José Naranjo (scout)
José Naranjo (c. 1662 – 14 August 1720) was a Puebloan of partial African ancestry who served the Spanish government of New Mexico. His father may have helped lead the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and Naranjo initially opposed co-operation with the Spanish, successfully escaping from Spanish custody.
José Naranjo | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1662 |
| Died | 14 August 1720 Near modern-day Columbus, Nebraska |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of Spain |
| Years of service | 1692-1720 |
| Battles/wars | Apache campaign El Cuartelejo expedition Villasur expedition |
| Spouse(s) | Catalina |
| Children | At least seven |
After 7 October 1692, Naranjo appears to have come to terms with the Spanish, working for the governor of New Mexico Diego de Vargas. Shortly afterwards Naranjo killed his brother Lucas, who was leading an Indian rebellion, and sent his head to Vargas. Naranjo was appointed an alcalde and leader of Indian auxiliary troops, serving on expeditions against the Apache and the Pueblo who had fled to El Cuartelejo. In 1720 he was appointed chief scout and leader of auxiliary troops on the Villasur expedition, despite having opposed it. He was killed on 14 August 1720 when the expedition was attacked by Pawnee and Otoe forces.