Solomon Luna
Solomon Luna | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Los Lunas, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Died | August 29, 1912 (aged 53) Bernalillo County, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, rancher |
| Known for | Prominent sheep proprietor in New Mexico; president of the Bank of Commerce in Albuquerque; delegate to 1910 New Mexico constitutional convention |
Solomon Luna (October 18, 1858 – August 29, 1912) was a prominent American banker and rancher who emerged as one of the foremost sheep proprietors in New Mexico. At the time of his passing, he was recognized as one of the state's most affluent and esteemed individuals.
Early life
Born in Los Lunas, New Mexico to Antonio and Isabella Luna, he completed his education at Saint Louis University.
Career
Luna gained prominence as a rancher after successfully defending his rangeland interests in an 1880s legal dispute against William B. Slaughter and John Bunyan Slaughter, which established him as New Mexico’s leading sheep owner. Beginning in 1894, he held the positions of treasurer and tax collector for Valencia County. He participated as a delegate in the 1910 convention to draft New Mexico’s state constitution and was subsequently re-elected to his county offices following statehood in 1911. Additionally, starting in 1904, Luna served as president of the Bank of Commerce located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Personal life
Luna was married to Adelina Oero and did not have children. His nephew, Maximiliano Luna, was a veteran of both the Spanish–American War and the Philippine–American War. Although his son died before him, Luna was also uncle to suffragist Nina Otero-Warren.
He affiliated with organizations such as the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Death and legacy
On August 29, 1912, at age 53, Luna tragically drowned in a sheep vat on his ranch situated in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. He was interred at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Albuquerque. By the time of his death, he ranked among New Mexico’s wealthiest and most honored figures. His legacy is commemorated through the naming of Los Lunas High School in his hometown. In 1963, he received posthumous recognition with induction into the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The community of Luna, New Mexico also carries his namesake.