Gumersindo Mendoza came from a very humble family and spoke the native language of Otomi. Characterized by a keen sense of ambition and intelligence, Mendoza traveled to Mexico City and graduated as a pharmacist. There, he expanded his studies and also learned to speak Spanish, English, French, and German. Photography by Cruces y Campa ca. 1865, Mediateca INAH. Source: http://mediateca.inah.gob.mx.