“Son of the Land and a Member of the Dominant Family”: Kinship and Power Networks between Grão-Pará and the Empire of Brazil in the Viscount of Souza Franco Path (c. 1841-1875)

This paper examines the formation of kinship and the construction of power networks between the province of Grão-Pará and the Empire of Brazil, from the perspective of Bernardo de Souza Franco. Through the analysis of parish records of baptisms and marriages in Belém, personal correspondence, and periodicals, the research reveals how belonging to a “dominating family of the province” was a key element for the viscount to become one of the most prominent politicians from Grão-Pará in the 19th century and consolidate his influence at provincial level.

Keywords:
Viscount of Souza Franco; Kinship; Politics (19^th Century)