I am most interested in a brief accounting of the different tribal chieftans at the time that the Spanish took over control of the island.
Thanks, Sally

they are Chief Quipuha, Chief Matapang,Chief Gadao,andChief Alupang. will update more.

Thanks for the names. I'll look forward to any and all up-dates.
Sally

Chief Agrihan

Hafa Adai Sally, I am from Guam. My home is now is Lindenhurst, IL. I visted Guam last summer with my family and had a wonderful time. I bought this great book called " Ancient Chamorro Society". The book is written by Lawrence J. Cunningham. I'm sure you'll find this book fasinating. It will contain all the answers you need. I got it at a store called "Island Books". The store is located in Micronesia Mall. You could also find information on the Guam website. It's Guam.net. There's a lot on history. Also check out the website for the university of Guam. There is also another book by Dr. Katherine Aguon. I'm not sure of the name. I think it might be called "The history of Guam. If you would like to hear some Guam Music or buy some art work check out the web site www.peska.net. I hope my information is helpful and I wish you luck on your research. Adios!

I'm not too sure where you are getting the names of these chiefs. Only three of the five names you sent agree with all previous information I have gathered. Maybe you know something that I don't, in which case I'd love to hear an explaination. I've read that AGRIHAN is a very samll volcanic island in the Northern Marianas. ALUPANG is the name of a resort area/hotel in the Agana/Tamuning area. I have found no reference to these places as having been named for any person. If you can correct me in this respect, please do so. The name I'm really interested in is CHOCO,

Marilyn, I appreciate your message. When I threw out the question about the original chieftains, I was just curious to see who might read it and reply. I am not a native of Guam, but my husband is, we were married there and lived there for a short time. We have visited all those places, including doing some research in MARC. Also in the past few years I have been visiting all the web sites that pertain to Guam, and have accomplished nothing more that to print out articles pertaining to the history of the island under Spanish rule, as well as stories of some of the better knows chiefs. While tracing the Leon Guerrero genealogy, I've been fascinated with one of the names in my husbands lineage - that of CHACO, who is supposedly of Chinese descent. There was a Chinese maverick in those early years named CHOCO. We have always wondered if the Chaco was derived from Choco. My reason for entering GUAM as a country message board was to try to find someone who might know of any connection. Both the Chaco and Leon Guerrero names are in Agat, which is my husband's birthplace. So thanks again for your message.
Sally

I'm familar with the names you've mentioned, I know for sure there are alot of Chaco and Leon Guerrero family. In the old days, when families had the same last name, another name was given. The name given is determined by what your family in known for, where you live or where you came from. Here's my example: My moms last name is "Santos". Her family is from Agana. But, because there are so many Santos, The given name is Bee-big. I'm not even sure of the spelling, But that's how it's pronounce. "Bee-big" is the sound of a whistle. Her parents home was close by to this place that makes the whistle sound. It's kind of funny because Bee-big does'nt sound anything like a whistle. I won't complain because some names are pretty humorous and alot worst then the ones my family inherited. I think "Chaco" might be the nickname of your chinese grandfather and because he was of chinese decent, it might of been a way to determine which "Leon Guerrero" family he came from . I'm not sure really, just an idea. I will check it out for you and let you know what I find out.

I have quite a bit of information on the name Chaco-Choco.

There were 12 long voyaging canoes that left Malayia headed north east. landing on the largest islands in Micronesia. If you know what the meaning is for the names of each island in the Marianas they are either Chieftans names or a deciption at first glance.

The people of Guaha or Guam were originally called Guahan. In an attempt to name their land the people told the European newcomes the island's people is Guahan. Chamorro is a male from the Mariana Islands. A chamorrita is a single female from the Mariana Islands. Prior to the Spainish Queen Mariana of Austria giving her name to name the Mariana Islands-The islands were called Chamorro Islands. Before that, the islands identified theirselves individually ie Tinia, Paga, Guaha, Sayipa, Aguiga etc...
Rightfully, Chamorro is a surname from Nicaraga. It also means large calves in Mexican. Therefore, as a people, we should be Chamorran or Chamorrian. Not Chamorro