Biography of Pierre Jean De Smet

Pierre Jean De Smet was born January 30, 1801 in Termonde, France (now Dendermonde, Belgium). His parents were Josse De Smet, a wealthy ship outfitter, and his second wife, Jeanne Marie Buydens. Pierre went to college at Alost in 1818 and on to Preparatory Seminary at Mechelen, Belgium in 1820. He was enlisted as a novice in 1821 and sent to White Marsh, Maryland, United States. In 1823 De Smet took his vows for the priesthood at Florissant, Missouri. Pierre ran a school for Native American children from 1824-1830. He was then assigned to be Procorator, Prefect of Studies, and Professor of English at the newly constructed Jesuit college in St. Louis. De Smet went to Europe in 1831 to improve his health and solicit funds for the college. Due to his illness, he withdrew from the Society of Jesus in 1835 and managed the Ghent orphanage until 1837 when he reentered the Society. In 1838 De Smet was sent to Council Bluffs, Iowa, to work at the Potowatomi Mission. Then in 1840, he responded to the Flatheads' desire for a ``Black Robe" and was with them until 1841 as they traveled through Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. From 1841-1846, De Smet was Superior of the Oregon Missions. During his appointment, De Smet visited and established Catholic missions among the Native American tribes of what is today the northwestern corner of the United States, and British Columbia. In 1849 De Smet was appointed Assistant Vice Provincial and Procurator of Missouri. During this appointment, De Smet assisted in securing a treaty between the United States and the Sioux tribe as well as making several trips to Europe. On May 23, 1873, De Smet died in St. Louis, Missouri.