José Manuel Restrepo Vélez

1. José was an investigator of Colombian flora, political figure and historian.

1.1. Restrepo was profoundly interested in geography and fauna of Antioquia.

1.2. In 1806, Jose went with Francisco José de Caldas on several scientific trips.

2. Since his retirement from public life, Restrepo has dedicated himself to developing studies to improve the country, such as the adaptation of merino sheep and different types of wheat.

2.1. He writes several agricultural essays, reconciling this work with the performance of some positions such as director of National Credit, Public Instruction, etc.

3. José Manuel Restrepo, along with José Félix del Corral and José Félix de Restrepo are named representatives representing the province of Antioquia.

3.1. Jose is named by Simón Bolívar civil governor of the province of Antioquia.

3.1.1. Jose was named Minister of the Interior, a career he held during various governments.

3.2. In 1820 he was named deputy to the Cúcuta Congress where he actively participated in the drafting of a new constitution.

3.2.1. He continued to hold high responsibility positions: as director of the Casa de la Moneda and president of the Council of State, resigning from the Ministry of the Interior in 1829.

3.3. He is elected president of this congress and in this capacity signs the law on the freedom of slaves who himself had drafted.

3.3.1. In 1832 he was named director general of Public Instruction and a founding member of the National Academy.

4. Was born on December 30th 1781, and died April 1st 1863.

4.1. Restrepo was born in the town of Envigado, Antioquia in the Colombian Mid-west.

4.2. He was born into a family of modest landowners.

5. Restrepo's achievements.

5.1. The orchid genus Restrepia was named in his honor.

5.2. From 1811 to 1814 he became a Deputy Representative of Antioquia during the Congress of the United Provinces of New Granada. After the Independence from Spain was achieved by Simon Bolivar, Restrepo became governor of Antioquia in 1819 during the Greater Colombia.

5.3. He later worked as Secretary for Juan del Corral and Governor Dionisio Tejada during their dictatorial government over Antioquia.

5.4. He graduated as a lawyer from the Colegio de San Bartolomé in the city of Santa Fe de Bogotá.