More Information on Pierre Chouteau, Sr.

Jean Pierre Chouteau was the son of Pierre Laclede and Madame Chouteau (see Block 33), and half-brother of Auguste Chouteau (see Block 34). Called Pierre Chouteau, he was born in New Orleans on October 10, 1758. Pierre was brought to St. Louis by his mother, along with his three younger sisters, in the autumn of 1764. When Pierre was 17, in 1775, he was sent to live with the Osage Indians in their villages in what is now the western portion of Missouri. He learned about their customs, culture and to speak their language fluently. Pierre was very influential with the Osage, and amassed a huge fortune in the fur trade and real estate.

While half-brother Auguste was the one who managed the family business and finances in St. Louis, Pierre Chouteau, Sr. negotiated directly with the Indians and served in the field for most of his career. President Jefferson appointed Pierre an Agent of Indian Affairs for Upper Louisiana in 1804, and he was instrumental in keeping the Osage allied with the United States during the War of 1812. Pierre Chouteau married 16 year old Pelagie Kiercereau in 1783, daughter of Paul Kiercereau. She died just 10 years later, and in 1794 he married Brigitte Saucier. He had a total of eight children, the eldest of whom, Auguste Pierre (born 1786) graduated from West Point in 1806. Another son, Francois Pierre (1797-1838) was known as the "Father of Kansas City" for his efforts in setting up that town. His most successful son was Pierre Chouteau, Jr. Pierre Chouteau, Sr. retired in 1820. He died on July 9, 1849 in St. Louis.