RESEARCH OUTLINE

Brazil

CONTENTS HELPS FOR USING THIS

RESEARCH OUTLINE
Helps for Using this Research Outline . . . . . . . . 1
Records Selection Table: Brazil . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Before using this outline you need to choose the
Map of Brazil States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 information you would like to learn about one of
Archives and Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 your ancestors, such as a birth date or a maiden
Biography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 name.
Cemeteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Census . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 After you have decided what information you
Church Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 want to find, look at the Record Selection Table in
Church History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 this outline. It lists the kinds of information you
Church Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 may want and the best types of records for finding
Civil Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 that information.
Court Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 There is a section in the outline for each type of
Emigration and Immigration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 record listed in columns 2 and 3 of the Record
Encyclopedias and Dictionaries . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Selection Table. The sections give more
Gazetteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 information about these records and how to find
Genealogy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 them. The sections are in alphabetical order.
Heraldry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Historical Geography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 References to the Family History Library
History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Jewish Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Catalog
Land and Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Language and Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 The Family History Library Catalog is a listing of
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 all the records available through the Family
Military Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 History Library. The catalog is available at the
Minorities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Family History Library and at each Family History
Names, Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Center. Staff there can teach you how to use the
Native Races . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 catalog.
Nobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Notarial Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 This outline gives instructions for finding
Occupations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 information in the catalog. For example, in the
Periodicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 section of this outline called “Biography” you may
Probate Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 find the following statement:
Slavery and Bondage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Social Life and Customs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 For more information about census records, look
Societies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 in the “Locality Search” section of the Family
Taxation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 History Library Catalog under:
Other Records of Brazil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
For Further Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 BRAZIL - BIOGRAPHY
Comments and Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 BRAZIL, [STATE] - BIOGRAPHY
BRAZIL, [STATE], [TOWN] - BIOGRAPHY
This outline can help you find information about
ancestors who lived in Brazil. It gives information
about records of genealogical value for Brazil and
helps you decide which types of records to search.
This tells you to look in the catalog under: Computer Numbers. Each record is assigned a
number to identify it in the catalog. If you are
• “Brazil” and then the subject BIOGRAPHY. using the Family History Library Catalog on
computer or compact disc and know the computer
• A state in Brazil and then the subject number, you can use it to search for the record.
BIOGRAPHY. This is the quickest way to find the listing of the
record in the catalog.
• A town in a state in Brazil and then the subject
BIOGRAPHY. For additional information on using the catalog,
see Using the Family History Library Catalog
This outline includes many references to specific (30966).
records. The references include call numbers and
computer numbers and are listed in parenthesis. References to other Family History Library
Publications
Call Numbers. The call number is used to find a
record in the Family History Library (FHL). Book The Family History Library has many other
numbers use a Dewey decimal number; film publications that may help you in your research.
numbers are a million number that begins with 0, Some are referred to in this outline. Their titles are
1, or 2; and microfiche numbers are a million in italics, and their item numbers are in
number that begins with a 6. parentheses. They are available at the Family
History Library and some Family History Centers,
or they can be ordered from the Salt Lake
Distribution Center.

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RECORDS SELECTION TABLE: Brazil
The table below can help you decide which records Column 3 contains additional records that may also
to search. be useful.

In column 1 find the goal you selected. Records containing previous research (genealogies
[including family histories], biographies, histories,
In column 2 find the types of records that are most periodicals, and societies) could provide
likely to have the information you need. Then turn to information for nearly all of the goals. These have
that section of this outline. (The terms used in been repeatedly listed if they are especially helpful
columns 2 and 3 are the same as the topic headings for the goal.
used in this outline and in the “Locality Search”
section of the Family History Library Catalog.)

1. If You Need 2. Look First In 3. Then Search

Ages Civil Registration, Church Records Census, Emigration and
Immigration
Birth dates Civil Registration, Church Records Emigration and Immigration
Cities or parishes of foreign birth Civil Registration, Church Records Emigration and Immigration,
Schools, Military Records
Customs Social Life and Customs History, Minorities
Deaths Civil Registration, Church Records Cemeteries, Newspapers
Ethnicity Civil Registration, Church Records Emigration and Immigration,
Societies
Historical backgrounds History Gazetteers, Periodicals
Immigration dates Emigration and Immigration Census, Biography,
Naturalization and Citizenship
Living relatives Directories Newspapers, Biography, Court
Records
Maiden names Civil Registration, Church Records Cemeteries, Military Records
Marriages Civil Registration, Church Records Census
Municipal origins and boundaries Gazetteer, Maps History
Occupations Civil Registration, Church Records Census, Directories
Parents, children, and other family Civil Registration, Church Records Emigration and Immigration,
members Census, Probate, Genealogy
Physical descriptions Emigration and Immigration Military Records
Place-finding aids Gazetteers Maps, History
Places of residence Civil Registration, Church Records Census, Biography
Previous research Genealogy Periodicals, Biography,
Societies, Nobility
Religions Church Records History
Social activities Social Life and Customs Biography, History, Genealogy

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4
ARCHIVES AND LIBRARIES • Emigration records

Archives collect and preserve original documents • Land records

of organizations such as churches or governments.
Libraries generally collect published sources like • School records
books, maps, and microfilm. This section describes
the major repositories of genealogical and The Biblioteca Nacional (National Library) and
historical records and sources for Brazil. When state and city public archives also have a large
one of these institutions is referred to elsewhere in collection of published genealogies, manuscripts,
this outline, return to this section to obtain the histories, directories, maps, and newspapers.
address.
Some helpful guides to federal, state, municipal,
If you plan to visit one of these repositories, and church records are:
contact the organization, and ask for information
about its collection, hours, services, and fees. Catálogo dos Arquivos Brasileiros (Catalog of
Some of that information may also be found on the Brazilian Archives). Rio de Janeiro: Arquivo
Internet. You may need to obtain a letter of Nacional, 1977. (FHL book 981 A3b; film
introduction from your embassy before visiting a 1218975; computer number 0021693.)
repository.
Guia Brasileiro de Fontes para a História da
Any civil registration records you need may be in a África, da Escravidão Negra e do Negro na
civil registry, district office (Cartório Distrital), or Sociedade Atual: Fontes Arquivistas (Brazilian
municipal archive (Cartório Municipal), and Guide of Sources for the History of Africa,
church records may be in a diocese or parish. Black Slavery and of the Negro in the Present
Society). 2 vols. Rio de Janeiro: Arquivo
There are many repositories with genealogical Nacional, 1988. (FHL book 981 A3g; computer
information for Brazilian research: number 0608264.) Volume 2 has information of
the collections in the National Archives, in Rio
• National archives and libraries (arquivos e de Janeiro.
bibliotecas nacionais)
National Government Archives and
• State archives (arquivos do Estado) Libraries

• District and municipal civil registry offices Addresses for the national archives of Brazil and
(Cartório Distrital e Municipal do Registro other national repositories are as follows:
Civil)
C Arquivo Nacional (National Archives)
• Diocese and parish archives Rua Azeredo Coutinho 77, Centro
20230 - 170 Rio de Janeiro, RJ
• Libraries and archives of Portugal BRASIL
Tel.: (5521) 252-2617 or (5521) 231-0796
• Private and public libraries Fax: (5521) 232-8430 or (5521) 252-9821
E-mail: arquivonacional@[Link]
• Historical and genealogical societies Internet:[Link]/

Records of genealogical value at district, state, and C Arquivo do Ministério do Exército (Archive
national archives include the following: of the Ministry of the Army)
Praça Duque de Caxias
• Church records 20000 Rio de Janeiro, RJ
BRASIL
• Civil registrations
C Arquivo da Marinha (Archive of the Navy)
• Censuses Rua D. Manuel 15
20000 Rio de Janeiro, RJ
• Court records BRASIL

• Military records

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C Arquivo do Instituto Histórico e Geográfico • Arquivo Público Estadual de Amazonas
Brasileiro (Archive of the Historical and Rua Bernardo Ramos, 265
Geographical Institute of Brazil) 69005-320 Manaus - AM
Av Augusto Severo 8 BRASIL
20000 Rio de Janeiro, RJ Tel.: (092) 232-3878
BRASIL
• Arquivo Público do Estado da Bahia
State Archives Ladeira de Quintas, 50 - Baixa de Quintas
40320-140 Salvador - BA
In Brazil each state has its own archives that are BRASIL
separate from those of the national government. Tel.: (071) 233-4455/233-6231
They serve as repositories for records about their Fax: (071) 233-5112/244-2747
particular area. Records of genealogical value at
state archives may include the following: • Arquivo Público do Estado do Ceará
Rua Senador Pompeu, 648
• Civil registrations 60150-000 Fortaleza - CE
BRASIL
• Censuses Tel.: (085) 231-8860

• Inventories and wills • Arquivo Público do Distrito Federal

SAP, Lote 7 - Bloco 41 - NOVACAP
• Land records, including land grants 71215-000 Brasília - DF
(sesmarias) BRASIL
Tel.: (061) 361-1454
• Military records Fax: (061) 233-2191
Internet: [Link]
• Orphan records
• Arquivo Público Estadual do Espírito Santo
• Notarial records Rua Pedro Palácios, 76 - Cidade Alta
29015-160 Vitória - ES
• Registers of foreigners BRASIL
Tel.: (027) 223-2952
• Slave records Fax: (027) 223-3987

The state archives of Brazil are open to members • Arquivo Histórico do Estado de Goiás
of the public who have proper identification and Praça Cívica 02 Anexo 2
permission (that is, a letter of introduction from 74001-900 Goiânia - GO
your country’s embassy, a university official, or BRASIL
another notable organization). Tel.: (062) 225-6088

Following are the addresses of the state archives: • Arquivo Público do Estado do Maranhão
Rua Nazaré, 218 - Centro
• Arquivo Geral do Estado do Acre 65010-410 São Luís - MA
Av. Getúlio Vargas sn. - Centro BRASIL
69900-160 Rio Branco - AC Tel.: (098) 232-4544/238-1399
BRASIL Fax: (098) 231-1601
Tel./Fax: (068) 224-1844
• Arquivo Público de Mato Grosso
• Arquivo Público de Alagoas Centro Político Administrativo - CPA
Praça D. Pedro II - 57 - Centro Palácio Paiaguás - Bloco 3
57020-130 Maceió - AL 78050-970 Cuiabá - MT
BRASIL BRASIL
Tel.: (082) 223-4098 Tel.: (065) 313-3103
Fax: (065) 313-2253
• Fundação Cultural do Estado de Amapá -
FUNDECAP
Rua Tiradentes, s/n - Centro
68900-130 Macapá - AP
BRASIL
Tel.: (096) 212-5120
Fax: (096) 212-5115

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• Arquivo Público do Estado de Mato • Arquivo Histórico do Rio Grande do Sul
Grosso do Sul Av. Cristóvão Colombo, 1374 - Floresta
Edifício Nação 90560-001 Pôrto Alegre - RS
Rua 14 de Julho, 2164 - 4º andar BRASIL
79102-336 Campo Grande - MS Tel.: (051) 346-4909
BRASIL Fax: (051) 227-4447 (Secretaria de Cultura)
Tel.: (067) 382-5440
• Arquivo Público do Estado do Rio Grande
• Arquivo Público Mineiro (Minas Gerais) do Sul
Rua Aimorés, 1450 - Funcionários Rua Riachuelo, 1031 - 2º. Portão Centro
30140-071 Belo Horizonte - MG 90010-270 Porto Alegre - RS
BRASIL Tel.: (051) 227-1698/3614
Tel.: (031) 269-1099 Fax: (051) 224-3614
Fax: (031) 269-1060/1167
• Arquivo Público do Estado do Rio de Janeiro
• Arquivo Público do Estado do Pará Rua do Riachuelo, 287 Centro
Travessa Campos Sales, 273 - Comércio 20230-011 Rio de Janeiro - RJ
66019-050 Belém - PA BRASIL
BRASIL Tel.: (021) 232-6299
Tel.: (091) 241-9700/4046 Tel/Fax: (021) 232-7338/221-7960
Fax: (091) 241-9097 Internet: [Link]/

• Arquivo Administrativo da Paraíba • Arquivo Geral do Estado de Rondônia

Espaço Cultural - subsolo Esplanada das Secretarias
Rua Pres. Kennedy, s/n - Tambauzinho Av. Farquar s/n
58040-022 João Pessoa - PB 78900-350 Pôrto Velho - RO
BRASIL BRASIL
Tel.: (083) 224-9360 r. 146/224-1360 r. 135 Tel.: (069) 222-2801/222-8397/221-8521

• Arquivo Público do Estado do Paraná • Arquivo Público do Estado de Roraima

Rua Cândido de Abreu, 381 - Centro Cívico Rua Miguel Lupe Martins, s/n - São Pedro
80530-000 Curitiba - PR 69306-490 Boa Vista - RR
BRASIL BRASIL
Tel.: (041) 352-2299 Tel.: (095) 224-6238
Fax: (041) 252-1728
E-mail: deap@[Link] • Arquivo Público do Estado de Santa Catarina
Av. Mauro Ramos, 1264 - Centro
• Arquivo Público Estadual de Pernambuco 88020-302 Florianópolis - SC
Rua do Imperador D. Pedro II BRASIL
371-Santo Antônio Tel.: (048) 2242-6080
50010-240 Recife - PE
BRASIL • Arquivo Público do Estado de São Paulo
Tel.: (081) 224-0085/9848 Rua Voluntários da Pátria, 596 - Santana
Tel./Fax: (081) 224-0620 02010-000 São Paulo - SP
BRASIL
• Arquivo Público e Museu Histórico do Piauí Tel.: (011) 681-6163/681-6959/681-2850
Rua Coelho Rodrigues, 1016 - Centro Fax: (011) 6959-4785
64020-240 Teresina - PI E-mail: fausto@[Link]
BRASIL Internet: [Link]
Tel.: (086) 221-5541
• Arquivo Público Estadual de Sergipe
• Arquivo Público Estadual do Rio Grande Praça Fausto Cardoso, 348 - Centro
do Norte 49010-080 Aracaju - SE
Rua José Agnaldo de Barros 2872 - BRASIL
Parque das Colinas Tel.: (079) 222-2375/222-5658
59065-000 Natal - RN
BRASIL • Arquivo Público Estadual de Tocantins
Tel./Fax: (084) 207-3351 99000 Palmas, TO
E-mail: vanilde@[Link] BRASIL
Internet: [Link]/hpgovrn/sad/
arqpb/[Link]

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Civil and District Civil Registry Offices directly to the church by consulting a local
telephone directory, or check the Genealogia no
In Brazil, records created by the local government, Brasil web site at:
including birth, death, and marriage records, are
kept in the local registry offices (Cartório [Link]
Municipal) or the district registry offices (Cartório
Distrital). These records are available to the Libraries and Archives of Portugal
public. For more information about these offices
and their records, see the “Civil Registration” Some pre-1822 sources for Brazil are also
section of this outline. available in libraries in Portugal. Check the Family
History Library Catalog under “Portugal,” or
If records are not available through the Family contact these libraries and ask about their
History Library from the towns your ancestors collection, hours, services, and fees:
were from, you may need to write to the registry
offices in that area. For help writing a letter in • Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo
Portuguese, see the Portuguese Letter-Writing Alameda da Universidade
Guide (36341). 1700 Lisboa
PORTUGAL
Diocese and Parish Archives Tel.: (01) 793 21 31
Fax: (01) 793 72 30
There are two archdiocese in Brazil, each of which
has many records of genealogical and historical • Arquivo Histórico Militar (Historical Military
value for its regions: Archive)
Largo do Caminho de Ferro
C Arquivo da Cúria Metropolitana 1196 Lisboa
cx. postal 1362 PORTUGAL
20001-970 Rio de Janeiro, RJ Tel.: (01) 888 21 31, ext. 2 32 15
BRASIL
Tel.: (021) 292-3132 • Arquivo Geral da Marinha (General Archive
Fax: (021) 221-8093 of the Navy)
E-mail: arquid@[Link] Praça da Armada
1300 Lisboa
C Arquivo da Cúria Metropolitana PORTUGAL
cx. postal 6778
03102-970 São Paulo, SP • Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino (Historical
BRASIL Oversea Archive)
Tel.: (011) 826-0133 Calçada da Boa-Hora, 30 (Palácio de Ega)
Fax: (011) 825-6806 1300 Lisboa
PORTUGAL
Some dioceses of the Catholic Church have Tel.: (01) 363 24
gathered copies of local parish church records into Fax: (01) 36 21 956
the diocese archive. For records not available
through the Family History Library, you can write • Biblioteca da Ajuda (Library of Assistance)
to these archives and request brief searches of their Palácio da Ajuda
records. For additional information, see the 1300 Lisboa
“Church Records” section of this outline. PORTUGAL
Tel.: (01) 363 85 02
Catholic Church records less than 100 years old
are usually kept by the local parish, which may • Biblioteca Nacional (National Library)
also have earlier records. It is possible to write to Campo Grande 83
local parishes and church archives for information. 1751 Codex Lisboa
See the “Church Records” section of this outline PORTUGAL
for more information. Tel.: (01) 798 2000
Fax: (01) 798-2138
A few records for other church denominations are Internet: [Link]
found in the Family History Library Catalog. For
records of other church denominations, write

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For information on records of Brazil in Portugal,
see:
Historical and Genealogical Societies
Almeida, Eduardo de Castro, Inventário dos
documentos relativos ao Brasil existentes no In Brazil there are organized historical and
Arquivo da Marinha e Ultramar de Lisboa genealogical societies. Some societies maintain
(Inventory of documents relating to Brazil that libraries and archives that collect valuable records.
exist in the Marinha and Utramarino archives). For more information, see the “Societies” section
8 vols. Rio de Janeiro, 1913–1938. of this outline.
Private and Public Libraries Inventories, Registers, and Catalogs
Brazilian libraries have collected published
sources such as local histories, phone directories, Many archives have catalogs, inventories, guides,
or periodicals that describe their records and how
maps, newspapers, and genealogies. See the
“Genealogy” section of this outline for information to use them. If possible, study these guides before
you visit, or use the records during your visit so
about compiled family histories.
you can use your time more effectively. See:
The National Library has an extensive collection
of manuscripts and published sources. For Catálogo dos arquivos brasileiros (Catalog of the
Brazilian archives). Rio de Janeiro: Arquivo
information, write to:
Nacional, 1977. (FHL book 981 A3b; film
1218975; computer number 0021693.)
• Fundação Biblioteca Nacional (National
Library Establishment)
A guide to the archives and libraries for slavery
Av. Rio Branco 219-239
20040-008 Rio de Janeiro, RJ records in Brazil is:
BRASIL
Tel.: (021) 262-8255 Guia brasileiro de fontes para a história da África,
da escravidão negra e do negro na sociedade
Fax: (11) 220-4173
E-mail: dinf@[Link] atual: fontes arquivistas (Brazilian Guide of
Sources for the History of Africa, Black
Other useful libraries include: Slavery and of the Negro in the Present
Society). 2 vols. Arquivo Nacional:
• Instituto Genealógico Brasileiro Departamento de Imprensa Nacional, 1988.
(FHL book 981 A3g; computer number
Rua Sete de Abril, 230
01044-000 São Paulo, SP 0608264.) This guide describes the records in
federal, state, and ecclesiastical archives.
BRASIL
Tel.: (11) 257-4840
BIOGRAPHY
• Universidade de São Paulo
Cidade Universitária A biography is a history of a person’s life. In a
Armando de Salles Oliveira biography you may find the individual’s birth,
CP 8191 marriage, and death information and the names of
05508-900 São Paulo his or her parents, children, or other family
BRASIL members. Use the information carefully because
Fax: (11) 815-2142 there may be inaccuracies.
E-mail: dtsibi@[Link]
There are very few biographical sources for Brazil.
Many brief biographies have been gathered and
published in collective biographies such as
biographical encyclopedias or dictionaries. These
usually include only biographies of prominent
citizens of Brazil.

Significant biographical publications are:

Branches, Victor. Dicionário Biobibliográfico

Luso-Brasileiro (Luso-Brazilian Bio-
Bibliographical Dictionary). Rio de Janeiro:
Editora Fundo de Cultura, 1965. (FHL book
981 D3br; computer number 0018440.)

