José Ignacio Zenteno

Who was José Ignacio Zenteno?

José Ignacio Zenteno del Pozo y Silva, was a Chilean soldier, politician and hero of the Chilean War of Independence.

Zenteno was born in Santiago, the son of Antonio Zenteno y Bustamante and of Victoria del Pozo y Silva. He completed his studies at the Colegio Carolino, and took part in the movement for independence from the very beginning. In 1814, he became the secretary of Supreme Director Francisco de la Lastra, and was forced after the defeat of Rancagua, together with other patriots, to emigrate to Mendoza, Argentina, where, soon after his arrival, he was appointed secretary of the treasury of that province. There he befriended General José de San Martín, of whom became one of his principal assessors.

He formed part of the liberating army of Chile, and made the campaigns of 1817 and 1818, taking part in the battles of Cancha Rayada and Maipu. He was named Governor of Valparaíso and when General Bernardo O'Higgins was elected Supreme Director, he appointed Zenteno as Secretary of War and Navy where he distinguished himself by his activity.