The Uruguayan stamp from 1910 (Scott # 190) celebrates the father of Uruguayan Independence. Jose Gervasio Artigas (born 1764). This incredible leader defeated the Spaniards in 1811, helped gain independence form Brazil and Portugal, and launched a land reform guided by his political beliefs shaped by the writings of Paine and Rousseau. He secured a free trade agreement signed by England and Artigas in 11817.