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John Thomond O’Brien (1786–1861)

Irish-born soldier, mine owner, and explorer. Emigrated to South America in 1811, and after unsuccessful business ventures, joined the Argentinian army in 1813. Campaigned in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Promoted to colonel in 1821. Returned to Ireland to recruit immigrants to Buenos Aires, 1826–8. Served in the Argentine army until 1834 and then set out to explore the Amazon. Settled in Uruguay; appointed consul general to the United Kingdom, 1848. Returned to Europe in 1854.

Sources

Dictionary of Irish biography to 2002

Dictionary of Irish Latin American biography, edited by Gonzalo Cané (Society for Irish Latin American Studies), www.irlandeses.org/bios1.htm (accessed 20 May 2021)