Antonio José Álvarez de Abreu, 1st Marquis of la Regalía facts for kids
Antonio José Álvarez de Abreu (born July 8, 1688, in Santa Cruz de la Palma, Canary Islands, Spain – died November 28, 1756) was an important Spanish official and lawyer. He was known for his work in finance and for helping the King of Spain manage money. King Philip V of Spain even gave him the special title of Marquis de la Regalía in 1738.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Education
Antonio José was born in the Canary Islands, Spain. His parents were Domingo Álvarez Hernández and María Yáñez Abreu. He studied Latin and Philosophy at a convent in Tenerife. Later, he went to the University of Salamanca. He earned a "Bachiller" degree in 1707 and a "Licenciado" degree in law in 1711. These degrees showed he was well-educated and ready for a career in law.
Work in the Americas
In 1714, Antonio José was sent to Caracas, Venezuela. His job was to be a "Surveyor and Controller of Royal Rents and Taxes." This meant he helped manage the King's money and taxes in the area. In 1715, he also started teaching law in Caracas. This was the first time law was taught at a university in that city.
In April 1716, he married Teresa Cecilia de Bertodano Knepper in Caracas. They had four children while living there. He was involved in some important government changes in Caracas. He even served as a temporary Governor for a short time in 1721. After this, he traveled to Cuba and Mexico before returning to Spain in late 1723.
Return to Spain and Royal Service
Back in Spain, Antonio José continued his important work in the government. He worked for the "Exchequer," which was like the country's treasury department. He handled many different areas, including:
- The Casa de Contratación in Cadiz, which managed trade.
- Royal monopolies on things like salt, mines, and tobacco.
- Trade with other countries, including the important China-Mexico trade route from the Philippine Islands.
- Issues related to foreign residents and merchants.
He argued that money from vacant church positions in the Spanish Empire should go to the King. This idea was called "regalism." Because of his efforts, the Crown gained a lot of money. King Philip V was very thankful for this. On July 8, 1738, the King gave him the title of Marquis de la Regalía. This special title recognized his great service to the crown.
Antonio José informed the local council in the Canary Islands about his new noble title. However, he never received an official reply or congratulations from them.
Family
Antonio José had a son named Felix José de Abreu Bertodano. Felix was born in Caracas in 1721. He also became a successful merchant and writer, focusing on economic topics.
See also
In Spanish: Antonio José Álvarez de Abreu para niños
