Antonio Duvergé

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Duvergé and the second or maternal family name is Duval.

Antonio Duvergé
Portrait of General Antonio Duvergé
Birth name	Antonio Duvergé Duval
Born	1807 (1807) Mayagüez, Captaincy General of Puerto Rico
Died	1855 (aged 47–48) El Seibo Province, Dominican Republic
Allegiance	Dominican Republic
Service / branch	Dominican Army
Years of service	1836 – 1855
Rank	General
Battles / wars	Dominican War of Independence

Antonio Duvergé Duval (1807–April 11, 1855), a Dominican general of French origin and one of the most legendary military figures in the history of the Dominican Republic, served in the Dominican War of Independence. He was a hero and martyr who proclaimed the birth of the new Republic on February 28, 1844, in Bani and days later in Azua.

Origins

Antonio Duvergé Duval was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico to French-Dominican Joseph Duverger and Maria Duval. His grandfather Alexander was born Nantes. A member of De la Rochejacquelein family, he left France during the Drownings at Nantes for being a royalist. Alexander fought for the French against Haitian General Toussaint Louverture. After the invasion of Santo Domingo by Jean-Jacques Dessalines, he was exiled to Puerto Rico with his son Joseph Duverger and his wife Maria Duval. In 1808, when Antonio Duvergé was one year old, the family returned to Santo Domingo, settling in San Cristobal and later in El Seibo. At that time the Dominican Republic was occupied by Haiti, Jean-Pierre Boyer unified the Spanish island under his rule. The family changed their surname from "du Vergier " to "Duvergé" in order to sound more Spanish and not to be confused with Haitians, who were the enemy at the time.

Private life

In 1831 Duvergé married French-Dominican Rosa Montas, the daughter of the leader of the French residents in San Cristobal, with whom he had seven children. He devoted himself to the science of agriculture, livestock and woodwork, becoming well known in the region. He was well known for his friendship with the Puello brothers.

Military life

Duvergé belonged to the separatist Dominican movement founded by Juan Pablo Duarte in 1838, known as La Trinitaria. Following the declaration of independence of the Dominican Republic on February 27 of 1844. Duvergé was a very important part in the military for the Independence, showing great courage and heroism in defense of the country. He is considered as national hero for his performance in the Battle of Azua on March 19 of 1844, the Battle of El Memiso, Battle of Estrelleta, Battle of Las Carreras and the Battle of Cachimán.

Duvergé is also known as the Father of the Dominican offensive strategy. Although he had not attended school he was a gifted leader and capable military organizer.

Military trial and death

After the campaign of 1849, Duvergé's conflict between him and Pedro Santana increased. Duvergé was accused of conspiracy against the government of Santana, and was executed on April 11, 1855. His remains rest in the National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo. Antonio Duvergé Duval is still known as one of the most prominent leaders of the Dominican military and hero of Dominican national independence. General Duvergé is the namesake of the city of Duvergé in the Independencia Province, named in his honor. Likewise, a sector in the capital Santo Domingo was named after him.

Duvergé family

Today the Duvergé family is known as one of the cornerstones families of the Dominican Republic. Their participation in the War of Independence of the country is still celebrated. The family nobility hold the title in France of Count of De La Rochejacquelein. Antonio's cousins are the French general Henri de la Rochejaquelein and Dominican musician and diplomat in France Jose Antonio Rodriguez Duvergé.

Battles

• Battle of Azua
• Battle of El Memiso
• Battle of Estrelleta
• Battle of El Número
• Battle of Las Carreras