Rodrigo Pinto Guedes, Baron of Rio da Prata

Biography

Guedes was born in the freguesia of Gradiz, Aguiar da Beira, on 27 July 1762 to Rodrigo Pinto Guedes and Maria da Silveira Pereira. His parents intended him to take on a religious life, and sent him to a monastery; however, he ran away and decided to embark on a maritime career. In September 1781, he was named a cadete (cadet) of the Portuguese Navy, and thus began what would prove to be a successful career.

He married Constanza Smissaert Pinto Caldas, daughter of José Pereira Caldas and Constanza Smissaert.