José Julián Acosta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
José Julian Acosta
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| Born | February 16, 1825 |
| Died | August 26, 1891 (aged 66) San Juan, Puerto Rico
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| Nationality | Puerto Rican |
| Occupation | journalist |
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He was a student of Rafael Cordero. His great-grandson was Colonel Gilberto José Marxuach, the "Father of the San Juan Civil Defense"
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José Julián Acosta (born February 16, 1825 – died August 26, 1891) was an important figure in Puerto Rico's history. He was a talented journalist and a strong supporter of ending slavery. He worked hard to bring freedom to enslaved people in Puerto Rico.
Contents
Early Life and Education
José Julián Acosta Calbo was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His parents were Francisco de Acosta y Sandoval and Juana Antonia Calbo y Garriga. He started his schooling in San Juan.
Learning from Rafael Cordero
One of his most famous teachers was Rafael Cordero. Cordero was a big inspiration for Acosta. His lessons stayed with Acosta throughout his whole life.
Studies Abroad
Later, a priest named Father Rufo Manuel Fernández helped Acosta. He sent Acosta to Madrid, Spain, to study Physics and Mathematics. After finishing his studies in 1851, Acosta traveled more. He continued learning in cities like Paris, London, and Berlin. In Berlin, he even studied with the famous scientist Alexander von Humboldt.
Returning to Puerto Rico
When Acosta came back to Puerto Rico, he became a professor. He taught subjects like Botany (the study of plants) and Maritime Sciences. He also became the director of the Civil Institute of Secondary Education. Acosta loved sharing knowledge.
Journalism and Liberal Ideas
Acosta was also a founder and editor of a newspaper called El Progreso (which means Progress). He wrote for many other newspapers too. These papers often shared ideas about liberalism, which means supporting freedom and equal rights for people.
Fighting for Freedom
José Julián Acosta is best known for his work to end slavery. He believed that all people should be free.
Abolitionist Efforts
Between 1865 and 1867, Acosta was part of a special group from Puerto Rico. This group included other important people like Segundo Ruiz Belvis and Francisco Mariano Quiñones. They went to Madrid, Spain, for a meeting called the Junta Informativa de Reformas de Ultramar.
At this meeting, Acosta bravely spoke up. He presented strong arguments for ending slavery in Puerto Rico. His efforts were a big step towards freedom.
Recognized for His Work
While in Madrid, Acosta also became a member of the Spanish Royal Academy of History. This was because of his important work editing a book. The book was called Historia geografica, civil y natural de la isla de San Juan Bautista de Puerto Rico. It was written by Fray Iñigo Abbad y Lasierra and described the history and nature of Puerto Rico.
Facing Challenges
When Acosta returned to Puerto Rico, life was not easy for him. Like many other people with liberal views, he faced difficulties from the Spanish governor. After a revolt called the Grito de Lares happened in 1868, Acosta was suspected of being involved.
Even though he had not taken part in the revolt, he was put in prison. He was held in the dungeons of Fort San Felipe del Morro. Later, Acosta wrote a small book called Horas de Prisión ("Hours of Imprisonment"). In it, he shared his experiences from being in prison.
Political Life
Acosta also had an active role in politics. He wanted to bring positive changes to Puerto Rico.
Joining Political Parties
He became a member of the Liberal Reformist Party. In 1870, he started his political newspaper, El Progreso. The next year, in 1871, he was elected to represent Puerto Rico in the Spanish Courts.
In 1873, Acosta became the president of the Liberal Reformist Party. However, he decided to leave that party in 1874. He then joined the Autonomist Party, which was started by Román Baldorioty de Castro. This party worked for more self-governance for Puerto Rico.
Lasting Impact
José Julián Acosta's hard work paid off. On March 22, 1873, he saw his dream come true. A decree was announced that officially ended slavery in Puerto Rico. This was a huge victory for him and for all enslaved people.
Acosta passed away on August 26, 1891, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He was buried in the Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery in Old San Juan. His legacy lives on through his fight for justice and freedom. His great-grandson, Colonel Gilberto José Marxuach, later became known as the "Father of the San Juan Civil Defense."
See also
In Spanish: José Julián Acosta para niños
