Born: 5 September 1809, Uruguay
Died: 1854
Country most active: Uruguay
Also known as: María Rosalía Artigas Fernández
The following is excerpted from “400 Outstanding Women of the World and the Costumology of Their Time” by Minna Moscherosch Schmidt, published in 1933.
Daughter of Manuel A. Artigo and Dona Mariana Fernandez.
By paternal descent she was a niece of General Jose G. Artigas, founder of the Uruguayan Nationality. In 1831 she became the wife of Fermin Ferreira, a capable physician and great philanthropist. From the day of their marriage their house became the home of every distinguished guest who arrived in Montevideo.
At the time of the War, she opened her home to every lady willing to sew and help the fighting soldiers. She had four sons and daughters. She was one of the Committee of Ladies who founded the Orphan Asylum in Montevideo. After the sad loss of her husband and three children she visited England, France and Italy.
In Rome she was received by the Pope, Pius IX, whom she had met when he had come as familiar of the Nuncio to Montevideo. His Holiness made her a present of his photograph specially dedicated. She continued her charitable work to the last. Among her records were letters from distinguished diplomats and military men, as General Garibaldi, thanking this distinguished Uruguayan lady for using her wealth to such noble purpose. All in all, she showed herself able to utilize the inspiration of her magnanimous husband. By their contact with distinguished and cultured visitors from foreign lands, she not only compared the social improvements of her country with those of other nations, but also stirred her prominent fellow countrymen to bring about some of the same benefits so vitally needed by the unfortunates at home.