Charles-François-Frédéric, marquis de Montholon-Sémonville facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles-François-Frédéric de Montholon-Sémonville
Marquis de Montholon-Sémonville
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|
|---|---|
| French Ambassador to the United States | |
| In office 1864–1866 |
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| President | Abraham Lincoln Andrew Johnson |
| Preceded by | Henri Mercier |
| Succeeded by | Jules Berthemy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 November 1814 Paris, France |
| Died | 20 April 1886 (aged 71) |
| Spouses |
Marie Victoire Gratiot
(after 1837) |
| Relations | Hélène Napoleone Bonaparte (sister) |
| Children | 4 |
| Parents |
|
Charles François Frédéric de Montholon-Sémonville (born November 27, 1814 – died April 20, 1886) was an important French diplomat and politician. He served as the French ambassador to the United States from 1864 to 1866. Later, he became a senator in France.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Charles-François-Frédéric was born in Paris, France, on November 27, 1814. His parents were Hélène Albine de Vassal and General Charles Tristan, marquis de Montholon. He had several siblings. His family was well-known in French society.
His Diplomatic Career
Charles-François-Frédéric had a long career in diplomacy. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations.
Early Diplomatic Roles
From July to December 1853, he worked as a Consul-General in Lima, Peru. A Consul-General is a top diplomat who helps citizens and promotes trade. He was also a charge d'affaires, meaning he temporarily led the embassy.
Ambassador to Mexico and the U.S.
During the French intervention in Mexico, he served as an ambassador. He represented Emperor Napoleon III to Maximilian I in Mexico. From 1864 to 1866, he was the French ambassador to the United States. He worked with U.S. Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson. Before this, he was a First Secretary at the French Legation. This was during the time of the Tyler administration in the U.S.
Becoming a Senator
In 1870, the French people voted in a special election called a plebiscite. Charles-François-Frédéric was elected as a senator. A senator is a member of a country's parliament.
Personal Life
On November 1, 1837, Charles-François-Frédéric married Marie Victoire Gratiot. She was an American heiress, meaning she inherited a lot of money. They got married in Washington, D.C.. Marie's father was General Charles Gratiot. Her grandfather, Charles Gratiot Sr., was a fur trader during the American Revolution.
His Children
Charles-François-Frédéric and Marie had four children:
- Anne Albine Yolande de Montholon-Sémonville (1838–1875)
- Yolande Marie Victoire de Montholon-Sémonville (1840–1841), who died when she was very young.
- Gratiot-Adolphe-Charles-Tristan de Montholon-Sémonville (1841–1892)
- Julie Hélène de Montholon-Sémonville (1844–1929)
Julie Hélène married Nicolas Garcin. Their wedding was attended by important people like Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota.
Charles-François-Frédéric de Montholon-Sémonville passed away on April 20, 1886. His son, Gratiot-Adolphe-Charles-Tristan, took over his title. His wife, Marie, had passed away earlier in 1878.
