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Indenture of Charles Smith with Joseph St. Amant sponsored by Pierre Louis Lhermite, Volume 5, Number 311, 1831 April 13
title
Indenture of Charles Smith with Joseph St. Amant sponsored by Pierre Louis Lhermite, Volume 5, Number 311, 1831 April 13
Subject
Free African Americans, Louisiana, Pointe Coupée Parish, Free African Americans, Louisiana, New Orleans, Indentured servants, Louisiana, New Orleans, Legal documents, Deeds, Apprentices, Louisiana, New Orleans
Date created ms
1831-04-13
Abstract
In this indenture, Charles Smith (described as a young free man of color of about 15 years of age and a native of Pointe Coupee) is sponsored by his godfather, Pierre Louis Lhermite, as an apprentice to Joseph St. Amant (described as a free man of color) to learn to be a blacksmith. In French.

Indentures in which at least one party was a free person of color were selected from among all of the indentures available. This identification was made either by the designation of an individual as a free person of color in the record or when a phenotypical description like "quadroon," "mulatto," or "Negro" was given and there was no information to indicate the person was enslaved.
Jean Baptiste Meullion papers. Folder 01-10, 1830-1831.
title
Jean Baptiste Meullion papers. Folder 01-10, 1830-1831.
Subject
Free African Americans, Louisiana, Saint Landry Parish, Creoles, Louisiana, Saint Landry Parish, Meullion, Baptiste, 1763?-1840, African American plantation owners, Louisiana, Saint Landry Parish, African American businesspeople, Louisiana, Saint Landry Parish, African American slaveholders, Louisiana, Saint Landry Parish, Cotton trade, Louisiana, African American women, Louisiana, Saint Landry Parish, Free African Americans, Women, Marriage records, Louisiana, Saint Landry Parish, Commercial correspondence, Louisiana, Letters
Date created ms
1830, 1831
Abstract
Chiefly business letters written to Jean Baptiste Meullion, a free man of color, by merchants associated with the New Orleans firms Miramond Company and Toledano & Gaillard Company. Also present is the marriage record of Elizabeth Donato and Antoine Donato Meullion, the son of Jean Baptiste. All documents are in French except for the marriage record.
Freedom papers of New Orleans (La.), 1832-1858.
title
Freedom papers of New Orleans (La.), 1832-1858.
Subject
Free African Americans, Louisiana, New Orleans. Slavery, Louisiana, New Orleans, Slaves, Emancipation, Louisiana, New Orleans, Slaveholders, Louisiana, African American children, Louisiana, New Orleans, African American families, Louisiana, New Orleans, African American women, Louisiana, New Orleans, False imprisonment, Louisiana, New Orleans, Free African Americans, Illinois, Springfield, Governors, Illinois, Affidavits, Deeds, Legal documents
Date created ms
1832, 1858
Abstract
This is an artificial collection comprised of various documents that provide evidence of the free status of individual persons in the city of New Orleans during the years 1832-1858. Among the items are certificates from public officials, copies of notarial acts, extracts from the Registers of Free People of Color maintained in the Mayor's Office, extracts from records in the Orleans Parish Conveyance Office, court judgments, and affidavits from private citizens.

Each of these documents identifies the free person and makes some reference to the source of her or his freedom. Some items include additional information, such as the person's occupation, relations, or name of former slaveholder.

Some items appear to have been carried as proof of freedom by the named individuals. Others may be record copies retained in the files of the issuing agency.

Items of note include two affidavits relating to the imprisonment of John Shelby, a free man of color of Springfield, Illinois. In a February 19, 1857 affidavit written by Illinois governor William Henry Bissell, Bissell provides evidence that Shelby, mistakenly imprisoned as a runaway slave, is indeed a free person of color, born and raised in Springfield, Illinois. Bissell goes on to detail the skin color of Shelby's parents and Shelby's physiognomy, describing him as ""...a very dark Mulatto, the white Blood scarcely perceptible."" A related affidavit, written by Thomas Moffett on 20 February 1857, further verifies that Shelby is a free man of color and expresses concern over Shelby’s condition after three months in prison. The earliest document in the collection, dated May 11, 1832, is an Act of Emancipation of Slaves by Doctor James Ritchie, Executor of William M. Beal's estate, which confirms Beal's intention of emancipating Richard Jackson (described as a griffe), his wife Hester, and their children: John B. Jourdan (described as a mulatto), Louisa (described as a griffe), Charles or ""Jefferson"" (described as a griffe), John, son of ""John B. Jourdan"" (described as a mulatto); and Stephen W. Rogers (described as a griffe).

