Sérurier, Jean-Matthieu-Philibert, count

(1742-1819)

   marshal of France

   Bon in Laon, Jean-Matthieu-Philibert, count Sérurier was an officer in the royal army and fought in the seven years' war (1756-1763). Supporting the revolution of 1789, he was named a division commander in 1795 and served with distinction during the Napoléon Bonaparte's first campaign in Italy (1796), then as governor of Venice. He took part in the coup d'état of 18 Brumaire, Year v III that brought Napoléon Bonaparte to power (November 9, 1799) and was named governor of the invalides, then marshal (1804). Marshal Sérurier voted nonetheless for napoléon i's abdication. King louis XV III made him a peer, but Sérurier rallied to Napoléon Bonaparte during the Hundred Days and was subsequently disgraced.