Monroe in Monroe County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Private Claim 96 of Jean (John) Baptist Couture
River Raisin National Battlefield Park
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 29, 2020
1. Privet Claim 96 Of Jean (John) Baptist Couture Marker
Inscription.
Private Claim 96 of Jean (John) Baptist Couture. River Raisin National Battlefield Park. Friends and family arrived at the farmstead of Jean (John) Baptiste Couture and his wife Catherine on the cold New Year's Eve of 18 12. Guests brought baskets of food and jugs of spirits to celebrate La Saint-Sylvester or Saints Feast Day, ushering in the beginning of 1813. As the Couture's ten children, some of whom still lived a home, innocently played with other children outside, fiddlers turned the focus away from war to dancing and fellowship. Card players shared stories of the past year adventuresses, but soon the conversation returned to the latest news regarding the Native and British occupation along the River Raisin.
Embattled Courage
Hopes of a peaceful New Year were shattered on January 18, 1813, when U.S. forces attacked the Native Confederation and British along the River Raisin. After successfully liberating the French habitats, Kentucky regiment officers established their headquarters in the Couture home, and Mr. Couture resumed his responsibility as Captain of the 2nd Michigan.
On January 22, Captain Couture was killed during the second Battle of the River Raisin while reinforcing the right wing of the U.S. Army. His son Medard hid his father's body near their home to prevent mutilation. Catherine Couture and their young children found refuge across the river at the home of Col. Francois Navarre and were deeply shocked when a warrior entered the Navarre home wearing the bloody coat of their beloved husband and father, confirming their worst fears.
On the morning of January 23, a Native warrior captured Medard while he tended U.S. wounded in the nearby Jerome house. Ottawa Chief Waugon recognized Medard, threw a blanket over him and declared, "His father lies dead in the yard, he is now my son.” Chief Waugon saved Medard's life, but the Couture family buildings were looted and burned.
Friends and family arrived at the farmstead of Jean (John) Baptiste Couture and his wife Catherine on the cold New Year's Eve of 1812. Guests brought baskets of food and jugs of spirits to celebrate La Saint-Sylvester or Saints Feast Day, ushering in the beginning of 1813. As the Couture's ten children, some of whom still lived a home, innocently played with other children outside, fiddlers turned the focus away from war to dancing and fellowship. Card players shared stories of the past year adventuresses, but soon the conversation returned to the latest news regarding the Native and British occupation along the River Raisin.
Embattled Courage
Hopes of a peaceful New Year were shattered on January 18,
1813, when U.S. forces attacked the Native Confederation and
British along the River Raisin. After successfully liberating the
French habitats, Kentucky regiment officers established their
headquarters in the Couture home, and Mr. Couture resumed
his responsibility as Captain of the 2nd Michigan.
On January 22, Captain Couture was killed during the second
Battle of the River Raisin while reinforcing the right wing of the
U.S. Army. His son Medard hid his father's body near their
home to prevent mutilation. Catherine Couture and their young
children found refuge across the river at the home of Col. Francois
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Navarre and were deeply shocked when a warrior entered
the Navarre home wearing the bloody coat of their beloved
husband and father, confirming their worst fears.
On the morning of January 23, a Native warrior captured
Medard while he tended U.S. wounded in the nearby Jerome
house. Ottawa Chief Waugon recognized Medard, threw a blanket over him and declared, "His father lies dead in the yard, he
is now my son.” Chief Waugon saved Medard's life, but the
Couture family buildings were looted and burned.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior; City of Monroe, Michigan; River Raisin National Battlefield Park Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War of 1812. A significant historical date for this entry is January 18, 1813.
Location. 41° 54.717′ N, 83° 22.667′ W. Marker is in Monroe, Michigan, in Monroe County. Marker is on East Elm Avenue, 0.2 miles north of Detroit Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1253 River Raisin Heritage Trail, Monroe MI 48162, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 302 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on December 3, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
