Four more children were born in Los Angeles and the last 2 were twins. Robert, one of the twins, died of Erysipelas contacted at the Los Angeles General Hospital after a tonsillectomy. He was 2 years old.
Oscar, b-1926, d-1944; Alfonso, b-1919, d-1969; Bertha, b-1920; Raul, b-1915, d-1997; and the twins, Robert, b-1927, d-1929 and Ruben, b-1927
Carlos had a fear of automobiles and had never wanted to ride in one or even have one. He had been sitting on the corner after working that morning waiting for the street car to go home. Some friends came by and offered him a ride home. At first Carlos refused not only because of his fear of the automobile but also because the friends had been drinking (and were probably drunk). Carlos accepted the ride and sat in the back seat. It is unknown exactly how the accident occurred. Had the friends merely lifted his head --- helped him somewhat --- Carlos would not have died. The friends ran away for fear of being put in jail for the accident as well as for being under the influence. Because of the confusion which occurred during Church services, young Carlos literally refused to ever attend Mass again; it left a memory of his father's death an unpleasant scar.
The family was then left totally in the hands of Josefa. Those of the older children who could work, did. Josefa became extremely dependent on Josefina since she was the oldest of the girls. The family was very close and and were devout Catholics depending on God for survival. They remained so until the death of Josefa. There were also get-togethers; Christmas, Easter, birthdays or just Sundays. We were always together either with the Oviedo side or this Manriquez side. Mommie, including her own children, would make hugh meals practically from nothing. Financially they had very little but surprisingly lived well.
Raul, b-1915; Humberto, b-1914; Hector, b-1923; Alfonso, b-1919; Carlos, b-1908; Esther, b-1921; Celia, b-1913; Josefa Catalan-Manriquez; and Josefina, b-1911 (4 children not pictured.)
Uncle Hector gave me the book to read and I was very excited seeing the original. I wanted a copy so I wrote a letter to Disney Studios asking permission to make two copies of the book and it was granted. It is heartwarming to first have the copy and also to know of the work Carlos did for Disney. What is heartbreaking is that he, Carlos, was never given recognition for any of the movies and cartoons he worked on. Seems there was a little discrimination during that period of time. I understand that Carlos Daniel Manriquez is now mentioned as one of the artists in the introduction .I have not seen the credits but my sister has and we all feel much pride knowing that a member of our family is finally recognized for his fine work.
In 1946, after the war, a home was purchased by all the brothers and sisters for Mommie. This home ws at 2048 Cullivan Street, Los Angeles, and it then became the focal point for many other gatherings. Mommie and the children who were not married lived there.
Though her legs were bad, Mommie walked daily to Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Church on Imperial Highway to attend 8:00 Mass. Until she became very ill she never missed one day. Josefa had cancer of the right breast which was removed in later years although she died of an enlarged heart in October 1955.
In the year of 2007, only three of the twelve Manriquez children are living. We are all proud of our aunts and uncles for the respective achievements and there are times we wish we could turn the clock back to relive all the wonderful fun times times we had with them growing up.
Since 1976 the family has gathered for a Family Reunion at which the number in attendance has grown to over 200. These reunions have been held every two years and family from around the country attend. It is great fun when we are all together.