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Coutinho, Afrânio. Brasil e brasileiros de hoje C Cemitério dos Protestantes (Cemeteries of the
(Brazil and Brazilians of Today). Rio de Protestants) in São Paulo that was established
Janeiro: Editorial Sul Americana, 1961. (FHL in 1858.
book 981 D3c; computer number 0019069.) C The Lutheran cemetery in Nova Friburgo that
was established in 1824.
Personalidades no Brasil (Personalities of Brazil).
São Paulo: The British Chamber of Commerce Besides cemeteries, consult newspapers and other
of São Paulo & Southern Brazil, (1932?). publications in the cities where the death occurred.
(FHL book 981 D3p; film 1162486 item 16;
computer number 0456908.) Cemetery records may give more information than
parish burial registers or civil certificates of
A major collection of Brazilian biographies is: deaths, such as the birth year or date of birth and
sometimes marriage information. They may also
Macedo, Joaquim Manoel de. Brazilian provide clues about a person’s military service,
Biographical Annual. Rio de Janeiro: Imperial religion, occupation, place of residence at time of
Instituto Artístico, 1876. (FHL book 981 D3m; death, or membership in an organization such as a
films 0496911–0496912 item 1; computer fraternal society.
number 0019107.)
Some of the inscriptions on gravestones and
Collective biographies at the Family History monuments (referred to as monumental
Library are generally listed in the “Locality inscriptions) may have been transcribed and are
Search” section of the Family History Library found in manuscripts and printed books in
Catalog under: libraries.
BRAZIL - BIOGRAPHY Many persons could not afford permanent
BRAZIL, [STATE] - BIOGRAPHY purchase of the grave and gravestone or
BRAZIL, [STATE], [CITY] - BIOGRAPHY monument, so after a period of time the grave was
reused. Other cemetery records such as burial
You will also find some biographical information books, sexton records, and especially plot books
in Brazilian encyclopedias. can be especially helpful for identifying ancestors
who were not recorded in other records, such as
CEMETERIES children who died young. Because relatives may be
buried in adjoining plots, it is best to examine the
There are two major types of cemetery records in original records.
Brazil:
To find tombstone or sexton records you need to
• Information recorded on gravestones know where an individual was buried. The person
(tombstones), including transcripts of this may have been buried in a church, community, or
information private cemetery, usually near the place where he
or she lived or died. You can find clues to burial
• Information recorded in cemetery sextons’ places in funeral notices, church records, and death
records, municipal cemetery records, church certificates.
yard records, grave books, plot books, and
maps Funeral homes and mortuaries in the area will
often have lists of cemeteries in the region. If you
Civil cemetery records generally begin after 1840. know the specific area where your ancestors
resided, you may want to ask the local Cartório do
In São Paulo the first cemeteries of Consolação Registro Civil (Registry of Civil Records) if any
and Santo Amaro date from 1856. Some minority burial plots exist on private land anywhere nearby,
churches had their own cemeteries, including: or you may want to consult a local telephone
directory.
C Gamboa, an early English cemetery in Rio de
Janeiro that was established in 1810. Cemetery locations may also be found on local
maps of the area. The present sexton or minister
C São Francisco Xavier in Rio de Janeiro, a may have the burial registers and the records of the
cemetery for other nationalities that was burial plots. A local library, historical society, or
established in 1840. local historian may also help you locate obscure
family plots or relocated cemeteries.
C São João Batista, a cemetery established in
Rio de Janeiro in 1852 for other nationalities.

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A few sextons’ records and transcripts of C Bahia State Census
tombstone information have been published,
including: C São Paulo State Census

Dullius, Werner Mabilde. Cemitérios das Colônias C Paraná State Census

Alemãs no Rio Grande do Sul (Cemeteries of
German Colonies in Rio Grande do Sul). Porto C Polish Census
Alegre: Editora Gráfica Metrópole, 1985.
(FHL book 981.65 V3d; computer number Bahia State Census
0606608.)
The administrative section of the Bahia state
English, Elisabeth Doby. “Cemitério Dos archives (Arquivo do Estado), in Salvador, has 10
Campos,” United Daughters of the volumes of census records (população) for 1890.
Confederacy Magazine. Vol. XXIII, no. 9, These records are of children who resided in the
Sept. 1960, pp. 25–27. (FHL book 973 B2ud; parishes of Santo Antônio Além do Carmo,
computer number 0316310.) Sant’Ana da Ilha de Maré, São Pedro, Itapoã, and
Conceição. You will need to visit the state archives
Wolff, Egon. Sepulturas de Israelitas – II: Uma in Bahia to search these records. See the “Archives
Pesquisa em mais de Trinta Cemitérios não and Libraries” section of this outline for the
Israelitas (Jewish Burials: A Search in More address.
Than Thirty Non-Jewish Cemeteries). Rio de
Janeiro: Cemitério Comunal Israelita, 1983. São Paulo State Census
(FHL book 981 V3w; computer number
0700789.) The São Paulo state archives (Arquivo do Estado
in São Paulo) has census records (população)
Other than these few sources, the Family History covering 1765 to 1840. These records cover all of
Library does not have tombstone records for the state of São Paulo, which was much larger then
Brazil. than it is now. These records are contained in 226
metal boxes and document complete families, with
The following publication includes the listing of relationships, ages, residences, and in some cases
names in the Confederate Cemetery of Americana, birthplaces of the individuals.
São Paulo:
The following information about São Paulo census
Oliveira, Betty Antunes de. North American records comes from pages 154 to 156 of Lyman De
Immigration to Brazil: Tombstone records of Platt’s book Genealogical Historical Guide to
the cemetery, Santa Bárbara d’Oeste, São Latin America (FHL book 980 D27p; computer
Paulo State, Brazil. Brasília: Gráfica do number 0008654):
Senado Federal, 1978. (FHL 981.61/S2 V3a;
film copy 1162423; computer number In the archive is a metal box entitled População–-
0051233.) Capital–-Anos 1818–1827––Caixa 36. This box
contains seven bundles of census records. Each
CENSUS census record contains basically the same personal
information for each person, including given
A census is a count and description of a names, ages, nationalities, civil statuses,
population. Censuses have been taken by various occupations, and military classifications (for the
governments of Brazil and by some ecclesiastical military census). These bundles comprise:
officials. Census records are not frequently used in
Brazilian family history research because better C Military census of 1818 for São Paulo’s nine
sources such as church records and civil companies. The census list for each company
registrations exist. comprises about 50 folios.

After compiling statistical information, the original C Parish census of 1818 for the state of São
census returns in Brazil were often destroyed. Paulo, in 11 bundles of about 50 folios each.
Census records of some areas still exist at regional
archives, and some ecclesiastical censuses are C Census of 1822 to 1823 for the state of São
found in diocesan archives. Information is given Paulo. There are about 650 pages, or 1,300
here concerning census records of the following folios in these three bundles, numbered 2, 3
regions and people: and 7.

11
C Census of 1825 to 1826 for the state of São Taubaté 1765–1786, 1789–1799
Paulo. These records are made up of about 475 1801–1810, 1812–1820, 1822–1836
pages, or 950 folios in bundles numbered 4 Ubatuba 1765–1850
and 5. Vila Bela 1806–1855

C Census of 1827 for the state of São Paulo, Paraná State Census
located in bundle 6, which consists of about
200 pages. Census records for the state of Paraná are housed
in the Arquivo do Estado in São Paulo. These
The São Paulo state archives also has other census records have not been filmed by the Family
records of its former region from 1765 to 1858. History Library. They include the following
The information included in these censuses is records:
similar to that in the records described above.
These records have not been filmed by the Family Locality Year of Census
Antonina 1798–1826, 1828–1835
History Library and are currently available only Castro 1789–1820, 1822–1846
through the state archive in São Paulo. Following Curitiba 1765–1798, 1800–1806
is a list of these records, listed by localities and 1809–1822, 1824–1846
years: Guaratuba 1775–1844
Lages 1776–1818
Locality Year of Census Paranaguá 1767–1799, 1801–1850
Apiaí 1776–1846 Príncipe 1806–1818, 1822–1850
Arêas 1817–1825, 1828–1830, 1832–1846
Atibaia-Nazaré 1765–1820, 1822–1826, 1828–1850 Polish Census
Bragança 1798–1816, 1818–1822, 1824–1847
Campinas 1797–1836 References to Polish census records for the
Cananéia 1765–1856 southern part of Brazil may be found in:
Capital (São Paulo) 1765–1798, 1801–1805
1807–1811, 1813–1827, 1829–1846
Cotia 1765–1847 Arquivos Para a História do Brasil Meridional
Cunha 1789–1836 (Archives of the History of Southern Brazil).
Faxina 1775–1846 Curitiba, Brazil: (Papelaria Requião Ltda.),
Franca 1824–1848 1971. (FHL book 981.6 B4b no. 14; computer
Guaratinguetá 1765–1798, 1800–1836 number 0017504.)
Guarulhos 1765–1798, 1802–1842
Iguape-Xiririca 1765–1825, 1828–1872 Information about Italian and Polish immigrants in
Itanhaem 1765–1846 southern Brazil can also be found in the Arquivo
Itapetininga 1769–1799, 1801–1850 dos Padres da Congregação de São Vicente de
Itú 1765–1778, 1782–1847
Jacareí 1765–1829
Paulo (Archive of the Priests of the São Vincente
Jacareí-Paraibuna-Sta Branca-Jundiaí 1767–1783 de Paulo Parish) in Curitiba, Paraná.
1785–1842, 1830–1850
Juquirí 1767–1808, 1810–1846 Searching Census Records
Lorena 1789–1825, 1828–1850
Moji das Cruzes 1765–1777, 1779–1799 When searching census records it is important to
1801–1820, 1822–1850 remember the following:
Moji Guaçú 1765–1846
Moji Mirim 1765–1787, 1789–1799 • Information may be incorrect.
1801–1818, 1820–1830, 1832–1850
Parnaíba 1765–1780
Parnaíba-S. Roque 1781–1818, 1820–1825 • Accept the ages with caution.
1827–1858
Pindamonhangaba 1766–1846 • Given names may not always be the same as
Piracicaba 1822–1828, 1832–1850 the names recorded in vital records.
Porto Feliz 1797–1811, 1813–1825, 1827–1843
Santo Amaro 1765–1802, 1804–1847 • Names may be spelled as they sound.
Santos 1765–1799, 1801–1822, 1824–1846
São Bernardo 1776–1846 • Place names may be misspelled or spelled
São José dos Campos 1803–1818, 1820–1847
São Luiz Paraitinga 1775–1843
phonetically.
São Sebastião 1765–1850
São Vicente 1765–1846 • If the family is not found at a suspected
Sorocaba-Faxina-Itapetininga 1765–1776 address, search the surrounding area.
Sorocaba 1777–1783, 1785–1810
1812–1829, 1835–1846

12
• Parts of some censuses are indecipherable. Catholic Church directories exist for each diocese
in Brazil, combined into one Anuário Católico do
• When you find your ancestor in one census, Brasil (Catholic Yearbook of Brazil). Some
search that same location in the earlier and information such as priests’ names and addresses
later census records for additional family may be out of date. The parish histories are still
members. valid.

Searching in Big Cities Church directories are listed in the Family History
Library Catalog under:
Finding your ancestor’s family in the census
records of a large city and learning the street where BRAZIL - CHURCH DIRECTORIES
the family resided will also enable you to search BRAZIL, [STATE], [CITY OF DIOCESE] -
other records such as church records and civil CHURCH DIRECTORIES
registrations.
The Family History Library has copies of the
If possible, determine your ancestor’s address for Catholic Church yearbooks for 1960, 1970 to
the time period of the census you are searching. 1971, and 1997:
Sources that sometimes give street addresses for
cities in Brazil include: Anuário Católico do Brasil, 1960 (Catholic
Yearbook of Brazil, 1960). Petrópolis: Editora
C Civil certificates of births, marriages, and Vozes, 1959. (FHL book 981 K24a; microfilm
deaths. number 0962910; computer number 0004237.)

C Church records of christenings, marriages, and Anuário Católico do Brasil, 1970–1971 (Catholic
burials. Yearbook of Brazil, 1970–1971). 2 vols. Rio
de Janeiro: Fundação IBGE, 1972. (FHL 981
C City directories from various years (see the K24r; computer number 0004347.)
“Directories” section of this outline).
Anuário Católico do Brasil, 1997 (Catholic
CHURCH DIRECTORIES Yearbook of Brazil, 1997). Rio de Janeiro:
CERIS, 1997. (FHL book 981 K24a 1997;
computer number 0833824.)
A church directory lists church officials, dioceses,
and parishes. There are many genealogical uses for
church directories. They: CHURCH HISTORY
• Provide a list of all the parishes in a diocese, Research procedures and genealogical sources are
so you can determine if your ancestor’s village different for each religion. It is helpful to
had a parish church. Many directories list all understand the historical events that led to the
villages belonging to a parish. creation of records your ancestor is listed in, such
as parish registers.
• Sometimes provide the earliest dates for which
the church records of each parish exist. Roman Catholic
• May include historical information about some The Roman Catholic faith has been the
parishes. predominant faith of Brazil since its earliest
settlement by Europeans in the 1500s. Catholic
• Usually group parishes by clerical district, so clergy accompanied the first explorers and
you can easily determine all neighboring colonizers to Brazil. The Jesuits made significant
parishes. missionary and educational efforts, especially
among the Indians. From 1549 until their expulsion
• Provide the complete parish address as well as in 1759, the Jesuits dominated religious life in the
the address of the diocese headquarters and colony. The Franciscan friars also played an
often the archives of the diocese where important role in Brazil.
additional records may be kept.
A few secular priests were brought to Brazil by the
C Include an index of priests, brethren, and donatarios (land lords of large grants of land called
deacons. captaincies) in the early 1500s to attend to the
spiritual needs of the colonists. The colony was
C Include an index of municipalities, states, and made a separate diocese in 1551. The following
dioceses. year the first bishop of Brazil reached Bahia. In

13
1676 Bahia became the seat of an archbishopric, There is also a Jewish Genealogical Society in
and by the end of the colonial period there were Brazil:
bishoprics in Rio de Janeiro, Pernambuco,
Maranhão, Pará, São Paulo, and Minas Gerais. Sociedade Genealógica Judaica do Brasil
Dr. Guilherme Faiguenboim
The Catholic Church was directed by bishops, Caixa Postal 1025
Catholic Orders, and the secular clergy. The 13001-970 Campinas - SP
Catholic Church was the most important cohesive BRASIL
force in Brazilian life. Tel.: (5511) 881-9365 (Ms. Anna Rosa)
E-mail: faiguen@[Link]
In 1563 the Council of Trent formalized record-
keeping practices that were already being followed Other Religions
in much of the Catholic world. Separate books
were kept for baptisms, confirmations, marriages, Although the majority of the population is Roman
and deaths or burials. Catholic, there is also a great deal of tolerance for
other religions in Brazil. Among the minority
Judaism religions in Brazil are Buddhism, Eastern
Orthodox Catholicism, Islam, Judaism, Maronism,
Jews immigrated quite early to Brazil. The and Spiritualism. Many Brazilians have returned to
marranos, Jews who were forced to become religions of Africa, including Macumba near Rio,
Christians but who continued to practice their Umbanda in São Paulo, and Candomblé in the
religion secretly, lived in Brazil from the earliest Bahia area.
settlements.
Some of the earliest non-Roman Catholic Christian
During the Dutch occupation of northern Brazil religions that were established in Brazil are listed
from 1648 to 1653, two Jewish congregations were below.
formed: Zur Israel in Recife and Magan Abraham
in Mauricia. After these communities were C Presbyterians, 1859
disbanded in Brazil, the people helped establish
communities in Aruba, Curaçao, Barbados, C Methodists, 1870
Amsterdam, London, and New York. A list of the
names of these people can be found in: C Baptists, 1871

Wiznitzer, Arnold. The Record of the Earliest C Seventh-Day Adventists, 1892

Jewish Community in the New World. New
York: American Jewish Historical Society, C Lutherans, about 1900
1954. (FHL book 981.34/R1 F2w; computer
number 0022828.) • The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, 1927
Although the colony was subject to the Inquisition
in Lisbon, the Inquisition in Brazil was mild A history of the German Mennonites in Brazil can
compared with how it was administered in Mexico be found in:
and Peru. Those in Brazil who were accused of
being Jewish were taken to Lisbon and tried there. Mennoniten in Brasilien: gedenkschrift zum 50
Documents from their trials in Portugal are on Jahr - Jubiläum ihrer Einwanderung,
microfilm at the Family History Library: 1930–1980/ Documento histórico para o
jubileu dos 50 anos de imigração menonita no
Inquisição de Lisboa (Inquisition of Lisbon). Brasil (Mennonites in Brazil: Memorial at the
Lisboa: Laboratórios Fototécnicos, N.p., 50 Year Anniversary of their Emigration,
(1975). (On 77 FHL films, beginning with 1930–1980). Witmarsum, Brasil: Festkomitees
078450; computer number 0177804.) für die Jubilaeeumsfeier, 1980. (FHL book
981.6 F2m; computer number 0407526.)
Today the largest Jewish congregation in South
America, Congregação Israelita Paulista, is in São Other books about the history of religious
Paulo, with 2,000 families. The International minorities in Brazil can be found in the “Locality
Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies is Search” section of the Family History Library
developing a database of all Jewish cemeteries and under the country, state, or city/town and the
inscriptions in the world. It lists information about subjects “church history” or “minorities.”
Jewish cemeteries in Brazil on its Internet site:

14
fires, floods, and earthquakes. Civil and political
strife have also caused the destruction of parish
CHURCH RECORDS books. Some records were destroyed or damaged
because of poor storage. However, many records
Roman Catholic Church records are among the have simply been misplaced or misidentified.
most important records for genealogical research
in Brazil. This is because the vast majority of Information Recorded in Church Registers
Brazilians were Catholic and were registered in the
records of the local parish, which records are The type and amount of information and detail
called registros paroquiais (parish registers). recorded in church books varied over time. The
These records include entries for baptisms, later records generally give more complete
marriages, deaths, and burials. Often two and information than the earlier ones. The most
sometimes three generations are indicated in the important church records for genealogical research
registers, with personal information on the family. are baptism, marriage, and burial registers.
In addition, church records may include church Occasionally other helpful church records were
censuses, account books, confirmations, and other kept, including confirmations and church censuses.
church-related records. Most records were recorded in Portuguese. A few
Catholic records were kept in Latin.
Church records are very helpful because civil
authorities did not begin registering vital statistics
until after 1850. After this date one should search Baptisms [batismos]
in both church and civil records, since there may
be information in one that does not appear in the Children were generally baptized within a few
other. For instance, the church records may only days of birth. Baptismal records usually list the
list the godparents, while the civil records may list infant’s place and date of baptism, parents, status
the grandparents. of legitimacy, godparents, and sometimes
grandparents. You may also find the child’s age
For civil vital records of births, marriages, and and the family’s place of residence. If the child
deaths, see the “Civil Registration” section of this died within a few days of baptism, death
outline. information has sometimes been added as a note.
At times a note added to the margin will state who
the child later married.
General Historical Background
The arrival of six Jesuits in 1549 marked the Marriages [casamentos]
beginning of organized religious activity in the
colony. Catholic clergy have documented the Marriage registers give the date and place of a
history of Brazil in their church records from the marriage and names of the bride and groom. They
very start of the exploration of Brazil. The earliest may also indicate whether the couple were single
church records of baptisms, marriages, and deaths or widowed before this marriage. If they were
in Brazil that have been microfilmed are the widowed sometimes it will give the names of the
Catholic Church records in Rio de Janeiro from deceased spouses and how long they had been
1616. deceased. If the bride or groom was a minor, a note
often appears to indicate whether a parent or other
Separate church record books were maintained for party gave permission for the marriage. The record
baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and deaths or will list the witnesses, usually two to four men
burials, and the format was standardized as the who could verify that there were no reasons why
Council of Trent had outlined. The Catholic the couple should not be married. Often the
Church was the primary record keeper for Brazil registers include other information about the bride
until civil registration started. A large percentage and groom, such as their ages, residences, parents,
of the population is listed in these registration and sometimes birthplaces.
records.
Marriage registers may also give the dates on
Only in the late 19th century did other religious which the marriage was announced or the banns
groups begin to establish themselves in Brazil. For were published, which had to take place on three
more information about the various churches in separate occasions so anyone knowing reasons
Brazil, see the “Church History,” “Minorities,” and why the couple should not be married could come
“History” sections of this outline. forward. Couples were generally married in the
home parish of the bride. Typically, girls married
Some church records have been lost or have between 14 and 20, and men married in their 20s.
deteriorated because of natural effects like
humidity and insects and more dramatic events like

15
Deaths [óbitos] is the archdiocese (arquidiocese). By 1900 there
were two archdioceses, 15 dioceses, and several
Burials were recorded in the church record of the thousand parishes or vicarages in Brazil. The
parish where the person died. Death or burial parishes (paróquias) are under the jurisdiction of
registers give the name of the deceased and the the dioceses. Parishes are local congregations that
date and place of burial and/or death. Often the may include many smaller villages within their
deceased’s age, residence, marital status, cause of boundaries. A large city would have several
death, and survivors are given. parishes. All parish jurisdictions have their own
records.
At times the priest will note if the deceased person
recorded a will. Often the date and place of birth In searching for your ancestor you must know the
and parents’ names are given if the deceased was a town he or she lived in. You must also determine
minor. However, early death registers failed to the parish he or she belonged to. If your ancestor
record much of this information and are not as came from a large city that has several parishes,
complete as later death records. Some death you will need to know what section of the town he
records recorded a woman by her maiden name, or she lived in to determine the parish. However, in
giving the name of her surviving spouse or stating a large city such as Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo
that she was a widow and thus naming the you may find that even if you know the home
deceased spouse. parish, there were times when the ancestor’s
family would go to the cathedral for the baptism of
Confirmation Registers [confirmações] a child or to the parish of a relative in the same
city. If you do not find the complete family in the
Confirmation records were not consistently home parish, search the surrounding parishes of
recorded. In larger parishes a separate book was the city. If your family lived in a very small village
usually maintained, and in smaller parishes the or ranch that did not have an established parish,
confirmation entries may be intermingled with check a map to determine which nearby town had a
baptisms. Confirmations were normally performed parish.
by the bishop or his authorized representative
when they visited the parish. In some parishes Parish boundary maps, if they exist, can be
confirmations were performed every year, but in extremely helpful when determining what specific
the smaller parishes, where it was difficult for the parish records to search. They can help you
bishop or his representative to visit, the identify neighboring parishes if you need to search
confirmations took place once every few years. through the various parishes in a given region.
You may find that several members of the family
were confirmed at the same time. As the parish books were filled, many times they
were sent to the diocese or archdiocese that had
Confirmation entries normally list the parish, the jurisdiction over the parish. Therefore, if records
individual being confirmed, his or her godparents, are no longer available at the local parish you may
and sometimes his or her parents. The value of the find the records in the diocesan or archdiocesan
confirmation record is primarily to verify the archives.
information found in other vital records.
The Archdiocese Archives in Rio de Janeiro
Other Ecclesiastical Records contains parish registers, marriage processes
(processos de casamento), marriage bonds, banns,
The Catholic Church kept many other records that dispensations, and some inquisition records
are valuable for genealogical research. These showing pedigrees of those brought to trial.
might include census and population lists, wills,
account books, property grants to the church, The Archdiocese Archives of São Paulo has
lawsuits, priesthood ordination records, and marriage records since 1632, baptism records since
fraternal groups that assisted in parish activities. 1640, and death records since 1731. Most of the
These types of records may be available on a local parish records are for older parishes in the state of
level or in Brazilian archives, but they have not São Paulo when it was all under one diocese. The
usually been filmed by the Family History Library. archive also has several indexes to church records:

