Who’s Who on the Stamps of Costa Rica: Eusebio Figueroa Oreamuno Issue (1903)

Born on May 18, 1827 in the city of Cartago, Costa Rica, Eusebio Figueroa Oreamuno lost his parents during his youth. He was left without funds and went to the city of Grenada, Nicaragua where he completed his education under the protection of Padre Vigil. In 1851 he was graduated as Doctor in Law and later held important posts in the Nicaraguan government.

Despite his youth and lack of experience he displayed unusual wisdom and integrity. Figueroa Oreamuno returned to Costa Rica in 1862 and until his death was closely connected with national politics. In 1863 he fulfilled a delicate mission in El Salvador for the settlement of difficulties between El Salvador and Guatemala. Thereafter Figueroa returned to Costa Rica and for a time acted as a member of the faculty of the National University. Later he became its Dean and thereafter accepted an appointment as a Magistrate of the Supreme Court.

His election as a representative in Congress followed and subsequently he was appointed Secretary of Government, War, Development and Justice in the administration of Jesús Jiménez. Figueroa succeeded in improving several phases of the national education system. He succeeded in reforming the military system and was instrumental in eliminating the influence, which the military had previously exercised. After having represented Costa Rica at the Court in England, he was, during 1876, elected President of the Second Tribunal. Shortly thereafter he became President of the Supreme Court, and served in that capacity for two years.

In 1883 President Próspero Fernández appointed him Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Education, Culture and Welfare. In that office he succeeded in establishing the autonomy of the National University and undertook certain reforms in the educational system. Unfortunately, however, he was unable to carry out his plans for, on the morning of August, 1883, Figueroa Oreamuno was killed in a duel.