Tomás Burgos facts for kids

Tomás Burgos Sotomayor was a kind person who helped his community.

Tomás Burgos Sotomayor (born September 18, 1875, in Osorno – died August 19, 1945, in Valdivia) was a Chilean philanthropist. This means he was a generous person who helped others, especially by giving money or time to good causes. He was a big supporter of the "mutualist movement," which helped workers. He also founded "Villa Lo Burgos," which later became the city of Purranque.

Tomás Burgos: A Community Builder

Tomás Burgos Sotomayor came from an old family that helped settle Osorno in the 1700s. He was the son of Bartolo Burgos and Vicenta Sotomayor. He went to the German school in Osorno. Tomás started working at a law office when he was very young. He also enjoyed being part of social and music groups.

Helping Workers: The Mutualist Movement

In 1891, Tomás joined the "mutualist movement" in Chile. This movement was about workers helping each other. He became one of the founders of the "Sociedad Unión de Artesanos de Osorno." This group was like a union for workers. It helped its members by providing benefits, like support if they got sick or needed help. Tomás was the president of this society many times. He believed in helping people work together for a better life.

Founding Purranque

On April 18, 1911, Tomás Burgos started a new town called Villa Lo Burgos de Purranquil. He chose a piece of land right next to the railroad line. This line connected the cities of Osorno and Puerto Montt.

It was not easy to build a new town. Tomás faced many challenges. But he worked hard to plan the city and build it. He also helped the first families move there. He organized the first important groups and services for the new community. Over time, this small village grew into the city we know today as Purranque.

Family and Legacy

Tomás Burgos married Sofía Rosas Durán. Her father was Felix Rosas Manrique de Lara. Tomás and Sofía had four sons: Victor, Pedro, Francisco, and Pablo. Tomás Burgos Sotomayor passed away in Valdivia in 1945. He was 70 years old. His work in helping workers and founding a city left a lasting mark on Chile.