Pierre-Chrysologue Pambrun

Pierre-Chrysologue Pambrun (1792 – 1841) was a French Canadian militia officer and later a fur trader in the service of the Hudson's Bay Company. Pambrun fought against the United States in the War of 1812, in particular Battle of the Châteauguay. He would join the HBC during a time of turmoil with its competitors, the North West Company. After the Battle of Seven Oaks, he was among those held captive by men employed by the NWC.

With the absorption of the NWC by the HBC during 1821, Pambrun would become stationed in the Pacific Northwest. He became the administrator of Fort Nez Percés, a vital station placed among the Walla Walla. Over time Pambrun strengthened relations with the neighboring Sahaptin nations through fair treatment and joining in on seasonal animal hunts. In addition to its use by the HBC, Fort Nez Percés would become an important stopping point for American migrants following the Oregon Trail. When ABCFM missionaries Marcus Whitman and Henry H. Spalding arrived in the area to proselytize among the Sahaptins, Pambrun helped them select Waiilatpu for a mission post. Pambrun would gain the distinction of becoming the sole French-Canadian promoted to Chief Trader in the Columbia Department. While riding a horse in 1841, Pambrun became grievously injured in an accident and died four days later.

Pambrun was born in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec on 17 December 1792. During the War of 1812, Pambrun enlisted in the primarily Québécois militia, the Canadian Voltigeurs and rose to the rank of sergeant by 1813. Pambrun fought in several skirmishes and earned acclaim for capturing an American scouting party. During the "Canadien Thermopylae" of the Battle of the Châteauguay, Pambrun served under Jacques Viger. After the battle Pambrun's combat record earned him a promotion to second lieutenant, though his prospects for advancement ended with the disbandment of the Voltigeurs in 1817.

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