| William A. Keleher (born in 1886, died | | | | said Loretta did not know Ms. Baca! This |
| in 1972) was a well-known figure in | | | | is just one of the innumerable stories |
| Albuquerque, New Mexico. By profession, | | | | involving Keleher and Baca. The |
| he was a lawyer. His law firm (Keleher & | | | | Kelehers' personal archive has Elfego |
| McLeod) was among the best in the | | | | Baca's briefcase and five postcards that |
| business. Even after almost hundred | | | | were signed by him. |
| years of establishment, Keleher & McLeod | | | | One of the most important developments |
| is still driven by the same passion and | | | | in Albuquerque in Keleher's times was |
| dedication that their founders showed | | | | the Hilton Hotel by the great Conrad |
| initially. As a result, the firm is | | | | Nicholson Hilton who believed that the |
| considered as one of the oldest and most | | | | place was destined for great things. The |
| efficient law firms in New Mexico today. | | | | ten-story building was completed in |
| He was a New Mexico Hall of Famer. Not | | | | 1939. Conrad was an American hotelier |
| only that, many important private sector | | | | who founded the Hilton-Hotel chain. |
| positions were held by him. William A. | | | | Coincidentally, he belonged to the same |
| Keleher was also a prominent writer. He | | | | place as Elfego Baca (Sorocco County). |
| had avid interest in history and his | | | | Conrad N. Hilton, too, was known to |
| books reflect how well he has managed to | | | | William Keleher. It is believed they met |
| write from historical perspective. | | | | in one of the countless social events |
| William Keleher was also involved in | | | | that both of them used to attend. |
| copious social functions and events. | | | | William A. Keleher, was a prominent |
| That is why it is not surprising to know | | | | figure in New Mexico. Due to his diverse |
| how he got in touch with so many high | | | | work and philanthropic activities, he |
| profile individuals. | | | | met many people in his life. Among them, |
| William A. Keleher had an intimate | | | | there were legendary people like Elfego |
| relationship with Elfego Baca (born in | | | | Baca, Conrad N. Hilton and some others, |
| 1865, died in 1945), a legendary lawyer, | | | | who played an important role in history. |
| lawman and politician in the closing | | | | Like Keleher, their names are also |
| days of American wild-west. Keleher met | | | | remembered even today with great |
| him during his reporter-days. The | | | | respect. |
| colorful New Mexican figure had | | | | One may wonder how these friendships |
| something very common with Keleher - | | | | became known to the world today. The |
| They were both versatile and | | | | answer is pretty simply actually. The |
| multi-faceted individuals. Baca was born | | | | Kelehers recently donated the entire |
| when the American civil war was about to | | | | William Keleher collection to the |
| be finished. His father was a marshal. | | | | University of New Mexico (UNM). Such |
| Baca, at the tender age of 19, declared | | | | magnanimity is unequivocally |
| himself deputy sheriff in Sorocco County | | | | praiseworthy since many unknown things |
| after he stole some guns and managed a | | | | about William Keleher have been divulged |
| sheriff-badge. He wanted to put an end | | | | to the world lately. Among them was the |
| to the anarchy in his local territory. | | | | tale of friendship that you just learnt |
| He also operated a detective agency and | | | | about. One of the family members said |
| theorized in real estate among other | | | | that the children and the grandchildren |
| activities. William Keleher was his | | | | are less likely to find any interest in |
| attorney and good friend. One day, Baca | | | | them at the moment; however, in the |
| came to Keleher's house and demanded to | | | | future, they will certainly be. The |
| see him. Her wife, Loretta responded by | | | | Keleher family and their connections to |
| saying that he was sick in bed. Elfego | | | | the prominent figures of the society |
| Baca insisted to see him by saying that | | | | would have not been revealed to the |
| it was about his wife (Ms. Baca). | | | | world if these materials were not found |
| Loretta was pretty curious. She said it | | | | in the first place. As historians use |
| is unusual for him to be so intimidated | | | | the documents to develop a greater |
| since Mr. Baca is a bold character, even | | | | understanding, more information |
| killing many men without much trouble. | | | | regarding William A. Keleher's |
| In reply, Baca just shook his head and | | | | influential friends will be divulged. |