The town Tiradentes (Tooth
Thrower) is named after the soldier and dentist Joaquim Jose
da Silva Xavier who in 1748 was born on the “Fazenda
de Pomball” farm close to
São João del Rei.
He was one of the leaders
of the so called “Inconfidencia Mineira” a military
group fighting for independence as a consequence of increased
demands of the portuguese crown.
The conspriation was uncovered
and Tiradentes together with 10 further “Inconfidentes”
was sentenced to death. Shortly afterwards Queen Maria I revoked
the judgement for 10 of the 11 conspirators. They should spend
the rest of their lifes in Portuguese and African exile. Only
for Tiradentes the death sentence remained.
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