Locating Church Records C Index to baptisms, 1880–1900

Church records are kept at different levels in the C Index to dispensations of banns (dispensos de
Catholic Church. The highest level of government matrimônio e casamentos), 1730–1917

16
C Index to corrections of baptism and marriage The specific holdings are listed in the Family
records History Library Catalog. You can determine
whether the library has records for the locality
C Index to non-Catholics who accepted the your ancestor came from by checking the “Locality
Catholic faith and rejected their former Search” section of the Family History Library
religion Catalog. If the Family History Library does not
have a copy of the records you seek, you will have
Most indexes are in alphabetical order by the first to write to the parish for information.
or given name rather than by the surname.
Church records are cataloged first by the name of
The archive also has a book called Autos de the denomination (usually Igreja Católica,
Genere (Pedigree Records), which lists in Catholic Church), followed by the saint name of
alphabetical order each child’s name, parents, the parish (for example, Nossa Senhora da Ajuda,
grandparents, and sometimes relatives of earlier Our Lady of Help), and then by the town and state
generations. It also contains some illegitimate where it is located (for example, Ilha do
births, with the birth date and the date the father Governador, Rio de Janeiro). In the Family History
recognized the child as his own. Library Catalog, look under the name of the town
where the parish was located, not necessarily the
Other records at this archive include confirmation town where your ancestor lived. If the city has
records, a few local censuses, chaplaincy records, more than one parish it will list all parishes by
ordinations to various orders of the priesthood, name. Look in the Family History Library Catalog
wills, ecclesiastical court matters, and other under the town as follows:
records usually found in a diocese archives.
BRAZIL, [STATE], [TOWN] - CHURCH
For addresses to the archdiocese archives, see the RECORDS
“Archives and Libraries” section of this outline.
Records Not at the Family History Library
Church Record Inventories
Baptism, marriage, and death records may be
An inventory is a listing of available church searched by contacting or visiting local parish or
records, what years they cover, and their location. diocese archives in Brazil. Brazil has no single
Sometimes they indicate which parishes served repository of church records. Write your request in
particular towns at different times. Church record Portuguese whenever possible.
inventories in Brazil have not been obtained by the
Family History Library. For more information, see Information about how to write for genealogical
the “Church Directories” section of this outline. information to local parishes in Brazil is given in
Letter-Writing Guide: Portuguese (36341).
Church Records at the Family History
Library When requesting information, send the following:

The Family History Library has many Brazilian C Money for the search fee, usually $10.00, and
church records on microfilm. Many church records an international reply coupon (IRC)
have been filmed for the states of Alagoas, Bahia,
Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Santa Catarina. • Full name and the sex of the ancestor sought
Church records have also been filmed in the states
of Maranhão, Espírito Santo, Paraíba, Rio de • Names of the ancestor’s parents, if known
Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Ceará, Pará, Paraná,
and Pernambuco. • Approximate date and place of the event

Some of the records from the state of Pará are • Your relationship to the ancestor
listed in the catalog under a centralized parish
rather than each individual parish. For example, • Reason for the request (family history,
the central church of Curuçá in Pará includes medical, and so on)
church records from 1837 to 1935, including the
church records from several other parishes and • Request for a photocopy of the complete
chapels. original record

If your request is unsuccessful, search for duplicate

records that may have been filed in other archives
or civil registration offices.

17
Search Strategies Some civil registration records in Brazil date back
to the 1860s and 1870s. Some civil records in
Effective use of church records includes the Brazil date back to 1889. However, some areas did
following strategies, used in this order: not begin keeping records until as recently as the
1920s. Because they cover such a large percentage
• Search only for the ancestor you select. When of the population, civil registrations are an
you find his or her baptismal record, search for extremely important source for genealogical
the baptisms of his or her brothers and sisters. research in Brazil.

• Search for the marriage of the person’s parents At times the Catholic Church stopped keeping
prior to the birth of their first legitimate child. death records because the civil authority was
The marriage record will often lead to the keeping them. Occasionally there were disputes
parents’ baptismal records. between the Catholic Church and government
authorities concerning the legitimacy of marriages
• You can estimate the parents’ ages or try to performed by each authority. Therefore, it is
find their ages from a death record and then important to check both the civil records and
search for their baptismal records. church records to understand the issues completely
and to get all the genealogical information about
• Repeat the process for both the father and the each event. For birth, death, and marriage records
mother. that were created before civil records began in a
particular area, see the “Church Records” section
• If earlier generations are not in the record, of this outline.
search neighboring parishes.
Information Recorded in Civil Registers
• Search the death registers for all family
members. The information recorded in civil registration
records varied over time. Later records generally
CIVIL REGISTRATION give more complete information than the earlier
ones.
Civil registrations comprise the vital records made The most important civil records for genealogical
by the government. Records of births, marriages, research are the birth, marriage, and death
divorces, and deaths are commonly referred to as registers. These records may be either handwritten
“vital records” because they document critical or typed and are most often indexed by given name
events in a person’s life. Civil registration records rather than surname.
(Registros Civis) are an excellent source of
accurate information on names, dates, and vital Other civil records include emancipações
events. (emancipations) made by fathers when their sons
reached 18 years of age (not required after 21
Civil records are important for genealogical years old), land sales (imóveis), and corrections of
research in Brazil. They can be used along with children’s names (comunicaç4es). For the most
church records. Since 1827 the government has part, only birth, marriage, and death records have
accepted marriages performed in the Catholic been filmed by the Family History Library, and
Church as official marriages. In 1850 a law was these will be of most help in doing genealogical
passed requiring registration of births and deaths research.
throughout the country. Until 1870 the Catholic
Church was required to keep this record. After
1870 these records were to be kept by the justices
Births [nascimentos]
of the peace.
Births were usually registered by the infant’s
father or by a neighbor of the family within a few
Civil records kept track of all the population,
days of the event. A birth record includes the day
including the Catholics and the non-Catholics. and time of the birth; the newborn’s name; the
Because of the influx of non-Catholics after the
parents’ names; the town where the birth occurred,
1880s, these records are important in recording this which may be different than where it was
section of the population as well. Because the
registered; and the address of the house or hospital
Catholic Church continued keeping records after the birth took place in. Family information may be
the creation of the civil registration in the late
included, such as the parents’ ages, birthplaces or
1800s, two types of records may be available for residences, marital statuses, and professions and
births, marriages, and deaths. Be sure to search
the number of other children born to the mother.
both records.

18
You may also find information about the Several small villages will sometimes report births,
grandparents. marriages, and deaths in one central municipality
office. Sometimes municipalities existed for a few
Corrections or additions to a birth record may have years and were then dissolved. In villages where
been added as a note in the margin. this has occurred, births, marriages, and deaths are
reported in a neighboring municipality.
Marriages [casamentos]
Duplicate copies of all civil records are made in
Early civil marriage entries simply contain the separate books. Copies of surviving records and
name of the bride and groom and the marriage duplicates from the municipality archive are sent
date. In later years more information was entered, to the Arquivo Geral dos Tribunais in the federal
such as the bride’s and groom’s ages, occupations, district and to the judicial or state archives in the
civil statuses, and residences. Sometimes their various states.
parents, grandparents, and birthplaces were listed.
In current civil marriage records even street Records at the Family History Library
addresses are given.
The Family History Library has microfilmed the
Divorces civil registration records of many municipalities in
Brazil. Civil records from the late 1800s to the
Because divorce was not common until the 1980s, 1920s and 1930s, and often up to the 1990s, have
Brazil has very few divorce records. People would been filmed for the states of Pará, Ceará,
get a desquite, which is a legal separation, but the Pernambuco, Alagoas, Bahia, Minas Gerais, Rio
Catholic Church forbade divorce. de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, and
Rio Grande do Sul. Some civil registration records
Deaths [óbitos] have also been filmed for the states of Rio Grande
do Norte, Sergipe, and Paraíba.
Early civil death records are especially helpful
because they may list people whom there are no You will need to know the town your ancestor
birth or marriage records for, and they may provide lived in. Although more than one town may
information about the person’s birth, spouse, and comprise a municipality, the civil records are listed
parents. Deaths were recorded within a few days of in the Family History Library Catalog for each
the event in the town or city where the person died. town and not just by the municipality. Some
municipalities are small and only have one civil
Death records generally give the deceased’s name, registration office, but in the larger cities there
date, and place of death. Depending on the clerk might be several civil registration offices.
who registered the death, the record may also
include the deceased’s age or date of birth (if a The specific holdings of the Family History
child), residence, occupation, and cause of death; Library are listed in the Family History Library
burial information; and the informant’s name Catalog. To find civil registration records in the
(often a relative). They often provide the name of a Family History Library, search in the “Locality
spouse or parents. Search” section of the catalog under:

Be aware that information in a death record about BRAZIL, [STATE], [TOWN] - CIVIL
the deceased’s parents, birth date, birthplace, and REGISTRATION
so on may be inaccurate since the person who gave
the information may not have had complete The library’s collection continues to grow as new
information. records are microfilmed and added to the
collection.
Locating Civil Registration Records
Locating Records Not at the Family History
Civil registration records are kept by all the states Library
on a municipal level. There are over 3,700
municipalities (municípios) in Brazil, with offices Birth, marriage, and death records may be found
of civil registration. The populace register in their by contacting or visiting local civil registration
local civil registration offices. The records are then offices or district and state civil archives in Brazil.
sent to the municipal office, district office, or The present location of records depends on
delegation office. whether the local office has sent its records to the

19
higher jurisdiction. Most recent records will be Search Strategies
found in the local civil registry offices. Older
records may be found in the municipality, district Effective use of civil records includes the
archive, or state archive. following strategies, used in this order:
Civil registration records in Brazil can be obtained • Search only for the ancestor you select. If you
by writing to the local civil registry in the can find the person’s death record, it will help
municipality. Civil officials will generally answer identify his or her age or birth date. When you
correspondence in Portuguese. Your request may find the birth record, search for the births of
be forwarded if the records have been sent to state his or her brothers and sisters.
archives.
• Search for the marriage of your ancestor’s
After deciding who has jurisdiction over the parents prior to the birth of their first
records for the time period you need, write a brief legitimate child. The marriage record will
request to the proper office. Send the following: often lead to the parents’ birth records of the
parents.
• Money for the search fee, usually $10.00, and
an international reply coupon (IRC) • You can estimate the parents’ ages and search
for their birth records.
• Full name and the sex of the ancestor sought
• Repeat the process for both the father and the
• Names of the ancestor’s parents, if known mother.
• Approximate date and place of the event • If earlier generations are not in the record,
search neighboring municipalities.
• Your relationship to the ancestor
• Search the death records for all family
• Reason for the request (family history, members.
medical, and so on)
COURT RECORDS
• Request for a photocopy of the complete
original record
Records of civil and criminal cases exist from the
If your request is unsuccessful, search for duplicate earliest days of the colony and are usually found in
the national or state archives. They contain
records that may have been filed in other state or
ecclesiastical archives. disputes, accusations, judgments, contracts,
property titles, wills, inventories, baptismal
Directories of the civil registration offices of records, and personal correspondence about these
cases.
Brazil for 1981 and 1993 are available through the
Family History Library. The following
Court records contain family information that has
publications list the addresses of the municipality
civil registration offices and will help you identify great genealogical value. They contain names,
residences, occupations of defendants and
the municipality a particular town belongs to:
plaintiffs, ages, relationships, birthplaces,
sometimes verdicts, and dates.
Cadastro de cartórios do Registro Civil 1981
(Survey of Offices of the Civil Registrar
Early court records are found in the judicial and
1981). Rio de Janeiro: IBGE, 1982. (FHL
book 981 J54; film 1667140 item 1; computer legislative sections of the national and state
archives. The National Archives of Brazil has a
number 0571689.)
partial index to records in its legislative and
judicial section that include inventories and wills,
Cadastro de municípios 1993 (Directory of
Municipalities 1993). 2 vols. Rio de Janeiro: divorces, orphan records, separations without
divorce, donation records, adjudications,
IBGE: 1993–1994. (FHL book 981 E5c;
computer number 0791700.) executions of sentences, and probate divisions of
property.
A 1994 edition also lists addresses for each of the
These records have not been microfilmed by the
municipalities:
Family History Library and may take considerable
time and effort to research in the archives in
Cadastro de municípios 1994 (Directory of
Municipalities 1993). 5 vols. Rio de Janeiro: Brazil, since there are generally no easy indexes
and reference tools to them.
IBGE, 1995. (Computer number 0769831.)

20
Other local court-type records were kept by a these records may include the emigrants’ names,
notary public and are called notarial records ages, occupations, destinations, ports of
(notariais). These are discussed further under the emigration, and occasionally places of origin or
“Notarial Records” section of this outline. birthplaces.

DIRECTORIES These sources can help you determine where in

Brazil your ancestor came from and where he or
Directories are alphabetical lists of names and she came from prior to settling in Brazil. These
addresses. These often list all the adult residents or records can also help you construct family groups.
tradesmen of a city or area. Telephone books are a If you do not find your ancestor, you may find
type of directory. emigration information on your ancestor’s
neighbors. People often emigrated with neighbors
The most helpful directories for genealogical and friends from the same communities.
research are city directories of local residents and
businesses. These are generally published annually Europeans left Europe (Portugal) for Brazil from
and may include an individual’s name, address, the 1530s onward. General immigration began in
occupation, and spouse’s name, as well as other the 1800s with the transfer of the court from
helpful facts. An individual’s address can be very Lisbon to Rio de Janeiro when a royal decree in
useful when searching in a large city with several 1808 opened the ports of Brazil to direct trade with
parishes. Directories sometimes have city maps foreign countries. For the first time citizens of
and may include addresses of churches, other countries were welcome to enter in
cemeteries, civil registration offices, and other substantial numbers and become permanent
locations of value to genealogists. citizens and land owners in Brazil.

The Family History Library has directories for Although many foreigners came at that time, most
some of the major cities of Brazil. These are listed newcomers continued to come from Portugal. The
in the “Locality Search” section of the Family Portuguese were not regarded as foreigners and
History Library Catalog under: usually did not consider themselves immigrants.
Many originally did not intend to become
BRAZIL, [STATE], [CITY] - DIRECTORIES permanent residents in Brazil.

Some directories list only certain types of Brazil remained relatively unattractive to many
tradesmen or businesses. These are listed in the potential immigrants of the 19th century while
“Locality Search” section of the Family History slavery existed. Before 1850 the number of
Library Catalog under the topics “directories” or immigrants to Brazil seldom exceeded 2,000 per
“occupations.” There are also special directories year. But with the demise of slave trade in Brazil,
that can help you, such as church diocese and immigration to Brazil steadily increased. A peak of
parish directories. See the “Church Directories” immigration was reached in 1888, the year slavery
section of this outline for more information. was abolished, with 133,253 emigrants. An
estimated 750,000 Europeans had immigrated to
Several fairly recent directories for various cities Brazil by that date. From this point on,
and states of Brazil can be found on the Internet at: immigration increased dramatically. Nearly five
million immigrants came to Brazil from 1884 to
[Link]/br/ 1963, half of whom arrived between 1889 and
1913.
A directory of complete Brazilian postal codes can
be found on the Internet and searched by locality Records were created when individuals emigrated
and street address in larger cities: from or immigrated to Brazil. Other records
document a person’s arrival in his or her
destination country. This section discusses:

• Finding your ancestor’s town of origin.

EMIGRATION AND
IMMIGRATION • Immigration to Brazil.

Emigration and immigration sources list the names • Records of Brazilian emigrants to the United
of people leaving (emigration) or coming into States of America.
(immigration) a country. These lists are usually
found as passenger lists, permissions to emigrate, C Other records of departure.
and records of passports issued. The information in

21
There are some helpful records about Portuguese information in these lists varies over time but
immigrants into Brazil. There are not many usually includes the emigrants’ names, ages,
immigration records for Brazil prior to 1808. occupations, and destinations. In addition,
relationships and last residences or birthplaces
Finding Your Ancestor’s Town of Origin may be given.

Once you have traced your family back to your There are few emigration sources for the ports of
immigrant ancestor, you must determine the city or Brazil. The Family History Library has microfilm
town where the ancestor lived. Brazil has no copies of some records of emigrants leaving from
nationwide index to birth, marriage, or death the port of Rio de Janeiro. These records, from
records. These records were kept locally. 1835 to 1842, were filmed from the Hostelry of
Immigrants (Hospedaria de Imigrantes) and are
There are several sources that may give your called Saídas (Departures) (FHL film 1285642
ancestor’s place of origin. You may be able to items 2–5, 1285643–1285644; computer number
learn the town your ancestor came from by talking 0183484).
to older family members. Members of your family
may have documents that name the city or town, Many of those who emigrated from Europe and
such as: other western hemisphere countries to Brazil left
from the ports of Bremen, Hamburg, La Havre,
• Birth, marriage, and death certificates. Bordeaux, Marseille, Antwerp, Rotterdam, Lisbon,
Funchal, Cádiz, New Orleans, Naples, Tokyo, and
• Obituaries. New York. The passenger records from Hamburg
have been microfilmed and are available in the
• Journals. collection of the Family History Library. See
Hamburg Passenger Lists, 1850–1934 (34047).
• Photographs. Departure lists from La Havre, New Orleans, and
New York were not preserved.
• Letters.
Immigration to Brazil
• Family Bibles.
Prior to 1755 the Portuguese sent prisoners,
• Church records. degredados (exiles) or indesejáveis (undesirables)
to its colonies, and prior to 1808 the Portuguese
• Naturalization applications and petitions. limited immigration to Brazil to Portuguese
nationals. After 1808, Brazil opened its ports to
• Passenger lists. international commerce and began to encourage
immigration.
• Passports.
It was not until the law of 1871, when the Lei do
• Family heirlooms. Ventre Livre (Law of Free Birth) freed all
newborns of slaves, and the law of 1888, Lei Áurea
Emigrants leaving Brazil may have left records (Golden Law), which freed all slaves, that many
documenting their migration both in Brazil and in Europeans saw the opportunity to immigrate and
the country they moved to. better themselves in a nonslavery environment.
These laws forced the plantation owners
Information on Brazilian migration is found in: (fazendeiros) to look to other sources for laborers.
Therefore, in 1890s they organized the Sociedade
Ferenczi, Imre. International Migrations, volume Promotora de Imigração (Society for the
I: Statistics. Series: The American Promotion of Emigration) to promote immigration.
immigration collection. Series 2, vol. 1. New
York: Arno Press and the New York Times, From 1808 to 1940 immigrants came to Brazil
1970. (FHL book 304.8 F379i; computer from over 50 nations all over the world; most were
number 264074.) from Portugal, Italy, Germany, Switzerland,
Austria, Japan, Russia, France, Spain, Turkey, the
Passenger Lists British Isles, and other South American countries.
This wave of immigration was caused by political
Most Brazilian emigrants left through the ports of and financial conditions and by work opportunities
Rio de Janeiro, Santos, and São Paulo. Records of on the plantations. Many settled in the states of
departures are called passenger lists. The São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio Grande do
Sul, Santa Catarina, and Rio de Janeiro.

