Charles Ridpath Blandy , wealthiest landwowner on Madeira. By 1877, the largest stock of Madeira held by any shipping house in Funchal, was that belonging to Messrs Blandy Brothers. Charles Blandy, born in 1811, accumulated these stocks subsequent to the destruction of the Madeira vineyards by odium in 1852. These wines included remarkable examples and a great variety of growths, preserved distinctly by locality of production and year of vintage. 1852 - The Illustrated London News cries out, "The wine of Madeira, which has acquired a worldwide celebrity, will soon be no more than a thing of history." A devastating form of mildew had attacked the vineyards. Some of the growers converted to sugar cane, while "the faint-hearted shippers began to leave the island." But, Charles Blandy (see picture) stayed and bought up the best stocks of Madeira...about a Half million gallons! Dec. 31, 1863 - To Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, from Charles R. Blandy. " Sir: Having been an unfortunate victim in consequence of the destruction of the bark Lauraetta and her cargo [of barrel staves of American oak ordered by Blandy's for delivery to Madeira], I take the liberty to call your attention to the fact...and hope my claim of Rs. 8,835,000 Madeira currency will be paid to me." There was no doubt that the Confederate's Alabama had sunk the Lauraetta. But Charles probably was not surprised that he was never paid, since his letter also stated he realized that President Davis was "doubtless occupied with more important matters." (The South had just been defeated at Gettyburg and Vicksburg.) Related?? 1881 census records: Household: Name Relation Marital Status Gender Age Birthplace Occupation Disability Fred. BLANDY Head M Male 57 Madiera British Subject, Portugal Magistrate Glouc Ellen BLANDY Wife M Female 59 Bengal, East Indies Wife Agnes BLANDY Daur U Female 24 Clifton, Gloucester, England Daughter John GOODENOUGH Serv U Male 23 Kirtlington, Oxford, England Butler Domestic Elizabeth COLBY Serv U Female 30 Whitchurch, Hereford, England Cook Domestic Rosa BEADSHAM Serv U Female 27 Thrapstone, Northampton, England Serving Maid Domestic Sarah A. SMITH Serv U Female 27 Harwich, Gloucester, England House Maid Domestic Agnes FERRIS Serv U Female 16 Knowle, Devon, England House Maid Domestic Julia HALL Serv U Female 14 Berry Hill, Gloucester, England Kitchen Maid Domestic Source Information: Dwelling Village Newland Census Place Newland, Gloucester, England Family History Library Film 1342258 Public Records Office Reference RG11 Piece / Folio 5223 / 91 Page Number 8
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