José Benito Monterroso
# José Benito Monterroso

José Benito Silverio Monterroso Bermúdez (1788, in Montevideo – 1838) was a Roman Catholic priest from the Banda Oriental, the pre-independence name of Uruguay.

He was ordained in the Franciscan Order and later became lecturer in Philosophy and Theology at the University of Córdoba.

## Uruguayan independence-era patriot

He was a notable patriot during the fight for freedom in colonial times. He was decisive in the development of Artiguism, the thought of José Gervasio Artigas.

### Family background

Monterroso was the eldest of six. His sister Ana married Juan Antonio Lavalleja, leader of the Thirty-Three Orientals.

