François Lays
François Lay, better known under the stage name Lays (14 February 1758 – 30 March 1831), was a French baritone and tenor opera singer. Originally destined for a career in the church, Lays was recruited by the Paris Opéra in 1779. He soon became a leading member of the company, in spite of quarrels with the management. Lays enthusiastically welcomed the French Revolution and became involved in politics with the encouragement of his friend Bertrand Barère. Barère's downfall led to Lays being imprisoned briefly, but he soon won back the public and secured the patronage of Napoleon, at whose coronation and second wedding he sang. This association with the Emperor caused him trouble when the Bourbon monarchy was restored and Lays's final years were darkened by disputes over his pension, mounting debts, the death of his only son and his wife's illness. After a career spanning more than four decades, he died in poverty.
Louis Antoine François de Marchangy
Louis Antoine François de Marchangy was born in Saint-Saulge, Nièvre, on 25 August 1782, son of a bailiff.
He excelled in classical studies, and won a scholarship from the department of Nièvre to study at the school of law of Paris. 
After qualifying as a lawyer, he joined the magistracy.
At the same time, he continued literary studies.
In 1808 he was appointed assistant judge at the Court of the First Instance of Paris.
In 1813 he published his first work, "la Gaule poétique", a two-volume study of the history of France in terms of its poetry, speeches and beaux-arts.
This book made his reputation. Six editions were published between 1813 and 1826.