22
After the United States Civil War, many Foreigners and Emigrants from the Portuguese
Southerners emigrated to Brazil. By 1872, 4,000 Register of Foreigners in the Captaincies,
Southerners had emigrated to Amazonas, Espírito 1777–1819). Rio de Janeiro: Arquivo
Santo, and São Paulo, establishing rural colonies. Nacional.
A few of these survived, such as Americana in São
Paulo, but most failed, and the settlers returned to Registro de estrangeiros, 1808–1842 (Register of
the United States. One source for these emigrants foreigners, 1808–1842). 4 vols. (From series:
is listed under the “Cemeteries” section of this Publicações do Arquivo Nacional, vols. 46,
outline. Other sources at the Family History 49–50, 54.) Rio de Janeiro: Arquivo Nacional,
Library include: Ministério da Justiça e Negócios Interiores,
1961–1964. (FHL book 981 W2b; film
The Confederados: Old South Immigrants in 1090236 items 1–3 and 1162487 item 4;
Brazil. Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama computer number 0022266.)
Press, c1995. (FHL book 981.61 H2c;
computer number 0736070.) Another book from the National Archives in Brazil
lists emigration records of French residents in Rio
Griggs, William Clark. The Elusive Eden: Frank de Janeiro:
McMullan’s Confederate Colony in Brazil.
Austin: University of Texas Press, c1987. Os franceses residentes no Rio de Janeiro,
(FHL book 981 F2gw; computer number 1808–1820 (The French Residents in Rio de
0475914.) Janeiro, 1808–1820). Rio de Janeiro: Arquivo
Nacional, 1960. (FHL book 981.53/R1 F2b;
Most immigrants to Brazil arrived at one of three film 1102990 item 7 or 0897926 item 2;
ports in Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Santos (port city computer number 0023618.)
for São Paulo), or Salvador. As immigrants arrived
to the port of Rio de Janeiro, they were registered The original records of the Hospedaria de
by the Agência Central de Imigração (Central Imigrantes (Hostelry of Immigrants) in Rio de
Agency for Immigration). Those disembarking in Janeiro are at the National Archives, in Rio de
the port of Rio de Janeiro were taken to the Ilha Janeiro. Records from this office have been
das Flores (Isle of Flores) and processed at the microfilmed by the Family History Library and
Casa dos Imigrantes (House of Emigrants). Those include arrival lists, passports, lists of ships, and so
destined for São Paulo continued on to Santos. on:
After 1854, many ships went directly to Santos.
The port authorities who registered and handled Registros de imigrantes (Register of Immigrants).
immigrants in Brazil were known as the Arquivo Nacional no Rio de Janeiro, N.p.,
Hospedaria de Imigrantes (Hostelry of (1981). (FHL numbers 1285633–1285704;
Immigrants). computer number 0183484.)

The Family History Library has microfilm copies A published list of Brazilian immigrants from
of immigration records from each of these ports. North America through Rio de Janeiro is:
These records can be found in the Family History
Library Catalog under: Oliveira, Betty Antunes de. Movimento de
passageiros norte-americanos no porto do Rio
BRAZIL - EMIGRATION AND de Janeiro, 1865–1890 (Movement of North
IMMIGRATION American Passengers in the Port of Rio de
Janeiro, 1865–1890). Rio de Janeiro: B. A. de
Rio de Janeiro Oliveira, 1982. (FHL book 981.53/R1 W3o;
film 1162490; computer number 0460038.)
In the Arquivo Nacional (National Archive), in Rio
de Janeiro, there is a large collection of Many records prior to 1940 of naturalization and
immigration records on cards in nearly 30 drawers. citizenship are in the National Archives. Records
These cards have information on Portuguese created after 1940 are in the office of the Minister
immigrants to Brazil. The National Archive in of Justice:
Brazil compiled a supplement volumes to this
collection: Ministério da Justiça
Serviço de Comunicações
Registro de Estrangeiros e Entradas de Rua México 128 - Centro
Portugueses do Registro de Estrangeiros nas 20031-142 Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Capitanias, 1777–1819 (Register of the BRASIL

23
For an address of the National Archives, in Rio de to Florida, New York, Illinois, California, Texas,
Janeiro, see the “Archives and Libraries” section Washington, and Utah. Emigration from Brazil has
of this outline. occurred mostly in the 20th century.

Santos (São Paulo) Immigration records provide the town of origin

and other information. To learn about these
Santos was the main port for the city of São Paulo. records, use handbooks and manuals on research in
The original records of the Hospedaria de the United States.
Imigrantes (Hostelry of Immigrants) from 1854 to
1885 in São Paulo are at the Arquivo da Secretaria Although there are some emigration records for
da Promoção Social (Archive of the Secretary of Brazil, you should first research the records of the
Social Progress). United States.

Copies of indexes for 1882 to 1925 and the • Passenger lists. Most Brazilian immigrants to
original records for 1882 to 1920 of the the United States arrived at the ports of New
Hospedaria de Imigrantes have been microfilmed York and New Orleans. The Family History
by the Family History library and can be Library has microfilm copies of the records
researched on film: and indexes of these ports for 1898 to 1940.
See the United States Research Outline
Matrícula dos imigrantes (Registrations of (30972) for more information about
immigrants). São Paulo: Arquivo da Secretaria emigration and immigration records of the
da Promoção Social, N.p., (1981). (FHL film United States.
numbers 1285566–1285623; computer number
0130816.) • Immigration and Naturalization. The
Immigration and Naturalization Service has a
The address for the São Paulo Hospedaria national index of immigrants who arrived in
(Hostelry) is: the United States between 1906 to 1956. For
its records, write to:
Central Histórico de Imigrante
Rua Visconde de Parnaíba, 1316 - Brás Immigration and Naturalization Service
03044-001 São Paulo, SP 425 “I” Street NW
BRASIL Washington, D.C. 20536
Tel.: 01-55-292-1022 (Ramal 112) Tel.: 1-202-514-2000

Salvador (State of Bahia) Other Records of Departure

The Family History Library has copies of the People desiring to leave Brazil were required to
record of immigrants to the port of Salvador from obtain passports from the Federal Police (Polícia
1839 to 1854. These records were filmed from Federal) in each state capital.
original records in the Public Archive of the State
of Bahia (Arquivo Público do Estado da Bahia). The applicant had to provide an original copy of
These can be found at the Family History Library his or her birth certificate, two recent pictures, a
under: voter’s registration, an identification card, CIC
(income tax information), and a military release
Títulos de residência a estrangeiros (Titles of (required for males over 18 and under 45 years).
residence of foreigners). Bahia: Público do After completing the necessary forms the police
Estado da Bahia, n.d. (1983). (FHL numbers performed a background check. You can research
1366174–1366178; computer number these records if you can show your relationship to
0223420.) the person and a need to see the records. Useful
records are:
In the “Historical Section” of the Bahia state
archive there are also six volumes of passport • Permissions to emigrate (Rio de Janeiro).
records (passaportes e guias) from 1718 to 1822.
• Probates of relatives who stayed.
Records of Brazilian Emigrants to the
United States • Police records.

Sometimes the best sources for information about • Passports.

your immigrant ancestor are found in the country
he or she emigrated to. Many Brazilians migrated • Court records.

24
The addresses for the Federal Police are: Gazetteers may also provide additional information
about a town, such as its:
Policia Federal (Escritório Central)
Avenida Prestes Maia, 700 Centro C Boundaries of civil jurisdiction.
05512-000 São Paulo, SP
BRASIL C Longitude and latitude.

Policia Marítima C Distances and direction from other from cities.

Avenida Venezuela 2 - Saúde
20081-310 Rio de Janeiro, RJ C Schools, colleges, and universities.
BRASIL
C Denominations and number of churches.
Departamento de Policia Federal
Rua da Assembléia 70 - Centro C Major manufacturing works, canals, docks,
20011-000 Rio de Janeiro, RJ and railroad stations.
BRASIL
You can use a gazetteer to locate the places where
ENCYCLOPEDIAS AND your family lived and to determine the civil
jurisdictions over those places. For example, the
DICTIONARIES town of Santa Rosa de Viterbo in the state of São
Paulo was created in 1910. By searching a
Encyclopedias provide information on all branches gazetteer one can learn that after 1944 this town
of knowledge or discuss in depth a specific topic, was named Icaturama.
usually in articles arranged alphabetically. They
often contain information of great interest for There may be many places in Brazil with the same
genealogical research. They can include articles or similar names. You will need to use a gazetteer
about towns and places, prominent people, to identify the specific town where your ancestor
minorities, and religions. They can give lived and the jurisdictions of the municipality,
information about diverse topics such as record- district, and state where records about him or her
keeping practices, laws, customs, commerce, were kept.
costumes, occupations, and archaic terminology.
Finding Place Names in the Family History
The Family History Library has no general Library Catalog
encyclopedias in the Portuguese language. The
following encyclopedias may be found in other Place names in the Family History Library Catalog
public or university libraries: are listed under their modern names and current
municipalities and states as they existed in 1993.
Grande Enciclopédia Delta-Larousse (Delta- To find the municipality that a town is filed under
Larousses’s Great Encyclopedia). Rio de in the Family History Library Catalog, you can use
Janeiro: Editora Delta, 1969. the “see” references on the first Family History
Library Locality Catalog microfiche of each state.
Grande Enciclopédia Portuguesa e Brasileira If you are using the catalog on a compact disc, use
(Great Portuguese and Brazilian the “Locality Browse” search. The computer will
Encyclopedia). Lisboa, Rio de Janeiro: find places with that name.
Editorial Enciclopédia, s.d.
Because of the many changes in place names, the
For information on language dictionaries, see the Family History Library uses one gazetteer as the
“Language and Languages” section of this outline. standard guide for listing places in the Family
History Library Catalog. Regardless of the names a
GAZETTEERS place may have had at various times, all Brazilian
places are listed in the Family History Library
A gazetteer is a dictionary of place names. Catalog as they are listed in:
Gazetteers describe towns, villages, churches and
states, rivers and mountains, populations, and other Cadastro de Municípios (Survey of
geographical features. They usually include only Municipalities). Rio de Janeiro: Fundação
the names of places that existed at the time the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística,
gazetteer was published and often their former 1993. (FHL book 981 E5c; computer number
names. The place names are generally listed in 0791700.)
alphabetical order, similar to a dictionary.

25
Although this book is the standard used for GENEALOGY
cataloging, many items were cataloged prior to
1993, using older gazetteers; therefore, some The term genealogy is used in this outline and in
discrepancies arise. If you cannot find a place in the Family History Library Catalog to describe a
the catalog using the 1993 gazetteer, search an variety of records containing family information
older gazetteer. gathered by individuals, other researchers,
societies, or archives. These records may include
Another useful gazetteer that identifies many pedigree charts, compiled information on families,
towns, cities, and geographical areas in Brazil and correspondence, ancestor lists, research files,
other parts of the world is found below. This record abstracts, and collections of original or
gazetteer is written in English, easy to use, and copied documents. These can be excellent sources
available through many public libraries: of information that can save you valuable time.
Because they are compiled from other sources of
The Columbia Lippincott gazetteer of the world: information, they must be carefully evaluated and
with 1961 supplement. Morningside, N.Y.: verified for accuracy.
Columbia University Press, c1962. (FHL book
910.3 C723g; computer number 0260764.) Additional sources of genealogy for noble families
in Brazil are described in the “Nobility” section of
Modern Place Names this outline.
For some research purposes such as Major Collections and Databases
correspondence it is useful to learn modern
jurisdictions for the area where your ancestor lived. The Family History Library has several sources
This may also be helpful when finding the that contain previous research or can lead you to
ancestral town on modern maps. In addition to the others who are interested in sharing family
above gazetteer, the following modern gazetteers information. These sources include:
may be found at large libraries and archives and in
the Family History Library: • International Genealogical Index. This index
provides names and vital information for many
Cadastro de Cartórios do Registro Civil 1981. deceased persons who lived in Brazil. This
(Survey of the Civil Registry Offices). Rio de valuable research tool lists birth, christening,
Janeiro: Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e or marriage dates. The index for Brazil
Estatística, 1982. (FHL book 981 J54; film includes names extracted from parish registers
1667140 item 1; computer number 0571689.) by volunteers and names submitted by other
researchers.
Guia postal (geográfico) da República dos Estados
Unidos do Brasil (Geographical Postal guide • Ancestral File. This file is part of
of the Republic of Brazil). Rio de Janeiro: FamilySearch™. It contains family history
Diretoria Geral dos Correios, 1930–1931. 2 information linked in family groups and
vols (FHL book 981 E8d; film 1102988 items pedigrees that has been contributed since
2–3; computer number 0019252.) 1979. As of 1996 the file contains the names
of millions of persons, including many from
Dicionário geográfico brasileiro (Brazilian Brazilian families. Ancestral File can print
Geographical Dictionary). Porto Alegre, pedigree charts, family group records, and
Brazil: Editora Globo, 1966, 1970. (FHL book individual summary sheets for any person in
981 E5; computer number 0026306.) the file.
Historical Place Names • Family Group Records Collection. More than
eight million family group record forms have
Because names and boundaries of some places been microfilmed in the Family Group
have changed or no longer exist, you may need to Records Collection. This includes many
use gazetteers, maps, or local history sources that Brazilian families. There are two major
describe places as they were known earlier. For sections: the “Archive Section” and the
example, there are four places in Brazil with the “Patrons Section.” The film numbers for both
name João Pessoa. One of these towns was known sections are listed in the “Author/Title”
as Porto, in the state of Piauí, prior to 1930. section of the Family History Library Catalog
Between 1930 and 1944 it was known as Marruás, under:
but it is now known as João Pessoa. A gazetteer
will help you sort this information. FAMILY GROUP RECORDS COLLECTION

26
The International Genealogical Index and Unpublished family histories are sometimes held
Ancestral File can be searched at the Family by private individuals in Brazil. These pertain
History Library or a Family History Center on mostly to descendants of prominent families and
compact disc (computer) or on microfiche. Both of Brazilian nobility. These individuals may have
these databases and the Family History Library collected a variety of unpublished records
Catalog can also be searched on the Internet at: pertaining to their own families. Such materials
are generally inaccessible for research unless you
[Link]/ can establish contact with the appropriate
(Look under “Custom Search.”) individuals.

Family Histories Many Brazilian family histories are indexed in:

Many prominent Brazilian families have produced Moya, Salvador de. Índices Genealógicos
histories that may include genealogical Brasileiros (Indexes of Brazilian
information, biographies, photographs, and other Genealogies). 10 vols. São Paulo: Instituto
useful information. These usually include several Genealógico Brasileiro. (FHL book 981
generations of the family. Three examples of such D22m; films 0823691, 0823693, 1224508;
compiled sources, two from the state of São Paulo computer number 0018401.) This book
and one from Rio de Janeiro, are: indexes various genealogical Brazilian works.

Sant’Ana, João Gabriel. Genealogia Sebastianense Anuário Genealógico Latino (Latin Genealogical
(Genealogy of [People from] São Sebastião). Yearbook). 10 vols. São Paulo: Instituto
São Paulo: s.n., 1976. (FHL book 981.61 D2s; Genealógico Brasileiro. (FHL book 981 D2g,
computer number 0609142.) This book films 0547087 item 5, 0823753–0823755,
includes genealogical data for families of 1224501, 1410967 item 5; computer number
several cities in the state of São Paulo from 0017876.) This publication is a continuation
1532 to 1975. of the publication cited above.

Silva Leme, Luíz Gonzaga da. Genealogia Anuário Genealógico Brasileiro (Genealogical
Paulistana (Genealogy of [People from] São Brazilian Yearbook). 10 vols. São Paulo:
Paulo). 9 vols. São Paulo: Duprat, 1903–1905. Instituto Genealógico Brasileiro. (FHL book
(FHL book 981.61 D2g; films 981 D2a; films 0823687–0823690; computer
0823694–0823697; computer number number 0017639.) This publication is
0024201.) continued by Anuário Genealógico Latino.

Rheingantz, Carlos G. Primeiras Famílias do Rio Many Brazilian family histories are listed in:
de Janeiro (First Families of Rio de Janeiro).
Rio de Janeiro: Livraria Brasiliana Editora, Moya, Salvador de. Catálogo de Autores
1965. (FHL book 981.53/R1 D2r; computer Genealógicos (Catalog of Genealogical
number 0023442.) Authors). São Paulo: Departamento de
Cultura, 1937. (FHL book 981 A1 no. 15;
Another book that has short descriptions of computer number 0049997.)
surname origins and genealogy of prominent
families in the state of Minas Gerais is: If you find your surname in any of the sources
described in this section, determine whether the
Rezende, Oswaldo. Genealogia de Tradicionais entry actually pertains to your family. All persons
Famílias de Minas (Genealogy of Traditional with the same surname are not necessarily related.
Families of Minas). São Paulo: Empresa Often you will have to do some original research
Gráfica da Revista dos Tribunais, 1969. (FHL before you can connect your ancestry to families
book 981.51 D2r; computer number 0023118.) listed in these sources. See also the “Societies”
section of this outline.
The Family History Library has some published
Brazilian family histories. Copies at the Family Computer Networks and Bulletin Boards
History Library are listed in the “Surname Search”
section of the Family History Library Catalog. Not Computers with modems can be useful tools for
every name found in a family history will be listed obtaining information from selected archives and
in the Family History Library Catalog; only the libraries. In a way, computer networks themselves
major surnames discussed in the family history are serve as a library. Most of the information on the
included in the catalog. Internet is compiled from secondary sources and
will need to be verified, but it may identify useful

27
Various authors in Brazil have prepared heraldry
clues and new sources to search. The Internet, books. Heraldry books give descriptions of coats
certain computer bulletin boards, and commercial of arms and some information on the first person
online services help family history researchers: to bear it. It may briefly describe the person’s
entitlement to that coat of arms. It may also note
C Locate other researchers. early bearers of that coat of arms, sometimes with
relationships, birth dates, and other genealogical
C Post queries. information. Each armorial (a book on heraldry)
will differ from others and will include different
C Send and receive e-mail. names. The following sources are of particular
interest in Brazil:
C Search large databases.
Boletim (Bulletin). Rio de Janeiro: Colégio de
C Search computer libraries. Armas e Consulta Heráldica, 1955. (FHL book
981 B2c; computer number 0004128.)
C Join in computer chat and lecture sessions.
Moya, Salvador de. Simbologia Heráldica
You can find computerized research tips and (Heraldic Simbolism). São Paulo: Instituto
information about ancestors from Brazil in many Genealógico Latino, 1961. (FHL book 981
sources at local, provincial, national, and D6m; computer number 0019190.) This
international levels. The list of sources is growing publication gives many coats of arms.
rapidly. Most information is available at no cost.
The Family History Library has some armorials.
Some information and guides are available on the These are listed in the Family History Library
Internet for research in Brazil. Sites that include Catalog under:
information about archives and libraries,
directories, and other subjects are found in various BRAZIL - HERALDRY
sections of this outline.
Sources with information about noble ancestors
General sites that act as an index to many may also be listed in the Family History Library
interesting Brazilian genealogical sites on the Catalog under:
Internet include:
BRAZIL - NOBILITY
C Brazil Genealogy Web Project:
[Link]/~brawgw/ In addition, such families are often subjects of
published genealogical books or articles. See the
C Family History Library: “Genealogy” and “Nobility” sections of this
[Link]/ outline.
C Cyndi’s List of Genealogical Sites:
[Link]/[Link] HISTORICAL GEOGRAPHY
C Brazilian Genealogical Mailing Lists: This section describes the changes that have taken
place in the state structure of Brazil. Depending on
C Genealogy Helplist for Brazil: where your ancestor lived, it may help to know
about changes in the borders of Brazil. This
C Genealogical Queries for Brazil: information can help you to understand how
[Link]/~brawgw/[Link] records are listed in the Family History Library
Catalog.

The boundaries of Brazil have changed at various

times. Brazil has been enlarged by various treaties
HERALDRY from areas of French Guiana, Venezuela,
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, Bolivia, and
In Brazil, members of the noble class were entitled Argentina. Important changes in the territory of
to bear coats of arms. The Portuguese kings Brazil include the following:
rewarded persons who performed a heroic deed,
attained notable achievement, or held a prominent
position in government by granting them a noble
title and the right to use a coat of arms. These
grants were documented.

