Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, known as Tiradentes (August 16, 1746-April 21, 1792), was part of the Brazilian seditious movement known as the Inconfidência Mineira. Born in São José del Rei (now called Tiradentes), Minas Gerais, Tiradentes was adopted by his godfather and moved to Vila Rica (now Ouro Preto) after the deaths of his parents (mother in 1755; father in 1757). He practiced several professions — cattle driver, miner, dentist — and was a member… (More on Tiradentes)