In the early 18th century, José Torres y Vergara, an archdeacon of the Mexico City cathedral, consolidated his estates in San Luis Potosí and Querétaro into an obra pía, which reserved a portion of estate proceeds to support pious works. In 1753, the position of administrator of the obra pía was inherited by Francisco de Espinosa y Navarijo (great-nephew of Torres y Vergara). Espinosa was followed as administrator in 1781 by his own nephew, José Sánchez Espinosa, who owned haciendas in the state of Mexico. Sánchez Espinosa's wife was the daughter of the first count of Peñasco; their eldest son, José Mariano Sánchez y Mora, became the third Conde de Peñasco in 1805 upon the death of his uncle, Juan de Mora y Luna, the second count.
Sánchez Espinosa ceded the administration of the obra pía to his son, Sánchez y Mora, ca. 1808 but remained active in the management of family affairs. At his father's death ca. 1826, Sánchez y Mora, who had inherited properties entailed to the Conde de Peñasco, also inherited his father's properties near Mexico City.
From the description of Papers relating to the haciendas of José Mariano Sánchez y Mora, third Conde de Peñasco, 1721-1845 (bulk 1753-1844). (University of Texas Libraries). WorldCat record id: 33383668
