Coamo, Puerto Rico; History and Church Indexes

History of Coamo

The history of Coamo began, also known as “La Villa de San Blás de Illegas de Coamo,” in the 1500s and historically consists of one urban zone with twenty dwellings. During that time, ninety percent of the population lived on farms on the church’s outskirts. Ten homes surrounded the church.

By the end of the eighteenth century, Guayama, Cayey, and Juana Díaz separated from Villa de Coamo. In the 19th century, the following towns were annexed from Coamo; Barranquitas, Cidra, Aibonito, Patillas, Orocovis, Comerío, Santa Isabel, Salinas, and Arroyo. Consequently, some of these towns had already gone through a previous separation. For example, Cidra had separated from Cayey, and Cayey had separated from Coamo.

Reasons for Annexing

There were many reasons for establishing new municipalities. For example, “remoteness” was a huge factor. Many of these towns were mountainous, making it difficult to travel. In addition, terrible conditions and a lack of roads were other significant issues. Purchasing supplies, receiving medical care, and attending church services were complex for the residents. These are the most important reasons for annexing.

Therefore, when locating records, you need to have a map to discover the town and those surrounding them. It would be best to remember that many residents moved around the island. Do not be surprised to find an ancestor of yours in another location. I have discovered ancestors from Coamo marrying or dying in another town. This should be no surprise.

My connection

My parents, born in Cayey in the late 1930s, left the island in the 1950s. Like many families during that time, they were part of the vast migration. Many Puerto Ricans sought new opportunities and the “American Dream.” 

However, during my initial research, I found that my grandparents and great-grandparents were born in Orocovis. It was known as Barros before 1928 when the name officially changed. This was from 1870 to 1885. Consequently, I discovered that the family originated in Coamo. In addition, during my investigation, I found relatives in Barranquitas and Cidra. There are other lines from as far as Corozal, Toa Alta, Morovis, and Aguadilla. It took a lot of traveling for our ancestors to produce the legacy they left behind.

Although there is a lack of church records from the 17th century, documents are still available. For example, wills, marriage contracts, and census records do exist. These documents can provide additional clues and help with your investigation.  

Final Thoughts

Nevertheless, do not be deterred by the lack of church records. For instance, known family members from Coamo married in adjacent towns. Specifically, in Aibonito, Cayey, and Guayama. It is essential to explore outside the city. Consequently, this has yielded excellent results.

Once located, analyze these documents for clues. For example, the local Priest listed detailed information on the person. They would often record the pueblo (town) and other important information about the family. The location of the church could have differed from where they lived. Lastly, look at Godparents and witnesses. These could provide additional clues to help you break down some walls.

Paying extra attention to those little details can prove beneficial. Having a map close by will also assist in locating surrounding churches. Who knows, someday you may find that elusive ancestor. Good luck! 

Origin of Municipality by name and year founded

Municipality	Year Founded	Origin of Name
Coamo (Spanish)	1616	Founded in 1616 and named by the Spanish in honor of the settler Cristóbal de Illescas. San Blas Illescas de Coamo is the original name of the town. It officially became an official municipality in 1778.
Guayama (Native)	1736	The Native Indians named it the river that passes through it—the Guayama river, now known as Guamaní.
Cayey	1773	The name could have come from the Native Indians and Cacique or after another individual.
Juana Diaz (Spanish)	1798	You may find relatives in this municipality from Coamo or Ponce.
Barranquitas (Spanish)	1803	It is founded by Don Antonio Aponte Ramos, my 6th great-grandfather.
Cidra (Spanish)	1809	It was annexed from Cayey, Puerto Rico, and named after an abundant fruit in the region.
Patillas (Spanish)	1811	Of Spanish origin and separated from Guayama.
Comerio (Spanish)	1826	Also known as Sabana de Palmer.
Orocovis (Native)	1825	It is of Native Indian origin and named for the Head, Chief Orocobix. This town’s original name was Barros, which officially changed in 1928.
Aibonito (Spanish)	1830	Named for Hato Lay Bonito.
Santa Isabel (Spanish)	1841	Town named in honor of Queen Isabela of Spain.
Salinas (Spanish)	1851	It is named for the salt extraction located on its coastline.
Arroyo (Spanish)	1855	It was previously a port belonging to Guayama, Puerto Rico.
Villalba (Spanish)	1917	Annexed from Ponce.

