José Padilla

Born in Rioacha on March 19, 1784 - Died in Bogotá on October 2, 1828

Son of a canoe builder; At age 14 he enrolled in the Merchant Navy before entering the Royal Navy. He was ship's Boatswain and participated in the Battle of Trafalgar where he was taken prisoner. 

He returned to America in 1809 and was appointed Boatswain of the settlement of Cartagena de Indias. In 1811 he participated in the pronouncement of Getsemani, in 1812 he was the foreman of the brig "Independent".  

He participated in the recapture of Cartagena in 1821 and was promoted to Naval Rear Admiral and General of Brigade; in Maracaibo, during 1823, he was Naval Chief of the units that defeated the Spanish fleet. He was Admiral and General of Division, President of the Electoral College of the Province of Cartagena and Senator. After the attack of September 25, 1828 was prosecuted and shot although he did not participate in this.