Mercedes Decimavilla de Illingworth

Other names/titles:
Gender: F
Ethnic origin: White

Biographical details

Born in 1809 to Spanish parents, she married Juan Illingworth, Intendente de Guayaquil, in 1823. A fervent patriot, in 1825 she sailed with Illingworth him to Callao to take part in the blockade. She was awarded the Cruz de Honor by Bolívar for her bravery and was denoted "Colaboradora de la Independencia".

Illingworth was later transferred to Cartagena, and left the administration of his haciendas in Decimilla's hands. Following the assassination of Dávalos, she hid in a campesino's hut following fears that she'd be taken hostage. She remained there until Illingworth had re-established government. In 1831, during Flores's presidency, she and Illingworth were held on the island of Puná. Illingworth fled to Tumbez, Decimilla was imprisoned and interrogated, but refused to give the whereabouts of her husband. She went to join Illingworth in Paita, their wealth was confiscated. Their political enemies were defeated in 1836, enabling them to return to Ecuador. Their property was ruined, but they were able to make a living from the land. She died in 1879. (Estrada, 51-54).

Life Events

Born	1809
Married	1823	She married Juan Illingworth.
Other	1825	She took part in the blockade of Callao.
Other	1831	She fled from Puná and into exile.
Died	1879	She died on 18 June 1879.

References

Estrada, Jenny, (1984), Mujeres de Guayaquil, siglo XVI al siglo XX

Publications

There is no writing by this subject in the database.

Links

Resource id #29 (98)

Resource id #33 (5)

Resource id #37 (109)

Resource id #41 (28)

Resource id #45 (112)

Gendering Latin American Independence

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