Two documents discuss a free person of color having purchased their freedom through an agreement with their slave owner. These items include an 1854 act of freedom documenting that a slave named Marie paid to Louis Banks the sum of $150, entitling her to her freedom, and, an 1858 acknowledgment of freedom by Adeline Davis, now of Paris France, for Jean (described as a mulatto), who paid her a sum of $300 for his freedom.

Extracts from the Mayorality of New Orleans' Book of Records include records for the following free persons of color: Jean Baptiste (described as a mulatto and a carpenter), Andrew Jackson Keller (described as a quadroon and a brick mason), Mary Forstall (described as a mulattress and a hairdresser), Joseph Devenport (described as a griffe and a minister), and Estelle (described as a free girl).

Other items represented include an 1856 act of freedom signed by D. Augustin certifying that Augustin Circe (described as a 21 year old mulatto), son of his free mulatto house servant (Marie Circe), is a free person of color; a 24 February 1857 copy of the emancipation of Alexander (described as a mulatto man of 24 years) by his aunt Phoebe Anderson, his owner and a free woman of color; a 1854 certificate of freedom for Charles Hawkins (described as a mulatto boy of seventeen years) certifying he has proven his freedom before the court and is authorized to remain in the state and to pass; a testament given by three citizens of New Orleans that Thomas Jefferson Martin is a free person of color and has been for more than ten years; and a certificate of freedom for Aurore. Two items are in French.
John McDonogh Papers. Land transactions involving free people of color, 1829-1832.
title
John McDonogh Papers. Land transactions involving free people of color, 1829-1832.
Subject
Free African Americans, Louisiana, McDonogh, John, 1779-1850, Land titles, Registration and transfer, Louisiana, Louisiana, History, 1803-1865, Durnford, Andrew, 1800-1859, African American plantation owners, Louisiana, Plaquemines Parish, African American slaveholders, Louisiana, Plaquemines Parish, African American farmers, Louisiana, Plaquemines Parish, Jusson, Marie Rose, active 1830, African American women, Louisiana, Women landowners, Louisiana
Date created ms
1829, 1832
Abstract
Acts of sale for land tracts sold by John McDonogh to Andrew Durnford and Marie Rose Jusson, who were free people of color. The transactions of 1829 and 1832 convey parcels of land in Plaquemines Parish to Andrew Durnford, expanding the site of the St. Rosalie Plantation. The conveyance of 1830 transfers land in the city of McDonogh to Marie Rose Jusson. One document in French.
Emancipation petition of Etienne Fortier, Number 43C, 1831.
title
Emancipation petition of Etienne Fortier, Number 43C, 1831.
Subject
African American families, Louisiana, New Orleans, Child slaves, Louisiana, New Orleans, Free African Americans, Louisiana, New Orleans. Slaves, Emancipation, Louisiana, New Orleans, Slaveholders, Louisiana, New Orleans, Petitions, Legal documents
Date created ms
1831
Abstract
Petition of Etienne Fortier, a free man of color, to free the enslaved woman Fostine (described as a mulatto slave of about 45 years of age) and her four children: Edmond, Celestine, Henry, and Armand. In French and English.
Indenture of Joseph Jean with Chaigneau and Correjoles sponsored by Magdeline Bulette, Volume 5, Number 23, 1831 October 18
title
Indenture of Joseph Jean with Chaigneau and Correjoles sponsored by Magdeline Bulette, Volume 5, Number 23, 1831 October 18
Subject
Creoles, Louisiana, New Orleans, Free African Americans, Louisiana, New Orleans. Indentured servants, Louisiana, New Orleans, Legal documents, Deeds, Apprentices, Louisiana, New Orleans
Date created ms
1831-10-18
Abstract
In this indenture, Joseph Jean (described as a young free man of color of 15 years of age and a Creole of Louisiana) is sponsored by his mother, Magdeline Bulette (described as a free woman of color), as an apprentice to Chaigneau & Correjoles to learn to be a bricklayer. In French.

