Virgilio Davila

Background

Dávila (birth name: ) was born in the town of Toa Baja.

Education

He attended private schools where he received both his primary and secondary education.

Career

Dávila earned his bachelor"s degree from the Civil Institute of Higher Learning in 1895. He taught school in the town of Gurabo. His experiences as a teacher and in agriculture later reflected in his poetry.

In 1903, Dávila published his first book of poems "Patria".

In this book he included poems which he wrote about Jose de Diego, Federico Degetau and Lola Rodríguez de Tió. He also included poems about the island and love in general.

In 1904, Dávila became director of the weekly publication "Chantelier", which he co-founded with Braulio Dueño Colón. In 1905, Dávila ran for Mayor of the Municipality of Bayamon.

Together with Dueño Colon and Manuel Fernandez Juncos, he prepared a book of school songs.

Dávila wrote many poems that were published in many publications and newspapers of the day. Dávila style, considered traditional, was greatly influenced by Victor Hugo. Dávila died in the City of Bayamón on August 22, 1943.

He is buried in that city"s Porta Coeli Cemetery.

A public housing complex, a school, and an avenue in Bayamón bear the name of Dávila in his honor.

Achievements

• He won the election and served as the municipality"s mayor from 1905 to 1910.