Pierre Derbigny facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pierre Derbigny
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| 6th Governor of Louisiana | |
| In office December 15, 1828 – October 6, 1829 |
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| Preceded by | Henry S. Johnson |
| Succeeded by | Armand Beauvais |
| Secretary of State of Louisiana | |
| In office 1820–1828 |
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| Governor | Thomas B. Robertson Henry S. Thibodaux Henry Johnson |
| Preceded by | Etienne Mazureau |
| Succeeded by | George A. Waggaman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 30, 1769 Laon, France |
| Died | October 6, 1829 (aged 60) Gretna, Louisiana |
| Political party | National Republican Whig |
| Spouse | Felicité Odile de Hault de Lassus |
Pierre Augustin Charles Bourguignon Derbigny (born June 30, 1769 – died October 6, 1829) was an important leader in early Louisiana history. He served as the sixth Governor of Louisiana. Born in France, he moved to the United States and played a big role in shaping Louisiana's laws and government after it became part of the U.S.
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Who Was Pierre Derbigny?
Pierre Derbigny was a key figure in Louisiana's history. He was a lawyer, a judge, and eventually the state's governor. His life shows how people from other countries helped build the United States.
Early Life and Moving to America
Pierre Derbigny was born in 1769 in a town called Laon, France. His father was an important local leader. Pierre studied law in France. However, when the French Revolution began in 1791, he had to leave his home country.
He first went to a place called Saint-Domingue. Then, he traveled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States. There, he married Felicité Odile de Hault de Lassus. They had seven children together, five daughters and two sons.
A New Start in Louisiana
Pierre Derbigny moved several times, living in Missouri and Florida. Finally, in 1797, he arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana. At that time, New Orleans was a Spanish colony.
In 1803, he became a private secretary for the mayor of New Orleans, Etienne Bore. He was also named Secretary of the Legislative Council. This council helped make laws for the area. The same year, the governor appointed him as an official interpreter. This was important because many different languages were spoken in Louisiana.
After the United States bought the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, Derbigny became a representative for the new American citizens. He went to Washington, D.C., to ask for more self-government for the Orleans Territory.
Fighting for Louisiana's Laws
When Louisiana became part of the United States, there was a debate about its laws. The U.S. used a system called common law. But Louisiana had been under French and Spanish rule, using civil law. Pierre Derbigny strongly believed that Louisiana should keep its civil law practices. He thought they were better for the people there.
In 1804, the U.S. Congress passed a law about Louisiana's government. Derbigny, along with Jean Noel Destréhan and Pierre Sauve, traveled to Washington, D.C. They delivered a protest from the citizens of Louisiana against this new law. This protest was called "Remonstrance of the People of Louisiana." They gave it directly to President Thomas Jefferson.
Serving in Government
Pierre Derbigny also worked to create the College of Orleans, a school for higher education. He served as a leader for the college. In 1812, he became the Secretary of the Territorial Senate. He also served in the Louisiana Militia, which was a group of citizen soldiers.
Later, he became a justice on the Louisiana Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the state. He served as a Justice from 1814 to 1820.
In 1820, Derbigny tried to become Governor of Louisiana but did not win that election. However, he was then appointed Secretary of State of Louisiana. He held this important position from 1821 to 1828. During this time, he helped write the 1825 Civil Code of Louisiana. This was a very important set of laws for the state.
Becoming Governor
In 1828, Pierre Derbigny ran for Governor again. This time, he won the election. The Louisiana State Legislature confirmed his win. He was part of the National Republican Party, a group that did not support Andrew Jackson.
A Governor's Plans and Sad End
When Governor Derbigny took office, he talked about making "internal improvements." This meant building and fixing things to help the state. The legislature supported his ideas. They worked on projects like:
- Adding gas lights to New Orleans.
- Creating companies to help boats travel on the Mississippi River and other waterways.
- Building and fixing levees, which are walls that protect land from floods.
Sadly, Governor Derbigny's time in office was short. On October 3, 1829, after only ten months as governor, he was in an accident. He was thrown from a horse-drawn carriage and died three days later, on October 6, 1829, in Gretna, Louisiana. He was buried in Saint Louis Cemetery Number 1 in New Orleans.
Family and Legacy
Pierre Derbigny lived on a plantation named after him. His son, Charles Zenon Derbigny, also later ran for governor of Louisiana.
See also
- List of U.S. state governors born outside the United States
