Baca, Elfego

Baca, Elfego

(1865–1945) Mexican-American hero; born in Socorro, N.M. A fearless lawman, he protected Mexican-Americans from Texans in New Mexico Territory. In 1884, he arrested a drunken Texas cowboy and killed another Texan who tried to free him; besieged and shot at by a mob of Texans, Baca surrendered, was tried, and was found innocent. He was sheriff of Socorro County and then turned to practicing law (1894–1945).