John Williams Wilson
John Williams Wilson | |
---|---|
Born | 1798 Bristol, England |
Died | 14 September 1857 Valparaíso, Chile | (aged 58–59)
Allegiance | Chile |
Service/ | Navy |
Rank | Commander |
John Williams Wilson (1798–1857), also known as Juan Guillermos, was an English-
Early life, education and migration
John Williams Wilson was born in Bristol, England, to a family with a long seafaring tradition. He learned to sail with his father.
As a young man, he traveled to South America to enter the newly organized Chilean Navy in 1824, directed by the British Lord Cochrane. Williams was soon promoted to the rank of lieutenant. His name was Hispanicized and he was known as Juan Guillermos.[1]
In early 1826 Williams took part in the campaign for the capture of
Marriage and family
In 1827 he also married Doña Micaela Rebolledo, born in Chile. The couple had three sons: Horacio, Luis, and Juan, and a daughter Lavinia. Juan Williams had an illustrious navy career.
Rebellion and reinstatement, governor
In 1837, Williams defended General
A few years later Williams was appointed navy commander and Maritime Governor of
The next day the French schooner Phaeton put in and, after saluting the Chilean flag, departed for Oceania. Williams supervised the construction of Fuerte Bulnes here to secure the Strait. The government intended to develop a settlement, but the location was too isolated, and the population was later moved to Punta Arenas. After being destroyed at the time to prevent other uses, the fort was reconstructed in the 20th century and is designated as a national monument.
As a reward for his service, Williams was appointed as governor of Talcahuano (1849–1855).
He died at age 59 in Valparaíso on 14 September 1857.
Legacy and honours
- The town of Isla Navarino, founded in 1953 as a navy base, is named after him.
- Juan Guillermos Island is named for him.
- The satyrine butterfly Stuardosatyrus williamsianus (Butler, 1868) is named for him as well.
References
- ^ (in Spanish) "John Williams Wilson" Archived 2011-05-11 at the Wayback Machine, Armada website