Pierre Samuel du Pont

Born in Paris in 1739, Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours became a writer, publisher, economist, and government official whose work was closely tied to the physiocratic school of economics. He wrote extensively about trade, agriculture, and public policy, and built a reputation as one of the best-known voices carrying those ideas into wider debate.

His career unfolded during a dramatic period in French history. He served in public life, took part in political and diplomatic work, and lived through the French Revolution and its aftermath. As conditions grew more dangerous, he and his family eventually left France for the United States.

He died in 1817 near Wilmington, Delaware. Beyond his own writings and political activity, he is remembered as the ancestor of the du Pont family line that became deeply influential in American business and industry.