Bernardo O'Higgins lived from August 20, 1776 to October 1842. He was a South American revolutionary leader and first Chilean head of state, who commanded the military forces that won independence from Spain. | Bernardo O'Higgins lived from August 20, 1776 to October 1842. He was a South American revolutionary leader and first Chilean head of state, who commanded the military forces that won independence from Spain. |