Ramón León Luco
Ramón León Luco (1861 – 10 October 1929) was a Chilean physician and politician who served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies of Chile, as Minister of War and Navy under President Ramón Barros Luco, and as Minister of Industry, Public Works and Railways under President Juan Luis Sanfuentes.
Early life
León Luco was born in Santiago in 1861 to José Ramón León Fuentes and Carmen Luco Gutiérrez. He studied at the Instituto Nacional before entering medical school in 1879. He qualified as a physician and surgeon in 1883.
He married Delfina Palma Cavero, with whom he had five children.
During the War of the Pacific, León Luco joined the Chilean Navy as a second surgeon. He served aboard several warships during the conflict and took part in the battles of Chorrillos and Miraflores. He later received a commemorative medal from the Chilean government for his wartime service.
Political career
León Luco was affiliated with the National Party. He was also a member of the National Agricultural Society.
He entered the Chamber of Deputies after being elected to represent Yungay and Bulnes for the 1909–1912 legislative term. On 14 October 1909, he became second vice president of the Chamber. During this term, he served on the permanent committees responsible for charitable and religious affairs and for industry.
León Luco subsequently represented Collipulli and Mariluán from 1912 to 1915, serving on the permanent committee for war and naval affairs. He was returned to the Chamber for a third term, representing Coelemu and Talcahuano from 1915 to 1918, and continued to serve on the same committee.
Ministerial career
President Pedro Montt appointed León Luco as Minister of War and Navy. He left the post in July 1910 before travelling to Europe on a study and observation trip.
Under President Ramón Barros Luco, León Luco again served as Minister of War and Navy, holding the portfolio from 11 January to 11 July 1911. Contemporary Chilean legislation from his tenure also records his name alongside President Barros Luco in his ministerial capacity.
He later joined the government of President Juan Luis Sanfuentes, serving as Minister of Industry, Public Works and Railways from 20 November 1916 until 14 July 1917.
Death
León Luco died in Santiago on 10 October 1929.