Gruel, Jacques-Barthélémy

Merchant and slave-trader at Nantes.

Managed Le Ray de Chaumont’s plantations in St.-Domingue. Transported troops to Martinique on his vessel L’Actif (1775).

Became Franklin’s first host in France when Franklin stayed in Nantes (1776). Senior partner of Pliarne & Penet. Due to business failures, was forced to sell his estate, la Griotière, and to sign a treaty with his creditors (1780).

Born in St.-Domingue where he was also a landholder.