History of Coamo and its Municipalities and Barrios

Municipality	Neighborhoods
Coamo	Coamo Arriba, Cuyón, Hayales, Los llanos, Palmarejo, Pasto, Pedro Garcia, Pulguillas, San Ildefonso, Santa Catalina.
Guayama	Algarrono, Caimital, Carite, Carmen, Guamaní, Jabos, Machete, Palmas, Pozo Hondo.
Cayey	Beatriz, Cedro, Cercadillo, Culebras Alto, Culebras bajo, Farallón, Guavate, Jájome Alto, Jájome Bajo, Lapa, Matón Abajo, Matón Arriba, Monte Llano, Pasto Viejo, Pedro Avila, Piedras, Quebrada Arriba, Rincón, Sumido, Toita, Vegas.
Juana Diaz	Amuelas, Callabo, Capitanejo, Cintrona, Collores, Guayabal, Jacaguas, Lomas, Río Cańas Abajo, Río Cañas Arriba, Sabana Llana, Tijeras.
Barranquitas	Barrancas, Cañabón, Helechal, Honduras, Palo Huncado, Quebrada Grande, Quebradillas.
Cidra	Arenas, Bayamón, Beatris, Cieba, Monte Llano, Rabanal, Rincón, Río Abajo, Salto, Sud, Toita.
Patillas	Apeadero, Bajo, Cacao Alto, Cacao Bajo, Guardarraya, Jacaboa, Jagual, Mamey, Marín, Mulas, Muñoz Rivera, Pollos, Quebrada Arriba, Ríos
Comerio	Cedrito, Doña Elena, Naranjo, Palomas, Piñas, Río Hondo, Vega Redonda.
Orocovis	Ala de piedra, Barros, Bauta Abajo, Bauto Arriba, Bermalejos, Botijas, Cacaos, Collores, Damián Abajo, Damían Arriba, Gato, Mata de Caña, Orocovis, Pellejas, Sabana, Saltos.
Aibonito	Asomante, Algarrobo, Caonillas Cuyán, Llano, Plata, Pasto, Roble.
Sta. Isabel	Boca Velázquez, Descalabrado, Felicia Uno, Felicia Dos, Juca Uno, Jauca Dos, Playa.
Salinas	Aguirre, Coquí, San Felipe, Lapa, Palmas, Quebrada Yeguas, Río Jueyes.
Arroyo	Ancones, Palmas, Guásima, Pitahaya, Yaurel.
Villalba	Caonillas Abajo, Caonillas Arriba, Hato Puerco Arriba, Vacas, Villalba Abajo, Villalba Arriba.

Index for records in Family Search

A transcription consisting of Baptisms, Marriages & deaths covers several books below. Click on the link. It will take you to another one of my articles. It has a few transcriptions provided by some fantastic individuals. Transcriptions

Coamo Baptisms, 1701 to 1900

Book	Year	Image	Index	Index2	Race/Notes
5	1701-1773	4			Transcribed (1700-1825)
6	1774-1790	354
7	1790-1794	1648
8	1794-1802	797
9	1802-1809	981
10	1809-1814	1221
11	1813-1825	1412			Whites
11	1814-1819	1589
12	1819-1826	74
13	1827-1834	1808
13	1832	5-Continuation from the above book.
4	1834-1845	332	314		Pardos
1	1850-1871	2263	2338		Enslaved
2	1852-1856	1473			Whites and Pardos
3	1855-1861	650	872		Whites and Pardos
16	1861-1865	935	907	785	2 The second index is another set that is easier to read.
17	1865-1872	1250	1219	804	2 The second index is another set that is easier to read.
18	1868-1872	1553	1527	822	2 The second index is another set that is easier to read.
19	1872-1875	1865	1834-1864	838	2 The second index is another set that is easier to read.
20	1875-1877	2177	2145	853	2 The second index is another set that is easier to read.
21	1878-1880	40	6
22	1880-1883	351	318
23	1883-1885	647	617
24	1885-1886	886	860
25	1886-1889	1044	1015
26	1889-1893	1377	1350
27	1893-1897	1717	1684
28	1897-1900	2060	2026

Coamo Baptisms, 1900 to 1922

Book	Year	Image	Index	Race/Notes
29	1900-1904	2408	2370	It ends in 1902 but continues below
29	1900-1904	4		continues from the book above
30	1904-1907	308	279
31	1907-1908	647	614
32	1908-1911	932	906
33	1911-1915	1218	1196
34	1915-1918	1915 Starts with Image 1484, Image 1857 continues with this book after the index. It ends on Image 1870. (So look at the few fragments)	1482/1832	Index A is in the front (1482), and then the back at Image 1832, starting with L. Letters B to J start on Image 1848.
35	1918-1922	1897	1874

Marriages (Transcription available for these records, see above link)

Book	Year	Image	Index	Race/Notes
	1778-1798	1865	Transcribed
	1798-1813	5	Transcribed
1	1814-1836	203	Transcribed	Pardos
2	1830-1858	425	Transcribed	Whites
1	1858-1873	590	569	Whites
	1874-1887	799	1075
4	1887-1906	1132	1107
5	1906-1911	1389
6	1911-1922	1572	1547

Burials for Coamo

Book	Year	Image	Index	Race/Notes
1	1773-1810	1736	None
2	1810-1815	2186	None	All Races/Transcribed
3	1815-1820	4	None	All Races
4	1820-1830	529	None	All Races
7	1830-1839	228	None	The binder states Book 5
8	1839-1847	763	None	The top of the page says Book 6
8	1853-1859	953	None
9	1860-1875	1128	1098
10	1868-1875	1448	1419
11	1875-1881	1759	1725
12	1881-1887	2074	2039
13	1887-1897	33	5
	1897-1910	373	345

Confirmations, 1774 to 1937

Book	Year	Image	Notes
	1774-1811	998
3	1876-1904	1171
16	1919-1937	893

Book	Year	Image	Description
15	1903-1917	871	It is incorrectly labeled as confirmations.