La Rochejaquelein family

   aristocratic family of soldiers, political figures

   The La Rochejaquelein family were Vendean nobles, some of whom were renowned for their role in the Wars of the vendée during the revolution of 1789. Henri du Vergier, count de La Rochejaquelein (1772-94), born in the château of La Durbellière, near Châtillon-sur-Sevre, was a member of the Constitutional Guard of King louis XVI until 1792. In March 1793, he became one of the principal leaders of the Vendean uprising. After their defeat, he tried to continue the struggle but was killed in battle. Louis du Vergier, marquis de La Rochejaquelein (1777-1815), born in Saint-Auban-de Bourbigne, was the brother of Henri du vergier. He emigrated shortly after the Revolution of 1789 began and served in the prince de Condé's army, then with the British in Saint-Domingue. Returning to France in 1801, he was named field marshal and commander of the grenadiers of the Royal Guard during the First restoration (1814). He was killed when he tried to lead an insurrection in the Vendée during the hundred days.