He was born in Santiago, Chile; the son of Juan Bonifacio de Tocornal and of Narcisa Jiménez Tordesillas; and was an active participant in the Chilean War of Independence, cooperating in the formation of the First Government Junta.
Born in Santiago, Chile, he was the offspring of Juan Bonifacio de Tocornal and Narcisa Jiménez Tordesillas. He played a significant role in the fight for Chile's independence, helping shape the country's first governing council.