Career
Born in Chillán, Chile, he was the brother of Isabel Riquelme, mother of Bernardo O"Higgins. He started his military career at an early age, participating in the war for independence where he rose to master sergeant. Manuel Riquelme was appointed Military Governor and Commander of Arms of the Plaza de Los Angeles remaining in that position until 1852, when he was appointed Minister of the martial arm of the.
That year he was promoted to colonel, after which he received the rank of Brigadier General.
He was interviewed by great historians such as Diego Barros Arana and Claude Gay about the life of Bernardo O"Higgins and the period of the Chilean War of Independence.