Francisco Gómez Palacio y Bravo
Francisco Gómez Palacio y Bravo (May 29, 1824 in Victoria de Durango, Durango, Mexico – February 27, 1886 in Victoria de Durango, Durango) was a Mexican writer, educator, jurist and Liberal politician. He served twice as governor of the State of Durango (1867–68 and 1880–83). In October 1887 he was declared Benemérito of the state by the Legislature. Biography. Gómez's parents, Victoriano Gómez del Palacio and Manuela Bravo, were Spaniards by birth. Gómez studied in the Seminario Conciliar of Durango, considered at this time to be the best educational institution in northern Mexico. He grew  up in an atmosphere of culture, with excellent teachers, and came to love scholarship. He was fluent in six foreign languages — Greek, Latin, English, French, German and Italian. He was considered one of the most cultured men of his time, not only in Durango but in the country. His speeches were enriched with quotes from classical and world thinkers. He translated Mark Twain's novel "Life on the Mississippi" into Spanish. Gómez was the founder of the Civil College of the State, now Juárez University of Durango, as well as rector and professor at the college. In addition to his  terms as governor of Durango, he also served three times in the Mexican Congress. Political career. Most of his life was spent in the politics of his native state. He served in the following positions: Death. Attorney Francisco Gómez Palacio died on February 27, 1886 in the city of Durango. That same year Santiago Lavín Cuadra donated land for the foundation of the city of Gómez Palacio, Durango, named in his honor. It now has nearly 250,000 people.