Sunday, January 18, 2026

Senator Enrique Baz of Mexico by Mary Cummins, Maria Rivera Cummins

Senator Enrique Baz of Mexico, Prominent Men of Mexico



Senator Enrique Baz 1843-1932
Los Hombres Prominentos de Mexico - The Prominent Men of Mexico, 1888

It may be said that Enrique Baz has attained the high position that he occupies, exclusively through the force of will, because although he has among his ancestors two bishops of Puebla, Vazquez and Palafox, and a Spanish General of the same name that became famous defending the city of Zaragoza in Spain against the marshals of Napoleon's army, and is likewise nephew of our renowned fellow countryman Juan José Baz, he lacked pecuniary means and was obliged to abandon his professional studies in the City of Mexico in order to support his family. He entered a business house, where he made splendid progress and at various times even remained at its head in the absence of the principal member of the firm. But as the latter was a Frenchman, and his house was visited by many Frenchmen at the time of the intervention, Baz prudently abandoned the splendid position he had and acted as broker of the first class, and as such he did all he could to favor the liberal army that, under the command of Porfiro Diaz, laid siege to the city of Mexico in the last days of the empire and up to the surrender of the city. On the same day that this event took place he saw at Tacubaya the commander in chief and offered him a loan of one million dollars from the business men of the capital, who desired at the same time to withdraw a large amount of money, the duties on which could serve most efficaciously to defray the expenses of the besieging army. When the matter of the withdrawal of the money was arranged with Justo Benites, who was the Secretary of the Quartermaster general, the service that Baz desired to render was done, and two hundred thousand dollars were obtained for the paymasters of the liberal forces, through duties collected and then the loan was effected by means of the kind intervention of the American minister and of the Director of the London Bank, which allowed the government of the Republic to be established without any trouble.

Enrique Baz continued in his mercantile operations until 1876, without having taken part in politics; but he was at heart in sympathy with the Tuxtepec revolution, or perhaps he owed to its leaders some personal services, and this made him accept the office of Custom House Collector of Piedras Negras, where he showed great activity and made its proceeds increase to an amount higher than it ever had been seen; this being a matter that constitutes the pride of all good employees in collecting offices.

His going there served Baz in gaining for him a great deal of popularity in all the State of Coahuila, so much so that upon his return to the city of Mexico, when he was performing the duties of a high office in the liquidating bureau, the most important political leaders of that State, at the period of electoral excitement, appointed him their representative and with their assistance he attained for success their candidate for Governor, colonel José M. Garza Galan, who was the most suitable for that high office, wherein he has distinguished himself as an able pilot by steering the ship of State with great dexterity.

Coahuila some time afterwards gave Enrique Baz his just reward, by appointing him deputy to the 13th Congress, in which office was been most useful by word and deed. At present he is Senator for that State, which has also appointed him its agent and general representative in all matters.

Enrique Baz is an eloquent orator, a loyal friend, an able politician; he is most active in attending to the business that is entrusted to him and has the gift of drawing to himself all who come in contact with him, and for these reasons as well as for the matters before stated, he is one of the most prominent men of Mexico.

Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
pg 297, 298
Los hombres prominentes de México = Les hommes eminents du Mexique = The prominent men of Mexico.
México : La Patria, 1888.
In Spanish, French, English

Transcribed by Mary Cummins, Maria Rivera Cummins, great granddaughter of Enrique Baz.

The ancestor who fought in Spain against the French was José de Palafox, 1st Duke of Zaragoza. 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_de_Palafox,_1st_Duke_of_Zaragoza

The other ancestors who were mentioned were Bishop Juan Palafox Mendoza
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_de_Palafox_y_Mendoza


and of course his uncle Juan Jose Baz https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Jos%C3%A9_Baz

Enrique Baz was a key figure in Mexican finance, serving as the Minister of Finance under President Porfirio Díaz, a period known as the "Porfiriato," where Baz oversaw significant currency reforms, including the establishment of the National Bank of Mexico (Banco Nacional de México) and introducing modern banknotes like the $5 notes of the Banco Minero, reflecting the era's economic modernization but also banking instability before the revolution. 

Key Connections:

Porfirio Díaz (President): Díaz's long presidency (1876-1911) ushered in an era of economic growth and foreign investment, but also significant social inequality, leading to the Mexican Revolution.
Enrique Baz (Finance Minister): As Finance Minister, Baz was instrumental in implementing Díaz's economic policies, focusing on centralizing banking and stabilizing the peso.

Mexican Money/Currency: Baz's tenure saw the transition from fragmented private banknotes (like those from regional banks) to more standardized national currency, though private bank notes persisted. 

Baz's Role in Mexican Money:

Banking Reforms: He helped establish the National Bank of Mexico (Banamex) in 1881 as the first central bank, though private banks continued to issue notes.

