Juan de Balmaseda y Censano Beltrán facts for kids

Juan de Balmaseda y Censano Beltrán (born April 16, 1702, in Galilea, La Rioja, Spain – died May 30, 1778) was an important Spanish official who served as the temporary Royal Governor of Chile.

Juan was the son of Pedro de Balmaceda and Angela Zenzano. He became a skilled lawyer in Spain. In 1739, he was appointed an oidor in Chile. An oidor was like a judge in a high court called the Royal Audiencia. He officially became a permanent oidor on November 28, 1742.

As time went on, Juan de Balmaseda was given more important jobs. José Antonio Manso de Velasco, who was a high-ranking official, made him a judge for inheritances. Later, on July 17, 1745, Francisco José de Ovando, Marquis of Ovando appointed him as a special judge to protect people in the Partido de Aconcagua region. Finally, on July 3, 1766, the Viceroy of Peru, Manuel de Amat y Juniet, made him a minister for the Royal Tobacco Board.

Becoming Governor of Chile

Because he was the most senior judge (dean) of the Royal Audiencia in Chile, Juan de Balmaseda became the temporary governor of the Kingdom of Chile. This happened after the previous governor, Antonio de Guill y Gonzaga, passed away on August 24, 1768.

During his time as temporary governor, he personally led efforts against the ongoing Mapuche Uprising of 1766. This conflict was happening on the frontier of Chile. He served in this role until March 3, 1770. On that date, the new official Royal Governor, Don Francisco Javier de Morales, arrived and took over the position.

Juan de Balmaseda retired from his duties in January 1773. He passed away a few years later, on May 30, 1778.

Additional information

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See also

• In Spanish: Juan de Balmaseda (político) para niños