Armand Joseph Dubernad
Armand Joseph Dubernad | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Bayonne, France |
| Died | May 9, 1799 (aged 57) Morlaix, France |
| Occupation(s) | Merchant, financier, diplomat |
| Known for | Consul general of the Holy Roman Empire; founding president of Brittany's first Jacobin Club; deputy and mayor; pioneer in marine insurance |
Armand Joseph Dubernad (born 23 November 1741 in Bayonne – died 9 May 1799 in Morlaix) was a prominent merchant and financier who also held roles as a diplomat for both France and Spain. He served as the Consul general of the Holy Roman Empire, acted as a deputy and mayor, and played a key role in establishing Brittany’s inaugural Jacobin Club.
Biography
Originating from a middle-class lineage, Dubernad’s family roots trace back to La Bastide-Clairence and Laplume situated in northern Gascony.
Before the Revolution
Prior to the onset of the French Revolution, Dubernad engaged in extensive trade across China, Europe, and the Indies via major ports such as Morlaix, Seville, and Cádiz. He was among the main investors in the bank of Saint-Charles and supported enterprises that funded infrastructure development while contributing to the reduction of Spanish national debt. His cousin, Count François Cabarrus, held the position of Minister under King Charles III of Spain. Dubernad’s connections extended to influential diplomatic families like the Lesseps as well as close kin. Additionally, he was recognized as an early pioneer in the field of marine insurance.
During the Revolution
In 1788, Dubernad assumed the role of deputy for the Third Estate representing Rennes and subsequently became Sénéchaussée of Morlaix. He participated in drafting the Cahiers de Doléances for Morlaix in 1789 and was instrumental in founding Brittany’s first Jacobin Club in 1790, where he held the presidency.
Throughout the Reign of Terror, he undertook restoration of La Bourdaisière, a castle previously demolished by royal order. Following Thermidor in 1795, he faced public accusations in Morlaix branding him an "aristocrat, royalist, and banker" associated with counter-revolutionary leader Charette. By 1799, Dubernad died nearly destitute due to economic impacts from the English blockade and financial aid extended to impoverished populations along with revolutionary causes.
The family
Before the Revolution, his father-in-law Jean Lannux de La Chaume and brother-in-law Gaspard Lannux de La Chaume served as Spanish consuls stationed in France. His son allied through marriage with Michel Behic’s family, linking them to distinguished personalities including General Jean Victor Marie Moreau.
Dubernad fulfilled duties as Consul General representing the Holy Roman Empire in Morlaix. His brother Salvat du Bernad was an affluent merchant and financier based in Seville who also acted as Consul for the Grand Duchy of Tuscany across France and Spain. During Spain’s entry into war, Salvat was imprisoned on accusations of sabotage but subsequently resumed duties as French consular agent in Seville until 1812.
His granddaughter Françoise Gaudelet d'Armenonville married Auguste de Rambaud, thereby connecting their lineage with prominent noble families. His grandson Captain Henry Dubernad was related to Vice Admiral Jacques Bergeret, who was captured by British forces but later released without conditions following diplomatic intervention.
References
- Guy de Rambaud, Dubernad, un financier au service de la Révolution (manuscript)
- Guy de Rambaud, Pour l'amour du Dauphin, Anovi 2005, , biography covering Agathe de Rambaud