Antonio Duvergé

Antonio Duvergé Duval (1807–1855) Dominican General of French origin.

Born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico to a French man, Joseph Duverger and a French-Dominican, Maria Duval who was born in El Seibo, Dominican Republic. Duvergé had a very active participation as a General in Independence of the Dominican Republic and later in the Battle of Azua.

His grandfather a French man named Alexander Duverger, had 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 the Seybo 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 where the enemy at the time.

Duvergé married in 1831 with 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 Puello brothers.

Antonio Duvergé belonged to the separatist Dominican movement founded by Juan Pablo Duarte in 1838, known as The secret Trinity Society. 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 Battle of cachimán.

General Antonio Duvergé is also known as the Father of the Dominican offensive strategy. Although he had not attended the school he was a military man with a great gift of leadership and a high sense of organization something that must have been passed down by generations, his cousin was the French military Henri de la Rochejaquelein (Henri du Vergier).

After the campaign of 1849, Duvergé conflict between him and Pedro Santana increased. Duvergé was accused of conspiracy against the government of Santana, in the year 1855 and was shot by Santana's generals. 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. To honor General Duvergé the province in Dominican Republic, Duvergé and a sector in the city of Santo Domingo were named after General Antonio Duvergé.

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