Juan Manuel Jarpa

Juan Manuel Jarpa Caamaño (31 January 1804 – 2 December 1876) was a Chilean Army general.

He served as the senior general of the Chilean Army from 1871 to 1875. During his military career, he participated in the Chiloé campaign, the Chilean Civil War of 1829–30, the War of the Confederation and the Chincha Islands War.

Early life

Jarpa was born in Chillán Viejo, Chile, on 31 January 1804. He was the son of Francisco Javier Jarpa and Francisca Caamaño.

Military career

Jarpa entered the Chilean Army in 1823 as an ensign in the mounted Cazadores unit. In 1825, he participated in the military campaigns in Chiloé under generals José Manuel Borgoño and Joaquín Prieto.

In 1826, Jarpa took part in an expedition across the Andes in pursuit of the forces of the Pincheira brothers, which operated in the provinces of Concepción and Arauco. The following year, he participated in military operations in Arauco.

During the Chilean Civil War of 1829–30, Jarpa fought at the Battle of Lircay in 1830.

Jarpa later served with the United Restoration Army during the War of the Confederation. He participated in the Battle of Yungay, after which he received gold medals from the governments of Chile and Peru and was granted the rank of colonel by both countries.

He subsequently commanded the Mounted Cazadores Regiment. During the military uprising at Quillota led by Colonel José Antonio Vidaurre, Jarpa opposed the revolt.

In June 1852, Jarpa was temporarily retired from active military service. He was reinstated on 8 February 1861 and later attained general officer rank. He subsequently served as Inspector General of the Chilean Army and participated in the war against Spain.

On 8 August 1871, Jarpa became the senior general of the Chilean Army. He held the position until 31 December 1875, when he was succeeded by Basilio Urrutia.

Jarpa died in Santiago, Chile, on 2 December 1876, aged 72.