Noranda
Dr. Cayetano Coll y Toste born (
November 30,
1850-
November 19,
1930) in the City of
Arecibo, Puerto Rico -
historian and
writer.
Toste received his primary and secondary education in his hometown, Arecibo. In
1863, he entered the Jesuits' Seminary College in
San Juan from where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in
Philosophy in
1868. In
1872, Toste went to
Barcelona, Spain and enrolled the "School of Medicine" of the
University of Barcelona. From here he graduated as a "Doctor in Medicine and Surgeon" in
1872. During his stay in Spain, he was able to study historical documents relating to Puerto Rico which he later found to be useful to him.
In
1874, Toste returned to the island where he set up his own medical practice in Arecibo. In
1891, he was named director of the Catholic Hospital of Arecibo. In his free time, he developed both a love of and an interest in literature. Not only did Toste become interested in investigating the history of Puerto Rico, but, he also took an active interest in the island's politics and was the founder and director of a publication called "El Ramillete". He also collaborated with the "Revista Puertorriqueña" (Puerto Rican Review), "La Semana Politica" (Political Weekly) and "Plumas Amigas" (Friendly Pens).
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Bust of Dr. Cayetano Coll y Toste |
In
1897, a year before the
Spanish-American War, Toste was "Sub-Secretary of Agriculture and Commerce" and was named "Regional Governor of Northern Puerto Rico" by the Spanish Crown. After the war, Toste was named "Civil Secretary" and in
1900 "Commissioner of the Interior" by
General Davis the military governor appointed by the United States. He held the position of "Secretary of the Government" and he also became a delegate to Puerto Rico's "Camara of Representatives". In
1913 Toste was named "Official Historian of Puerto Rico" and among Toste's other civil positions were the Presidency of the "Puerto Rican Historical Academy" and of the "Ateneo Puertorriqueño".
Among his many written works are:
*"El Boletin Historico de Puerto Rico" (Historical Boletin of Puerto Rico),
*"Cronicas de Arecibo" (Cronicals of Arecibo) and
*"Leyendas y Tradiciones Puertorriqueñas" (Puerto Rican Legends and Traditions).
His research into the history of Puerto Rico gave people an insight into the island from the times of the
Tainos up until
1927. One of his works "The Indo-Antillano Vocabulary" is valuable in understanding the way of live of the Tainos. His works are required reading in Puerto Rican high schools and Universities.
Spain bestowed upon Toste the title of "Comendador de la Real Orden Americana de Isabel la Catolica" (Commander of the American Royal Order of Isabel the Catholic) and the Government of
Venezuela honored Toste with the title of "Caballero de la Orden de
Bolivar" (Knight of the Order of Bolivar).
Cayetano Coll y Toste died on November 19, 1930 in the City of
New York.
Puerto Rico has honored his memory by naming many public buildings and an avenue after him. Arecibo named its regional hospital
Hospital Regional Cayetano Coll y Toste.
*
List of famous Puerto Ricans*
Arasibo
