José Fornaguera


José Fornaguera was an officer of the Spanish army and politician. He had a preponderant role in the defense and reconquest of Buenos Aires during the English invasions.

Biography

Fornaguera was born in Catalonia and had arrived in Buenos Aires at an early age. He was a prominent neighbor of Buenos Aires when the first English invasion. He took part in the meetings organized by Martín de Álzaga, in which also attended, :es:Felipe de Sentenach|Felipe de Sentenach.
Fornaguera fought with great heroism against the English being graduated like Colonel of the :es:Cuerpo de Voluntarios Artilleros de la Unión|Cuerpo de Voluntarios Artilleros de la Unión. In 1809, he was one of the military leaders who rebelled against the viceroy of the Río de la Plata, Santiago de Liniers, during the Mutiny of Álzaga. That same year he appeared before the Cabildo of Buenos Aires offering his help and that of his regiment to fight the French.
During the events of May 1810, Fornaguera was invited to participate in the Open Cabildo, giving his vote for the continuity of viceroy Baltasar Hidalgo de Cisneros.
José Fornaguera married a lady of distinguished family, named Juana Ubiñas, born in Buenos Aires. His son Rufino Fornaguera Ubiñas was established in the town of Quilmes, where he was the vice-president of the municipal council chaired by Juan Clark, an immigrant born in 1800 in Yorkshire, England.