New Mexico in the Mexican American War

Ray John de Aragón received his master's degree in American studies from New Mexico Highlands University on May 10, 1986. He concentrated on the Spanish colonial arts and ethno-history of New Mexico and was inducted into the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi. De Aragón's anthropological studies included the cultural traditions, heritage and the paranormal superstitions of the people. The author has lectured and presented often about his fascinating discoveries concerning New Mexico supernatural phenomena, influences and lore. He found that beliefs in spirits and unexplained paranormal appearances and contacts are prevalent in ancient and recent New Mexico myths and legends. Ray John has investigated and explored various mysteries of the past not only as an amateur archaeologist but also as one seeking answers to age-old questions. He received a literary award from former Albuquerque mayor Harry Kinney on August 27, 1983; a first-place traditional arts award from Mayor Martin Chavez, presented on April 28, 1995; and the Quality Education Award in Arts by the New Mexico Research and Study Council of the University of New Mexico, given in 2007.