Pierre Menard

Pierre Menard (* October 7, 1766 in Montreal, Canada, † June 13, 1844 in Randolph County, Illinois ) was an American politician. Between 1818 and 1822 he was Deputy Governor of the State of Illinois.

Career

Pierre Menard, the son of a French soldier, visited for a short time the public schools of his home. At the age of about 15 he began in what is now Illinois to work in the fur trade. Beginning of the 1790s he had already founded in Kaskaskia own successful sales agency. To 1793, he was a respected businessman. Politically, he joined, founded by Thomas Jefferson Democratic- Republican Party. Between 1803 and 1809 he was a member of the Legislature of Indiana Territory; 1812 to 1818 he was a member of the Council of the Illinois Territory (Illinois Territorial Council).

After joining Illinois ' to the Union in 1818, Menard was elected to the side of Shadrach Bond as Vice- Governor of the new state. This post he held 1818-1822. Yet he was assistant to the governor. One reason for his choice was that he belonged to the French-speaking part of the population. Thus, a balance between this and the English -speaking population was created.

After the end of his time as Lieutenant Governor, Pierre Menard withdrew from politics and went back to his private business. He died on June 13, 1844 in Randolph County, where he was also buried. The Menard County, Illinois was named after him. His former home in Ellis Grove was incorporated as Pierre Menard House the National Register of Historic Places.