Hello,

I've recently joined this group as I have begun researching the ancestors of Juan Vargas (b 1890 in Malpaso, Zacatecas; d 1962 in El Paso, Texas) and his wife Maximina Bautista (b 1898; d 1936 in El Paso, Texas)

I don't have anything yet on Juan's family having only just learned where he was born through a US-Mexico border crossing manifest, but I've made some major headway on Maximina's family from her death certificate.

Just today I received a copy of Maximina's baptism record. It is transcribed into English as follows:
In the parish del Sagrario in Zacatecas June 12, 1898 I baptized Maximiana Bautista, who was born on May 29 in Las Minas del Bote. Legitimate daughter of Gerardo Bautista and Bacilia Palos. Paternal grandparents Tiburcio Bautista and Regina Muro. Maternal grandparents Hilario Palos and Paula Casas. Godparents Antonio Espinoza and Tomasa Ramos. Signed Daniel Guerra.
My geography question comes from the fact I know very little about Mexico. This baptism record refers to the "Parish del Sagrario" and what I assume to be a town called "Las Minas del Bote". Is a parish in Mexico similar to a county here in the states? I know Louisiana has parishes instead of counties. Or are parishes in Mexico strictly religious regions, not part of the governmental structure.

Also, I've seen references to Municipalities, so that a place is located as a Town, Municipality, State, Country. I believe Malpaso is in Villanueva. Is La Minas del Bote also in Villanueva?

I know these are probably pretty basic (er, stupid) questions... but I have to start somewhere!

My folder on the Nuestros Ranchos website is at this address under the name Vargas, Juan: http://www.nuestrosranchos.org/node/16085

Thank you,
K.