Meza, Santiago

Biographical / Historical Notes

The Campo Indian Reservation is located on 15,000 acres in southeastern San Diego County. In 1893, the first portion of the Campo Indian Reservation's territory was patented. The Campo Constitution was passed by the tribal community on July 13, 1975. In 1974, there were 40 people recorded living in Campo Indian Reservation.

Santiago "Jim" Meza was a Spokesman for the Campo Indian Reservation. He communicated with the United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Field Service of the Mission Indian Agency regarding land conflicts and inheritance, and the request for the election of Spokesmen and Committee Members to represent Campo. Meza also requested welfare assistance for food, clothing, and financial assistance from the Mission Indian Agency, as well as structure repairs and installation of a well to provide a closer source for drinking water.

Francisco "Frank" Cuero, son of a Campo Indian Reservation Chief and brother of Santiago "Jim" Meza, owned a homestead of 160 acres. Upon Cuero's death, conflicts arose over the land and its inheritance. Meza eventually inheritated the land.