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Francisco Javier Zaldúa
ZalduaRancines,1850.jpg
Altered photograph of Francisco Javier Zaldúa by John A. Bennet ca. 1850.
14th President of the United States of Colombia
In office
April 1, 1882 – December 21, 1882
Preceded by Rafael Núñez
Succeeded by Clímaco Calderón
Secretary of Foreign Affairs
In office
April 3, 1878 – September 1878
President Julián Trujillo Largacha
Preceded by Eustorgio Salgar
President of the Rionegro Convention
In office
February 4, 1863 – May 8, 1863
Vice President Eustorgio Salgar
Preceded by Office created*
Succeeded by Office abolished
Constituency Cundinamarca
Secretary of Government
In office
April 1, 1849 – April 22, 1850
President José Hilario López
Personal details
Born
Francisco Javier Martínez de Zaldúa y Racines

(1811-12-03)December 3, 1811
Bogotá, Cundinamarca, United States of Colombia
Died December 21, 1882(1882-12-21) (aged 71)
Bogotá, Cundinamarca, United States of Colombia
Cause of death Myocardial infarction
Political party Liberal
Spouse Dolores Orbegozo y Mantilla
Alma mater Colegio de San Bartolomé
Occupation Judge, Prosecutor, Professor
Profession Lawyer

Francisco Javier Zaldúa was a very important Colombian lawyer and politician. He became the President of Colombia in 1882. He is remembered as the first Colombian president to pass away while still in office.

About Francisco Javier Zaldúa

Francisco Javier Zaldúa was born in Bogotá, which is in Cundinamarca, on December 3, 1811. He passed away in the same city, inside the Government Palace, on December 21, 1882.

His Early Life and Family

Zaldúa's father, Manuel Maria Zaldúa, was a very rich and respected person in Nueva Granada society. He gave a lot of his money to help Colombia become independent. He especially supported General Antonio Nariño.

A sad event happened when Zaldúa was young. The Spanish General Pablo Morillo entered Bogotá triumphantly. Zaldúa's family was watching the parade. His father was so upset by this that he had a heart attack and died right there.

Zaldúa studied law and theology at the "Colegio Mayor de San Bartolomé". He earned degrees in both Law and Divinity.

His Career as a Professional

From 1837 to 1866, Zaldúa worked as a professor. He taught Civil Law and Canonical Law. Later, he joined the judicial system, which is like the court system. He rose through the ranks and became a Justice of the Supreme Court.

While he was President of the Supreme Court, Zaldúa briefly became the acting President of the United States of Colombia for six days. This happened when President Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera temporarily gave up his power. Zaldúa held this role until a new group of ministers was chosen to lead the country.

His Political Journey

Zaldúa started his political career by being elected to the City Council of Bogotá. In 1840, he was elected to the House of Representatives. Later, he became a Senator. He represented his home state of Cundinamarca in both roles.

He also served as the Minister of Government. This was during the time when José Hilario López was president.

A very important role Zaldúa had was being the President of the Rionegro Convention. This was a special meeting where people created the United States of Colombia. Today, this country is known as the Republic of Colombia.

Becoming President

In 1881, it was time to choose a new president after Rafael Núñez. Zaldúa was known for being very wise and respected. José María Rojas Garrido suggested him as a candidate.

The Colombian Liberal Party had been divided for many years. But they all came together to support Zaldúa. He was 71 years old at the time. A former president, Aquileo Parra, visited Zaldúa to ask him to accept the nomination.

Zaldúa accepted, saying, "In the sunset of my life, I have nothing else to offer to the liberal party, but my last days. I hereby accept this nomination as my death sentence." The Conservative Party did not take part in the elections. So, Zaldúa won against another Liberal candidate, Solón Wilches. He officially became president on April 1, 1882.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Francisco Javier Zaldúa para niños

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