Montoya, Néstor, 1862-1923

Néstor Montoya (April 14, 1862 – January 13, 1923) was an American newspaper editor and politician. He notably served as the U.S. Representative from New Mexico's at-large congressional district from 1921 to 1923. As an editor and politician, Néstor Montoya dedicated himself to the inclusion of Hispanics in the political and social life of New Mexico, and to the campaign for New Mexico statehood.

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico Territory, he attended public schools in Albuquerque and graduated in 1881 from St. Michael’s, a college preparatory academy in Santa Fe, after which he worked in a merchandising business for an uncle. Beginning in 1884, Montoya’s bilingualism enabled him to find a variety of federal positions. He worked as a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service for four years and for the U.S. Treasury in Santa Fe. He also worked as an interpreter for the First, Second, and Fourth Judicial Districts. Montoya began newspaper work in 1889 and owned and edited the Spanish paper called La bandera americana.

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