Antonio Nariño

Born in Bogotá on April 9, 1765 - Died in Villa de Leyva on December 13, 1823.   

Standard bearer of the tithe treasury. In 1794 he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for translating the human rights of Man and the Citizen, but in 1796 he escaped from prison in Cadiz and went to France and England.  

He met Francisco de Miranda and asked for help for an eventual war and when he returned he was again imprisoned and sent to Cartagena, but released after July 20, 1820. He was commander-in-chief of the central army in 1811 and defeated the Federal Army in Ventaquemada , in 1812, and in San Victorino, in 1813.

He was commander of the southern army while Bolívar was from the northern army. He carried out an offensive in the south against guerrillas and realists and won in Alto Palacé, Calibío, Juanambú, Tacines and Popayán, although in 1814 he lost in the Ejidos in Pasto where he was injuredh in combat, tried to hide, but was captured and taken back to Cádiz from where, thanks to his contacts, he escaped in 1820 and returned to the country. 

He was defeated as a candidate for the presidency by Simón Bolívar and vice president by Francisco de Paula Santander. Sick and disappointed he died in Villa de Leyva. He is considered "The Precursor" of our Independence.