Miguel grau was born in Piura in 1834.

His parents were Miguel Grau Seminar Berrio and Luisa Castillo. As a child, he liked the sea because because his father worked in the aduana of Paita. When Miguel Grau was nine years, he navigate aboard the merchant ships, visiting all the world's oceans for nine years. Miguel Grau returned to Peru in 1853 and lived in lima. He studied to enter the marina in March 1854 became a midshipman and wore the uniform. He sailed on steamers Rimac, Vigilante and Ucayali before being transferred to the frigate Apurimac. Miguel Grau married with Cabero Dolores, and they had 10 children. The family lived in Lima, in a house that now has been restored and is known as the Casa Grau. Between 1876 and 1879 temporarily left the command of Huascar to be deputy for Paita. In 1868 he returned to the Navy and was appointed commander of Huascar, and had that position until1876. This year was elected deputy to Paita. In 1879 again had command of the Huascar, leaving their work in the Peruvian Congress. In 1876, when he was 42, was elected to the province of Paita as Partido Civil member. During the conflict with Chile, grau was noted for his boldness and daring, and his ability to command and because he was a good strategist. Miguel Grau died dismembered at command to the Huascar, in the year of 1879, in Punta Angamos.