Indentures in which at least one party was a free person of color were selected from among all of the indentures available. This identification was made either by the designation of an individual as a free person of color in the record or when a phenotypical description like "quadroon," "mulatto," or "Negro" was given and there was no information to indicate the person was enslaved.
Emancipation petition of William Johnson, Number 86B, 1831.
title
Emancipation petition of William Johnson, Number 86B, 1831.
Subject
Free African Americans, Louisiana, New Orleans. Slaves, Emancipation, Louisiana, New Orleans, Slaveholders, Louisiana, New Orleans, Petitions, Legal documents
Date created ms
1831
Abstract
Petition of William Johnson, a free man of color, to free the enslaved woman Hannah, who is more than 30 years of age.
Indenture of Adolphe Dupuy with Pierre Tejado sponsored by Francoise Dupuy, Volume 5, Number 312, 1831 April 20
title
Indenture of Adolphe Dupuy with Pierre Tejado sponsored by Francoise Dupuy, Volume 5, Number 312, 1831 April 20
Subject
Creoles, Louisiana, New Orleans, Free African Americans, Louisiana, New Orleans. Indentured servants, Louisiana, New Orleans, Legal documents, Deeds, Apprentices, Louisiana, New Orleans
Date created ms
1831-04-20
Abstract
In this indenture, Adolphe Dupuy (described as a young free man of color of about 18 years of age and a Creole of Louisiana) is sponsored by his mother, Francoise Dupuy (described as a free woman of color), as an apprentice to Pierre Tejado (described as a free man of color) to learn to be a carpenter. In French.

Indentures in which at least one party was a free person of color were selected from among all of the indentures available. This identification was made either by the designation of an individual as a free person of color in the record or when a phenotypical description like "quadroon," "mulatto," or "Negro" was given and there was no information to indicate the person was enslaved.
Emancipation petition of Josephine Rinker, Number 178A, 1832.
title
Emancipation petition of Josephine Rinker, Number 178A, 1832.
Subject
Free African Americans, Louisiana, New Orleans. African American families, Louisiana, New Orleans, Slaves, Emancipation, Louisiana, New Orleans, Slaveholders, Louisiana, New Orleans, Petitions, Legal documents
Date created ms
1832
Abstract
Petition of Josephine Rinker, a free woman of color, to free her sister, the enslaved woman Marguerite, who is about 20 years of age. In French and English.
Emancipation petition of James Dunn, Number 40B, 1832.
title
Emancipation petition of James Dunn, Number 40B, 1832.
Subject
African American families, Louisiana, New Orleans, Child slaves, Louisiana, New Orleans, Free African Americans, Louisiana, New Orleans. Slaves, Emancipation, Louisiana, New Orleans, Slaveholders, Louisiana, New Orleans, Petitions, Legal documents
Date created ms
1832
Abstract
Petition of James Dunn, a free man of color, to free his wife, the enslaved woman Maria (described as a mulatto woman of about 35 years of age), and her two children: Jane (eight years of age) and Oscar (10 years of age).
John McDonogh Papers. Correspondence with Andrew Durnford, 1831-1835.
title
John McDonogh Papers. Correspondence with Andrew Durnford, 1831-1835.
Subject
Free African Americans, Louisiana, Plaquemines Parish, McDonogh, John, 1779-1850, Durnford, Andrew, 1800-1859, Sugar plantations, Louisiana, Management, African American plantation owners, Louisiana, Plaquemines Parish, African American farmers, Louisiana, Plaquemines Parish, African American slaveholders, Louisiana, Plaquemines Parish, Sugar trade, Louisiana, Sharecropping, Louisiana, Sugar plantations, Louisiana, Grain trade, Louisiana, Slavery, Louisiana, History, 19th century, Slave trade, United States
Date created ms
1831, 1835
Abstract
Letters written by Andrew Durnford, a free person of color, to John McDonogh largely regarding the status of the former's crops. The letters concern shipments of McDonogh's share of sugar as well as the status of Durnford's trade in molasses, corn, and flour. Other topics include Durnford's reliance on credit to make purchases, the high cost of acquiring new enslaved persons, and his difficulties arranging passage on the ship Harriet, which would not admit blacks on board. Some documents are in French.
New Orleans (La.) Office of the Mayor passports, 1818-1831.
title
New Orleans (La.) Office of the Mayor passports, 1818-1831.
Subject
Free African Americans, Louisiana, New Orleans. Slaves, Louisiana, New Orleans, Slaveholders, Louisiana, New Orleans, New Orleans (La.). Office of the Mayor, Voyages and travels, Legal documents
Date created ms
1818, 1831
Abstract
Passports for free persons of color in the city of New Orleans are part of a larger manuscript volume entitled Record book of licenses, bakers' declarations, and statements of public works, 1812, and passports, 1818-1831.

