An exploration of women's involvement in the Latin American Wars of Independence

Margarita Urrea de Hoyos

Gender:Female

Ethnic origen: Unknown

Connections:

Biography:
From Cauca, Colombia, she was the sister of José Urrea. She married Modesto de Hoyos. She left her 3 month old daughter with her mother and accompanied her husband as his battalion marched to Bogotá. She stayed at the Convent de Carmelitas, and when her husband was transferred to Popayán, she marched with them again, carrying her second daughter in her arms as she did not want to leave her behind with the nuns. In Popayán she stayed at San Camilo church, dressed in a Carmelite's habit with her face veiled. She remained there praying for the success of the patriot troops while Hoyos went on several campaigns in the south. In 1816 Hoyos was captured and his execution was arranged. Urrea went on her knees to the royalist, Sámano and pleaded with him to let Hoyos go. Her insistence or perhaps her beauty impressed Sámano who released Hoyos three hours before the planned execution (29 December 1816). Hoyos took part in other battles including the eventual victory at Boyacá. Urrea died soon after independence was achieved. Hoyos sought comfort in the church and became a priest. (Monsalve, 105-106)

References:

Monsalve, José D (1926) Mujeres de la independencia