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Francisco Antonio Manzanares | |
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| Member of theU.S. House of Representatives fromNew Mexico Territory'sAt-large district | |
| In office March 5, 1884 – March 3, 1885 (Delegate) | |
| Preceded by | Tranquilino Luna |
| Succeeded by | Antonio Joseph |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1843-01-25)January 25, 1843 |
| Died | September 17, 1904(1904-09-17) (aged 61) |
| Party | Democratic |
| Occupation | businessman and politician |
Francisco Antonio Manzanares (January 25, 1843 – September 17, 1904) was an American businessman and politician.
Francisco Antonio Manzanares, son of Jose Antonio Manzanares and Maria Manuela Valdez, was born inAbiquiú, New Mexico, on January 25, 1843. Barely three years later in 1846, theMexican–American War commenced. By the time he was seven,New Mexico had become a territory of the United States.
The Manzanares family held a very prominent place in the community. His parents were from Spanish families that moved to the New Mexico territory during the colonial period. Manzanares's father had supported the Union during thecivil war, and afterward, served in the legislative assembly as anIndian Agent.
Manzanares grew up with Spanish as his first language, and during his youth attendedTaos School under the instruction of Father Antonio Jose Martinez. In 1863 he began attendingSt. Louis University, where he studied English until 1864.
Manzanares then began his business career withChick, Browne, and Co. inKansas City, the birthplace of the firm. He held a sales position there for a brief period, and then quickly relocated to New York City, where he continued his college education. While in New York, Manzanares began working at a bank. He learned valuable skills during his year in New York which resulted in a career leap upon his return to Kansas City. where he was named partner of Chick, Browne, and Co. Throughout his years working for the firm, Manzanares opened a number of markets throughoutKansas Pacific,Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway train routes. In 1879, the firm was renamed to Browne and Manzanares, with Manzanares now a full partner. The firm was then moved toLas Vegas, New Mexico.
Though New Mexico was still in a period of transition, Manzanares wasted no time in working to boost the economy. With the help of other members in the community, Manzanares planned and foundedLas Vegas Waterworks Association. He did not stop there, however, and soon aided in the development of financial infrastructure of the state by openingFirst National Banks in Las Vegas, Santa Fe, andRaton.
In 1882, Manzanares left the banking business and challenged Republican candidateTranquilino Luna for a seat inCongress. Luna was declared the winner and initially was seated by the House, but Manzanares later won an election contestation and was seated. Manzanares served as a territorial delegate to theUnited States House of Representatives from March 5, 1884, to March 3, 1885. He did not run for re-election.
Manzanares was also a member of the board of county commissioners inSan Miguel County in 1896 and 1897. He died on September 17, 1904, inLas Vegas, New Mexico.
| U.S. House of Representatives | ||
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| Preceded by | Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives fromNew Mexico March 5, 1884 – March 3, 1885 | Succeeded by |
| Territorial (1851–1912) |
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| At-large seats (1912–1969) |
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| Districts (1969–present) (3rd district established in 1983) |
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| International | |
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| National | |
| People | |
| Other | |
