António José de Ávila, 1st Duke of Ávila and Bolama

António José de Ávila (Faial, March 8th, 1806 - Lisbon, May 3rd, 1881) was a Portuguese politician. He was Mayor of the city of Horta, in Faial Island (Azores), minister in several governments and Portuguese Ambassador in Madrid.

Later, he became President of the Portuguese Government for three periods in the years 60's and 70's of the 19th century.

In 1861, he was appoited as Portuguese representative in order to solve the Bolama Issue: the British had occupied the Bolama island (today in Guinea Bissau) but the Portuguese sovereignty was finally recognised by all parts, after difficult negotiations in Madrid.

In February 13th, 1864, King Luis I of Portugal granted him the title of Count of Ávila (in Portuguese "Conde de Ávila") which, in May 24th, 1870, was changed to Marquis of Ávila and Bolama (in Portuguese "Marquês de Ávila e Bolama").

Later, in May 14th, 1878, the same King granted him the title of Duke of Ávila and Bolama (in Portuguese "Duque de Ávila e Bolama"). He was the first non-noble born person to whom was granted the title of Duke, once in Portugal this title was, traditionally, granted to members of high nobility, relatives of the Portuguese Royal Family.

ee Also

*List of Prime Ministers of Portugal
*List of Dukedoms of Portugal
*Duke of Ávila and Bolama
*Marquis of Ávila and Bolama
*Count of Ávila

External Link

[http://www.geneall.net/P/per_page.php?id=53975 Genealogy of the 1st Duke of Ávila and Bolama (in Portuguese)]

Bibliography

”Nobreza de Portugal e do Brasil” – Vol. II, pages 348-350. Published by Zairol Lda., Lisbon 1989.