Virgilio Davila
|
|
Virgilio Davila (January 28, 1869-August 22, 1943), born in the town of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico was a poet of patriotic themes who was also a educator, politician and buisinessman.
Davila earned his Bachelors degree in the "Civil Institude of Higher Learning in 1895. He taught school in the town of Gurabo.
His experience as a teacher plus his agricultural experiences created in him an immense love for his country which later would be reflected in his poetry.
Davila and his wife had a son on October 7, 1898,Jose Antonio Davila, in the City of Bayamon, who would one day take after his father and become a great poet himself.
Davila was the director of the weekly publication "Chantelier", which he co-founded with Braulio Dueño Colon in 1904.
In 1905, Virgilio Davila participated in the electrol process and ran for Mayor of the Municipality of Bayamon. He won the election and served as the Mayor of Bayamon from 1905 to 1910.
Together with Braulio Dueño Colon and Manuel Fernandez Juncos, Davila prepared a book of school songs.
Davila wrote many poems that were published in many publications and newspapers of the day.
Among his better known poems are: "Patria"(1903), "Viviendo y Amando"(1912), "Aromas del Terruño"(1916) and "No des tu Tierra al Extaño". He was greatly influenced by Victor Hugo and his style is considered traditional.
Davila also wrote a book for his grandchildern in 1928.
Virgilio Davila died in the City of Bayamon on August 22, 1943.
There is a pubic housing complex, school and avenue in the City of Bayamon named after Davila.