History of the D’Abreu Family

July 15, 2010 at 11:25 pm (Andersen Roots) (D'Abreu)

D’Abreu Coat of Arms

The early history of the D’Abreu is recorded in the History of the Portuguese in India. It dates back to 1503. The great ancestor was Antonio D’Abreu, a young nobleman, who was sent by King Emmanuel of Portugal to India. He served under Viceroy Albuquerque. With three sailing ships of war under his command, he was sent to Albuquerque to explore the Maluccas and the Spice Islands. This was done with success. Incidentally, in command of one of the three ships under Antonio D’Abreu was Fancisco Serras, who carried with him a young Portuguese gentleman, Fernado de Magalhaes. Ferndo later made the first voyage around the world, who as Magellan has left his name upon the map of the world. This was under the service of the King of Spain. The map was edited by Sir W. Hunter in 1897.

The more ancient members, about 1520, are buried in the ruins of the Church of San Antonio at Fort Bassion. The Fort is 38 miles north of Bombay. The tombstones still exist, but are fast going into decay because of their great age. 6 D’Abreu families are interred there. The names that are still visible are the following: Gregorio D’Abreu and his heirs, Gaspare Branca D’Abreu and his wife, and Francisca D’Abreu, her husband and heirs.

Our later history shows that with the advent of the British in India and the waning of the Portuguese power, the family seems to have moved to North India and obtained service under the British. As far as living memory, our great-grandparents only spoke English and we must have adopted English after 1794. This period shows many alliances with the English and English names begin to enter the family. The Indian meeting in 1857 led to great upset in the country and loss of much documentary evidence. The records I have now are chiefly from family members who are now dead.