Arturo O'Neill

Arturo O'Neill de Tyrone y O'Kelly (January 8, 1736 – December 9, 1814) was an Irish-born Spanish colonel who served the Spanish crown as governor of several places in New Spain. He came from a lineage that occupied prominent European positions and titles, since at least the 12th century. Biography Early years and military career Arturo (Arthur) O'Neill was born in Dublin, Ireland (although his ancestors were from County Tyrone, now in Northern Ireland), on January 8, 1736. He was the third of five children of Henry O’Neill and Ana O’Kelly. One of his brothers was Lieutenant Colonel Niall O'Neill (later Nicolás O'Neill y O'Kelley). His family lost their lands in Ireland, which forced them to emigrate. His parents carried Arturo and his brothers to Spain. In 1752, O'Neill joined the Irish regiment in Ireland, as a cadet under the command of his cousin, the regimental commander José Camerford. The following year, O'Neill was transferred to the Regiment of Hibernia, to which he belonged for the next 28 years of his military career. In addition, he was sub-lieutenant for nine years, and he attained the ranks of lieutenant general and field marshal. He served in the campaign of Portugal in 1762. Later, he was part of the garrison of Oran, Algeria, and, in 1775, he participated in the military campaign of Algiers. He was also involved in the campaign against Brazil, which contributed to the seizure of Fort Santa Cruz, Santa Catalina Island, where he served as governor until the end of the war.