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:

4 Bedroom and 3.5 Bathroom Home in the Country Club Estates of Jasper, IN! This elegant home features a 1.2 Acre Lot and a finished walkout basement with fireplace, full bathroom, bar area, and a toy room. The main level boasts a beautiful foyer as you walk in the front door with an open staircase, to the right is the formal dining room and to the left is the living room. The master suite has a large tub, walk-in shower and a double bowl vanity!! This home has so many fabulous features including the large kitchen with breakfast nook and island! The oversized 3 car garage is great for storing all your toys, lawn equipment, and cars. This property will not last long.

$475,000 Active

980 W Twentieth St. Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,955 SqFt 1.200 Acres

Listing courtesy of Larry Carpenter III from Carpenter Realty LLC.

Lots of room to spread out. This 4 bedroom/3 bath home has an abundance of living area. The spacious kitchen/dining room features a center island and lots of cabinets and counter space. If this isn't enough room then there is a basement which is climate controlled by multiple mini-split units. The 2+ car detached garage features radiant floor heat and another full bath. As an additional bonus there is a upstairs efficiency apartment which is currently rented. Located on a large corner lot with a nice sized backyard.

$425,000 Active

1245 W 6th Street Jasper, Indiana

4 Beds 3 Baths 3,610 SqFt 1.300 Acres

Listing courtesy of Steve Wigand from ERA FIRST ADVANTAGE REALTY, INC.

Attractive brick custom built home on large corner lot with enclosed sun porch. Spacious and move in ready, covered entrance leads in to open living room. Eat in kitchen includes appliances. Primary bedroom suite has its own bath and walk in closet. Second bath also has walk in closet. Garage has pull down stairs to above attic storage.

$250,000 Active

1919 Irvine Court Huntingburg, Indiana

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,562 SqFt 0.270 Acres

Listing courtesy of Carson Lowry from RE/MAX REVOLUTION.

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