Currency Stability: His efforts aimed to create a more unified and reliable monetary system for Díaz's modernizing Mexico. 

In essence, Enrique Baz was the economic architect behind much of the currency and banking system during the wealthy but unequal Porfiriato, interacting directly with the money and financial institutions of Porfirio Díaz's government

Enríquez Baz was interventor of the Banco de San Luis Potosí until 21 June 1901, when he moved to take up the position of interventor of the Banco de Guanajuato. Baz signed notes dated from 1901 to 1911.


Other ancestors of Enrique Baz.

Diego Baz Miranda was born in Villa de la Guardia, Tui, Pontevedra, Galicia, Spain. His parents were Gregorio Baz Miguez and Maria Rosalia Vicenta de Miranda Thorres. One of his ancestors was Don Fernán Baz, a Spanish nobleman and native of Campoamor. Diego's 4th great grandfather Domingo Vaz was born in Tui, Pontevedra, where one of the oldest houses of this lineage was established. Diego Baz moved to New Spain (now Mexico) in the middle of the 18th century. He moved to Nueva Galicia, New Spain and settled in Zapotlán, El Grande, today Ciudad Guzmán. He was one of the richest men in New Spain (Mexico) by the end of the colonial era. Don Diego married Doña Concepción Palafox Lozano, whose Spanish family was related to the Marquis of Ariza and with the Dukes of Alba. Diego Baz was the father of Mexican Governor Juan Jose Baz, Juan Gualberto Baz Palafox, Jose Luis Gonzaga Baz Palafox and Jose Valentino Baz Palafox.

Together with his brother Bernardo, he amassed a great fortune in the states of Guadalajara and Jalisco through import businesses (as warehouse owners), using a ship that traded between Mexico and the Philippines, known as "The China Ship," also known as the "Manila Galleon" or "Acapulco Galleon." José Bernardo Baz even used his own money to finance a battalion of the Mexican army, receiving the honorary title of Honorary Colonel. He was also a "Commander of the Order of the Knights of Mexico City." He fought with Col Juan Zuniga Portillo. "Diego, and his brother José Bernardo Baz Vicente, would become the wealthiest Galician emigrants from A Guarda of that era, at the end of the 18th century and the first decade of the 19th.

Genealogist at Geneanet and Geneastar
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Musician Manuel Rivera Baz of Mexico by Mary Cummins, Mary Rivera Cummins

Manuel Rivera Baz, famous Mexican music professor, orchestra leader, music composer and song writer. 

Manuel Rivera Baz 1882-1941

Early Life

Manuel Rivera Baz was born July 19, 1882 in Distrito Federal, Mexico. He was a music professor, orchestra leader, music composer and song writer. His father Manuel Severo Rivera 1853 – 1912 was a music professor and orchestra leader. His mother was Maria Trinidad Baz 1866-1904 the daughter of Mexican Senator Enrique Baz 1843-1932. Rivera Baz was baptized in Santa Veracruz church July 22, 1882 in Guerrero Sureste, Mexico [Mexico, Select Church Records, 1537-1966, Ancestry.]. 

Rivera Baz' siblings were Enriqueta Rivera Baz Vigneaux 1884-1972, Jose Manuel Nicolas Rivera Baz 1886-1887, Maria Carolina Rivera Baz 1887, Jose Ysidro Rivera Baz 1890-1891, Joseph Maria Rivera Baz 1892-1981, Luis Trinidad Rivera Baz 1894-1983, Alberto Joseph Rivera Baz 1897-1987, Maria Luisa Trinidad Rivera Baz Cummins 1899-1991 and Eduardo Rosendo Rivera Baz 1903-1905. 

Musical Career

Rivera Baz was educated at the German Music Conservatory, the Conservatory of Music in Milan, Italy and the Conservatorio Nacional de Musica (National Conservatory of Music) in Mexico City, Mexico. He was considered a child prodigy who conducted at the age of 10 and gave his first piano concert at the age of 12 [Who’s Who in Latin America 1914.]. The New York Herald refers to Prof. Rivera Baz as “He has the fire of genius and vitality in his work that distinguished him from any other pianist.”[ New York Herald cited in Arizona Daily Star May 12, 1909.] 

It was also stated, “Rivera Baz is a Spaniard and studied with Alberto Jonas. At the age of 10, it is stated, his musical aptitude was so pronounced that Jonas took him as a protégé for many years. Baz possesses a powerful tone and has a true Spanish Temperament in his interpretation. Not only is Rivera Baz well known as a pianist, but his experience as an orchestra leader and composer is well established, having toured South America directing the Italian Opera Company and having held innumerable positions as conductor.”[ The Houston Post, Houston, Texas, “Engaged Spanish Soloist. Manuel Rivera Baz Will Entertain Guests at Saunter’s.” Man 24, 1913, pg 11.]

