Tarahumara: Pillars of the World

I am sure from interviews from my family members starting with the Martinez core group here in Los Angeles with Refugia 'Cuca' Sanchez Torrez being my Grandmother and interviews other relations along with historical Mission Baptismal documents that from my core family group we were Tarahumara at some point (along with Yaqui and Apache). The Tarahumara/Raramuri are probably some of the strongest people genetically which is more proof positive! The Raramuri as they like to be called are one of the last indigenous groups on the Americas to be on their 'homeland' and I would like to see that continue. I have watched this charitable group, have donated and will continue to do so. They give them foods during the 'drought' that they like beans, corn etc not soda, candy and processed foods. I would go there myself and I have contacted this group but because of the 'climate' now they have even taken a break (drug cartels). Their main drive at the moment is water wells.
http://www.giveaminute.org/

Ricardo Sanchez Interview - Ricardo Sanchez's MySpace Blog |

Ricardo Sanchez Interview - Ricardo Sanchez's MySpace Blog |

Ancestry Show on NBC Fridays 8P

I was glad to see that there is a show about searching for you ancestry. Although we have gone far in our Journey (early 1800's) there is still a lot to find. It can get emotionally draining as the testimonies in these clips show. It is necessary to take breaks...then there is just the living of our daily lives. But I tell you, looking at your/our past makes me stronger in learning what some of our ancestors went through to get to where we are today.
http://www.nbc.com/who-do-you-think-you-are/

Tarahumara/Raramuri "Pilars of the World"

Ma Reyes Estrada Sanches Baptismal Documents

Today I found the original document of Ma Reyes Estrada Sanches Baptism on the Micro Film with the help of the nice people at the LDS family search record center...they are in Spanish so if any of you can tell me what else they say that would be nice. The synopsis of the information is also included.(tap on picture to enlarge)In research guidlines for Mexico found on familysearch.org it states that oftentime the witnesses are RELATED, so I am wondering if the Pablo Tomeca and Avialia Moreno are known of by anyone? I have the film of Je Juan Sanches Baptismal documents waiting for viewing so next week I should have those documents!

Baptismal City, Church & Draft Record of Reyes Torres

Name: José De Los Reyes Torres
Gender: Male
Christening date: 03 Feb 1881
Christening place: Del Refugio, Matamoros, Coachuila, Mexico
Residence: Matamoros, Coahuila, Mexico
Birthdate:
Birthplace:
Death date:
Name note:
Race or color (expanded):
Father's name: Francisco Torres
Father's birthplace:
Age of father:
Mother's name: Victoria Sanches
Mother's birthplace:
Mother's age:
Paternal grandfather's name:
Paternal grandmother's name:
Maternal grandfather's name:
Maternal grandmother's name:
Batch number: I07045-3
Date range:
Record group: Mexico-EASy
Film number: 605528
Collection: Mexico Baptisms 1700-1900

Mapimi, Durango

Here is a few historic and current photos of Mapimi Durango and the Santiago Temple where many of the Anastacia Estrada and Remigio Sanches children were baptized. This footage goes inside of the Church which is almost like walking in their footsteps...the picture of the Temple in the beginning of this clip is around the actual time our family members were there, mid-late 1800's. Next I am going go where my Great GrandFather Reyes was baptized...

Victoria, Reyes, Refugio, Apolonio, Juan, Pedro and Luz Estrada Sanches Grandparents!

When I first started doing family history research I was greatful for each relative I found and when I came to road blocks I just reminded myself that I NEVER thought I would get this far! My motivation was that my Grandmother, Refugia Torrez Martinez would talk of her family and I had a feeling it was very important to her. I did not remember much but my Mother would tell me how she spoke of them and the details. Well I just found some more records and the baptismal record for 'Maria' Reyes Sanches whos parents were Anastacia Estrada and Remigio Sanches. She was born Jan 19, 1864 Christened Jan 23, 1864 at the Santiago Apostol Temple in Mapimi, Durango MX. This is very exciting for now we might find other family records perhaps even descendants of Luz and others that never left Mexico. We also have more NAMES...her Paternal GF was Marcos Sanches, GM Jacinta Franco, her MaternalGF Feliciano Estrada MGM Ciriaca Mata. For the actual records I will have to get them from MX. The picture is of the baroque style facade temple which was built in the XVII Santiago Apostol Temple where Maria Reyes was baptized ,in Mapimi, Durango MX which still exists today.PS for the actual records I found that I have a Mormon Records Office about one mile from my house...they said they have the film there and I did find more records, I found that Je. Juan Sanches was Christened at the same 'Temple' in Mapimi Durango June 13, 1869, that conflicts with another record I have for him, it would make him Christened before he was born? Also there is a 'S' at the end of Sanchez...same with the Torrez(s)Above is a photo of my GGF and GGM Reyes Torrez and Francisca Rodriguez with my Grandmother Refugia, GreatAunt Maria and GreatUncle Domingo posing for Franciscas Death Picture. The bed looks the same as the bed in the film clip from the Museum/Church Mission and also the trunk in back of them is the same as the trunk in the film clip below. It could have been a hospital. I shall research. She died young possibly of an epidemic. No records found as of yet but I think this may be a 'clue'.

Can anyone identify any of these men?

Much discussion has been over who's who and there has been some agreement but the more input the better...anymore ideas?

Reyes Sanchez Torrez Nov 23 1883-Dec 25 1950

My GreatGrandfather Reyes Torrez, son to Victoria Estrada Sanchez (pic below) and Francisco Torrez. My Grandmother Refugia was very fond of her father. To the right is a picture of him and his brother Jose, Uncle Juan Sanchez and brother-in-law Meneses. Dates above are from Reyes Death Certificate.

Juan Sanchez Matachine Danza de Indio Durango?

It is a lot harder to do the steps than it looks...

My Grandma Refugia 'Cuca' Torrez Martinez

Here is a picture of my Grandmother Refugia 'Cuca' Torrez Martinez ,

Granddaughter to Victoria Estrada Sanchez, Daughter to Reyes Sanchez Torrez and Francisca Rodriguez , wife to Jesus Martinez.

I am uncertain of when it was taken, but my guess is 1927 since Joe looks about 3mos old. the photo to the far right is one of her and her children Francis, Joe on her lap and Louise to the right.

Pictures from Karen Rivera Caldera collection

Jesus Martinez (my grandfather) Domingo Torrez

The Photo on the left is Domingo Torrez DOB 12 May, 1907 , Domingo was second born son to Reyes Torrez and Francisca Rodriguez-Torrez
from Karen Rivera Calderas collection

Maria Torrez Rivera 12 May,1905- 26 Aug, 1998

Maria Torrez Rivera with Husband Carmel and Daughter Karen, Maria was second born daughter to Reyes Torrez and Francisca Rodriguez

Bictoria Estrada Sanchez Torrez, Reyes Sanchez Torres, Juan Sanchez

I would like to share some pictures of family members that I recently acquired from other family members. I set up this site for invitation only and it is not listed to the public. This way everyone can see pics and if they like they can copy them for their personal records. I do not want to leave anyone out and will add e-mail addresses as I get them and I believe other Contributors can add addresses and photos as well. I will also add some historical information related to time and place, ie: El Paso, Texas and or Mexico circa late 1800's early 1900's which I think relates to our family. PLEASE feel free to post your pictures, stories and events.