Kellermann, François Christophe de (1735–1820)

French soldier who came to prominence in the Revolutionary Wars, playing a major part in the victory over the Prussians at the Battle of Valmy in 1792. He was made a Marshal of France by Napoleon in 1804 and was ennobled in 1809.

Kellermann was born the son of a peasant in Alsace. He joined the army and served in the Seven Years' War. In the Revolution, he was a staunch Republican. Under Napoleon he was given command of the reserves on the Rhine. His support of the Bourbon monarchy after 1814 was rewarded with a seat in the Chamber of Peers.