Bartholomew Berthold – Merchant and Trader
Bartholomew Berthold, a name synonymous with ambition and enterprise, stands as a significant figure in the history of St. Louis, Missouri, and the broader narrative of the American fur trade. His journey, marked by political upheaval, geographical displacement, and entrepreneurial success, paints a vivid portrait of a man who seized opportunities and left an indelible mark on the burgeoning American West. This article delves into the life of Bartholomew Berthold, exploring his origins, his transition to American life, and his contributions to the economic landscape of the early 19th century.
Born Berthelemi Antoine Marthias Bertolla de Moncenigo in 1780, near Trent, Tyrol, Italy, Bartholomew Berthold’s early life was steeped in the turmoil of European politics. Italy, at the time, was a patchwork of independent states, vulnerable to the ambitions of powerful neighbors. Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power and subsequent invasion of Italy plunged the region into war. Young Berthelemi, a patriot at heart, joined the resistance against the French forces. He was wounded in battle, a testament to his dedication to his homeland. However, the French conquest of Italy proved inevitable, forcing Berthelemi to make a life-altering decision. He chose exile, leaving behind his native land to seek a new future across the Atlantic.
In 1798, Berthelemi arrived in the United States, a nation still in its infancy but brimming with promise. This new chapter demanded adaptation and assimilation. One of his first acts was to anglicize his name to Bartholomew Berthold, a symbolic gesture of embracing his new identity. Berthold possessed qualities that eased his transition into American society. He was courteous, well-educated, and remarkably multilingual, fluent in French, Spanish, German, Latin, and Italian. These skills proved invaluable in a nation rapidly diversifying and expanding its economic reach.
His initial sojourn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was brief. He then moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where he likely engaged in mercantile activities, honing the skills that would later define his career. However, the lure of the West, with its vast resources and untapped potential, proved too strong to resist. In 1809, Bartholomew Berthold made the pivotal decision to relocate to St. Louis, Missouri.
St. Louis, at the time, was a bustling frontier town, strategically located on the Mississippi River, the lifeblood of American commerce. It served as a gateway to the West, attracting traders, trappers, and adventurers from all corners of the globe. Recognizing the opportunities that St. Louis presented, Berthold, along with Rene Paul, established a mercantile business. This venture marked the beginning of his ascent in the commercial world.
A significant turning point in Bartholomew Berthold’s life came in 1811 when he married Pelagie Chouteau. This union was not only a personal milestone but also a strategic alliance. Pelagie was the only daughter of Major Pierre Chouteau, Sr., a prominent figure in St. Louis and a key player in the fur trade. The Chouteau family wielded considerable influence in the region, and Berthold’s marriage into the family opened doors to new partnerships and opportunities. Bartholomew and Pelagie built a large family, eventually having seven children.
Following his marriage, Bartholomew Berthold partnered with his brother-in-law, Pierre Chouteau, Jr., to further expand his business interests. Together, they conducted a successful business for several years, solidifying their position in the St. Louis economy. This partnership was a testament to the importance of family connections and strategic alliances in the world of frontier commerce.
The most significant chapter in Bartholomew Berthold’s career began when he, along with Chouteau, John P. Cabanne, and Bernard Pratte, became associated with John Jacob Astor and the American Fur Company. Astor, a German immigrant, had built a vast fur trading empire that stretched across the North American continent. The American Fur Company dominated the fur trade, controlling key trading posts and employing hundreds of trappers and traders. Berthold’s association with Astor and the American Fur Company catapulted him to new heights of wealth and influence. The business proved incredibly profitable, and Bartholomew Berthold became one of the wealthiest citizens of St. Louis. His success was a testament to his business acumen, his understanding of the fur trade, and his ability to navigate the complex world of frontier commerce.
The American Fur Company played a pivotal role in the westward expansion of the United States. While it brought wealth and prosperity to some, it also had a profound impact on Native American populations. The fur trade often led to the exploitation of Native American resources and the disruption of their traditional way of life. It is important to acknowledge the complex and often contradictory legacy of the fur trade in American history.
Bartholomew Berthold’s life was tragically cut short on April 20, 1831, when he died in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 57. Despite his relatively short life, he had achieved remarkable success and left a lasting impact on the city of St. Louis. His widow, Pelagie Chouteau Berthold, survived him for 44 years, passing away in 1875 at the age of 85.
Bartholomew Berthold’s story is a compelling example of the American dream. He arrived in the United States as a refugee, fleeing political turmoil and seeking a new life. Through hard work, determination, and strategic partnerships, he rose to become one of the wealthiest and most influential citizens of St. Louis. His contributions to the fur trade and the economic development of the American West are undeniable.
In conclusion, Bartholomew Berthold was more than just a merchant and trader. He was a symbol of ambition, resilience, and the transformative power of opportunity. His life story provides a valuable glimpse into the dynamic and often turbulent world of the early 19th-century American West. While his legacy is intertwined with the complex and often problematic history of the fur trade, his entrepreneurial spirit and his contributions to the development of St. Louis remain an important part of the American narrative.