Dominican Independence Leader. Born the son of born of Francisca Javier Castillo and Antonio Mella Álvarez, he became a respected businessman in the Spanish side of Hispaniola. In 1821 the colonists of Santo Domingo declared their independence from Spain. In 1822, the neighboring Haitians invaded the eastern side of Hispaniola, and unified the island under their rule. Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco Sánchez, and Ramón Mella formed a society they called La Trinitaria on July 16, 1838, aimed at undermining Haitian rule. The men are known today as the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic; los Padres de la Patria. On January 16, 1844 La Trinitaria’s manifesto for independence was released. The Haitians were expelled and the new Dominican Republic was declared on February 27, 1844. Mella became part of the new government's Central Administrative Board. When in 1861, the Dominican Republic's president once again submitted them to Spanish rule, Mella again fought for independence. He served as vice president of the provisional government of the Restoration. Already suffering from ill health, he remained in his post for three years, until his death, without ever seeing the final restoration of the Republic. In March 1865, Spain annulled the annexation and withdrew her troops from the island. Mella's tomb rests in the imposing Altar de la Patria at la Puerta del Conte in Santo Domingo.
Dominican Independence Leader. Born the son of born of Francisca Javier Castillo and Antonio Mella Álvarez, he became a respected businessman in the Spanish side of Hispaniola. In 1821 the colonists of Santo Domingo declared their independence from Spain. In 1822, the neighboring Haitians invaded the eastern side of Hispaniola, and unified the island under their rule. Juan Pablo Duarte, Francisco Sánchez, and Ramón Mella formed a society they called La Trinitaria on July 16, 1838, aimed at undermining Haitian rule. The men are known today as the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic; los Padres de la Patria. On January 16, 1844 La Trinitaria’s manifesto for independence was released. The Haitians were expelled and the new Dominican Republic was declared on February 27, 1844. Mella became part of the new government's Central Administrative Board. When in 1861, the Dominican Republic's president once again submitted them to Spanish rule, Mella again fought for independence. He served as vice president of the provisional government of the Restoration. Already suffering from ill health, he remained in his post for three years, until his death, without ever seeing the final restoration of the Republic. In March 1865, Spain annulled the annexation and withdrew her troops from the island. Mella's tomb rests in the imposing Altar de la Patria at la Puerta del Conte in Santo Domingo.
Bio by: Iola
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