François-Joseph Chaussegros de Léry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
François, Vicomte de Léry
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| Engineer-in-Chief of Napoleon's Armies | |
| In office 1794–1815 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | September 11, 1754 Quebec City, New France |
| Died | September 5, 1824 (aged 69) Château des Bergeries, Chartrettes |
| Spouse | Marie-Cécile de Kellermann |
Général François-Joseph d'Estienne Chaussegros de Léry (born September 9, 1754 – died September 5, 1824) was a very important Canadian engineer. He worked for Napoleon's armies as their Engineer-in-Chief. He also led Napoleon's armies in the Netherlands.
After he died, his name was considered for the high rank of Marshal of France. He received special titles like Baron d'Empire and Vicomte de Léry. He was also given the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, a very important award. His name is even carved on the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Early Life and Education
François-Joseph was born in 1754 in Quebec City, which was then called New France. He was one of eighteen children in his family. His parents were Gaspard-Joseph Chaussegros de Léry and Louise Martel de Brouague.
In 1763, after the British took control of New France, his family moved to Paris. He went to school with the Benedictines, a group of monks. There, he learned many subjects like English, science, mathematics, and physics. Following his family's tradition, he began training as a military engineer in 1773. He studied at the Grande École Militaire in Mézières, France.
Military Career and Achievements
From 1780 to 1790, François-Joseph worked as an engineer in places like La Fère and Brest. He also served overseas in the Caribbean, on islands like Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Tobago. By 1790, the famous leader Napoleon had noticed his talents.
His career grew very quickly during the Napoleonic Wars. He was promoted many times. He became a Lieutenant and then a Chevalier de Saint-Louis. In 1795, he was promoted to Brigade General. Later, in 1805, he became a Général des Armées du Roi and Inspector General of Fortifications. This meant he was in charge of building and maintaining forts.
In 1811, Napoleon made him a Baron d'Empire. He was also given land in Westphalia. Napoleon appointed him Commander-in-Chief of the armies in the former Kingdom of Holland. He led a division in Austria and fought in the important Battle of Austerlitz. In 1813, he became a Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour. This was for his work as Commandant du Génie (Commander of Engineers) in Italy and Spain.
After Napoleon, when Louis XVIII of France became king again in 1818, Chaussegros de Léry received more honors. He was made Vicomte de Léry and given the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1801, François-Joseph married Marie Cécile. Her father was Général François Christophe de Kellermann, a famous Marshal of France. In 1818, he retired with his wife to their home, Château d'Etry, in Annet-sur-Marne. He even served as the Mayor of Annet-sur-Marne from 1821 to 1824.
François-Joseph d'Estienne Chaussegros de Léry passed away in 1824 at the Château des Bergeries in Chartrettes. He was visiting a friend and relative at the time. He is buried in Annet-sur-Marne. At the time of his death, he was being considered for the highest military rank, Marshal of France. His name is one of the 660 names carved on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, honoring his important contributions.
See also
- Canadian peers and baronets
