Antonio Varas
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| Antonio Varas | |
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| Born | June 13, 1817 Cauquenes, Chile |
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| Died | June 5, 1886 (aged 68) Santiago, Chile |
Antonio Varas de la Barra (June 13, 1817 - June 5, 1886) was a Chilean political figure, statesman and conservative politician. He served several times as minister.
Antonio Varas was born in Cauquenes, the son of Miguel Varas Vallejo and of Agustina de la Barra Alarcón. Because his father was a royalist supporter, after independence all the family properties were confiscated, leaving them in the most complete destitution. Thanks to his brother, José Miguel, he was able to complete his studies at the Instituto Nacional, where he met and befriended Manuel Montt and Ventura Cousiño, both of whom were his teachers. In time he became, first, philosophy teacher, later vice-principal and finally principal of that institute. During his tenure, he substantially improved the quality of education offered at that, the principal school in the country.
He started his political career when elected deputy for Chillán in 1842. He was later elected deputy for Cauquenes in 1846, and for Curicó in 1852. Varas was named Minister of the Interior and Foreign Affairs by President Manuel Bulnes, a position he retained under President Manuel Montt. During that administration, he was also Minister of Justice, Cult and Public Instruction, Minister of the Treasury and Minister of War and Navy. In 1858 was elected deputy for Talca and later for Cauquenes again. In 1864 was elected deputy for Santiago, in 1867 for Elqui and in 1873 for Talca. In 1876 was elected senator for Talca, in 1879 for Coquimbo and reelected for the same in 1882, position he held until his death. He was elected President of the Senate of Chile in 1882. Varas died in Santiago, at the age of 69.
[edit] Additional information
[edit] External links
- Official biographical sketch (Spanish)
| Political offices | ||
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| Preceded by José Joaquín Pérez |
Minister of the Interior and Foreign Affairs 1850-1856 |
Succeeded by Francisco Javier Ovalle |
| Preceded by Jerónimo Urmeneta |
Minister of the Interior and Foreign Affairs 1860-1861 |
Succeeded by Manuel Alcalde |
| Preceded by Belisario Prats |
Minister of the Interior 1879 |
Succeeded by Domingo Santa María |
| Preceded by Alvaro Covarrubias |
President of the Senate of Chile 1882-1888 |
Succeeded by Domingo Santa María |
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