Leriviere History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Leriviere was first found in Burgundy (French: Bourgogne), an administrative and historical region of east-central France where the family held a family seat from ancient times.

This prominent family prospered and expanded to many regions where members of the family were granted various titles for their valiant behavior in defending their King and country. Important members of the family included the Lords of Perchain and of Champlemis, Governors, Magistrates and Lieutenant-Generals of the Government of Nivernais, Knights of Malta and of Orders of the King, and a Lieutenant for the King at the Government of Bresse, Bugey and Valromey.

During the 17th century, more branches formed, such as the Viscounts of Tonnerre and of Quincy, and the Lords of Corvol-le-Dampbernard. One impressive member of the family was the Lieutenant for the King at the Government of Bourgogne where he commanded the nobility of this province in 1689. As this family were actively involved in the events of the times, many members were active participants in the French Revolution and its resultant social and political upheaval.

Distinctive members of the family at this time were: Joseph François Rivière, the Lieutenant General for the Magistrate of Gévaudan in 1787, and later, in 1789, was a Deputy at the Constituante (National Assembly); Lambert Rivière, the Vice-President of the Assembly in 1806, the Mayor of Pont-sur-Seine in 1814, and, under the Restoration, the President of the General Council; and Jean Baptiste Gabriel Rivière, a Deputy at the Council of Ancients and at the Legislative Corps.