28
1777 The Treaty of San Ildefonso redrew The Captaincies
the Portuguese-Spanish frontiers. The
Portuguese were to withdraw from The first captaincies existed as almost independent
Uruguay (known as Cisplatina or governors under the king until 1549, when the king
Banda Oriental) in exchange for appointed the first governor general. In 1604 the
possession of Rio Grande do Sul. king established the Counsel of the Indies
(Conselho de Indias), later in 1642 known as
1828 Uruguay gained independence from Conselho Ultramarino (Overseas Council). In
Brazil. 1736 the council became the Departamento da
Marinha e Ultramarino (Department of Marine
1895 The mission territory dispute was and Overseas), which administered affairs in the
settled when land was given to Brazil. Brazilian Portuguese colonies until 1808. In 1754
This land now forms part of the states the last captaincies reverted to the crown.
of Paraná and Santa Catarina.
Following is a list of the captaincies and their
1900 The Amapá boundary dispute with history:
French Guiana was settled.
São Vicente (Captaincy of Martin Afonso de
1903 Brazil obtained the state of Acre from Sousa, from 1532). In 1681 it, along with São
Bolivia. Tomé, became part of São Paulo.
1904– The boundaries between Venezuela, Pernambuco (Captaincy of Duarte Coelho, from
1905 Columbia, Ecuador, and Brazil were 1693). In 1799 it was divided into the provinces of
settled. Pernambuco, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, and
Paraíba. In 1817 it was divided again into Alagoas
1909, The boundaries with Bolivia were and Pernambuco.
1927 settled.
Santo Amaro (Captaincy of Pero Lopes de Sousa,
In addition, many states have been reorganized, from 1523). It became part of São Paulo in 1681.
their names and boundaries have changed, and
many local place names have changed. You may Paraíba do Sul. It became part of Rio de Janeiro.
need to determine previous boundaries and
jurisdictions to locate your ancestor’s records. Espírito Santo (Captaincy of Vasco Fernandes
Gazetteers and histories are helpful sources of Coutinho, from 1532). In 1799 it separated from
information about these changes. Minas Gerais, becoming an independent captaincy.
It was a province from 1822 to 1889.
From 1532 to 1536 Brazil was divided into 15
hereditary captaincies. These grants were given to Porto Seguro (Captaincy of Pero do Campo
favored persons who took the title of donatários. Tourinho, from 1536). It was made part of Bahia.
They became the local governors over their areas,
with privileges of levying taxes, issuing land Ilhéus (Captaincy of Jorge Figueiredo Correia,
grants, founding cities, and appointing municipal from 1536). It is now part of Bahia.
officers and judges. After 1549 the captaincies
came under the jurisdiction of a governor general. Bahia (Captaincy of Francisco Pereira Coutinho,
from 1536). It was a province from 1823 to 1889.
In 1808, 10 captaincies generals governed over the
following captaincies: Pará, Maranhão, Sant’Ana (Captaincy of Pero Lopes de Sousa)
Pernambuco, Bahia, Rio Grande do Sul, Minas
Gerais, Goiás, and Mato Grosso. The Quinhão (from 1536). It became part of São Paulo.
subcaptaincies at this time were Rio-Negro (under
Pará), Piauí (under Maranhão), Ceará, Rio Grande Rio de Janeiro (Captaincy of Martin Afonso de
do Norte, and Paraíba (under Pernambuco). Sousa, from 1523). It was a province from 1822 to
1889.
After Brazil declared independence from Portugal
in 1822, the existing captaincies became provinces,
and in 1889, with the end of the Empire, the
provinces were designated as states.

Brazil is now divided into 26 states and more than

3,700 municipalities (the jurisdiction of Civil
Registration).

29
São Tomé (Captaincy of Pero de Góis, from 1535). Acre (Rio Branco). It was turned over to Brazil in
It became part of Rio de Janeiro. 1903 by Bolivia. Its boundaries were fixed by the
treaty of 1909.
Itamaracá (Captaincy of Pero Lopes de Sousa,
from 1535). It was made part of Paraíba and Alagoas (Maceió). It was part of the captaincy of
Pernambuco in 1700. Pernambuco until 1817. It was a province from
1823 to 1889.
Piauí (Captaincy of Antônio Cardoso de Barros,
from 1535). It was a subordinate captaincy of Amapá (Macapá). It was part of Pará until 1943. It
Maranhão and became independent in 1817. was long in dispute with French Guiana until
1900.
Maranhão (Captaincy of Fernão Álvares de
Andrade, from 1523). It belonged to the French Amazonas (Manaus). It was created as a province
from 1594 to 1615 and then to the Dutch from in 1850. Its western boundary was in dispute with
1630 to 1654. It was administered separately from Colombia until 1905 and with Ecuador until 1904.
1655 to 1774 and from 1774 to 1822, and then it The territory of Guaporé, including Rio Branco
became a province from 1822 to 1889. (now Rondônia), was acquired in 1905. Rondônia
was created from it in 1943.
Maranhão (colonial province). It was created in
1621, embracing a large portion of Northern Bahia (Salvador). It was once a captaincy that was
Brazil, including much of the Amazon basin. In founded in 1536. It became a province in 1823 and
1700 it was split into the captaincies of Maranhão, a state in 1889.
Pará, Piauí, and Ceará.
Ceará (Fortaleza). It was part of Maranhão until
Pará or Maranhão (Captaincy of João de Barros 1680, when it became a dependency of
and Aires da Cunha, from 1523). It was a captaincy Pernambuco. It became an independent captaincy
until 1823. in 1799.

Rio Grande (Captaincy of João de Barros and Distrito Federal (Brasília). It was created from
Aires da Cunha, from 1535). It is now in the states Goiás and inaugurated in 1960.
of Rio Grande do Norte and Paraíba.
Espírito Santo (Vitória). It became an independent
Paraíba. It is a captaincy. capitaincy in 1799 from Minas Gerais.

Rio Grande do Norte. It is a captaincy. Fernando de Noronha Território. It became a

capitaincy in 1504 and then later became
Bahia. It grew through the absorption of the old dependent of Pernambuco.
captaincies of Ilhéus and Porto Seguro.
Goiás (Goiânia). It was a captaincy from 1748 to
São Paulo. It was created in 1709 as an outgrowth 1755.
of the captaincy of São Vicente and a portion of
Santo Amaro. Guanabara (See Rio de Janeiro.)

São Paulo and Minas Gerais. They were created in Guaporé (See Rondônia.)
1710 and existed as one captaincy until 1721, when
they were made separate captaincies. Maranhão (São Luís). In 1621 it embraced all
lands north and west of Ceará; The captaincy of
Goiás. It became a captaincy in 1744. Maranhão and Great Pará existed from 1690 to
1751. The states of Ceará and Pará were created
Mato Grosso. It became a captaincy in 1748. from it.

Santa Catarina. It was established in 1739. Mato Grosso (Cuiabá). It was part of São Paulo
until 1748, when it became a captaincy. It became
Rio Grande do Sul. It was created in 1807 in an a province in 1822. It was enlarged by treaty in
area still claimed by Spain. 1927 from Bolívian territory.

States Mato Grosso do Sul (Campo Grande). It was

created in 1977 from southern Mato Grosso.
Following is information about the jurisdictions
and origins of each state of Brazil. The state Minas Gerais (Belo Horizonte). It became a
capitals are indicated in parentheses: dependent captaincy in 1720 from São Paulo.

30
Pará (Belém). It was created from a former The Family History Library has the following
captaincy. atlases that give historical information:

Paraíba (João Pessoa). It was settled in 1584. It Mello, Francisco Ignácio Marcondes Homem de.
was a part of the Itamaraca captaincy and then Atlas do Brasil. Rio de Janeiro: F. Briquiet,
became a dependency of Pernambuco. 1909. (FHL book 981 E7m; film 0924466
item 3; computer number 0030778.)
Paraná (Curitiba). For a long time it was part of
São Paulo. In 1853 it became a separate province. Pauwels, Geraldo José. Atlas geográfico
melhoramentos (Geographical Atlas of the
Pernambuco (Recife). It was an early captaincy, World and Brazil). 20a. ed. São Paulo:
created in 1693. The captaincies of Ceará, Rio Edições Melhoramentos, 1962. (FHL book
Grande do Norte, and Paraíba were created from it 981 E7p; computer number 0020058.)
in 1799, and in 1817 Alagoas was created from it.
Other sources about boundary changes are found
Piauí (Teresina). It became a subordinate captaincy in the Family History Library Catalog under:
of Maranhão in 1718 and became independent in
1817. BRAZIL - HISTORY
BRAZIL, [STATE] - HISTORY
Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro formerly in
Niterói). It was called Guanabara before 1960. HISTORY
Originally it was part of the São Tomé and São
Vicente captaincies. With the formation of Effective family research requires some
Brasília, Pernambuco was absorbed in the state of understanding of the historical events that may
Rio de Janeiro. have affected your family and the records about
them. Learning about wars, governments, laws,
Rio Grande do Norte (Natal). It was formed from migrations, and religious trends may help you
Pernambuco in 1799. understand political boundaries, family
movements, and settlement patterns. These events
Rio Grande do Sul (Porto Alegre). From 1737 to may have led to the creation of records such as
1807 it was a dependent captaincy of Rio de land and military documents that mention your
Janeiro. In 1851 the southwestern part was family.
obtained from Uruguay. It then became an
independent captaincy. In 1760 it was separated Your ancestors will become more interesting to
from Santa Catarina. It became a province in 1822. you if you also use histories to learn about the
events they may have participated in. For example,
Rondônia (Porto Velho). Formerly called Guaporé, by using a history you might learn about the events
it was obtained from Bolívia in 1909. It was that occurred in the year your great-grandparents
created from parts of Amazonas and Mato Grosso were married.
in 1943.
You may find the name of the place your ancestor
Roraima (Boa Vista). Formerly called Rio Branco, came from has changed or that the municipality or
Roraima was created from lands formerly part of state boundaries have changed.
British Guiana (Guyana) by treaty with Venezuela
in 1905. Modern Brazilian history begins with Portuguese
settlement in the 16th century. After the end of the
Santa Catarina (Florianópolis). It was first settled Avis Dynasty in Portugal in 1580, a union was
in the 1660s. It became a captaincy in 1738 from established between Spain and Portugal, called the
São Paulo. Iberian Union. This lasted until 1640, when the
Bragança Dynasty took over Portugal. The
São Paulo (São Paulo). It was a captaincy that was Bragança Dynasty lasted until 1910.
created for all areas south of Rio de Janeiro (São
Vicente). In 1681 the capitol was transferred to The government of Brazil has had various rulers
São Paulo. In 1763 it was recreated as a captaincy. and governments at different times, they can be
summarized as follows:
Sergipe (Aracaju). It was a dependency of Bahia
until 1821, when it became a captaincy. In 1824 it
became a province.

Tocantins (Miracema do Norte). It was created

from northern Goiás in 1988.

31
1534– Captaincies, under Portuguese 1549 The Jesuit Order was introduced to
1549 monarchy Brazil. It established the first schools
and maintained them until 1759.
1549– Governors general, under Portuguese These schools provided lower
1720 monarchy education for the aristocracy. Lay
students were sent to the University of
1720– Vice-Reis, under Portuguese Coimbra.
1808 monarchy
1551 Brazilian colony made a separate
1808– Period of Portuguese monarchy diocese with the first Catholic
1822 direct rule bishopric in Bahia.
1823– Brazilian monarchy 1580– Portugal and Spain were unified.
1889 1640
1889– First Republic 1604 The Conselho de Indies (Council of
1930 the Indies) was formed in Portugal. It
later became known as the Conselho
1930 Second Republic de Ultramarino (Overseas Counsel).

Major cities of Brazil were founded at the 1624– The Dutch presence in Brazil was
following times: 1654 removed by the Treaty of Taborda.

1535 Recife 1695 Gold was discovered in Minas Gerais

1554 São Paulo and later in Mato Grosso and Goias.
1565 Rio de Janeiro
1612 São Luís (Maranhão) 1727 Coffee was introduced to Brazil.
1616 Belém (Pará)
1669 Manaus 1730 Diamonds were found in Brazil.
1740 Porto Alegre 1746 Portugal encouraged emigration from
the Azores and Madeira. Many settled
Important historical dates are also listed in the at what is now Porto Alegre.
“Historical Geography,” “Military Records,” and
“Slavery and Bondage” sections of this outline. 1759 The Jesuits were expelled from Brazil.
Besides the above, following are some key dates They were not allowed to return until
and events in Brazil’s history: 1842.

1494 The Treaty of Tordesillas allowed the 1759 New laws guaranteed the Indians’
Portuguese to claim all the territory personal freedom. Each Indian was to
east of a north-south line 370 leagues receive a Portuguese name.
west of the Cape Verde Islands.
1763 The capital was moved from Bahia to
1500 Pedro Alvares Cabral claimed Brazil Rio de Janeiro.
for Portugal.
1808– The Braganzas, the royal family rulers
1548 Portuguese Jews were banished to 1822 of Portugal, resided in Rio de Janeiro
Brazil. during the French occupation of the
Iberian Peninsula. After 1815, Brazil
1549 Tomé de Sousa, the first governor was on equal status with Portugal.
general, was appointed. He established
Salvador de Bahia as the capital. He 1818 Land grants were made to Swiss and
was the supervisor of the captaincies German settlers. In 1820, Novo
in Portugal. Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, was founded
by the first non-Portuguese settlers,
who arrived in 1819.

32
Pombo, Rocha. História do Brasil (History of
1822 Brazil declared independence and Brazil). 5 vols., Nova edição ilustrada. São
establishesd a monarchy, which lasted
Paulo: W. M. Jackson, Inc., 1953 (FHL book
until 1889. 981 H2p; computer number 0020863.) The
1824 Brazil adopted a constitution that five volumes cover the period of discovery to
provided a federal republic, the United 1900.
States of Brazil. This constitution
provided for provinces and municipal You can find histories in the Family History
governments, which called for Library Catalog under one of the following:
construction of elementary schools in
every town and secondary schools in BRAZIL - HISTORY
large urban centers. (Private German BRAZIL, [STATE] - HISTORY
schools closed in 1917. After 1928 all BRAZIL, [STATE], [CITY] - HISTORY
elementary instruction was to be given
in Portuguese.) Local Histories

1850 German colonists came to Rio Grande Some of the most valuable sources for family
do Sul. history research are local histories. They describe
the settlement of the area and the founding of
1880s There was significant immigration of churches, schools, and businesses. You may also
Germans, Japanese, and Eastern find lists of early settlers, soldiers, and civil
Europeans. officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed,
information on other relatives may be included
1888 Slavery was abolished (see the that will provide important clues for locating the
“Slavery and Bondage” section of this ancestor. A local history may also be helpful in
outline). identifying other records to search.

1889 Brazil became the Republic of the Published histories of towns, counties, and states
United States of Brazil. A decree may contain valuable genealogical information.
declared that all foreigners after that Some state and town histories include separate
date would be considered citizens sections or volumes containing biographical
unless within a six-month period they information.
went before the municipality to make
a plea. In addition, local histories should be studied and
enjoyed for the background information they can
1890 Church and state were separated. provide about your family members’ lifestyle and
the community and environment they lived in.
1942 Brazil declared war on the Axis
powers. For some localities there may be more than one
history. Many histories have been written about
The following books explain more about the local towns and communities in Brazil. A careful
history of Brazil: search for available histories for your ancestor’s
locality is worthwhile.
Herring, Hubert. A History of Latin America from
the Beginnings to the Present. 2nd ed. New The Family History Library has a few local
York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1962. (FHL book 980 histories for towns in Brazil. To find these, look
H2h; computer number 0306733.) up the town in the catalog and the subject
“history.” Similar histories are also often available
Poppino, Rollie E. Brazil: The Land and People. at major public and university libraries and
New York: Oxford University Press, 1968. archives.
(FHL book 981 H2pr; computer number
0002585.) An excellent bibliography of local histories is:

Maior, A. Souto, História do Brasil (History of Boletim Bibliográfico da Biblioteca Nacional

Brazil). São Paulo: Companhia Editora (BBBN) (Bibliographical Bulletin of the
Nacional, 1968. (FHL book 981 H2mh; National Library). Rio de Janeiro: nl.
computer number 0020894.) The volume
covers the period of prediscovery to 1967. Library of Congress. Library of Congress Office,
Brazil. Accessions List, Brazil: Annual List of
Serials. Rio de Janeiro: The Office, 1975–.
(FHL book 981 A3u.)

33
Bibliographies that list local histories are available Elkin, Judith Laikin. Jews of the Latin American
at the Family History Library. These are listed in Republics. Chapel Hill: The University of
the Family History Library Catalog under: North Carolina Press, 1980. (FHL book 980
F2e; computer number 0103108.)
BRAZIL - BIBLIOGRAPHY
BRAZIL - HISTORY - BIBLIOGRAPHY See also “Judaism” in the “Church History”
section of this outline.
In 1583 Brazil accepted use of the Gregorian
calendar—the most widely used calendar today. LAND AND PROPERTY
Few genealogical records are available before
1583. Land records are primarily used to learn where an
individual lived and when he or she lived there.
JEWISH RECORDS They often reveal other family information such as
the name of a spouse, heir, other relatives, or
The Jews in Portugal were given many privileges neighbors. You may learn where a person lived
and rights from 1392 to 1422. Many of the Spanish previously, his or her occupation, and other clues
Jews had immigrated to Portugal and contributed for further research. In Brazil only a very small
to its economy. In 1548 some Jews were banished percentage of the population was included in land
to Brazil, and from 1530 to 1680 Jews settled in records because few people owned land.
Brazil.
The Family History Library currently has no land
The Institutions of Inquisitorial Tribunals were records from Brazil. Because of their excellent
instituted early to investigate Catholics for heresy. genealogical value, church records and civil
Accusations brought against Jews in Brazil as part registration records are generally searched before
of the inquisition were sent to Lisbon for trial. The land records during Brazilian research.
inquisition officially lasted until 1821, when the
rights Jews had held in 1422 were restored to them. The existing land records are found at the National
The original records of the Portuguese Jews are in Archives, in Rio de Janeiro, and at the various
the “Inquisitorial Section” of the National Archives state and municipal archives. You might be able to
of Torre do Tombo. use land records for your research if you can visit
the Brazilian archives in person or hire a local
Meyer Kayserling wrote a history of the Jews in professional researcher.
Portugal. This history, written in German, includes
information about their migration. Since the book’s The early sesmarias (land grants) were issued by
original publication in 1867, intensive studies on the donatarios, captain generals, and viceroys.
this subject have been conducted by several Originally large grants of land were made. In 1695
additional scholars. Some good background single grants were limited to four leagues (1 league
information on Brazilian Jews can be found in: = 3 miles, about 4.83 kilometers) by one league. In
1697 the grants were reduced to three leagues by
Kayserling, Meyer. História dos Judeus em one league. In 1699 all land not under cultivation
Portugal (History of the Jews in Portugal). was to be expropriated.
Translated by Gabriele Borchardt Correa da
Silva and Anita Novinsky. São Paulo: Livraria The land grants (sesmarias) collection in the
Pioneira Editora, 1971. (FHL book 946.9 F2k; National Archives contains 5,000 volumes for
computer number 0029077.) 1590 to 1830 for the state of Rio de Janeiro. They
are described as one of the three most important
Os Judeus Portugueses Entre os Descobrimentos e genealogical records in Brazil. They contain
a Diáspora (The Portuguese Jews between the information similar to that in inheritance records,
Discovery and the Diaspora). Lisboa: including the names of spouses and children,
Associação Portuguesa de Estudos Judaicos, residences, dates, relationships, petitions, and so
1994. (FHL book 946.9 F2j; computer number forth.
0827765.)
The land records in the state archive of Bahia in
Saraiva, Antonio José. Inquisição e Cristãos- Salvador for 1552 to 1821 are in the “Historical
Novos (Inquisition and New Christians) 3.a Section” of the archive and for 1862 to 1940 are in
edição. Porto: Editorial Inova, 1969. (FHL the “Administrative Section.” Land records in the
book 946.9 H6s; computer number 0029919.) state archive of São Paulo cover 1601 to 1821.

34
LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGES You can use maps to locate places, geographical
features, transportation routes, and proximities to
Most materials used in Brazilian research are other towns. Historical maps are especially useful
written in Portuguese, but you do not need to speak for understanding boundary changes.
or read Portuguese to do research in Brazilian
records. However, you will need to know some key Maps are published individually or as an atlas,
words and phrases to understand the records. which is a bound collection of maps. Maps may
also be included in gazetteers, guidebooks, local
Because of the importance of the Roman Catholic histories, and history texts.
Church to Brazil’s history, you may find several
other languages in Brazilian records. These include There are different types of maps that will help
Latin, German, Italian, Polish, and other languages you in different ways. Historical atlases describe
of European ethnic immigrants. Also, some records the growth and development of countries. They
may be in Japanese. show boundaries, migration routes, settlement
patterns, military campaigns, and other historical
Portuguese grammar may affect the way names information. Road atlases are useful because of the
appear in genealogical records. For help in detail they provide.
understanding name variations, see the “Names,
Personal” section of this outline. Using Maps

Language Aids Maps must be used carefully for several reasons:

The Family History Library has genealogical word • There are often several places with the same
lists for Portuguese (34099), German (34067), name. For example, there are at least five
Latin (34077), Polish (34098), and Spanish towns called São José in present-day Brazil.
(34104).
• The spelling and names of some towns may
The following books and English-Portuguese have changed since your ancestor lived there.
dictionaries can also aid you in your research. You For example, the city presently known as
can find these and similar material at many Ribeirão Preto was previously called Entre
research libraries. Rios e São Sebastião do Ribeirão Preto. Some
localities also have different names in
Ferreira, Júlio Albino. Dicionário Inglês- different languages.
português, Português-inglês. Porto, Portugal:
Edit. Domingos Barreira, 1979. (FHL book • Place names are often misspelled in
469.321 F413d; film 1181702 item 1; documents or foreign sources. Difficult names
computer number 0038420.) may have been shortened and important
diacritic marks omitted. For example, Tietê
Vieyra, Anthony. Dictionary of Portuguese and may be found as Tiete on some maps.
English languages. London: 1827. (FHL book
469.321 V679d; film 1181694 item 5; • Political boundaries are not always clearly
computer number 0293724.) The Family indicated on maps.
History Library has only part two, English-
Portuguese. Finding the Specific Town on the Map

Additional language aids, including dictionaries of To do successful research in Brazil you must
various dialects and time periods, are listed in the identify the town where your ancestor lived.
Family History Library Catalog in the “Locality Because many towns have the same name, you
Search” or “Subject Search” sections under: may need some additional information before you
can locate the correct town on a map. You will be
BRAZIL - LANGUAGE AND LANGUAGES more successful if you have some information
PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE - about the town. You can search gazetteers,
DICTIONARIES histories, family records, and other sources to
learn all you can about the following:
MAPS • The município (municipality) your ancestor’s
town belonged to
Maps are an important source to locate the places
where your ancestor lived. They help you see the • The state the ancestor came from
neighboring towns and geographic features of the
area he or she came from.