And, “Lovers of music will fairly revel at the masterly playing of Senor Manuel Rivera Baz, the highest salaried musical director ever engaged with a musical play visiting this city. At the incredible age of 16 years he was engaged as a teacher in the National Conservatory in the City of Mexico. He is an author of considerable repute, especially of Spanish operas, probably chief of which is “El dos de Abril.” His correct technique, interpretation and sentiment reveals in his an exquisite pianist.”[ “Town Sport” Tonight. This Rural Musical Comedy Made Big Hit Yesterday.” The Leavenworth Post, Leavenworth, Kansas, Nov 22, 1909.] 

Rivera Baz was a founding partner in the 1922 Mexican Points Union to “safeguard the interests of its members against the theater business men.” He is listed in Compositores Mexicanos Siglo XX.

Discography

Rivera Baz holds multiple copyrights for songs, operas and operettas. He wrote the music for operetta “La Nina Lupe” 1946 which was premiered by Esperanza Iris in her own theater in Mexico. 

“La Borrachita,” arrangement.
“En Mi Rancho Bonito,” Mexican folk song, song writer, arrangement, composer.
“El tecolote,” (The owl), Cancion Michoacana, 1924, composer for orchestra, Victor recordings.
“La Nina Lupe,” operetta.
“Tehuanas,” de la Opereta “La nina Lupe” con letra de Enrique Uthoff 1924.
“El Mosquito Zumbrador,” (The mosquito) song writer, composition, arrangement.
“Ecos de Mexico,” Aires Nacionales, Capricho de Concierto, para piano. 
“Le Somelle dul’anfante,” operetta.
“Aparecio Hoja de album.”
“El doctor Argensola,” operetta in three acts. 
“Obertass.”
“Legende.”
“Le Revelie due Lion.”
“Il Trovatore,”
“Cancion del Olvido.”
“Rosas Espagnolas.”

Selected Performances

1906 El Paso Herald, El Paso, Texas, “Concert for the poor of Juarez,” pg 8.
1909 Tucson, Arizona charity event at Whitwell hospital[ Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Arizona May 4, 1909, pg 8.]. 
1913 Houston, Texas, The Houston Post, Houston, Texas, “Blitz Plays Again!”pg 5.
1913 Houston, Texas, The Houston Post, “Engaged Spanish Soloist,” pg 11.
1913 Played piano with the German orchestra Sangerfest playing “Das Herz am Rhein” by W. Hill. 
1923 Puebla, Mexico “Hermosa Fiesta Cultural en la Ciudad de Puebla,” Jueves de Excelsior.  
1938 “Choristers of Havana Here Today. Foremost Music Group Of Cuba Will Give Concerts In Hollywood,” Miami, Florida, The Miami News, Miami, Florida, pg 37

Personal life

Rivera Baz married Clementina Morina 1883-1956. Together they had the following children, Clementina Rivera Morin, Manuel Rivera Morin. Later he married Esperanza Alvarez 1886-1951. Together they had the following children, Esperanza Rivera Baz Alvarez b.1903, Julio “Jules” Rivera Alvarez 1905-1993, Louis Rivera Alvarez 1909-1910, Enrique Rivera Alvarez 1911-1972, Ruth Rivera Baz Alvarez 1912- apx 1970, Jose Rivera Alvarez 1923. 

References

 1. Mexico, Select Church Records, 1537-1966, Ancestry.

 2. Who’s Who in Latin America 1914.

 3. New York Herald cited in Arizona Daily Star May 12, 1909.

 4. The Houston Post, Houston, Texas, “Engaged Spanish Soloist. Manuel Rivera Baz Will Entertain Guests at Saunter’s.” Man 24, 1913, pg 11.

 5. “Town Sport” Tonight. This Rural Musical Comedy Made Big Hit Yesterday.” The Leavenworth Post, Leavenworth, Kansas, Nov 22, 1909.

6.  Arizona Daily Star, Tucson, Arizona May 4, 1909, pg 8.

ancestry.com

Written by Mary Cummins, Maria Rivera Cummins, grand niece of Manual Rivera Baz. He was the brother of my grandmother Maria Luisa Rivera Baz Cummins. He was also my grandmother's godfather.

Genealogist at Geneanet.org and Geneastar.org
https://en.geneanet.org/profil/marycummins
 Mary Cummins Investigative Reporter
https://marycumminsrealestatemarycummins.blogspot.com
 Mary Cummins Real Estate Appraiser
http://www.marycummins.com
 Mary Cummins
http://www.mary.cc
 Mary Cummins Biography, History in Wikipedia format
http://wikipedia.marycummins.com/
 Mary Cummins on LinkedIn 
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