Pacífico Chiriboga facts for kids
Pacífico Chiriboga y Borja (born 1810, died 1886) was an important politician in the early days of the Republic of Ecuador. He held many key roles, like senator, minister, vice president, and even acting president, helping to shape the new country.
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Growing Up in Riobamba
Pacífico Chiriboga was born in 1810 on his family's land in Riobamba. This area is now part of Chimborazo Province. His father, Don Martin Chiriboga y Leon, was the last corregidor of Riobamba. A corregidor was like a local governor during Spanish rule.
After Spanish forces were defeated, Pacífico's father was sent away. Sadly, he died on the ship before reaching Jamaica. Even though his father was loyal to the Spanish king, this didn't stop young Pacífico from succeeding in the new Republic. His family's land, which had been taken during the revolution, was given back.
Pacífico Chiriboga quickly became involved in public life. He helped publish El Quiteño Libre, an important newspaper during Ecuador's early years. There, he worked with smart people like Don Pedro Moncayo and Manuel de Ascásubi. His family's wealth and his influential friends helped him have a very active public career.
His Time in Politics
When President Juan José Flores left office in 1835, Pacífico was chosen for the Quito city council. Later, in the 1840s, he became Governor of Manabi and Pichincha.
On August 30, 1852, he was elected Vice President alongside President José María Urvina. He took charge of the country as acting president for about 100 days between 1852 and 1854. Pacífico was also vice president again from 1858 to 1860.
Working with Other Leaders
He was part of a group of three leaders, called a triumvirate, with Gabriel García Moreno and Jerónimo Carrión. Both of these men later became presidents. He was also part of a second triumvirate.
Pacífico served in many other roles too. He was a Senator, a Diputado (which means a Congressman), a Minister of State, and the Mayor of Quito.
Supporting the Country
Like many politicians of his time, Pacífico also managed his family's land. He often used his own money to help his political friends. For example, he once sent 4,000 cattle to feed the troops of Dr. Garcia Moreno during conflicts between different political groups. He also bought many properties in Quito, which he likely used for political meetings.
Family Life
Don Pacífico married and had ten children. He passed away in 1886 in his main house in Quito. He had lived through and helped shape the birth of the new Republic of Ecuador.
