ZAMORA, Cristobal de, Spanish missionary, born
about 1500; died in Tula, Mexico, 16 March, 1566. He entered the Franciscan
order, and went in 1530 to Mexico, where he was attached to the missions of the
province of Santo Evangelio. He learned the Indian dialects, preached in Toltec
and Aztec after 1535, founded several missions, built churches, established
schools for the Indians, and founded the convent of Tula for the support of
which he obtained a grant of twelve Indian villages, and established a model
farm for their benefit. He held the office of prior of the convent at Tula till
his death.
He wrote in Toltec a catechism, a manual of prayers, and
a history of Christ, which are preserved in the archives at Simancas, and are
considered among the best existing" monuments of the Toltec language, being
remarkable for purity and elegance of style. The state publication, "Cartas de
Indias" (Madrid, 1872), contains also several interesting memorials of Zamora on
the condition of the Indians in Mexico.
Edited Appletons Encyclopedia by John Looby, Copyright © 2001 StanKlos.comTM
