Emilie Sophie Chouteau DeMenil

Great-Grand-Daughter of Madame Chouteau an Pierre Laclede.

Chatillon DeMenil Mansion Timeline 1855-1882

Emilie Sophie Chouteau DeMenil was born in St. Louis, MO September 12, 1813 to parents August Pierre Chouteau and Marie Ann Sophie Labbadie.  Her father A.P. Chouteau deserted the family in 1822 to establish a household with his Osage wives and children in northeastern Oklahoma. Washington Irving describes a visit to her father’s home, La Saline, in Tour on the Praries.

She married Nicolas DeMenil in 1836, bringing no substantial wealth to the union. Her father’s debts had left both of his families in financial straits.

The Greek revival addition to the farmhouse fulfilled what seemed to be a lifelong ambition of Emilie’s. The design was copied from a mansion owned by her affluent cousin Henry Chouteau. For many years Sophie had admired the house on 12th and Clark Avenues.

Emilie died in St. Louis, MO on March 20, 1874. She is buried alongside her husband Nicolas in Calvary Cemetery.