Leon Jastremski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leon Jastremski
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| Born | July 17, 1843 Soulon, France |
| Died | November 29, 1907 (aged 64) Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| Allegiance | Confederate States of America |
| Service/ |
Army |
| Rank | Captain |
| Spouse(s) | Rose Larguier (m. 1867) |
Leon Jastremski (born July 17, 1843 – died November 29, 1907) was a notable figure in American history. He was born in France and later became a soldier for the Confederate States Army. After the war, he worked as a journalist.
Jastremski served three terms as the mayor of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. During his time as mayor, he worked hard to make Baton Rouge the state capital again. He also helped start the United Confederate Veterans, an organization for former Confederate soldiers.
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Early Life and Family History
Leon Jastremski was born into a noble family in Soulon, France. His father, Vincent Jastremski, was from Poland. He had studied medicine and married in Poland before moving his family to Louisiana in the United States.
Leon was born in a castle. He stayed with his mother's relatives until he was six years old. He then moved to the United States to join his family around 1852 or 1853. Sadly, both of his parents died in 1856, leaving him an orphan. After their deaths, he began working as a printer's helper.
Serving in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Leon Jastremski joined the Confederate Army. He served as a private in the 10th Louisiana Infantry Regiment. For some time, he was part of a brigade in Virginia.
Key Battles and Captures
Jastremski fought in several important battles. He was at the Battle of Malvern Hill on July 1, 1862. There, he was captured by Union forces and sent to prison at Fort Delaware.
After his release, he fought in more battles. These included the Battle of Cedar Mountain, the Second Battle of Bull Run, and the Battle of Antietam. He rose through the ranks to become a captain. He was captured two more times, including at the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House on May 12, 1864.
War Injuries and Veterans Group
During his service, Jastremski was wounded twice. He was shot in the throat and also in the hand. After the war, he became a founding member of the United Confederate Veterans. This group was formed in 1889 to support former Confederate soldiers. He suggested creating it after attending a meeting of a similar group for Union soldiers.
Political Career and Public Service
After the Civil War, Leon Jastremski moved to Baton Rouge. He worked at his brother's drug store. In 1876, he was elected mayor of Baton Rouge. He had support from former members of a group called the Knights of the White Camelia.
Mayor of Baton Rouge
As mayor, Jastremski played a big part in making Baton Rouge the capital city of Louisiana again. He was very popular and was re-elected mayor two more times.
Other Government Roles
Jastremski also held other important positions. He was chosen to lead the Democratic State Central Committee. He helped with Grover Cleveland's presidential campaign in Louisiana.
From 1893 to 1897, he served as a U.S. consul in Peru. A consul is like a diplomat who represents their country in another nation. Later, he was appointed as the state commissioner of agriculture. He also worked as a private secretary for the governor of Louisiana.
Running for Governor
Jastremski tried to become governor of Louisiana in 1904, but he did not win. He was planning to run for governor again in the 1908 election, but he passed away before it could happen.
Personal Life and Legacy
Leon Jastremski married Rose Larguier on July 1, 1867. He attended a church that later became St. Joseph Cathedral in Baton Rouge.
Even though his last name was Polish, he was born in France and wrote letters to his family in French. His personal documents and letters are kept at Louisiana State University.
Leon Jastremski died on November 29, 1907.
