José María Torres


José María Torres was an officer of the Argentine Army of Uruguayan origin. He had an active participation during the War for the Independence, serving like Capitan in the army of José de San Martín.

Biography

José María was born in Montevideo, son of Cayetano Torres, born in Spain, and Manuela Mascareñas y Bustamante, belonging to a patrician family from Buenos Aires. He began his military career at the age of 13 participating in the defense of the City against the British, being prisoner on February 3, 1807 during the Battle of Montevideo. During the events of May 1810, Torres who at that time served as lieutenant, had adhered to the patriot cause, moving to render his services in Buenos Aires.
José María Torres accompanied General San Martín during the Crossing of the Andes, and take part in almost all the actions produced during the war of Independence. Later with the Degree of Major he had participated in the War of Brazil, being promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the Argentine army in January 1828. He was also involved in civil wars, serving under the orders of the General, Juan Ramón Balcarce, he fought in Córdoba against the forces of José María Paz.
He was retired from the army with the rank of Colonel, being recognized by the Uruguayan State for his services to the South American emancipation.
José María Torres was married to María del Carmen Alfaro Maciel, born in Córdoba, Argentina, daughter of Manuel Alfaro, born in Seville, and María Dolores Maciel Fernández Valdivieso. His wife belonged to a distinguished family from Santa Fe and Montevideo, among whose ancestors were General Baltasar Maciel de la Cueva and Manuel Cabral de Alpoim, a noble of Portuguese origin of outstanding performance in Buenos Aires and Corrientes.