As far as this story... I applaud WH for saying the book is Historical Fiction... There's anomalies with a lot of things. You feel sure things happened, but can't prove it...always. And then sometimes you'll find your proof in the least likely place!
One thing about New Mexico and their counties is there are a lot of great records kept on marriages, deaths, births, tombstones, organizations... then the Woodmen of the World Data Base. A big part of New Mexico also includes legends and mysteries with many things, like Hauntings of Hotels... I stayed at the La Fonda while there for a couple of nights. A Lot of History at that location.
Keep Digging WH...I say this because that state is one of those that puts all possibilities out there to research to get to the most likely facts. Descendants Share stories willingly I've found...locals at the restaurants and bars do too.
I've been to the Basilica in Santa Fe, NM with the Holy Trinity Triangle and Yahweh above the entrance that WH and Maverick1 spoke about and showed the photograph of. That one is St. Francis of Assisi in Santa Fe. Great stories and history behind a lot of the Catholic Churches in New Mexico. They do give tours and the history is fascinating.
A Great Read online and Mystery of Another Catholic building anomaly in Santa Fe is Our Lady of Light... It was built to be a school for girls ran by the Sisters of Loretto from Kentucky. Read about the spiral staircase. Its amazing to see in person as is El Santurario de Chimayo... it's in Chimayo, NM...and a National Landmark...and anomaly of why and where the Church was built.
The reason I'm mentioning these Catholic Churches too is to give examples of the way legends, myths and truths are included so freely in New Mexico... on many topics. Murders, Outlaws, Treasure...Spanish... just about anything interesting!
I'm ready to hear more anytime WH...If you want to share... this thread shouldn't end, it got a lot of interest from a lot of members..JMHO.
It kinda sounds like the Gerlt story.
Kace