Spotlight on
L'incomparable 9e Leger

Joseph De Barroussel (1729-1791)

by Terry Crowdy and Martin Lancaster,
Illustrations by Terri Julians
Photos by kind permission of 9è Légèr and Mëck Hoffmann

A native of Saint-Amour (Jura), his career started as a volunteer in 1792. Serving in the Armee du Rhin and wounded (13.10.1793), then in the Armee d'Italie1795-1798. By 1799 he had risen to Capitaine in Guides a Pied serving in Egypt. Returning home to France in 1802 he was made chef de batallion in Chasseurs a Pied de la Garde Consulaire. On 23 Decemeber 1803, he was promoted to Colonel and assigned to the 9th Legere. He married Emilie, daughter of artist J.L. David. In true celebrity wedding fashion, the Emperor and Empress signed the marraige document as witnesses. Wounded at Halle (17.10.06) and three times at Talavera (27.7.10). Meunier was made a Baron of the Empire 26.10.08. Promoted General de Brigade (8.1.10). After a long military carrer, he was buried by Emilie in her father's tomb at Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris. It can be seen today. His name is also inscribed on the southern side of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

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