Serapio Reyes Ortiz

Serapio Reyes Ortiz was born in Coroico on 14 November 1822. From 1835 to 1844, he studied at Seminary College where he received a degree in law, finishing his professional studies at the National College. In 1845, he became a professor of literature in Oruro before becoming rector of the National College of La Paz in 1849.

In 1864, he was made prefect of the department of La Paz, later becoming Minister of Government during the administration of José María de Achá. Following the overthrow of de Achá, he went into exile during the rule of Mariano Melgarejo. He returned upon Melgarejo's own overthrow in 1871 becoming the Minister Dean of the Court of Justice of La Paz. From 1872, he remained in Caracloes parcticing law until 1874, the year in which he attended the National Assembly as President of the Council of State. Under the government of Hilarión Daza, he was called to the Ministry of Justice, Instruction and Worship, and was appointed Foreign Minister.[2]

In the general elections of 1888 Reyes was chosen by Aniceto Arce as candidate for the post of second vice president alongside José Manuel del Carpio. In 1891, he was again made Foreign Minister during the presidency of Mariano Baptista, later being appointed Prefect of La Paz by President Severo Fernández in 1896.

He served in this position until 12 December 1898 when the Federal War broke out between the Conservatives and Liberals. Despite his history as a Conservative, he sided with the Liberals. Upon the deposetion of Fernández on 12 April 1899, Reyes became one of the heads of the civil-military triumvirate which two days later proclaimed the city of La Paz to be the definitive capital of Bolivia.[3]

He died on 6 September 1900 in La Paz.