Continuing the Legacy

The Morrows have been a part of the New Mexico landscape since Papa Morrow stepped off the train at Folsom, in the New Mexico territory, in 1888.

John Morrow was a school teacher, the superintendent of Raton schools, a New Mexico Territorial Legislator, a U.S. Congressman, a lawyer, and he held land and cattle interests.

His grandson, John L. Morrow, or Johnny Morrow as he was known, was a cowboy and rancher, a New Mexico State Senator and father of five.  He was also my grandfather.

To me, Johnny was my little Papa, and my hero. He taught me a lot about the cattle business, the state legislative process, and especially that it’s only a good deal if everyone walks away happy.   

To most people in this part of the state, Johnny was their state senator for twenty years and quite a character in the community. A woman working behind the counter of a local store once asked my wife if she was any relation to Johnny Morrow.  She told my wife she enjoyed visiting with Johnny at the sale barn and she could always count on him bumming a cigarette.  Johnny was the only smoker I knew who never had a cigarette.

In 2004, I worked with the New Mexico State Legislature to name U.S. 64/87 the John L. Morrow Memorial Highway to honor his contributions to the State of New Mexico.

Johnny has been gone since 2001.  But, his legacy and the greater Morrow legacy live on in the ranch work and public service this family continues today.

Cody C. Morrow