Martiriano Aguirre
Private, U.S. Army | 1878–1882
Yaqui Indian | Born in Mexico
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Martiriano Aguirre served as a private in the U.S. Army from 1878 to 1882 during a period of sweeping change and tension in the American Southwest. A member of the Yaqui Nation, he was born in Mexico and stood 5 feet 5 inches tall, with brown eyes, black hair, and a copper complexion—features carefully noted in military records that offer rare personal detail.
The 1880 U.S. Census lists him as married to 18-year-old Marcebia Aguirre. Like many Indigenous and Black soldiers on the frontier, Martiriano’s life was marked by service, struggle, and a pursuit of dignity in a rapidly changing world.
A Family’s Fight for Honor
Martiriano’s story didn’t end with his discharge. It lives on through the unwavering efforts of his descendants, who fought to secure proper recognition and burial honors for a man nearly erased by history. Their work brought long-overdue attention to Martiriano and countless other Native and African-descended servicemen whose sacrifices have often been overlooked.
Through their love, persistence, and pursuit of justice, Martiriano Aguirre’s legacy now stands in the light—honored and remembered.
Yaqui Indian | Born in Mexico
Click Here to Learn More
Martiriano Aguirre served as a private in the U.S. Army from 1878 to 1882 during a period of sweeping change and tension in the American Southwest. A member of the Yaqui Nation, he was born in Mexico and stood 5 feet 5 inches tall, with brown eyes, black hair, and a copper complexion—features carefully noted in military records that offer rare personal detail.
The 1880 U.S. Census lists him as married to 18-year-old Marcebia Aguirre. Like many Indigenous and Black soldiers on the frontier, Martiriano’s life was marked by service, struggle, and a pursuit of dignity in a rapidly changing world.
A Family’s Fight for Honor
Martiriano’s story didn’t end with his discharge. It lives on through the unwavering efforts of his descendants, who fought to secure proper recognition and burial honors for a man nearly erased by history. Their work brought long-overdue attention to Martiriano and countless other Native and African-descended servicemen whose sacrifices have often been overlooked.
Through their love, persistence, and pursuit of justice, Martiriano Aguirre’s legacy now stands in the light—honored and remembered.