According to ancient accounts, the origin of the Barbosa family traces back to an honorable and courageous woman. One day, two noblemen were fighting in the street where she lived. With no one able to separate them, she left her house wielding a large sword and intervened—like a brave knight or valiant soldier—successfully ending the fight.

When the King learned of this, he reportedly said:
“Bravosa or Barbosa was this woman.”

Thus, upon request, he granted her the surname, which may have evolved from Bravosa into Barbosa. From her lineage descended Rui Esteves Barbosa, a royal servant who lived between the Douro and Minho regions. He was a man of great valor and influence, so much so that when he went to court, he stayed at the residence of the Chief Magistrate due to their friendship.

A Secret Marriage and Exile

The Magistrate had a sister named Filipa da Silva, with whom Rui Esteves Barbosa fell in love—and she with him. They married in secret. Upon discovering this, the Magistrate sought to kill Rui, who fled to Galicia. There, he lived cautiously but honorably, always armed and accompanied by loyal men.

Meanwhile, Filipa, pregnant, was confined to a convent by her brother. She gave birth to a son and sent him to his father. The boy was raised in Trás-os-Montes and named Rui Lopes, later known as “the Knight” for his exceptional abilities.

Rui Lopes, the Knight

Rui Lopes eventually married a wealthy widow, Branca Gil de Miranda, who had previously been married to a man connected to the India fleets. She also had a daughter, Maria Dias, who later married on São Miguel Island but left no descendants.

From this line would later emerge the estate (morgado) held by Nuno Barbosa in the Ribeira Grande region.

Rui Lopes came to São Miguel with a large household during the time of Rui Gonçalves da Câmara, the third Captain of the island.

The Barbosa Line in São Miguel

Rui Lopes and Branca Gil had several children:

• Rui Lopes Barbosa
• Henrique Barbosa
• Sebastião Barbosa
• Filipa da Silva (who never married)

Rui Lopes Barbosa

He settled in Calheta de Pero de Teves and married Guiomar Fernandes Tavares. They had four sons and three daughters.

Notable descendants:

• Sebastião Barbosa – married into a prominent family of Água de Pau
• Braz Barbosa – knight of the Order of Christ, served many years in Africa
• Francisco Barbosa – known for wit and intellect, father of several children including Hércules Barbosa, a royal official in Ponta Delgada

Daughters and Alliances

The daughters of Rui Lopes Barbosa formed important alliances:

• Isabel Barbosa married a royal official, leading to a distinguished lineage including nobles, clergy, and figures involved in imperial service.
• Guiomar Barbosa married Baltazar Martins Caiado, though they had no children.
• Margarida Barbosa married Jerónimo Teixeira, also without issue.

Henrique Barbosa

Henrique Barbosa married Maria Correia in Vila Franca do Campo. Their daughter, Filipa da Silva, was famed for her beauty. Tragically, both mother and daughter died during the catastrophic flood of Vila Franca.

Henrique later lived in Santarém and never remarried.

Sebastião Barbosa da Silva

A wealthy and respected figure, Sebastião Barbosa married Isabel Nunes Botelha. Their children included:

• Nuno Barbosa – a distinguished knight favored by the King
• Hércules Barbosa – died heroically in battle in Africa
• Hector Barbosa – continued the lineage, with descendants holding estates and serving the Crown

Legacy and Heraldry

The Barbosa and Silva families became deeply rooted in São Miguel, forming alliances with other noble families and contributing to the island’s political, military, and social life.

Coat of Arms of the Silvas

The Silva arms, used by the Barbosas, are described as:

• A white shield crossed diagonally by a blue band
• Five white crescents along the band
• The band emerging from and ending in serpent heads
• Two lions climbing alongside the band
• Red stars accompanying the lions
• All enclosed within a circular frame of green thorn branches

This intricate heraldry symbolizes strength, vigilance, and noble heritage.

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Closing Note

This account, drawn from Saudades da Terra, reflects not only genealogy but also the ideals of honor, bravery, and legacy that shaped the early settlers of São Miguel. Through stories of courage, exile, service, and alliance, the Barbosa lineage remains an enduring part of Azorean history.