Pierre François Marie Auguste Dejean 1780 – 1845

Biography

Pierre François Marie Auguste Dejean was born on August 10, 1780, in Amiens, France, into a time of great change for his nation. His life would span nearly seven decades, encompassing two distinct and remarkable careers that reflected both the military and intellectual pursuits of nineteenth-century France.

Dejean first distinguished himself as a French general, serving his country during a pivotal era of European history. Yet his ambitions extended beyond the military sphere. In the later years of his life, he transitioned to the study of entomology, becoming a dedicated naturalist and scholar of insects. This shift from soldier to scientist demonstrated a versatility and intellectual curiosity that characterized many educated men of his generation.

On March 17, 1845, Dejean passed away at his residence on rue de l’Université in Paris. His legacy was honored through his final resting place at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Ménilmontant, one of France’s most prestigious burial grounds, a testament to the respect he had earned throughout his multifaceted life and contributions to both military and scientific endeavors.