Biography of José Jerónimo Zelaya Fiallos
José Jerónimo de Zelaya Fiallos was born in February 1780 and died on April 5, 1869 in the town of Tegucigalpa. He was a military officer and politician with conservative leanings, serving as the head of state of Honduras from October 30 to November 27, 1827.
Biography
His parents were Juan José Zelaya Midence and María de la Rosa Fiallos Peña y Castejón. Among his siblings was Bárbara Zelaya Fiallos (mother of Juan Lindo).
In 1807, he married Joaquina Josefa de Zelaya Vidaúrre in Guatemala, and they had a son named Lorenzo Zelaya Zelaya.
Political Career
He began his political career in 1820 when he was appointed provincial deputy for Gracias (he held the position for one year until 1821). In 1824, he was appointed deputy to the Federal Congress.
Head of State
On September 13, 1827, he was appointed head of state by the Congress convened by Lieutenant Colonel José Justo Milla. His government was provisional due to the political and social difficulties in the nation. His government was only recognized by the Municipality of Santa Bárbara, where he served his brief term.
Meanwhile, in Comayagua, the capital of Honduras, Miguel Eusebio Bustamante served as Vice Head of State.
After the defeat of Justo Milla in November 1827 in the Battle of La Trinidad at the hands of General Francisco Morazán, Morazán claimed the position of Head of State in Tegucigalpa, and José Jerónimo Zelaya Fiallos handed over the absolute title to him through Bustamante.
