Oscar Efren Reyes

Óscar Efrén Reyes (13 June 1896, Baños – December 6, 1966, Quito), was a historian, journalist, politician, investigator and an Ecuadorian teacher. He is remembered for his teachings as well as the historic investigation of Ecuador and America.

Early life

Reyes was born in the small city of Baños de Agua Santa, located in the Tungurahua Province. He was the only child of María Petronila and Reyes Noboa. Reyes' father was a muleteer and was forced to travel constantly. He eventually abandoned the family. Due to Ms. Petronila's difficult economic situation both she and Reyes would suffer from lack of food. Lack of proper nutrition took its toll on both Reyes (who was often sick) and his mother, who died when Reyes was only 13 years old. Reyes (now an orphan) was placed in the care of Juan Reyes Noboa and Rosita Romo de Reyes (his aunt and uncle).

Later, in the home of his grandparents, the owners of a farm called "la Escuadrilla", Óscar first encountered words, and it was there that he began to read. Eventually he received education in grammar and mathematics, paid for by a Dominican priest who had admired the literary knowledge of Reyes at the age of 15. After two years of instruction and study, and under the watch of the parish priest Fray Juan Halflants, the Dominican priest, the young sixteen year old Reyes started his work as a teacher of children, who still remember him for his introversion and kindness, in the city of Baños.

"Oscar Efren Reyes shared his thirst for knowledge, research and education with his community and country through his teaching at universities and various publications including school history books, historical journals and university research publications."

Death

Reyes died in the city of Quito in "Hospital Militar" , in the early morning of December 1, 1966. His remains were moved to Baños, his birthplace, on June 13, 1985.