Luis Merlo de la Fuente facts for kids
Luis Merlo de la Fuente Ruiz de Beteta was an important Spanish official who worked in the colonies. He was briefly the Royal Governor of Chile from 1610 to 1611.
Life and Early Career
Luis Merlo de la Fuente was born in Valdepeñas, Spain. His parents were Luis Merlo de la Fuente and Maria Ruiz de Betena.
In 1588, he traveled to America. He first went to Panama to work as an oidor. An oidor was like a judge in the Spanish colonies.
Later, he moved to Lima, Peru. The viceroy (a high-ranking official who ruled a colony for the king) at that time, García Hurtado de Mendoza, 5th Marquis of Cañete, sent him to Santiago, Chile. His job was to investigate the governor, Alonso de Sotomayor, for possible bad behavior.
Working for the King
After his time in Chile, Luis Merlo de la Fuente traveled to different colonial cities as a special messenger.
When King Philip III decided to bring back the Real Audiencia in Chile, Luis Merlo de la Fuente was chosen to be one of its judges. The Audiencia was a special court and governing body.
The members of the Audiencia arrived in Santiago on April 24, 1609. They officially started their work on September 9 of the same year.
Becoming Governor
The governor of Chile, Alonso García de Ramón, became very ill. Because of this, Luis Merlo de la Fuente was chosen to take his place.
He became the governor on September 2, 1610. His time as governor was short, lasting only until January 15, 1611.
During his time as governor, he faced a challenge from the Mapuche people. They tried to cause trouble after the previous governor had died.
Later Years
In 1612, Luis Merlo de la Fuente returned to Lima, Peru. He continued to serve the Spanish Crown for several more years.
In 1620, he officially retired from his work for the king.
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| Preceded by Alonso García de Ramón |
Royal Governor of Chile 1610–1611 |
Succeeded by Juan Jaraquemada |
See also
In Spanish: Luis Merlo de la Fuente para niños
