As a young man, he emigrated to Rio de Janeiro.

Here, he would later become a prominent businessman and the owner of a major trading house, which was still thriving at the time of his death.

He received the title of Count of Silva Monteiro on December 22, 1875, by decree of King Luis I of Portugal.

He was a Knight of the Royal House and Commander of the Order of the Immaculate Conception of Vila Viçosa.

His death was mourned by the Portuguese royal family and many people of different social classes.