Descendants gathered at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery to dedicate a long-awaited tombstone in honor of Jose Esiquio and Rebecca (Ferguson) Sepulvedo. The ceremony, held on July 7th, marked a significant milestone in preserving the memory and legacy of our beloved ancestors. Mary Lucille “Betty” Rivers, the great-granddaughter of the Sepulvedos, performed a blessing with holy water. The event provided an opportunity for descendants to pay tribute to their ancestors and celebrate their shared Choctaw-Apache heritage.
Jose E. and Rebecca Sepulvedo, Choctaw- Apache tribal ancestors from the Ebarb Community, were married in 1874. This was their second marriage, and they had children from previous unions as well as additional children together. Genealogical research has identified 7,218 descendants across nine generations.
The idea for this project originated over five years ago and was sponsored by the Natives of Zwolle & Ebarb Genealogical & Historical Society, a 501c(3) organization. Donations were requested through the society’s Facebook page. Dr. Cody Bruce, president of the Natives group, conducted research and designed the stone to ensure its genealogical and historical accuracy. A white marble that matched other tombstones from the same era was selected. The spelling of Sepulvedo on the tombstone reflects the spelling used in Jose Esiquio Sepulvedo’s last will and testament. The modern spelling, Sepulvado, evolved over two centuries from Zepulveda, Sepulveda, Sepulvedo, and ultimately Sepulvado, with variations at different times.
The tombstone includes their birth, marriage, and death dates, as well as their parents’ names. The names of their children are inscribed on the back of the monument. Additionally, a porcelain photo and the Choctaw-Apache Tribal seal adorn the tombstone. The craftsmanship was carried out by Mr. Dody Campbell and his team at Campbell Monument Company in Provencal, La. Their exceptional work and generous discount greatly contributed to the successful completion of this tribute.
The Natives of Zwolle & Ebarb Genealogical & Historical Society expresses deep appreciation to the kind-hearted donors who generously supported this meaningful endeavor. Their contributions played a vital role in preserving our family’s legacy. A total of $4,700 was raised, demonstrating the spirit of unity within our community. The donors include Robert & Tammy Barber (in honor of Wesley & Selina Sepulvado), Steve & Glenda Faye Brewton, Dr. Cody Bruce & David Richardson, Jan Vines Currier, Dr. Henry Ebarb, Earl Ferguson, Johnny & Ruby Jo Ferguson, Larry Ferguson, Paul Ferguson, Carol Ebarb Gregorek, Connie Henderson, Martha R. Henderson, Cynthia Lee, Janet McBride, Anna Molleur, Amanda Reeves, Mary Lucille “Betty” Rivers, Roy Rivers Jr., Roy Rivers Sr., Marty Sepulvado, Davis & Tracey Sepulvado, Virgil & Rama Jean Sepulvado, Jimmy W. Smith, Sarah Smitha, Misty Sepulvado Soehnge, Harold Vines, and Dana Rene Williams.
The descendants extend a warm invitation to those interested in visiting the new tombstone at St. Joseph Cemetery. It is situated on the east side, in the first row, encompassing the second and third plots.