Cathelineau

Nicknamed the “Saint of Anjou” by his supporters, Jacques Cathelineau (1759-1793) was the first commander-in-chief of the Catholic and Royal Army during the War of Vendée.
He rallied behind him a troop of peasants loyal to the monarchy and the Church and led a rebellion against the revolutionaries, defeating them several times and capturing some of their villages.
After joining forces with other Vendée leaders, he was elected commander-in-chief by them and fought at the head of his men. But in June 1793, he was seriously wounded in the Battle of Nantes and died a short time later. During the Restoration, in recognition of his commitment, Cathelineau’s family was granted a title of nobility.