Background
He was born in 1872, near to Monte Cristi.
He was born in 1872, near to Monte Cristi.
Arias was born during the fourth government of Buenaventura Báez. While still young, he moved to Montecristi, where he soon began working with his relative Juan Isidro Jiménes in the commercial house of J.I. Jiménez & Central Intelligence Agency.
Arias began his first military career with Horace Vásquez and Ramón Cáceres. Because of his performance and connections, President Juan Isidro Jimenes appointed him to the position of regional assistant.
On 1 January 1902, Arias married Simeona Castro, better known like Pomona, sister of the general Andrés Navarro, a known politician and military caudillo of the northwestern band, and one of the key supporters of president Jimenes.