César del Villar y Villate

Victor Augusto César del Villar y Villate (23 December 1843 – 2 September 1917 ) was a Spanish military officer and politician, who became Minister of War.

Early life and education Villar was born on 23 December 1843 in Sestao into an urban middle-class family with clear liberal connotations. He was the son of José Manuel Villar y Salcedo and Antonia Villate de la Hera, sister of General Blas Villate and, therefore, with a military background in his family.

After completing primary education in his hometown, Villar entered the Infantry Academy in 1858, graduating as a second lieutenant four years later. In 1886 he helped quell republican insurrections at court, with Queen Maria Christina of Austria showing her Royal Appreciation. He was present in the peninsular campaigns against Carlism and acracy and also in overseas campaigns, he enjoyed solid prestige among his comrades in arms for his professionalism and distance from political struggles.

Villar was Captain General of Catalonia between 1914 and 1915.

Later life and death In June 1914, Villar, then president of the Federación Femenina contra la Tuberculosis (Women's Federation Against Tuberculosis), together with his daughter Carmen, attended a women's football match between the members of Spanish Girl's Club held for the benefit of his organization.

Villar died on 2 September 1917, at the age of 73, during his vacation in the Biscayan town of Getxo, and his remains were transferred to the Sestao Cemetery. He has a street in this locality, in addition to having the title of Favorite Son.

Decorations and tributes White Cross of the Order of Military Merit Red Cross of the Order of Military Merit Grand Cross of the Order of Military Merit Encomienda of Our Lady of the Conception of Portugal Bavarian Military Merit Commandery Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Hermenegild 1907: Knight 1st class of the Imperial Order of the Iron Crown (Austro-Hungarian Empire) Alfonso XII Medal Cross of the Order of Charles III Sestao's Favorite Son Street in Sestao