35
• The name of the parish where your ancestor Helpful atlases for Brazil are:
was baptized or married
Ira, Rudolf. Atlas do Brasil Globo: com os mapas
• Towns where related ancestors lived políticos e físicos do Brasil e os mapas dos
seus Estados e Território (The Global Atlas of
• The size of the town Brazil: with political and fiscal maps of Brazil
and maps of their states and territories). 30
• The occupation of your ancestor or his or her maps. Porto Alegre: Editora Globo, 1960.
relatives (sometimes an indication of the size (FHL book 981 E7i; computer number
of the town or industries of the town) 0026456.)

• Nearby features such as rivers and mountains Mello, Francisco Ignácio Marcondes Homem de.
Atlas do Brazil (Atlas of Brazil). 29 maps. Rio
• Industries of the area de Janeiro: F. Briguiet, 1909. (FHL book 981
E7m; film 0924466 item 3; computer number
• Date when the town was founded 0030778.)

• Other names the town was known by For other helps on finding place names, see the
“Gazetteers” section of this outline.
Use gazetteers to identify the municipality and
state your ancestor’s town was in. This will MILITARY RECORDS
distinguish it from other towns of the same name
and help you correctly locate it on a map. See the The first regular troop, composed of 600 voluntary
“Gazetteers” section of this outline for more soldiers, disembarked for Brazil in 1549 with
information. Governor General Tomé de Souza. In the 17th
century there were organized troops (Terço) of
Finding Maps and Atlases white, pretos (Negro/Black), pardos (Mulatto),
and Indians, and later there were organized
Collections of maps and atlases are available at regiments of the militia. After the Dutch war a
numerous historical societies and at public and reserve of soldiers and calvary commanded by the
university libraries. Major collections for Brazil Fazendeiros militaries was organized.
are at the National Library, in Rio de Janeiro.
In 1763 the capital was transferred from Bahia to
The Family History Library has a good collection Rio de Janeiro. The Viceroy Guard Calvary
of Brazilian maps and atlases. These are listed in Company became the 1st Cavalry Regiment. Other
the Family History Library Catalog under: military units were gradually added in Rio de
Janeiro and other captaincies. Marine units were
BRAZIL - MAPS formed in the chief ports. After the departure of D.
João VI, Prince D. Pedro ordered the organization
Below is an excellent set of maps that comes with of the Civil Guard, whose members would serve
an index of towns. It lists the longitude and latitude for three years for the defense of the Court. The
of each town and two coordinates where it can be National Guard was created by the law of 1831.
found on the map. It can be used as a gazetteer:
Prior to the decree of 1839 the military was not
Carta do Brasil ao milionésimo (Map of Brazil on well organized even though a naval academy was
the millionth scale). Rio de Janeiro: Serviço created in 1808 and a military academy was
Gráfico da Fundação IBGE, 1972. (FHL established in 1810. Prior to these dates military
book/map 981 E3in; computer number officers were of the nobility and attended military
0019299.) academies in Portugal. Except for a few
Portuguese units in the chief cities of Brazil, most
Some other helpful maps at the Family History units were militia commanded by Capitan-Mor.
Library are found in: Even in the war with Argentina (1825–1828)
concerning the territory of Uruguay (Guerra
Carta do Brasil (Map of Brazil). Scale 1:500,000. Cisplatina), Brazil had to rely on many
68 maps. Rio de Janeiro: Conselho Nacional de mercenaries.
Geografia, 1945–1967. (FHL map 981E7b;
computer number 0027230.) The library lacks
numbers 10, 11, 19, 47, and 50.

36
Military records identify individuals who served in Paulo, and other state archives. The state of Bahia
the military or who were eligible for service. Most has three volumes of military records from 1691 to
young men were required to serve in or register for 1822 in its historical section. Twenty volumes of
military service in Brazil. Evidence that an personal records of the army for São Paulo are
ancestor actually served may be found in family found in the state archive in São Paulo for 1800 to
records, biographies, censuses, probate records, 1830, covering the war with Argentina (over
civil registrations, and church records. territory of Uruguay). There was also a military
census for São Paulo in 1818. See the “Census”
Military records are potentially of great section of this outline for more information.
genealogical value. Military records begin about
1750 and give information about an ancestor’s The Family History Library does not have
military career, such as promotions, places served, Brazilian military records. Matriculation records
pensions, and conduct. In addition, these records from 1889 are found at:
usually include information about his age,
birthplace, residence, occupation, physical Colégio Militar do Rio de Janeiro
description, and family members. However, many Rua São Francisco Xavier 267 - Tijuca
military records in Brazil provide very few details 20550-010 Rio de Janeiro, RJ
about individuals other than officers. BRASIL

The Brazilian Military Archive has about 80,000 Records of military units, biographies, and
records of a biographical nature. The Naval histories of wars and internal campaigns can be
Archives in Rio de Janeiro has records from 1800. found at:
Earlier militia records are found in the state
archives. Records of pre–1822 Portuguese military Ministério do Exército
units are found in the following Portuguese Arquivo do Exército
archives: Arquivo Nacional da Torre do Tombo, Praça Duque de Caxias - Centro
Historical Military Archives, and the National 20221-260 Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Library of Portugal and also in the Spanish BRASIL
archives of Segovia, Madrid, and Seville for the
periods when Spain ruled Portugal. To use Brazilian military records you will have to
determine the specific unit your ancestor served in.
To enter into military cadets school in Portugal a If your family records do not provide this
person had to submit proof of the nobility of his information it may be possible to learn which units
parents and of all four grandparents. This system were created in the area where he lived. To do this
existed until 1832. After that date, by decree of D. you must know at least the town where the
Pedro, persons of means could also apply for individual was living when he was of age to serve
entrance into the military as officers. in the military. For military history, consult:

The records you will find include the following: Barroso, Gustavo. História Militar do Brasil
(Military History of Brazil). São Paulo:
• Militia rolls Campanhia Editora Nacional, 1935. (FHL
book 981 M2b; film 0962400 item 2;
• Personnel files computer number 0021960.)

• Regimental account books The Ministry of the Navy was founded in 1834
and has records dating from 1790. Many of the old
• Letters of deportment records are located in the National Archives of
Brazil. The address for the archives for the
• Lists of officers Ministry of Navy is:

• Pension records Ministério da Marinha

Arquivo da Marinha
• Records of leave Praça Barão de Ladário - Centro
Edif. do 1º Distrito Naval-Térreo
• Naval records 20091-000 Rio de Janeiro, RJ
BRASIL
• Descriptive rolls
Military History
Records of military service in Brazil are kept by
Arquivo Histórico do Exército (Military Archives Brazil was involved in the following military
of Rio de Janeiro), the State Archives of São actions:

37
“Locality Search” section of the Family History
1555– The French invaded Guanabara. Library Catalog under:
1560
1567 Men de Sá expelled the French and BRAZIL - MINORITIES
occupied Guanabara Bay. BRAZIL, [STATE] - MINORITIES
BRAZIL - JEWISH HISTORY
1500s Bandeiras (members of expeditions to
the hinterland in conquest of new Other sources are also in the “Subject Search”
land, gold, and precious stones) section of the Family History Library Catalog
formed their local militia units without under the name of the minorities such as Jews,
royal permission. Germans, or Italians.

1624– The Dutch invaded and occupied parts Examples of some of these books and records
1654 of Brazil. After a battle in 1641 the include:
Dutch were expelled in 1654. Most
battles were fought by local militia. Azevedo, Thales de. Italianos e gaúchos: os anos
primeiros da colonização italiana no Rio
1710– The War of Mascates, a clash between Grande do Sul (Italians and Gauchos: the first
1711 planters of Olinda and the merchants years of the Italian colonization of Rio
of Recife, occurred. Grande do Sul). Porto Alegre: A
Nação/Instituto Estadual do Livro, 1975.
1825– The Cisplatina War, between (FHL book 981.65 F2a.; computer number
1828 Argentina and Brazil, occurred. Brazil 0019591.)
lost Uruguay.
Cenni, Franco. Italianos no Brasil: Andiamo in
1851– Brazil warred with Argentina. America (Italians in Brazil: Let’s Walk in
1852 America). São Paulo: Martins, Ed. da
Universidade de São Paulo, 1975. (FHL book
1864– Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay 981 F2c; computer number 0103128.)
1870 warred with Paraguay in the War of
the Triple Alliance. Auswandererkartei de Rußlanddeutschen na
Brasilien: 1870–1940 (Emigration Card
Military histories are listed in the Family History Index of Russian Germans to Brazil:
Library Catalog under: 1870–1940). Stuttgart: Deutsches Ausland-
Institut, N.p., (1988). (FHL film 1552796
BRAZIL - MILITARY HISTORY item 1; computer number 0516664.)

Famílias brasileiras de origem germânica

MINORITIES (Brazilian Families of German Origin). 5
vols. São Paulo: Instituto Genealógico
Many ethnic or religious minorities such as Jews, Brasileiro e Instituto Hans Staden,
Germans, Italians, Spanish, Poles, and Japanese 1962–1967. (FHL book 981 D2i; films
have settled in Brazil. It is important to learn the 0564388 and 1149534 items 1–2; computer
history of the ethnic, racial, and religious groups number 0017675.)
your ancestors belonged to. For example, you
might study a history of the Americans in Brazil, Much research and published information is
Germans in Brazil, or Japanese in São Paulo. This available on the German immigrants to southern
historical background can help you identify where Brazil. Background information about these
your ancestors lived, when they lived there, where groups and a useful bibliography of studies can be
they migrated to, the types of records they might be found on the Internet at:
listed in, and other information to help you
understand your family’s history. [Link]/gene/reg/WELT/
[Link]
There are some unique records and resources for
most minorities in Brazil. These include histories, The Family History Library also has books on
gazetteers, biographical sources, settlement North Americans in Brazil. For some references,
patterns, church records, and handbooks. see the “Emigration and Immigration” section of
this outline.
The Family History Library collects some
published histories. These are listed in the

38
In the United States and other countries that took two or three centuries. In Portugal the name
Brazilians emigrated to, various local and national system was well established by the 1100s. The
societies may have been organized to gather, naming customs of Brazil were the same as those
preserve, and share the cultural contributions and in Portugal.
histories of Brazilian minority groups. See the
“Societies” section of this outline for more It is not possible to determine the exact year or
information. even the century when a particular family name
was taken. By the end of the 13th century many
NAMES, PERSONAL families determined to retain the patronymic
without continuing to change the name from
Understanding surnames and given names can help generation to generation. Thus, the hereditary
you find and identify your ancestors in the records. sobrenomes (surnames) were in use by the time of
the discovery of the New World.
Surnames In Brazil many surnames of Portuguese origin
were given to the native Indians and Negro
Before record keeping began, most people had only children when the priests baptized them. Others
one name, such as João (John). As the population were simply baptized João, José, Maria, and so
increased it became necessary to distinguish forth, and later descendants obtained a surname.
between individuals with the same name. The
problem was usually solved by adding descriptive Another distinctive practice of the Portuguese
information. naming system was the double and compound
surnames. The person would be known by his
Until the 10th century, common people did not use maternal and paternal surnames. Compound
a surname. The Councils of Trent (1545–1563) surnames (sobrenomes compostos) can be found
made it mandatory to keep parish records that with or without a preposition (de, do, da, d’).
listed names of the child, parents, and godparents. Examples are Maria Ferreira de Castilhos, José
João Costa Silva, and Francisco Rosa e Silva.
The four influences that played a part in the Generally the last surname came from the father.
development of Portuguese surnames were
patronymical terms, occupational terms, While most present-day names are taken from
descriptive or nickname terms, and geographical parents’ surnames, historically the surnames might
terms (estates, manors, dominions). Examples of be those of the more prominent family and even
these influences are: those from grandparents. During the first half of
the 1800s a male child often took the surname of
• Patronymic, based on a parent’s name, such as his father, while a female child took the surname
João o filho de Mateus (John son of Mateus) of her mother.
and João Domingues (John son of Domingos).
In many cases a surname was arbitrarily adopted.
• Occupational, based on the person’s trade, Family grudges, popular surnames, names related
such as João o Ferreiro (John the blacksmith) to a location, the desire to avoid undesirable
family connections, or the desire to express
• Descriptive or nickname, based on a unique appreciation or sympathy to someone resulted in
quality of the person, such as João o Baixo changes of a surname. These changes create
(John the short). serious difficulties for genealogists.
• Geographical, based on a person’s residence, Historically, before the last 150 years, women did
such as João de Aveiro (John of Aveiro). not attach their husband’s surname. Now a women
who married a Martins would attach the married
At first, surnames applied only to one person and surname (sobrenome de casado) de Martins to her
not to the whole family. After a few generations, first single (paternal) surname (sobrenome de
these names became hereditary and were used from solteira). And when she was widowed she would
father to son. become Viúva (widow) de Martins. In Brazil “de”
was used with surnames as a preposition (of or
Surnames were first used by the nobility and from) and not as an indicator of nobility.
wealthy land owners. Later the custom was
followed by merchants and townspeople and In Brazil, until recently the surname was seldom
eventually by the rural population. This process passed on to the children in a way that it is helpful
to link families. Last names also varied from one

39
record to another. Often a person’s full name had a people used compound given names (nomes
half dozen different variations. This is especially compostos) such as Maria das Dores and Isabel da
true for women. A man could be Joaquim da Silva Conceição. When baptized, children were usually
Paranhos in one record and Joaquim José given one or more given names. One of these
Paranhos, Joaquim José da Silva, and Joaquim José might have been the name of the saint of the day of
da Silva Paranhos in other documents. A woman baptism. The first name or baptismal name may
could be listed variously as Maria Isabel da Silva, not have been used in the child’s life. In Brazil the
Maria da Silva Conceição, Maria Isabel, or Maria child was usually called by the second or third
da Conceição da Silva. In addition, the name name given at baptism; this is especially true if the
Conceição could be replaced by Encarnação, and first name was Maria or José.
an additional name Livramento or das Dores might
be added, depending on the saint popular with the NATIVE RACES
family or individual or on the desire of the
recorder. The original Brazilians were the native Indians
who had inhabited the American continent long
It is therefore sometimes necessary to give up the before Europeans arrived. At the time Europeans
idea that the father’s last name is always a certain came there were 250 tribes of the Tupi-Guarani
name. Instead, you might need to note all persons Indians in Brazil.
with the same first name to learn the variations
within the records. The Indian tribes of Brazil were hunting and
gathering tribes that lived in a few pockets of
Another difficulty may be met in the transition of Brazil (in Eastern and Southern Brazil) and
the name of a person from when he or she was tropical forest village farmers (in the Amazon
enslaved to when he or she became a free person. basin, the lowlands of coastal Brazil, and the
For example a slave named Isabel Parda could eastern slopes of Peru and Bolívia). The latter
become Maria Isabel da Costa after becoming free. group was more prevalent in Brazil.
This can be one of the first challenges in
researching the genealogy of slave families in The first records of the Indians were made by the
Brazil. Jesuit Priests, whose primary concern was to
protect the Indians. They worked from São Paulo
Additional information on names in Brazil can be to Pernambuco, learning Indian languages and
found in: teaching the native peoples. As defenders of the
Indians, they were often at odds with the planters,
Mattos, Armando de. Manual de Genealogia who were clamoring for slaves. The Jesuits
Portuguesa (Manual of Portuguese baptized the Indians by the thousands and gathered
Genealogy). Pôrto: Fernando Machado, 1943. them into fortified mission villages (redução). The
(FHL book 946.9 D27ma; film 0896862 item Jesuits’ fight to protect the Indians from slavery
4; computer number 0331560.) lasted 200 years. During that time they made
enemies who finally caused their expulsion from
Távora, Luiz Gonzaga de Lancastre e. Dicionário Brazil in 1759.
das famílias portuguesas (Dictionary of
Portuguese Families). Lisboa: Quetzal Because of the Jesuits and other missionary
Editores, 1989. (FHL book 946.9 D4t; efforts, the best source for family information on
computer number 0641101.) This is a register Indian ancestors is found in the Catholic Church
of more than 1,000 Portuguese surnames, with records. In some instances separate records were
a discussion of their derivations. kept for Indian groups along with the regular
church records, as in the Catholic Church records
Wold, Lillian Ramos. Hispanic Surnames: History of Gravataí, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, which
and Genealogy. Fullerton, Calif.: Society of records include a volume of baptisms of Guarani
Hispanic Historical and Ancestral Research, Indians from 1765 to 1816 and other volumes of
c1994. (FHL book 946 D4h; computer free persons and slaves.
number 0751580.)
Modern statistics are often quite varied regarding
Given Names the number of Indians in Brazil. In the 1950s there
were 143 tribes and probably less than 100,000
In Brazil many given names are derived from Indians still living in Brazil. In that year 50 percent
Biblical names such as José (Joseph), saint names of the population was white, 15 percent was black,
such as Roque (Roch), or Old Portuguese given and 20 percent was mulatto. Only in the remote,
names such as Soromenho. Some Portuguese isolated interior do Indian tribes still exist.

40
During World War II a group of anthropologists NOBILITY
and archaeologists from the United States and
Latin America collaborated in compiling a People who came from Portugal brought nobility
classification of South American Indians. The titles with them. After independence from
Indians of Brazil are included in volumes one (The Portugal, Brazilian monarchy also awarded titles
Marginal Tribes) and three (The Tropical Forest to persons in Brazil. The kings rewarded persons
Tribes), with additional general information in who performed a heroic deed, attained a notable
volumes five (The Comparative Anthropology of achievement, or held a prominent position in
South American Indians) and six (Physical government by granting them a noble title. The
Anthropology, Linguistics and Cultural Geography nobility was a significant feature of Brazilian
of South American Indians). These books are society throughout the 19th century.
available at the Family History Library under:
If your research in the original records of Brazil
Steward, Julian H. ed. Handbook of South indicates that your ancestor was of the noble class,
American Indians. 7 vols. New York: Cooper there are additional records that will be helpful in
Square Publishers, Inc., 1963. (FHL book 980 your research. Grants of nobility and nobility
F3h; computer number 0315066.) legitimizations are kept in public archives of
Brazil.
Many anthropological and sociological studies
have been done among the various Indian groups in Although some original records such as the grant
Brazil during the last century. A few of these are of nobility still exist, you can usually adequately
available through the Family History Library, and accomplish most nobility research in secondary
many more may be obtained through university and sources. These include published or manuscript
research libraries. Studies of the Guiana Indians genealogies of noble families. The noble class has
and Indian tribes of northern Mato Grosso, Brazil, been anxious to preserve its identity. This has lead
are examples of such studies: to the publication of many noble lines of Brazil.
Numerous publications are available to help you
Rouse, Irving. Guianas: indigenous period. trace a noble family. Some of those available
México: Instituto Panamericano de Geografía through the Family History Library include:
e História, 1953. (FHL book 988 F3r;
computer number 0036007.) Cunha, Rui Vieira da. Estudo da nobreza
brasileira (Study of Brazilian Nobility). 2
Oberg, Kalervo. Indian tribes of northern Mato vols. Rio de Janeiro: s.n., 1966–. (FHL book
Grosso, Brazil: with appendix: 981 D55e; film 0962230 item 5 and 0928502
Anthropometry of the Umotina, Nambicuara, item 3; computer number 0017563.)
and Iranxe, with comparative data from other
northern Mato Grosso Tribes. Washington, Le Royaume de Portugal - l’empire du Brésil (The
D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1953. Royals of Portugal - the Imperials of Brazil).
(FHL book 981.7 F3o; computer number 2 vols. Paris: CEDRE, 1986–1987. (FHL
0392637.) book 940 D5pb; computer number 0185116.)
A bibliography listing many of the studies that Sanches de Baena e Farinha, Augusto Romano.
have been done on Indians in Brazil can be found Diccionário aristocrático, que contém todos
in: os alvarás de foros da casa real, médicos,
reposteiros e porteiros da real câmara,
Tyler, Samuel Lyman. Indians of Brazil, with títulos e cartas do conselho fiel extracto dos
reference to Paraguay and Uruguay. Salt livros do registro das mercês existentes no
Lake City: University of Utah, 1976. (FHL Archivo Público do Rio de Janeiro, desde
book 980 F3ti; computer number 0150188.) 1808 até septembro de 1822 (Dictionary of
the Royal House, Doctors, Chamberlains, and
For other sources with background information on Doormen of the Royal Chamber, Titles and
Indians in Latin America, look in the Family Letters of the Council: Faithful Extract of
History Library Catalog under: Record Books of the Titles Found in the
Public Archive of Rio de Janeiro, from 1808
LATIN AMERICA - NATIVE RACES to September 1822). Lisboa: Panorama, 1867.
BRAZIL - NATIVE RACES (FHL book 946.9 D5s; films 0496779 item 3
or 0599686 item 2; computer number
0028637.)

