Desiderio Arias

Desiderio Arias Álvarez (1872-1931) was a notable Dominican soldier and Caudillo who gained a significant following throughout the northern band of the Dominican Republic, especially in the Montecristi region.

He was born in 1872, near to Monte Cristi. His parents were Tomas Arias and María Eugenia Álvarez, and his brothers, Evangelist and Francisco. Arias was born during the fourth government of Buenaventura Báez. While still young, he moved to Montecristi, where he soon began working with his relative Juan Isidro Jiménes in the commercial house of J.I. Jiménez & CIA.

Arias began his first military career with Horace Vásquez and Ramón Cáceres. Because of his performance and connections, President Juan Isidro Jimenes appointed him to the position of regional assistant.

On 1 January 1902, Arias married Simeona Castro, better known like Pomona, sister of the general Andrés Navarro, a known politician and military caudillo of the northwestern band, and one of the key supporters of president Jimenes.