José Benito Monterroso

José Benito Silverio Monterroso Bermúdez (1788, in Montevideo – 1838) was a Roman Catholic priest from the Banda Oriental, the pre-independence name of Uruguay.

He was ordained in the Franciscan Order and later became lecturer in Philosophy and Theology at the University of Córdoba.

Uruguayan independence-era patriot
He was a notable patriot during the fight for freedom in colonial times. He was decisive in the development of Artiguism, the thought of José Gervasio Artigas.

Family background
Monterroso was the eldest of six. His sister Ana married Juan Antonio Lavalleja, leader of the Thirty-Three Orientals.