Born: 10 April 1789, Mexico
Died: 21 August 1842
Country most active: Mexico
Also known as: María de la Soledad Leona Camila Vicario Fernández de San Salvador
The following is excerpted from “400 Outstanding Women of the World and the Costumology of Their Time” by Minna Moscherosch Schmidt, published in 1933.
Heroine of the Mexican Independence. She was born in Mexico City and belonged to a very distinguished family. She was left an orphan in her early years and her uncle, Augustin Fernandez de San Salvador, an attorney took care of her. It was in this office that the famous character of the Mexican Independence, Guitana Roo, practised law. At the beginning of the War for Independence. Guitana Roo joined the movement and had continuous contact with Leona Viscario.
She gave him very valuable information regarding the orders of the Viceroy Government. Some of her letters were intercepted and she had to leave the city. She also ministered monetary help to the insurgents. She spent quite a fortune for that purpose. When she left the city her family insisted that she return, assuring her that she would be fully protected. She decided to return but as soon as she arrived was jailed at the convent of Belem de las Mochas, she escaped from here a little later, going to the city of Tlalpujahua, where she married Guitana Roo. Her properties were confiscated. This heroine was subjected to many hardships. After the accomplishment of the independence, congress made a present to Leona of the farm of Octopec to compensate her for the losses she suffered during the insurrection and as proof of their gratitude for the great service she rendered to the national cause. She was a highly cultured wmman. When she died she received the homage which was due her. The historian Francisco Sosa said: “Her funeral was one of great honor and respect.” A military band played and the President of the Republic presided. The inscription on her tomb says: “To Mrs. Leona Viscario very respectable wife of Andres Guitana Roo, illustrious Magistrate of the Superior Court of Justice, in remembrance of her public and private ventures and for her very distinguished service superior to her sex which she rendered for the Cause of Independence and the general welfare of the nation. Her fame belongs now to immortality, in the history of the Mexican heroines. She died August 24, 1842. To this Benemerit and Mother of our Country, the Mexican citizens with tears in their eyes dedicate this monument.”