military matters.^[2] Melgáres called for the election of electors, and on January 28 the electors chose Francisco Perez Serrano y Aguirre as New Mexico's first deputy to the Congress of Mexico. The next day the electors chose the New Mexican legislative body, with Francisco Xavier Chaves heading the list.^[3] When the legislature met for the first time on 14 April 1822, Chaves served as the first presiding officer.^[4] Melgáres left office on 5 July 1822, and Francisco Xavier Chaves took his place, holding office for just five months, when he was succeeded by Colonel José Antonio Vizcarra.^[5]

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