Ambrosio O'Higgins - Governor of Chile
Ambrosio O'Higgins was born in Sligo c.1720. At an early age, he was sent to Spain to be educated and ultimately settled in Cadiz in 1751 where he worked in a number of unsuccessful enterprises. In 1756 he emigrated to South America where he worked as intinerant trader in Chile and Argentina.
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He achieved his first meaningful success through the establishment of a postal service between Chile and Argentina. In 1770 he was appointed by the Governor of Chile, captain of a column of cavalry which defeated the indigenous Arancunian Indians in Southern Chile. His military success resulted in a series of rapid promotions and in 1787 he became Governor of Chile.
By colonial Spanish standards, O'Higgins was noted for his moderate rule. He expanded the road system across Chilean teritory, improved trade with other Spanish colonies and abolished the Encomienda system of indigenous forced labor. He established multiple cities across his zone of rule and rebuilt the city of Osorno in which had been a point of contention with the indigenous Huilliche people. O'Higgins successful rebuilding of the city resulted in the award of the title of Marquess of Osorno.
O'Higgins continued success yielded his appointment as Viceroy of Peru in 1796, making him one of the most powerful men in Latin America. With the outbreak of war between Britain and Spain in 1797, much of his subsequent work involved the fortification of the colony against incursion.
O'Higgins died on March 18th, 1801 in Lima and is interred at the Basilica and Convent of San Pedro, He left behind a son, Bernardo, who he had fathered with Doña Isabel Riquelme in 1778. While unmarried, O'Higgins acknowledged Bernardo and paid for his education. Bernardo O'Higgins became a pivotal figure in Chilean independence. For a more detailed account of Ambrosio O'Higgins life, please visit the Dictionary of Irish Biography
Basilica and Convent of San Pedro, Lima
