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

Josefa Lovera de Aristeguieta

Gender:Female

Ethnic origen: White

Events:

Connections:

Biography:
She married to Martín Jérez Aristeguieta from Caracas in 1763. He hosted anti-monarchy meetings in 1774. In 1782 he petitioned for divorce accusing her of "leading the adulterous, raucous and scandalous life of a woman of low esteem". He claimed she had three children by another man, that she left their home at night dressed as a man and mixed with people from the lower classes. The judge of the case confiscated property from her dowry giving it to a third party - a cousin of the judge and a friend of her ex-husband. She was to be given a small allowance, but did not receive it and she was ordered to the Hospicio de la Caridad (a prison for prostitutes). She complained to the Real Audiencia and was allowed to live with a relative. In 1786 she appealed to the civil courts for justice and protection and her hacienda was eventually returned. She was allowed to live in her own house, with her children and slaves. (Díaz, 74-78, 84-85).

References:

Díaz, Arlene J. (2004) Female Citizens, Patriarchs and the Law in Venezuela, 1796-1904