Antoinette Van Leer Polk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Antoinette Van Leer. Polk
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Antoinette Van Leer Polk in 1912
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| Born | October 27, 1847 Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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| Died | February 3, 1919(aged 72) Bouguenais, Loire-Atlantique, France
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| Occupation | Equestrian, planter, socialite |
| Title | Baroness |
| Spouse(s) | Athanase-Charles-Marie Charette de la Contrie |
| Children | Antoine de Charette |
| Parent(s) | Andrew Jackson Polk Rebecca Van Leer |
| Relatives | William Polk (paternal grandfather) James K. Polk (paternal great-uncle) Leonidas Polk (paternal uncle) Vanleer Polk (brother) Anthony Wayne (great-uncle) |
Antoinette Van Leer Polk, Baroness de Charette (born October 27, 1847 – died February 3, 1919) was an American woman from a wealthy Southern family. She later became a French noblewoman by marriage. Antoinette was the great-niece of James K. Polk, who was the 11th President of the United States. She was also related to General Anthony Wayne, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
Antoinette inherited large farms in Tennessee. During the American Civil War, she became known as a "Southern heroine." She warned Southern soldiers about the approaching Northern troops. After the war, she moved to Europe. There, she enjoyed foxhunting in Italy and England. She later became a baroness and a well-known person in Paris and Brittany, France.
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Early Life and Family
Antoinette Wayne Van Leer Polk was born on October 27, 1847. Her birthplace was Nashville, Tennessee. Her father, Colonel Andrew Jackson Polk, owned large farms. He also served in the Southern army during the Civil War. Her mother, Rebecca Van Leer, came from a rich family. They had made their money from iron production. The Van Leer family was known for being against slavery.
Antoinette grew up at Ashwood Hall. This was a large mansion near Columbia, Tennessee. She lived there with her parents and her brother, Vanleer Polk.
Her family had many important connections. Her great-uncle, James K. Polk, was the 11th U.S. President. Bishop Leonidas Polk, a general in the Southern army, was her uncle. She was also a descendant of William Penn. He was the founder of Pennsylvania. General Anthony Wayne and Samuel Van Leer, both Revolutionary War officers, were also her ancestors.
Civil War and Fox-Hunting Adventures
The American Civil War took place from 1861 to 1865. During this time, Antoinette visited a friend. She saw Northern forces heading towards her home, Ashwood. Antoinette quickly got on a horse. She rode ahead of the Northern soldiers. Her goal was to warn the Southern troops. Because of her brave actions, she is remembered as a "Southern heroine." She helped save many Southern soldiers. Interestingly, her mother's relatives fought for the Northern side.
After the war ended, Antoinette moved to Italy. She went there with her mother and siblings. Her family became friends with King Humbert I of Italy.
Antoinette loved to go fox-hunting. She often rode horses in the countryside near Rome, Italy. She even won a fox-hunt there. Forty women riders competed in that event. She also enjoyed fox hunting in the English countryside.
Personal Life and Family
While in Italy, Antoinette met General Baron Athanase-Charles-Marie Charette de la Contrie. He was a commander of the Papal Zouaves. This was a special group of soldiers who protected the Pope. Charette de la Contrie came from a very old French noble family. He was a great-grandson of Charles X, who was the last king of France.
Antoinette and the Baron married in Rome, Italy. Their wedding took place on December 1, 1877. The Baron was a brave soldier. He had served as a general in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.
The couple lived in a fancy neighborhood in Paris. They also had a large castle, called Château de la Basse-Mothe, in France. Antoinette's father, who was injured, lived with them. He stayed until he passed away in Switzerland. Antoinette inherited her father's large farms in Tennessee.
Antoinette and the Baron had two children. Their daughter, Louise Marie, was born around 1866 in Italy. Their son, Charles Antoine, was born around 1869 in Paris. He later became known as Antoine de Charette. He married Susan Henning from Kentucky. Their wedding was a big social event. It took place at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.
A small painting of Antoinette was made by Katherine Arthur Behenna. This painting is now kept at the New-York Historical Society in New York City.
Death and Legacy
Antoinette Van Leer Polk passed away on February 3, 1919. She died at her castle in Brittany, France. Her son, Antoine, inherited her Southern farms.
Her miniature portrait was part of a special art show. It was displayed at the New York Historical Society. The exhibition featured portraits of well-known people from the late 1800s.