41
Nobility studies have been done for the states of OCCUPATIONS
Pernambuco and São Paulo:
Occupations were a measure of social status. Some
Fonseca, Antônio José Victoriano Borges da. trades were viewed as more prestigious than
Nobiliarchia pernambucana (Peerage book others. Often additional clues and records are
for [the state of] Pernambuco). 2 vols. Rio de available for people with certain occupations. For
Janeiro: Bibliotheca Nacional, 1935. (FHL example, the following book includes information
book 981.34 D2f; film 1162429 items 3–4; on doctors in Brazil:
computer number 0422920.)
Giffoni, O. Carneiro. Dicionário bio-bibliográfico
Leme, Pedro Taques de Almeida Paes. brasileiro de escritores médicos, 1500–1899
Nobiliarchia paulista: histórica e genealógica (Bio-bibliographical Dictionary of Brazilian
(Peerage book for [the state of] São Paulo: Literate Doctors, 1500–1899). São Paulo:
historical and genealogical). Rio de Janeiro: Livraria Nobel, 1972. (FHL 981 D3g;
Imprensa Nacional, 1926. (FHL film 1102979 computer number 0103162.)
item 2; computer number 0024486.)
Some trades such as butchers, tanners,
See also the “Heraldry” and “Genealogy” sections shoemakers, and tailors were organized into guilds
of this outline. The Family History Library has (grêmios). The purpose of a guild was to train
published books of certain Brazilian noble apprentices and otherwise regulate the practice of
families. These records are listed in the Family the trade in the area. Guilds were usually
History Library Catalog under: established in each city. The records of guilds may
be found in the public archives of Brazil.
BRAZIL - NOBILITY
BRAZIL, [COUNTY] - NOBILITY These records have not been filmed, and the small
amount of information that has been published on
NOTARIAL RECORDS this subject is currently available at the Family
History Library.
Notarial records are records that were recorded and
verified by a notary. For information prior to Occupational books are listed in the Family
church records and civil records, the notarial History Library Catalog under:
records are the primary source for information on
individuals’ private lives. BRAZIL - OCCUPATIONS
BRAZIL, [STATE]- OCCUPATIONS
Notary records in Brazil date back to 1549. The BRAZIL, [STATE], [TOWN] -
books kept by the notaries include various types of OCCUPATIONS
legal documents such as wills, codicils, land
transactions, powers of attorney, contracts, dowry
arrangements, bonds, mortgages, complaints, and PERIODICALS
so on. Books are generally organized
chronologically under the name of the notary. Most genealogical and historical societies in Brazil
publish magazines or newsletters. The articles
These records have not been heavily used because often include:
of the hours it takes to go page by page through
numerous, unindexed volumes. However, to those • Family genealogies and pedigrees.
willing to search these records there may be
valuable information that will help you trace your • Transcripts of church records, migration lists,
family back to earlier generations. and cemetery records.

Notarial records are housed in the public archives • Helpful articles on research methodology.
(arquivos públicos) throughout Brazil (see the
“Archives and Libraries” section of this outline). • Information about local records, archives, and
No inventories or catalogs have been published for services.
these records, but some archives may have created
card indexes or surveys of the books in their • Book advertisements and book reviews.
holdings. The Family History Library has not
acquired notarial records for Brazil. • Research advertisements.

• Queries or requests for information about

specific ancestors that can help you contact
other interested researchers.

42
These are usually in Portuguese. Much of their Obtaining Periodicals
content is devoted to compiled genealogies of local
families. They also are an excellent place to Copies of periodicals are available from the local
publish queries or advertisements for a lost societies that publish them. Major archives with
ancestor from Brazil. genealogical collections will have copies of many
periodicals, particularly those representing the area
Genealogical publications have been published by they serve. See also the “Societies” section of this
the Brazilian Genealogical Institute, Institute of outline.
Genealogical Studies, and Association of Arms and
Heraldry:
PROBATE RECORDS
Anuário genealógico brasileiro (Yearbook of
Brazilian Genealogy). 10 vols. São Paulo: Probate records are court records that describe the
Instituto Genealógico Brasileiro. (FHL book distribution of a person’s estate after he or she
981 D2a; films 0823687–0823690; computer dies. Information in the records may include the
number 0017639.) deceased’s death date, heirs and guardians,
relationships, residences, estate inventory, and
Revista genealógica brasileira (Brazilian witnesses. These records are of great value for
Genealogical Review). 18 pts. São Paulo: genealogical research because they identify family
Instituto Genealógico Brasileiro, 1940–1948. relationships and clues.
(FHL book 981 B2b; film 0962536,
0973038–0973040; computer number The most common wills and probate records kept
0003636.) by the notaries in Brazil are listed under the
“Notarial Records” section of this outline. Wills
Revista do Instituto de Estudos Genealógicos made by the ecclesiastical authorities are found in
(Institute of Genealogical Studies Review). 7 diocese archives, archdiocese archives, or
vols. São Paulo: Instituto de Estudos occasionally the parish archives. Often these wills
Genealógicos, 1937–1943. (FHL book 981 have been deposited in municipal archives. There
B2r; computer number 0014086.) were also some wills written by the individual
without the aid of a notary or clergy. These are
Boletim (Bulletin). 4 vols. S.l.: O Colégio, 1955–. found in public registries, private homes, and
(FHL book 981 B2c; computer number museums.
0004128.) The text is in Portuguese, English,
French, German, and Spanish. About 65 percent of the records in the legislative
and judicial section of the National Archives, in
In addition, state and regional publications may Rio de Janeiro, are inventories and wills. There is
also be available. Two examples of these can be a partial name index to these records that includes
found at the Family History Library: about 40,000 individuals’ names.

Origens: boletim informativo do Instituto In the state archives of São Paulo there is a
Genealógico do Rio Grande do Sul (Origins: collection of inventories and wills (inventários e
Bulletin of the Rio Grande do Sul testamentos) covering 1578 to about 1800. This
Genealogical Institute). Porto Alegre, Brasil: O collection contains about 2,000 volumes. These
Instituto, 1988–. (FHL book 981.65 D25o; records were originally compiled by notaries and
computer number 0511894.) orphan-court judges. They often give the deceased
persons’ names, places of birth in Portugal, and
Revista do Instituto Histórico e Geográfico de São children’s names and ages. A few of these (from
Paulo (Institute of History and Geography for 1633 to 1651) have been published by the archive
São Paulo Review). Vol. 23 (1925), Vol. 44 in:
(1944). São Paulo: O Instituto, 1894–. (FHL
film 1389859 item 5 and 1389859 item 6; Inventários e testamentos (Inventories and Wills).
computer number 0393570.) Vol. 41. São Paulo: Departamento do Arquivo
do Estado de São Paulo, 1966. (FHL book
A helpful list of periodicals published in Brazil is: 981.61 V4s; film 0962230 item 1; computer
number 0024593.)
Periódicos brasileiros em microformas: catálogo
coletivo, 1984 (Brazilian Periodicals in The Family History Library does not have copies
Microform: Catalog Collection, 1984). Rio de of the probate records for Brazil, so these records
Janeiro: Biblioteca Nacional, 1985. (FHL book would have to be obtained from the archives in
981 B23p; computer number 0457922.) Brazil.

43
SLAVERY AND BONDAGE 1888 Slavery was prohibited in Brazil by the
Golden Law.
Until the latter part of the 19th century, Brazil had
an extensive slavery system. Slavery was used in 1890 The government ordered the destruction of
both nations to fill labor demands for emerging many slave records.
plantation economies. Sugar was the chief crop in
colonial Brazil. In 1532 sugar plantations Brazil was the last nation in the Western
(fazendas) were established by the first permanent Hemisphere to officially abolish slavery.
settlers. Six years later, Africans were imported
from Angola to replace Indians as slave laborers. Church records of births, marriages, and deaths
included records of slaves, usually in separate
There were about 100,000 slaves in Brazil in 1600 books. These records have been filmed by the
and about 600,000 in 1700. From the official Family History Library (see “Church Records”
census of 1798, 33.7 percent of the population was section of this outline). Sometimes records of sales
white, 14 percent was free black, and 52.8 percent of slaves can be found with the civil records, as in
was slaves. Black slaves remained the majority of the civil records of the towns of Pasira, Flôres, and
the Brazilian population throughout the colonial Altinho in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.
period (prior to 1822).
Sources that discuss the historical background of
From 1550 to 1690 most Brazilian slaves resided and social conditions for slaves in Brazil can be
on sugar plantations in the northeast provinces of obtained through local university and public
Maranhão, Pernambuco, and Bahia and in the libraries. The Family History Library has sources
southern province of Rio de Janeiro. They worked with information about the social history,
sugar cane, cotton, and provisions. The typical including:
estates comprised the plantation owner
(fazendeiro), his family, 15 to 20 Portuguese Taylor, Quintard. “African Families: Black and
overseers and technicians, and about 100 slaves. White.” World Conference on Records:
Preserving our Heritage. Vol. 11, pt. 16. Salt
In the 1820s coffee replaced sugar as Brazil’s Lake City: Corporation of the President,
dominant export. This led to a shift from the c1980. (FHL book 929.1 W893 1980; fiche
northeast of Brazil to the south, primarily to São 6085857; computer number 0109311.) This
Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro. After book gives information about slave marriages
trans-Atlantic slave trade to Brazil was outlawed in and families.
1850, peddlers brought large numbers of slaves
from the northeast to the south and sold them there Pang, Eul-Soo. “Modernization and Slavocracy in
for exaggerated prices. By 1874 one-third of Nineteenth-century Brazil.” The Journal of
Brazil’s slaves were still in the northeast, while Interdisciplinary History. Vol. IX, no. 4, pp.
over one-half were in the three coffee-growing 667–688. Cambridge: MIT Press, 1979. (FHL
provinces. book 981 Al no. 16; computer number
0122918.)
Important dates concerning slavery in Brazil
include the following: Escravidão (Slavery). São Paulo: Ed.
ANPUH/Marco Zero, 1988. (FHL book 981
1538 The importation of black slaves to Brazil H6e; computer number 0610105.)
began.
Dalla Vecchia, Agostinho Mário. Os filhos da
1761 Slaves were liberated in Portugal but not in escravidão: memórias de descendentes de
Brazil. escravos da região meridional do Rio Grande
do Sul (The sons of slaves: concerning the
1850 The Queiroz law prohibited the descendants of slaves in the surrounding
importation of African slaves to Brazil. region of Rio Grande do Sul). Pelotas: Editora
Univesitária da UFPEL, c1994. (FHL book
1867 Freedom was promised to slaves who 981.65 H6; computer number 0823132.)
would fight in the war.
A very important bibliography for sources on
1871 The Law of Free Birth gave freedom to all slavery was produced by the National Archives of
children born of slave parents. Brazil:

1885 All slaves 65 years old or older were freed.

44
Guia brasileiro de fontes para a história da África, Metcalf, Alida Christine. Families of Planters,
da escravidão negra e do negro na sociedade Peasants, and Slaves: Strategies for Survival
atual: fontes arquivistas (Brazilian guide to in Santana de Parnaíba, Brazil, 1720–1820.
sources for the history of Africa, enslaved Ann Arbor, Michigan: University Microfilms
Negroes, and the Negroes in contemporary International, c1983. (FHL book 981.61/S4
society: archival sources). 2 vols. Rio de H6m; computer number 0276806.)
Janeiro: O Arquivo, 1988. (FHL book 981
A3g; computer number 0608264.) Marques, Gabriel. Ruas e tradições de São Paulo:
Uma história em cada rua (Streets and
A helpful genealogical guide that discusses Traditions of São Paulo: A story in every
techniques and strategies for tracing black ancestry street). São Paulo: Conselho Estadual de
is: Cultura, 1966. (FHL book 981.61/S1 H6m;
computer number 0025015.)
Nielsen, Lawrence James. “The special problem of
research and documentation of slave families Silva, Maria Beatriz Nizza da. Cultura e
in Brazil.” World Conference on Records: Sociedade no Rio de Janeiro (1808–1821)
Preserving our Heritage. Vol. 9, pt. 14. Salt (Culture and Society in Rio de Janeiro,
Lake City: Corporation of the President, 1808–1821). São Paulo: Nacional, 1977. (FHL
c1980. (FHL book 929.1 W893 1980; fiche book 981.53/R1 H6s; computer number
6085821; computer number 0091222.) 0103419.)

SOCIAL LIFE AND CUSTOMS Other books of this nature may help you in your
research and help you understand your ancestor’s
Effective family research requires some environment. Additional sources may be found in
understanding of the society your ancestor lived in. larger universities and libraries.
Learning about everyday life, religious practices,
customs, and traditions will help you appreciate SOCIETIES
your ancestor and the time he or she lived in. This
information is particularly helpful if you choose to There are a few societies and organizations that
write a history of your family. Research procedures may have information that will be valuable to you.
and genealogical sources are different for each area You may find it helpful to join one of these
and time period and are affected by the local societies and support its efforts.
customs and traditions.
There are a few genealogical societies that
The Family History Library has collected a few emphasize Brazilian research. Most of these
sources that discuss a variety of subjects related to societies publish helpful periodicals, transcripts,
the social life and customs in Brazil. Following are and compiled genealogies and may have special
some that might be helpful: indexes, collections, and projects. They may
publish queries about Brazilian ancestors or
Besselaar, J. J. von den. Brasilien: Anspruch und maintain a list of members’ research interests.
Wirklichkeit (Brazil: Claim and Actuality). Some specialize in the immigrants to a specific
Wiesbaden: F. A. Brockhaus. (FHL book 981 area.
H2bj; computer number 0301830.) This book,
published in German, is a description and The Instituto Genealógico Brasileiro is actively
analysis of social, cultural, and economic life involved in genealogy and may help you pursue
in Brazil. your progenitors. For more information, write to:

Torres Londoño, Fernando. El concubinato y la Instituto Genealógico Brasileiro

iglesia en el Brasil colonial (The Concubinage Rua Sete de Abril, 230
and the Church in Colonial Brazil). São Paulo: 01044-000 São Paulo, SP
Universidade de São Paulo, 1988. (FHL book BRASIL
981 H6t; computer number 0491876.) This Tel.: (11) 257-4840
book, written in Spanish, presents indigenous
marriage customs and the Catholic Church in Historical societies can be valuable sources of
colonial Brazil. information on Brazil. Some may have information
about specific Brazilian individuals. Many
Additional sources for social customs in three societies have special collections of books and
cities in Brazil include: manuscript material for Brazil that may be difficult
to find in libraries and archives. You may be

45
interested in the services, activities, and collections FOR FURTHER READING
of:
Information about research and records of Brazil
Instituto Histórico e Geográfico Brasileiro can be found in:
Avenida Augusto Severo 8 - Glória
20021-040 Rio de Janeiro, RJ Latin American Research Outline. Salt Lake City,
BRASIL UT: Family History Library, 1992. (34075)
The addresses of over 100 ethnic heritage Platt, Lyman de. Genealogical Historical Guide to
historical societies in North America are given in: Latin America. Detroit, Michigan: Gale
Research Company, 1978. (FHL book 980
Smith, Betty P. Directory, Historical Societies and D27p; computer number 0008654.)
Agencies in the United States and Canada.
13th ed. Nashville: American Association for Nielsen, Lawrence James. Methods for Family
State and Local History, 1986. (FHL book Ref Reconstitution in the Luso-Brazilian World.
970 H24d; computer number 0491569.) Salt Lake City: Corporation of the President,
c1980. (FHL book 929.1 W893 1980 v.9 pt. 8;
TAXATION fiche 6085815; computer number 0091221.)

There are various types of tax records in the COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
archives of Brazil. They give names, residences,
dates of payments of tributes or taxes, and The Family History Library welcomes additions
sometimes names of spouses or children. Some and corrections that will improve future editions of
may indicate races and marital statuses. this outline. Please send your suggestions to:
At the present, tax lists have not been filmed for Publications Coordination
Brazil. If you need this type of record you will Family History Library
have to refer to local public archives in Brazil. 35 North West Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-3400
OTHER RECORDS OF BRAZIL USA

The topics listed below can be found in the We appreciate the archivists, librarians, and others
“Locality Search” section of the Family History who have reviewed this outline and shared helpful
Library Catalog after the locality. For example: information.
© 2000 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the
BRAZIL - [TOPIC] USA
BRAZIL, [STATE] - [TOPIC] English approval: 2/00
BRAZIL, [STATE], [TOWN] - [TOPIC] No part of this document may be reprinted, posted online, or
reproduced in any form for any purpose without the prior written
permission of the publisher. Send all requests for such permission to:
Though not discussed in this outline, the following
catalog topics may be useful to your research: Copyrights and Permissions Coordinator
Family History Department
50 East North Temple Street
BIBLIOGRAPHY Salt Lake City, Utah 84150-3400
BUSINESS RECORDS AND COMMERCE USA
Fax: 1-801-240-2494
COLONIZATION
DESCRIPTION AND TRAVEL FamilySearch is a trademark of Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
ETHNOLOGY
GUARDIAN AND WARD 36336
HANDWRITING
JEWISH HISTORY
LAW AND LEGISLATION
MIGRATION, INTERNAL
MILITARY HISTORY
NAMES, GEOGRAPHICAL
NEWSPAPERS
POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT
POPULATION
PUBLIC RECORDS
SCHOOLS

46
4 02363 36000 3
36336
• Brazilian Genealogical Sources:
Brigham Young University Library

Compiled by Mark L. Grover

September, 1998

General Bibliography

Brasil dia-a-dia: 0 retrato dos ultimos 50 anos. Sao Paulo: Editora Abril, 1988.258 pp.
AY 624 .B73x

Chamo, Steven M. Latin American Newspapers in United States Libraries: A Union List
Compiled in the Serial Division, Library ofCongress. Austin: University of Texas
Press, 1969. 619 pp. 980 C76 #2

Fitzgibbon, Russel H., compiler. Brazil: A Chronology and Fact Book, 1488-1973. Dobbs
Ferry, NY: Oceana Publications, Inc., 1974. 150 pp. HislRel RefF 2521.F55

Grover, Mark 1., compiler. Latin America: A Reference Guide to the Brigham Young
University Library. Provo, UT: Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University,
1992. 139 pp. F 1408 .x1G761

Handbook ofLatin American Studies. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1935-. Annual.
His/ReI Ref F 108 .xl H23

Moraes, Rubens Borba de. Bibliografia brasileira do periodo colonial: Catalogo

comentado das obras dos autores nascidos no Brasil e publicadas antes de 1808.
Sao Paulo: Instituto de Estudos Brasileiros, 1969. 437 pp. 981.0016 .M791b

Moraes, Rubens Borba de. Bibliografia brasiliana: Rare Books About Brazil Published
from 1504 to 1900 and Works by Brazilian Authors o/the Colonial Period. Los
Angeles: UCLA Latin American Center Publications, University of California; 1983. 2
vols. HislRel RefF 2508 .x1M67

Nyrop, Richard F., editor. Brazil, A Country Study. 4th ed. Washington, D.C.: Foreign
Area Studies, the American University, 1983. 410 pp. His/ReI RefF 2508.B855
Census Sources

Platt, Lyman De. Latin American Census Records. Salt Lake City, UT: Instituto
Genealogico e Historico Latinoamericano, 1987. 151 pp. HislRel Ref CS 95 .P54x

Travis, Carole, general editor. A Guide to Latin American and Caribbean Census
Material: A Bibliography and Union List. Boston, Ma: G. K. Hall, [Link]/Rel
RefHA 755 .X1 G85

Encyclopedias
Ci,1
Enciclopedia Delta Larousse. Rio de Janeiro: Editora Delta, 1968. 15 vols. Ref AE 37
.E48

Grande enciclopedia portuguesa e brasileira. Lisboa: Editorial Enciclopedia Limitada,

1935. 40 vols. ft~f AE 37 .G7

Dictionaries

Academia Brasi1eira de Letras. Pequeno vocabulcirio ortografico da lingua portuguesa.

Rio de Janeiro: Imprensa Nacional, 1943. 1,342 pp. PC 5085 .A185

Brunswick, Henrique. Diccionario da antiga linguagem portugueaza: intercalado com

grande numbro de vocabulos hodienros de obscura signijicar;Qo. Lisboa: Lusitana
Editora, 1910. 336 pp. PC 5360 .B78x

Pimenta, E. Orsi. Dicionario brasileiro de politica. Belo Horizonte: 1982. 192 pp. JA 64
.P69P55

General History of Brazil

Azevedo, Antonio Carlos do Amaral. Dicionario de nomes, termos e conceitos historicos.

