Emilio Bacardi facts for kids
Emilio Bacardi Moreau (1844–1922) was an important Cuban businessman, politician, and writer. He managed the Bacardi Rum Company. He also became the first mayor of Santiago who was chosen by the people.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Family
Emilio was the son of Don Facundo Bacardi Massó and Lucía ‘Amalia’ Victoria Moreau. His mother came from a wealthy Franco-Haitian family. His father, Facundo, started the Bacardi rum company in 1862. This company grew into the big international business we know today, Bacardi Limited.
When Emilio was young, his family faced some tough times in Cuba. In 1852, a big earthquake hit Santiago. The family briefly went back to Don Facundo's home country, Spain. Emilio stayed in Spain with a family friend. There, he learned about literature and politics. He grew to love art and new political ideas. These ideas included ending slavery and supporting democracy.
Business and Secret Activism
When Emilio returned to Cuba, he was more interested in politics and writing than business. But as the oldest son, he took on a big role in the growing Bacardi company at age 17.
Through the 1870s, 1880s, and 1890s, Emilio became both a successful businessman and a secret political activist. The rum business grew a lot under his leadership. In 1877, his father, Don Facundo, retired and made Emilio the company president.
At the same time, Emilio became deeply involved in Cuba's fight for independence from the Spanish Empire. He was arrested and put in jail many times. People suspected he was helping the rebels. These suspicions were true! While he worked hard at the family business, Emilio also secretly helped the rebel army. He created a way for them to communicate and supplied them with resources for their fight.
Family Life
Emilio's personal life also grew. In 1876, he married Maria Lay Berlucheau, who was French Cuban from Santiago. They had several children together. These included Emilio (Emilito), Daniel, Jose, Facundo, Maria, and Carmen.
Maria Lay passed away in 1885. This was a very sad time for Emilio. The next year, his father, Don Facundo Bacardí Massó, also died. Emilio slowly recovered from his sadness. He found companionship with Elvira Cape, whom he married in 1887. They lived together for the rest of his life. They had four children: Marina, Lucia (Mimin), Adelaida (Lalita), and Amalia. This made the Bacardi family even bigger.
Political Leadership
The Spanish–American War changed everything for Cuba and Emilio. The American army took control of the island. General Leonard Wood, the American military governor of Santiago, chose Emilio Bacardi to be the mayor of Santiago.
As mayor, Emilio worked closely with the American military. He and General Wood became friends, even with their complicated political roles. People saw Emilio as a skilled and effective leader. He improved public services and ran a good government. He did this first under the military and later under the new Cuban republic.
Emilio was known for being honest and serving the public. This made him stand out from other leaders after Cuba became independent. In 1906, he ran for and won a seat in the national senate.
Later Years and Legacy
Into the 1900s, Emilio and the next generation of the Bacardí family helped the Bacardí rum company grow and succeed. This allowed Emilio to spend more time on his own projects and travel the world.
In 1912, Emilio and his wife Elvira took a long trip. They visited Paris, Jerusalem, and Egypt. They brought back old artifacts, art, and even Cuba’s first real Cuban mummy. These items were displayed in the Emilio Bacardí Moreau Municipal Museum in Santiago de Cuba.
By age 75, Emilio had mostly retired from business. He spent much of his time reading and writing novels. One famous series he wrote was called Cronicas de Santiago de Cuba. He also wrote letters to his family from his home, Villa Elvira.
Emilio Bacardí Moreau died on August 28, 1922, at age 78. The city of Santiago stopped all public events for two days to honor him. Emilio was known as “Cuba’s foremost son.”
