Francisco Javier Zaldua

Francisco Javier Zaldua (1811 - 1882), Colombian political figure; president of Colombia in 1882.

*1811 - Born on the 3rd of December in Santa Fe, Bogota.

*1834 – elected as the vicerrector of the School of San Bartolomé.

*1836 – took a doctorate-level academic degree in law

*1837 – Francisco was elected as representative of the Congress in the Province of Bogota.

*1840 – participated in the administration of President José Hilario López and also in the elaboration and approval of the reforms for the absolute liberty of the slaves, the suppression of taxes to the industry of tobacco, the administrative decentralization and in strengthening of the municipal life.

*1853 - Zaldúa presented various projects and government bills for the establishment of civil marriage.

*1863 – sent as a representative in the Convention of Rionegro.

*1878 – designated a Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

*1880 – seated in the Senate for a year.

*1882 – became the President of Columbia but after 8 months, he died on the 21st of December in Bogota. He was the first president of Colombia who died in the exercise of his presidency.