President of the Republic of Panama. Lefevre received his primary education at the Colegio del Istmo in Panama, but earned his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Lehigh, Pennsylvania, USA. Returning to Panama, he developed utilities, including Panama Telephone and the Electric Light Company in Colon. He married Oderay Arango, daughter of founding father Jose Augustin Arango, and became involved in the separatist movement. He was later named the first Postmaster General under President Manuel Amador, continuing in this capacity under President Jose de Obaldia. While serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the cabinet of President Belisario Porras, he came to the presidency when Porras resigned in order to campaign for election to his third term. Lefevre held the office from January 30 to October 1, 1920. He maintained the progressive course established by Porras. However brief his tenure, he successfully opposed the stationing of US troops on the island of Taboga, resolved labor disputes with the authorities of the Canal Zone, and vetoed a bill passed by the National Assembly which insured permanent salaries to its representatives. He also created the School of Pharmacy, Surveying, and Agriculture and began construction of the the Place de France. Privately, he was a highly successful businessman, amassing the largest private fortune in the country through investments in farming, insurance, and real estate. He established the Parque Lefevre, where the Jardin de Paz is located.
President of the Republic of Panama. Lefevre received his primary education at the Colegio del Istmo in Panama, but earned his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Lehigh, Pennsylvania, USA. Returning to Panama, he developed utilities, including Panama Telephone and the Electric Light Company in Colon. He married Oderay Arango, daughter of founding father Jose Augustin Arango, and became involved in the separatist movement. He was later named the first Postmaster General under President Manuel Amador, continuing in this capacity under President Jose de Obaldia. While serving as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the cabinet of President Belisario Porras, he came to the presidency when Porras resigned in order to campaign for election to his third term. Lefevre held the office from January 30 to October 1, 1920. He maintained the progressive course established by Porras. However brief his tenure, he successfully opposed the stationing of US troops on the island of Taboga, resolved labor disputes with the authorities of the Canal Zone, and vetoed a bill passed by the National Assembly which insured permanent salaries to its representatives. He also created the School of Pharmacy, Surveying, and Agriculture and began construction of the the Place de France. Privately, he was a highly successful businessman, amassing the largest private fortune in the country through investments in farming, insurance, and real estate. He established the Parque Lefevre, where the Jardin de Paz is located.
Bio by: BluGraver
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