Re: Bettencourts in Biera, Sao Jorge, Azores
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In reply to:
Re: Bettencourts in Biera, Sao Jorge, Azores
2/11/02
Joao........thank you very much for this insight.It turns out Candace has a bit more info also.I was once told by a Portuguese geneologist that there wasn't much social stratification in the Azores and there had never been a situation where people who worked at "Great Houses" might take on a name of an employer.There just wasn't that great a spread in income and there wasn't a social heirarchy like in Europe or Britain. The Azores society was pretty democratic.......which is why they are the group that integrates into U.S. society faster than most on arrival here.He said if your name is Bettencourt there is a very good chance you are descended from the French de Bethencourts.
I think what you're telling me is that that is not totally accurate,that there are other ways to attain a name.
I know my Bettencourt family was not upper class in Beira.When I was there in 1985,everyone there seemed pretty impoverished.I have a picture of one house in the 30's and it had not changed one whit by 1985.If anything,it looked much worst for wear.On the other hand,your family being a professional family was probably of the upper social strata.
So I'll be careful in my research to not assume anything unless there is proof.I don't care if I find out we are not true Bettencourts.this journey has tought me so much about my forbears already and that makes it all worth it.I have learned so much more about the Azores,Portugal,and that area of France,"Flanders",and the Dutch and Belgian areas most of these people came from.I've learned so much about the wars,social upheavals, and other situations that brought these people to the islands.
Joao,if I find out some significant news and do find a connection with your family,I will let you know.Candace thinks we three are related.........we just have to go back far enough to see where.You,yourself,pointed out how hard it is to do this research by noting the errors on the "chart" of the Bettencourt Family.As I said before,your branch was one of two I felt stronglywere our connections.What didn't "work" was the location listed as Terceira when it actually should have been,as you said,Sao Jorge.Then the fact you said you had Beira connections blew me away !
So,we'll see what Candace and I can come up with.I thank you for your help explainingsome customs.
Most sincerely,David
More Replies:
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Re: Bettencourts in Biera, Sao Jorge, Azores
2/12/02
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Re: Bettencourts in Biera, Sao Jorge, Azores
William W. Forester 9/21/02
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Re: Bettencourts in Biera, Sao Jorge, Azores