The Ranching Heritage

Martin Torres was born on January 30, 1929, to Onesimo Valentin and Ana Torres and raised on a ranch in Arroyo Seco, New Mexico. Martin was encouraged by his wife, Elma Tafoya Torres, to write this book about his father, Onesimo. Martin started herding sheep at the age of eleven in Tres Piedras and Tierra Amarilla. Aside from his entrepreneurship, Martin continued ranching—sheep, cattle, and now elk. Today, he is retired in Taos, New Mexico. This book is a collection of personal stories, illustrations, and images of Martin Torres, highlighting the life of Onesimo and Ana then transitioning to his own life with Elma and their children. He recounts the days of ranching with his father, when life was arduous yet simple, and how Onesimo’s gutsy business moves amounted in assets to make him one of the wealthiest men in northern New Mexico. Martin also shares short stories about cultural traditions and outstanding women, who also blazed many trails in their fields.