Santiago Ernst

Santiago Ernst Martínez (26 November 1893 – 9 February 1944) was a Chilean accountant and politician affiliated with the Radical Party and later the Socialist Party. He served as a Deputy during the XXXIX Legislative Period of the National Congress of Chile.^[1]

Ernst was born in Ercilla to Roberto Ernst and Rubelinda Martínez. He married Amanda Frene Kehr, with whom he had three children: Ricardo, Eliana, and Mario.^[1]

He studied at the Commercial Institute of Concepción and qualified as an accountant. He worked for Casa Besa y Cía. and later as an accountant for several companies in Concepción. In 1922 he purchased the commercial firm “Smith y Barra,” continuing its operations under the name Santiago Ernst y Cía. Ltda.^[1]

He was also a landowner, managing the Santa Amanda estate in Los Muermos, dedicated to dairy and cereal production. Additionally, he was a founder of the Radical Club and president of the Wholesale Chamber of Commerce of Puerto Montt.^[1]

Ernst joined the Radical Party in the early 1920s, serving as provincial president in Puerto Montt and later as Municipal Councillor (Regidor) from 1926 to 1930.^[1]

He joined the Socialist Party of Chile in 1940 and was elected Deputy in 1941 for the 18th Departmental Group, representing Llanquihue, Puerto Varas, Maullín, Calbuco and Aysén. He served on the Standing Committees on Economy and Trade, and on Industries.^[1]

Ernst also served briefly as Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies in 1941.

He died in office on 9 February 1944 and was succeeded by Alfonso Campos Menéndez (Liberal Party) following a complementary election.^[1]

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