How Much Do You Know About Toussaint Dubois?

Toussaint Dubois

Dubois County is named after Toussaint Dubois, a man whose personality was considered by one historian as so strong that it “dominated succeeding events to such an extent as to excite wonder.” Originally Toussaint du Bois, his surname is said to be among the most ancient patronymic-descending, unchanged names, according to genealogists and historians. He’s also said to be a native of France. Of course, that’s debatable. It’s more commonly believed that he was born in Quebec near Montreal. See, both of his parents were born in Quebec.

Dubois’ Early Life In America

Sometime around 1778, Dubois arrived in the Vincennes area from Quebec. He was awarded land in what is now Lawrence County, Illinois after helping to capture Fort Sackville from the British. A decade after arriving in Vincennes, he married Anne Jeanette “Janne” Bonneau in a church in what is now Knox County, Indiana. The two had six children before she died 12 years after they were married. She was believed to be 28-years-old when she died.

Dubois’ Second Marriage

Around four years after his first wife died, he married Marie Jane Baird. She was only 24-years-old. By this time, he was nearly 50-years-old. The couple had three children that are accounted for in historic records, though there may have been more. One of these children, Jesse, was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln when he lived in Springfield, Illinois. According to one historian, Jesse inherited two slaves from his father.

Successful Businessman

Dubois was considered a successful fur trader. He traded fur with Native Americans and learned much about them through trading. He also owned general stores in Vincennes, Kaskaskia and Cahokia with his business partners. Before his death, he accumulated land with one of his business partners in Lawrence County, Illinois. He owned an elegant home on Robeson Hills (then named “Dubois Hills”).

He was highly respected in his community. He was a significant donor at his church and was well-known for helping the poor. He was one of the first trustees of Vincennes when it incorporated in 1807.

Battle of Tippecanoe/War of 1812

Toussaint Dubois had superior knowledge of the surrounding territories, because of trading and building business relationships with Native Americans. He used that knowledge in his position as a Captain of the Company of Spies and Guides for the Indiana Militia during the Tippecanoe Campaign. Dubois led his company in the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811 and served as a Major in the War of 1812.

Dubois’ Death

At around 61-years-old, Dubois died in the Little Wabash River. He was trying to cross the river on horseback. It was swollen with rain, according to the reports at the time. He was on his way back from a business trip. When he died, The Western Sun wrote that “the poor have lost a benefactor, his country a friend. He was a kind husband, an indulgent father and an honest man.”

His funeral was held at the local Masonic Lodge and he was buried on the Catholic burial grounds in Vincennes. He was given Masonic burial rites. On Dec. 20, 1818, almost three years after his death, Dubois County was created and named in his honor.

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Newest Homes for Sale in Dubois County

View the newest homes listed in Dubois County in the last 10 days:

Situated on a .31 acre lot is this 1000 sq. ft. all brick home. Features include 3 bedrooms and 1 1/2 bathrooms. There is also a 1 car attched garage and rear patio. This is a fixer upper being sold "as is". Included in the sale is the range, refrigerator, washer and dryer. $110,000 Pending

1236 W Todd Lane Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,000 SqFt 0.31 Acres

Listing courtesy of Gary Schnell from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

Check out this beautiful, modern home in the gorgeous neighborhood of Deer Creek Park. Walk into this updated eat-in kitchen that extends into a wonderful living room equipped with a gas log fireplace. Off the kitchen you'll find a mud room connected to the garage with a half bath and the large laundry room. The three-car stacked garage is large enough for your vehicles, lawnmower, other lawn equipment, and other storage. Upstairs are the master suite and three more bedrooms. The spacious master suite boasts an updated bathroom and large walk-in closet. Two of the other three bedrooms also have walk in closets, and upstairs there is another updated bathroom. Downstairs there is a bonus room, bathroom, large living area great for entertaining, and a rec-room great for storage. New roof in October 2024 and 10' x 20' shed added May 2025. Don't miss out on this opportunity to own this gorgeous home! $630,000 Active

39 Hannah Lane Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 4 Baths 4,834 SqFt 1.65 Acres

Listing courtesy of Nathan Hanselman from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

Come see this cute ranch style home conveniently located in a quiet cul-de-sac in town. This home boasts three bedrooms and two full baths. The kitchen wall has been fitted with a large window to the living room to give the perception of an open space. The former garage was converted into a large studio/in-law suite complete with full bathroom and additional kitchen. The property is completed with a great flat yard space in the back with a 10x12 yard barn. $195,000 Active

479 S Carroll Drive Jasper, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,296 SqFt 0.21 Acres

Listing courtesy of Nathan Hanselman from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.