Rio de Janeiro: Editora Nova Fronteira, 1990. 406 pp. D 9 .A94

Bassanezi, Maria Silvia C. Beozzo Familia e imigracao internacional no Brasil Sao Paulo:
Centro de Estudos de Demografia Historica de America Latina, Universidade de Sao
Paulo, 1996 HQ 593 .B37x 1996

2
Bibliografia sobre el impacto del proceso inmigratorio masivo en el Cono Sur de
America: Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Uruguay. Mexico, D.F.: Instituto Panamericano
de Geografia e Historia, 1984. 207 pp. F 2239 .X1B52

Boni, Luis Alberto de. A presem;a italiana no Brasil. Porto Alegre:: Escola Superior de
Teologia, 1987. 535 pp. F 2659 .I8P74

Dicionario hist6rico-biografico brasileiero 1930-1983. Rio de Janeiro: Forense-

Universitaria, 1984-. F 2504 .D53x

Donato, Hemani. Dicionario das batalhas brasileiras. Sao Paulo: Institui~ao Brasileira de
Difusao Cultural, 1987. 542 pp. F 2522 .D66

Dutra, Francis A. A Guide to the History ofBrazil: 1500-1822. Santa Barbara, CA:
ABC-CLIO, 1980. 625 pp. F 2508 .D87x

Fischer, Joachim. Bibliografia luterana brazileira, 1960-1982. Sao Leopoldo: Comissao

de Publicayoes, Faculdade de Teologia, Igreja Evangelica de Confissao Luterana no
Brasil, 1983. 36 pp. BX 8063 .B77X58

Franco, Francisco de Assis Carvalho. Diccionario de bandeirantes e sertanistas do Brasil:

seculos XVL XVIL XVIII Bela Horizonte: Editora Itatiaia, 1989. 443 pp. Quarto F
2528 .F68

Guia brasileiro de fontes para a hist6ria de Africa, da escravidiio negra e do negro na

sociedade atual: fontes arquivisticas. Rio de Janeiro: Departamento de Impr.
Nacional, 1988. 2 vols. F 2659 .N4G8x

Leite, Miriam Moreira. Retratos de familia: leitura da fotografia historica Sao Paulo:
EDUSP,1993. HQ 594 .L45

Margulies, Marcos. Judaica brasiliensis: repertorio bibliografico comentado dos livros

relacionados com 0 judaismo e questoes afins, publicados no Brasil desde os
primordios das atividades editoriais no pais ate 0 presente momento. Rio de
Janeiro: Editora Documentario, 1974. 159 pp. DS 102 .x1M34

Moss, Joyce and George Wilson. Peoples ofthe World. Latin Americans: The Culture,
Geographical Setting, and Historical Background of 42 Latin American Peoples.
Detroit, MI: Gale Research, 1989. 323 pp. F 1408.3 .M84

Portugal no Brasil e no mundo Sao Paulo: Livraria Nobel, 1984. DP538.F47x

3
Brazilian Local History

Amaral, Antonio Barreto do. Dicionario de historia de sao Paulo. Sao Paulo: Govemo do
Estado de Sao Paulo, 1980. 480 pp. F 2631 .A545

Barreto, Angela Maria Maranhao, 0 Recife atraves dos tempos: (formacao da sua
paisagem) Recife: FUNDAPARTE, 1994. F 2651 .R4 B37x

Bernardes, Denis, Recife, 0 caranguejo e 0 viaduto. Recife: Editora Universitaria UFPE,

1996. HT 169 .B72 R43x 1996

Borges, Dain Edward. The Family in Bahia, Brazil, 1870-1945. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford
University Press, 1992. HQ 594.15 .B34 B67

Bueno, Francisco de Assis Vieira, A eidade de Sao Paulo Sao Paulo: Academia Paulista de
Letras, 1976. F2651.S257 B83

Homens de Sao Paulo. Belo Horizonte: Editora Itatiaia, 1993. F 2631 .H7

Laytano, Dante de. A1anual de fomes bibliografieas para 0 estudo da historia general de
Rio Grande do Sul: Levantamento critieo. Porto Alegre: Universitaria Federal do
Rio Grande do SuI, 1979. F 2621 .XIL397

Levi, Darrell E. The Prados ofSao Paulo, Brazil: an elite family and social change,
1840-1930 Athens, Ga.: University of Georgia Press, 1987. CT687.5 .P7 L48

Moreira Pinto, Alfredo A cidade de Sao Paulo em 1900 Sao Paulo: Governo do Estado de
Sao Paulo, 1979. F 2651.s24 M67

Porto, Antonio Rodrigues. Historia urbanistiea da cidade de Sao Paulo (1554 a 1988) Sao
Paulo: Carthago & Forte, 1992. F 2651 .S257 P67

Registo geral da Camara da eidade de Sao Paulo. JS 15 .S6

Maps, Atlases and Geography

Acompanhando 0 titmo de Sao Paulo. Sao Paulo: MapografEditora, 1978. HBLL Map
Collection - F 2651 .S2 A36x

4
Araujo e Silva, Domingos de, Diccionario historico e geographico da provincia de S.
Pedro <microform> : ou Rio Grande do SuI contendo a historia e a descripcao
da provincia em relacao aos tres reinos da natureza ... Rio de Janeiro: E. & H.
Laemert, 1865. HBLL Microfiche - F2621 .A66 1865

Atlas Historico e Geografico Brasileiro. Rio de Janeiro: Companhia Nacional de Material

de Ensino, 1966. 47 pp. Map ColI G 1776 .S187

Barbosa, Waldemar de Almeida. Dicionario historico-geografico de Minas Gerais. Belo

Horizonte: EditoraSaterb, 1971. 541 pp. F2581 .B35

Diciona'rio de geografia do Brasil, com terminologia geografica. Sao Paulo: Edi<;oes

Melhoramentos, 1976. Map ColI F 2504 .D48

Dicionario geografico brasileiro: com numerosas ilustrafoes, inclusive mapas dos

estados e territorios. Porto Alegre: Editora Globo, 1972. 619 pp. F 2504 .D524x

Fisher, Morris, compiler. Provinces and Provincial Capitals o/the World. Metuchen, NJ:
Scarecrow, 1985. 248 pp. G 103.5 .F57

Fortes, Amyr Barges, et aI., editors. Dicionario geografico brasileiro. Rio de Janeiro:
Editora Globo, 1966. 559 pp. Map ColI F 2504 .D5

Funda<;ao Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica, diretoria de geociencias. Geografia

do Brasil. Rio de Janeiro: IBGE, 1989. F 2516 .F86x

Kleiner, Alberto. Atlas de los territorios de la Jewish Colonization Association en

Argentinay Brasil: 1913-1941 Buenos Aires: Poligono, 1983. Map Collection
Quarto G 1756 .E27 K54x

Marques, Cesar Augusto. Dicionario historico-geografico da Provincia do .1'vfaranhao. Rio

de Janeiro: Cia. Editora Fon-Fon e Seleta, 1970. F2571 .M35

Resende, Maria Efigenia Lage de and Ana Maria de Moraes. Atlas historico do Brasil. Belo
Horizonte: Vigilia, 1987. 94 pp. Map ColI G 1776 .S1R47x

Guia rodoviario do Brasil. Sao Paulo: Editora Abril, 1983. 82 pp. Map ColI G 1776
.P2Q3

5
Genealogical Reference Sources

Anuario CatoUco do Brasil Microfiche BL 2540.C52 CIDOC IDC No 21017

Cerny, Johni and Wendy Elliott, editors. The Library: A Guide to the LDS Family History
Library. Salt Lake City: Ancestry Pub., 1988. 763 pp. His/ReI Ref CS 9 .C55L53x

The Genealogical Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Inc. Major
Genealogical Sources in Latin America. Salt Lake City, UT: The Genealogical
Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1970-78. Genealog Sec
929.01 G286rj Index Table

Platt, Lyman de. Genealogical Historical Guide to Latin America. Detroit: Gale Research
Co., 1978. 273 pp. HislRel RefCS 95 .P58

Ryskamp, George R. Tracing Your Hispanic [Link]. Riverside, CA: Hispanic Family
History Research, 1984. 954 pp. A1~7RefRefE 184.S75R97

Smith, Jessie Carney, editor. Ethnic Genealogy: A Research Guide. Westport, CT:
Greenwood Press, 1983. 440 pp. His/ReI Ref CS 49 .E83

Genealogy Guides

De voee para seus ancestrais : um curso basieo sobre exaltacao familiar. Sao Paulo:
Igreja de Jesus Cristo dos Santos dos Ultimos Dias, 1979. Americana - Room
BX8634.6 .C47fzp 1979

A exaltaeao familiar e voce. Sao Paulo, Brazil: Centro Editorial Brasileiro, 1972.
HBLL Americana - Room BX 8634.6 .C47fp

Biographical Indexes and Collections

Alves, Odair Rodrigues. Os homens que governaram sao Paulo. Sao Paulo: EDUSP,
1986. 189 pp. F 2631 .A543

Coutinho, Afranio. Brasil e Brasileiros de hoje: eneiclopedia de biografias Rio de Janeiro:

Editorial SuI Americana, 1961. Biography Ref. - F 2505 .C6

Dicionario hist6rico-biografico brasileiro 1930-1983. Rio de Janeiro: Forense-

6
Universitaria, 1984. 3 vols. Biog RefF 2504 .D53x

Ferraz, Joao Machado, Primeiros gauchos da America portuguesa Porto Alegre: Instituto
Estadual do Livro, 1980. CS308.R46 F47 1980

Figueiredo, Jose de Lima, Grandes soldados do Brasil. Rio de Janerio: Almanak Laemmert,
1939. F2505.L5

Franco, Francisco de Assis Carvalho. Diccionario de bandeirantes e sertanistas do Brasil:

seculos XVL XVIL XVIII. Belo Horizonte: Editora Itatiaia, 1989. 443 pp. Quarto F
2528 .F68

Grandes personagens da nossa historia. Sao Paulo: Abril Cultural, 1969-1970. Biography
Ref. F 2505 .G7

Herrero Mediavilla, Victor and Lolita Rosa Aguayo Nayle, editors. Indice biografico de
Espana, Portugal e Iberoamerica. Munchen: K. G. Saur, 1990. 4 vols. Biog Ref
CT 1344 .A73

Moya, Salvador de. Indices genealogicos brasileiros. Sao Paulo,1942 In Process

Novinsky, Anita. Inquisicao: rol dos culpados: fontes para a historia do Brasil (seculo
XVIII) Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Expressao e Cultura, 1992. BX 1733.B6 N683

Os Presidenciaveis: quem e quem na maratona do Planalto Rio de Janeiro: Retour, 1983.

F2538.22 .A2 P7x

Quem equem nas artes e nas letras do Brasil:Artistas e escritores contemporaneos ou

falecidos depois de 1945. Rio de Janeiro: Ministerio das Rela~5es Exteriores,
Departmento Cultural e de Informa~5es, 1966. 352 pp. Biog Ref CT 686 .Q4

Rela, Walter. Diccionario de escritores brasilenos contemporaneos. Montevideo: Editorial

Relieve, 1994. Humanities Ref. PQ 9527 .R44x 1994

Sabino, Fernando Tavares. Gente Rio de Janeiro: Editora Record, 1996. In Process

Sabino, Ignez, A1ulheres illustres do Brasil Florianopolis, SC: Editora das Mu1heres, 1996.
CT 3303 .S23

Sant'Ana, Joao Gabriel. Repertorio biografico e genealogico paulista. Sao Paulo: Press
Grafic, 1987. 726 pp. C 687 .S3S36

7
Sousa, Bernardino Jose de, Dicionario da terra e da gente do Brasil. Sao Paulo:
Companhia editora nacional, 1939. F 2504 .S73

Sousa, Jose Galante de. Indice de bibliografia brasilleira. Rio de Janeiro: Instituto
Nacional do Livro, Ministerio de EducalYao e Cultura, 1963. 440 pp. Ref Z 1680
.S63

Sousa, Octavio Tarquinio de, Historia dos fundadores do Imperiodo Brasil Rio de Janeiro:
Livraria 1. Olympio, 1972. F2536.S757

Studart, Guilherme, barao de. Diccionario bio-bibliographico cearense. Fortaleza: EdilYoes

UFC,1980. 3 vols. Biog RefF 2556 .x1S78

Taques, Pedro,. Nobiliarquia paulistana historica e genealogica 5. ed. Sao Paulo: Editora
Itatiaia, 1980. CS308.S264 T36

Teixeira de Oliveira, Jose. Vidas brasileiras. Rio de Janeiro: Irmaos Pongetti, 1945. 920.081
T235v

Villas-Boas, Pedro. Notas de bibliografia sul-rio-grandense: autores. Porto Alegre: A

NalYao, 1974. Z 1694 .R52V53

Family Histories

Assumpcao, Vera. A historia exemplar de uma familia cafeicultora de origem portuguesa

Porto: Secretaria de Estado da Emigracao, Centro de Estudos, 1985. CS 309.A54x

Cabral, Sergio. Pixinguinha: vida e obra Rio de Janeiro: Lumiar Editora, 1997. ML 410
.P594 C2

Caggiani, Ivo. Flores da Cunha: biografia Porto Alegre: Martins Livreiro-Editor, 1996. F
2621 .C864 C34

Fontana, Yara M. Como ./ritar as Josefinas Sao Paulo: Cultura Editores Asociados, 1996.
HD 6054.2 .B6 F663x

Macedo, Nertan. 0 cla de Santa Quiteria (Memoria historica s obre vaqueiros e

eruditos). Rio de Janeiro: Editora Renes, 1980. CS309 .M47

Macedo, Nertan. 0 cla dos inhamuns . umafamilia de guerreiros e pastores das

8
cabeceiras do Jaguaribe Rio de Janeiro: Editora Renes, 1980. F2556.M335x

Pacheco Borba, Frederico de Assis. Itu e afamilia Paula Leite de Barros. Sao Paulo:
Edicion, 1985. F 2651.178 P32x

Santos, Annando Alexandre dos. Ser ou nao ser monarquista, eis a questao! Sao Paulo:
Artpress, 1990. CS 304 .S27x

Wolff, Egon. 0 indio, 0 negro e seus descendentes na obra de Carlos G. Rheingantz :

primeiras familias do Rio de Janeiro (seculos XVI e XVI!) Rio de Janeiro: Cia.
Brasileira de Artes Graficas, 1990. CS 308 .R4 W65

9
LOCALITY ANALYSIS FOR BRAZIL

By George R. Ryskamp, JD, AG

BYU Department of History

Locality analysis plays an essential part in determining the objectives for family history
research. It should be done as soon as a specific new place of origin or residence is identified,
and, of course, must be completed before step two of the records analysis can be completed.

Locality Analysis involves two processes. The first is to locate the exact place or places
from which one's ancestors came and determine the various jurisdictions to which that place
belonged. (This is, in effect, an answer to one of the initial questions asked in the People
Analysis: Where did the ancestor live?) The second goal of Locality Analysis is to learn as
much about that particular place as one can. This includes not only the physical location and
the geographical features of the place, but, to better understand the life of the ancestor, also
requires a knowledge of its history and physical appearance.

Modern Atlases and Maps

Atlas do Brasil Globo. Porto Alegre: Editora Globo , 1960. (FHL)

Ouadro dos municfpios brasileiros vigorante no. Rio de Janeiro : Impresa Nacional,
1939. (FHL)

Gazetteers

Supplement to Brazil Gazetteer. Washington, D.C. : Defense Mapping Agency, 1992.

(BYU F 2504 .S87 1992)

VIII recenseamento geral do Brasil, 1970 : c6digo de municfpios. Rio de Janeiro

Institutpo Brasileiro de Estatistica, 1970. (FHL)

Guia postal (geographico) da Republica dos Estados Unidos do Brasil. Rio de Janeiro :
Directoria Geral dos Correios, 1930-31. (FHL film 1102988)

Geographical Dictionaries

Dicionario geografico Brasileiro Porto Alegre, Brazil: Editora Globo, 1966, 1972. (1st
ed. BYU F 2504 .D5) (2nd ed. BYU F2504 .D524x 1972) (FHL)

Dicionario da terra e da gente do Brasil. Sao Paulo: Companhia Editora Nacional,

1961. (FHL film 0908537 item 1)

Ecclesiastical Directories
Anuario catolico do Brasil. 3rd ed. Petropolis, Rio de Janiero: Editora Vozes
Limitadas, 1966. (CIDOC Collection no. 21017) (2nd ed. FHL film 0962910)

Diretorio protestante no Brasil. by Agnolo Rossi. Campinas: Tip. Paulista, 1939.

(CIDOC Collection no. 970/1)

Encyclopedias

Grande Enciclopedia Portuguesa e Brasileira. Lisboa, Rio de Janeiro, Editorial

Enciclopedia. limitada, < 1936-60>. (BYU AE 37 .G7)

These are examples available from six major categories of books that can be valuable in
completing a locality analysis for this country.

1. Atlases and Maps. Individual atlases that exist for most Hispanic countries can help
locate ancestral towns and establish the proximity of ancestral towns to other towns found during
the research. Typical of these is one for Mexico, Nuevo Atlas Porma de la Republica Mexicana
(Editorial Porma: Mexico, D.F., 1980), available in many local libraries. This small volume
contains maps of each state, historical maps, ad a general country-wide index, as well as various
geographical entity lists. Maps in these should be in a scale of at least 1:250,000.

Another useful geographical tool for the Latin American genealogist will be the Index
to the Map of Hispanic America, published by the American Geographical Society .
(Washington: 1945). As this is an index to a collection of maps, scale 1:1,000,000, it will
generally only be found in a large public or university library. It covers all Latin American
countries in good detail.

Also of value for locating especially small hamlets and for recreating geographical details
of local life are the Untied States Army Map Service Select Series and Topographical Maps
produced for all of these countries. Any place, no matter how small, will appear on these
detailed maps (scale 1:50,000). Unfortunately, these maps have no direct index, and locating
places can only be accomplished by using latitude and longitude references in the gazetteers such
as those published by the U.S. Office of Geography. (See the following section on gazeteers).

Maps and atlases are being digitalized for computer storage at an incredible rate. As that process
continues these will become increasingly available on CDROM and on the Internet and World
Wide Web. Currently, for example, the University of Texas at Austin Perry Castaneda Library
Map Collection has placed many atlases and maps from the CIA on the Computer Internet.
Check with the library for the current address and the countries available.

2. Gazetteers. Gazetteers are long lists of place names with a minimal amount of
information to identify and locate each particular place. Since many of these gazetteers list
geographical subdivisions smaller than the parish or municipality, and other features such as
rivers and mountains, they can be of great help when the particular place to be located does not
appear in the atlases or geographical dictionaries available to the researcher. Many countries also
publish postal guides and political divisions guides .

Gazetteers, such as the Untied States Board on Geographical Names Gazetteer, prepared
by the Office of Geography of the Department of the Interior, are frequently more readily
obtained in the United States than local geographical dictionaries and detailed atlases of Hispanic
countries. The Hispanic countries covered by the U.S. Board on Geographical Names series and
their numbers in that series are:

Argentina, 103 Honduras, 27

Bolivia, 4 Mexico, 15
Brazil, 71 Nicaragua, 10
Chile, 6 Panama, 110
Costa Rica, 7 Paraguay, 35
Cuba, 30 Puerto Rico, 38
Dominican Republic, 33 Spain and Andorra, 51
Ecuador, 36 Spanish Sahara, 108
EI Salvador, 26 Uruguay, 21
Guatemala Venezuela, 56

For a number of Hispanic countries there are updated versions of these gazeteers published by
the Defense Mapping Agency (DMA). These are included under each country in the last section
of this chapter. These gazeteers have now been placed by the DMA (in collaboration with the
U.S. Board of Geographic Names on the computer Internet ubder the title GEOnet Names
Server.

3. Geographical dictionaries. These vary in size, from one and two volume dictionaries
to large series containing sixteen to twenty volumes. In the United States, those covering
Hispanic countries are generally found in the Family History Library Catalog or in large public
or university libraries which have map collections. Nearly every country has at least one such
dictionary, although these can vary dramatically in the amount of detail they contain. Some of
the large countries such as Mexico even have state or regional geographic dictionaries. Whether
national or regional these are most helpful in locating a particular town, and usually provide a
written description of the town, or other geographical unit. These descriptions, as well as
individual place name entries, can be used to identify the larger geographical unit (where records
would usually be found) to which a smaller unit, whose name is the only one the family
remembers, belongs. Figure 7- ,a page from Volume I of the Diccionario geografico de
Guatemala, illustrates this principle, showing the caserios of Guatemala. These dictionaries also
often provide information in developing the history of the ancestral locality as a background to
the family history.

4. Ecclesiastical guides and directories. Many Catholic dioceses, publish directories

listing the various parishes, seminaries, and convents which make up the diocese. These
directories always include the names of local parishes and the priests who serve there. They
also may contain maps and other aids, and interesting and pertinent information about local
history, including even local jurisdictional changes. Many of these are available through the
LDS Family History Centers and in libraries having the CIDOC Collection of Latin American
Church documents on microfilm. For at least four countries, Spain, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and
Argentina, such guides exist which also indicate at least the beginning date for parish registers
in nearly every parish in the country.

5. Historical Atlases, Maps and Materials. In the chart in the last section of this chapter
a special category has been created for geographic reference tools that were printed before 1900
but are still widely available or were written to deal with geography during an historical period,
most often the collonial period. The use and format of these materials parallels that of their
contemporary counterparts described in other sections above.

6. Local histories. As the name implies, these are histories that deal entirely with a
particular town or region, found bothe as books and as articles in periodicals. Scholarly
historical journals such as The Americas and Hispanic American Historical Review are
particularly valuable. These do not help in locating exact places, but can be extremely valuable
in helping to understand the history of that locality, and especially to trace its jurisdictional
changes.
Other Resources: Brazil

Brazil Map
[Link]

Brazil Genealogy Forum

[Link]

German Migration to Brazil

[Link]

Italian Migration to Brazil

[Link]

Local Catholic Church History and Genealogy Research of Brazil

[Link]

Library of Congress Selected Internet Resources – Genealogy : Brazil

[Link]