Benito Juarez

In 1843, at the age of 37, he married Margarita Maza, who was seventeen years old at the time of their wedding.

He died on 18 July, 1872 at the age of 66, after he suffered from a heart attack, while reading the newspaper at the National Palace in Mexico City.

The Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juarez also known as Mexico City Juarez is named in his honour.

Benito Juarez was born in San Pablo Guelatao, Oaxaca to Marcelino Juarez and Br�gida Garc�a, both of whom were peasants. He was orphaned at the age of three as his parents died due to complications of diabetes.

He was raised by his uncle, after the death of his grandparents. In order to support himself, he worked as a shepherd and in the corn fields until the age of twelve.

In order to go to school, he walked to the city of Oaxaca de Juarez, where he also worked as the domestic servant to Antonio Maza. He was later given a job in the city seminary, Santa Cruz on the recommendation of lay Franciscan, Antonio Salanueva.

In 1827, he graduated from the Santa Cruz seminary. Here he had learnt Spanish and law. He later attended the Institute of Science and Art, from where he obtained a degree in law.

Before he graduated, he kept himself involved in local politics and eventually became the councilman in Oaxaca town council. He was very passionate about protecting the rights of natives.

In 1834, he received his law degree and became immensely active in the political sphere in both the city and the state level. By this time, he was much appreciated for defending the rights of natives.

In 1841, he was appointed by the state government as federal court judge and continued to work towards the improvement of impoverished Indian communities.

In 1847, he was appointed as the governor of the state of Oaxaca, after the Liberal party came to power. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in infrastructure development and improved the economy.

He remained in the position of the governor of the state of Oaxaca until 1852, after which he faced many objections during the dictatorship of Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.

In 1853, due to dictatorship of Antonio Lppez de Santa Anna, he went on exile to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he earned his living by working in a cigar factory.

He was appointed as a companion of the 3rd Class of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States.