DeMenil

The DeMenil daguerreotype and its historical significance in nineteenth century America...

The Missouri Historical Society are in possession not only of quite a singular and remarkably posed portrait for its era, but also one that captures the documented life and times of a French American family of the mid century and their quite extraordinary familial history in the Missouri region. This daguerreotype tells the tale of the DeMenil family, from left to right we observe the tiny, shirtless and photographically-obliging Alexander upon his mother's lap (born on March 23, 1849 in St Louis), matriarch Emilie Sophie (born 1813, also in St Louis, passed 1874) and patriarchal figure Nicholas-and by all accounts an affable, self-effacing, peaceful gent of sound business sense and a genuine adoration and devotion to family and all its affairs-born in Foug, France in 1812. Given the birth particulars of bairn Alexander, this portrait sits at around 1852, give or taken perhaps 6 months.

Of Nicholas, it is known that he studied medicine and chemistry in France, graduated with distinction and served as a Lieutenant in the French medical army. Immigrating to St Louis in the summer of 1834, he continued in the profession of medicine, opening a practice in what was then known as Chouteau's Row, later co-operating a druggist store in the area. After he and Emilie wed in 1836, Nicholas was also noted to have immersed himself in the business of land speculation, and later would relocate his family to a Greek Revival residence located now at 3352 DeMenil Place, St Louis. The DeMenil's, at this point Nicholas having retired from his career as a physician, drastically remodelled and augmented the property into what we now know today. Nicholas clos'd his earthly scene aged 69, in 1882. You may find his earthly remains resting in Calvary Cemetery in St Louis, alongside his dear Emilie.

Emilie's history, too, is well connected to the St Louis area. Her ancestors, early settlers in Missouri, established themselves as prominent fur traders. Sources suggest Emilie was the great granddaughter of the first female white settler in St Louis. Emilie saw 60 years of life, and passed in 1874. I believe she only had two children (at least, that are documented), including a daughter prior to Alexander's birth whom I cannot find out barely a scrap, and I believe passed in infancy. Emilie lays resting beside her husband, Nicholas.

To close this chaper of the DeMenil ancestral tree is their dear youngster, standing tall and proud upon Ma's lap, Alexander Nicholas, born in 1849. He became an attorney, and later an editor of a literary journal of the day and quite a professional critique of several well known authors, in addition to his involvement in politics and becoming a high-ranking member of the Missouri Historical Society. Alexander wed a lass named Bessie, and had two known children, Emilie who I understand died as a youngster, and a son, George, the last DeMenil to live in their glorious St Louis residence. Alexander is buried alongside his parents, and passed away aged 79 in 1928.