Antonio Duvergé

Bust of Antonio Duvergé in Parque Independencia, Santo Domingo

Antonio Duvergé Duval (1807–1855) was a Dominican general of French origin who famously served in the Dominican War of Independence.

Origins

Antonio Duvergé Duval ( was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico to a French man, Joseph Duverger, and a French-Dominican, Maria Duval. His grandfather, Alexander Duverger was born in Deux-Sèvres, France and 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 El Seibo and later in San Cristobal. 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 Duverger to Duvergé to make it 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 Memizo 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 in 1855. His remains rest in the National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic located 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. Dominican Musician and diplomat for Dominican Rep. in France Jose Antonio Rodriguez Duvergé is a member of the family. The family nobility hold the title in France of Count of La Rochejacquelein under De la Rochejacquelein. Antonio's cousin was the French general Henri de la Rochejaquelein.