John J. Heringa

Interview 2nd

Hodges, Carrie L. 

9/11/36 

c1 516 words. 

SEP 19 1936 

PIONEERS OF NEW MEXICO. 

John J. Heringa. 

John J. Heringa came to New Mexico in 1891, so that his entire business 
experience has been acquired in this state. 

He was born in Fresland, Holland, April 22, 1872. His father being an Attorney 
at Law, was able to give his son every educational advantage he would take. At 
the age of about nineteen years he left school and came to the United States, 
sailing on the steamship Spaarndam, from Rotterdam to New York City, New York. 
Alone and without funds, he made his way westward to New Mexico, arriving at 
Maxwell in August, 1892. 

For two years he worked for a living and in the meantime, mastered both the 
English and Spanish languages as well as adapting himself rapidly, to the ways 
and conditions of the new country to which he had come. The ranching industry 
attracted him immensely, and his first employment was on the Dawson ranch near 
Maxwell, a combined cattle and sheep ranch, where he remained for two years.

With the experience he had gained, he became a farmer in the same community, 
his farm being in the irrigation district. In time he became the owner of a 
grain and alfalfa farm, and remained at this place until 1907, when he 
exchanged his holdings at Maxwell for a store of general merchandise at 
Passamonte. 

This small retail business, under Mr. Heringa's able management, grew rapidly, 
and latter he was appointed postmaster of Pasamonte, the postoffice being 
located in the store building. 

In this district, Union County, he continued his efforts 

{Begin page no. 2}

as a cattle and sheep rancher, and added to his land acreage as well as his 
herds. He engaged in farming as well as ranching, also hog and poultry 
raising. 

He early acquired American citizenship and cast his first presidential vote in 
1912, and the only official service he ever performed was that of postmaster 
of Pasamonte. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge at Clayton, and of the New 
Mexico Cattle and Horse Growers Association. He was also one of the organizers 
of the Life Insurance Company of the Southwest at Albuquerque, and since its 
consolidation with the Two Republics Life Insurance Company, has remained a 
stockholder. 

He was a stockholder in the War Finance Corporation and during the World War 
acted as registrar for his district. Was also appraiser and director of the 
Ute Valley Loan Association. 

He was one of the organizers of the Farmers and Stockmans Bank in Clayton, New 
Mexico, and at present is actively engaged in promoting this organization. 

Mr. Heringa returned to Holland for his wife, and was married to Miss 
Wendolina Pesman July 18, 1899. They came to New Mexico where they have since 
resided. To this union were born four children, Edward, Elizabeth, Dia and 
John, all living except John who is now deceased. 

Mr. and Mrs. Heringa make their home in Clayton, and during his forty-four 
years of residence in New Mexico, is considered to be one of the most 
successful ranchers, and business men in Northeastern New Mexico, and Union 
County where most of his interests are centered. 

Hodges, Carrie L. 

John J. Heringa. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY. 

Interview, John J. Heringa, Clayton, New Mexico, 9/3/36. 

Credit: Library of Congress, Manuscript Division, WPA Federal Writers' Project Collection.

Colfax, Socorro, Union

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