Daniel Lemaitre Tono

Biography

Daniel Lemaitre Tono was a Colombian poet, writer, painter, musician, photographer, businessman, researcher, inventor, rancher, farmer, and politician, born in Cartagena de Indias on January 21, 1884, and died in 1961. He was the eldest son of Ernesto Lemaitre Torres and Matilde Tono Maciá.

He received his secondary education at the Colegio Pinillos de Mompóx, under the guidance of rector and relative Eduardo Gutiérrez de Piñeres Lemaitre. In 1907, he married Clara Román del Castillo and soon traveled to Europe to serve as secretary of the Colombian Embassy in Brussels.

(Read also: Biography of Luis Carlos López “El tuerto López”)

Lemaitre was a prolific poet and chronicler of Cartagena’s traditions, publishing works such as Corralito de Piedra, La Ñapa, and collections of poems. He also composed popular songs including Pepe, Sebastián rómpete el cuero, Caramelito, Monteriana, Cabrerana, Negrito Chambaculero, as well as the lyrics of the Hymn of Cartagena, the Hymn of the National Navy, and the lullaby Arrurru, all with music by his close friend Adolfo Mejía.

As a farmer and rancher, he documented his experiments in Apuntes de mi corral, a treatise on agronomy and livestock. He also served twice as Mayor of Cartagena, where he relocated informal settlements by donating land, leading to the creation of the neighborhood that bears his name.

In 1928, he married Florina Vélez Torres, though they had no children. His soap factory flourished, producing brands such as Jabón Sarrapia, Jabón Dominó, Jabón Fregoli, Jabón de Azufre, Jabón Salvavidas, Chegrel (named after his children Conchita, Hernando, Ernesto, Gustavo, Rafael, and Eduardo), and later Sanit K and Gentleman. His success allowed him to live comfortably, travel, and support his family generously.

(Read also: Biography of Rocky Valdez)

His philanthropy extended to charities, health centers, and religious communities, especially the San Pedro Claver order, to which he was devoted. He financed the construction and equipment of a pavilion for tuberculosis treatment and helped his factory workers acquire housing.

Despite his wealth, Daniel Lemaitre remained humble, kind, generous, and deeply respected, leaving a legacy that blended art, culture, enterprise, and social commitment.

POEMS:

• El Alcatraz
• Evocación
• La empanada con Huevo
• La Viejecita

BOOKS

• Corralito de Piedra
• La Ñapa
• Apuntes de mi Corral

DISCOGRAPHY:

• Sebastian rompete el cuero
• Jose Luis
• Caramelito
• Con el amor no se juega
• Negrito chambaculero
• Pepe
• Monteriana
• Cabrerana
• Arrurru
• Himno de Cartagena de indias
• Himno de la Armada Nacional de Colombia – “Viva Colombia, soy marinero”