Manuel Baigorria
Manuel Baigorria (1809–1875) was a soldier who fought in the Argentine Civil Wars. Of mixed origins, he spent many years living with the Ranqueles, an independent people who lived to the south of the area colonized by Europeans in what is now Argentina. He was recognized as a leader by the Ranqueles, who provided support to his Unitarian side in the civil wars. Early years Manuel Baigorria was born in San Luis de la Punta de los Venados around 1809, son of Blas Baigorria and Petrona Ledesma. Ignacio Fotheringham, a contemporary, described him as short in stature but muscular, strong and agile, with reckless courage. Baigorria joined the army and became an officer while a young man. He served under the Unitarian General José María Paz and was captured in 1831 after the Battle of Rodeo de Chacón. It only through good luck that he avoided being included in a group of prisoners who were to be shot. Following that he decided to live with the Ranqueles in their tolderías. Indian raider Baigorria became well-established among the Ranqueles, and recognized as a leader. He became a close friend of their chief Yanquetruz, who named his eldest son Baigorrita (little Baigorria).