Pierre Chouteau Jr.

Background

Pierre Chouteau, Jr. was born on January 19, 1789 in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, the son of Jean Pierre and Pelagie (Kicrsereau) Chouteau. He was familiarly known among his friends and relatives as “Cadet, ” meaning second born.

Education

Chouteau received his early education from the village school-master, Jean Baptiste Trudea.

Career

Before reaching the age of sixteen Chouteau became a clerk in his father’s store. In 1808 he accompanied Julien Dubuque to the lead mines on the upper Mississippi, remaining there for two years. In 1809 he joined his father on one of the St. Louis Missouri Fur Trading expeditions. Soon after reaching his majority he went into business on his own account, and in 1813 formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, Bartholomew Berthold, in the Indian trade and general merchandising business. This partnership terminated in 1831, when Chouteau became a member of the firm of Bernard Pratte & Company; later the firm name was changed to Pratte, Chouteau & Company. This company having had the agency of the Western Department of the American Fur Company for some years finally, in 1834, purchased the Western Department. Four years later the firm name was changed to Pierre Chouteau, Jr. & Company, which name it carried for more than twenty years.

As his business expanded, Chouteau was drawn into other fields, and for many years resided mainly in New York.

In 1843 he joined the American Iron Company to work the Iron Mountain deposits in St. François County, Missouri, and in 1850 the firm of Chouteau, Harrison & Valle to operate a rolling-mill in North St. Louis. He was also one of the original incorporators of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad of Illinois in 1851. In 1820 he was elected as one of the delegates from St. Louis County to the constitutional convention of Missouri. He was generous and helpful toward scientific expeditions seeking to go into the Far West, and contributed in no small degree to their success.

Achievements

• Pierre Chouteau has been listed as a noteworthy merchant, fur trader by Marquis Who's Who.

Connections

Chouteau was married on August 13, 1814 to his cousin Emilie Gratiot, daughter of Charles Gratiot, by whom he had five children.

Father:

Jean Pierre Chouteau

Mother:

Pelagie (Kicrsereau) Chouteau

Spouse:

Emilie Gratiot

References

• Saint Louis: An Informal History of the City and its People, 1764-1865