Jacques Cathelineau


Cathelineau, Jacques

 

Born Jan. 5, 1759, in Pin-en-Mauges; died July 14, 1793, in St. Florent. One of the military leaders of the Vendée insurrection during the Great French Revolution; a peasant by birth.

Cathelineau took command of peasant detachments of rebelsin March 1793; under his leadership they captured the cities ofCholet and Saumur. In June 1793 he was chosen commander inchief of the Vendean Catholic and royal army. In July 1793 heled his army in the storming of Nantes and was fatally woundedin battle nearby.