The rear of this book contains passports issued by the Office of the Mayor from August 24, 1818 to March 15, 1831. These passports were given to free persons of color to travel outside of New Orleans (and presumably to be able to legally re-enter the city), or, to slaveholders who wished to take their enslaved persons on journeys with them. The passports typically include the the age of an individual, a physical description, and the name of their destination. A name index for the first 18 pages of passports is also included. In French and English.
Emancipation petition of the estate of Louis Baptiste Roux, Number 12C, 1832.
title
Emancipation petition of the estate of Louis Baptiste Roux, Number 12C, 1832.
Subject
Free African Americans, Louisiana, New Orleans. Slaves, Emancipation, Louisiana, New Orleans, Slaveholders, Louisiana, New Orleans, Petitions, Legal documents
Date created ms
1832
Abstract
Petition of the estate of Louis Baptiste Roux, a free man of color, to free the enslaved woman Agathe, who is about 40 years of age. The person petitioning on behalf of Roux's estate is a man named Jean Tagiasco, who is a free man of color. In French and English.
Indenture of Joseph Augustin with Antoine Benjamin sponsored by Joseph Augustin, Volume 5, Number 310, 1831 April 12
title
Indenture of Joseph Augustin with Antoine Benjamin sponsored by Joseph Augustin, Volume 5, Number 310, 1831 April 12
Subject
Creoles, Louisiana, New Orleans, Free African Americans, Louisiana, New Orleans. Indentured servants, Louisiana, New Orleans, Legal documents, Deeds, Apprentices, Louisiana, New Orleans
Date created ms
1831-04-12
Abstract
In this indenture, Joseph Augustin (described as a 14 years of age and a Creole) is sponsored by his father, Joseph Augustin (described as a free man of color), as an apprentice to Antoine Benjamin (described as a free person of color) to learn to be a cartwright.

Indentures in which at least one party was a free person of color were selected from among all of the indentures available. This identification was made either by the designation of an individual as a free person of color in the record or when a phenotypical description like "quadroon," "mulatto," or "Negro" was given and there was no information to indicate the person was enslaved.
Mississippi State Colonization Society annual report, 1832.
title
Mississippi State Colonization Society annual report, 1832.
Subject
American Colonization Society, African Americans, Colonization, Liberia, Free African Americans, Mississippi, Slavery, Mississippi, Natchez, Slaves, Emancipation, United States
Date created ms
1832
Abstract
The first annual report of the Mississippi State Colonization Society concerns the colonization of Liberia by free people of color from the United States. The report lists resolutions to publish and distribute the pamphlet and to raise funds for expeditions to Liberia. It also includes the results of an election that placed Stephen Duncan as the president and Reverend J.C. Burruss as a manager of the organization for the year of 1832.
Emancipation petition of Jean Grifflet, Number 13D, 1832.
title
Emancipation petition of Jean Grifflet, Number 13D, 1832.
Subject
Free African Americans, Louisiana, New Orleans. Slaves, Emancipation, Louisiana, New Orleans, Slaveholders, Louisiana, New Orleans, Petitions, Legal documents
Date created ms
1832
Abstract
Petition of Jean Grifflet to free the enslaved woman Marguerite (alias Congo), who is described as a negress of about 30 years of age. Grifflet originally purchased Marguerite from Victoire Pelagie, a free woman of color. In French and English.
Adeleda Metoyer papers. Folder 01-01, 1831-1860.
title
Adeleda Metoyer papers. Folder 01-01, 1831-1860.
Subject
Creoles, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, Free African Americans, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, African American Catholics, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, African American businesspeople, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, African American business enterprises, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, Businesswomen, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, Women merchants, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, General stores, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, Natchitoches Parish (La.), Commerce, Accounts, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, Invoices, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, Taxes, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, Dry-goods, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, Bills of exchange, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, Railroads, Freight, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, Cotton trade, Louisiana, Natchitoches Parish, Receipts (Acknowledgments), Invoices
Date created ms
1831, 1860
Abstract
The folder is comprised of tax receipts for Adeleda Metoyer and invoices and receipts to Adeleda and Toussaint Metoyer for cotton, books, whiskey, sugar, coffee, and various other goods. These accounts include the following merchants: Jean Conant, Anthony J. da Silva, A. L. Metoyer, P. E. Durant. Also included are receipts to Adeleda Metoyer from Reub White for railroad freight, a 1937 invoice to Selén Metoyer, and an April 23, 1854 receipt belonging to Pantaleone Morine.
Indenture of Emile Arthur Valentin with Gregory Byrne sponsored by Arthur Valentin, Volume 5, Number 325, 1831 November 15
title
Indenture of Emile Arthur Valentin with Gregory Byrne sponsored by Arthur Valentin, Volume 5, Number 325, 1831 November 15
Subject
Creoles, Louisiana, New Orleans, Free African Americans, Louisiana, New Orleans. Indentured servants, Louisiana, New Orleans, Legal documents, Deeds, Apprentices, Louisiana, New Orleans
Date created ms
1831-11-15
Abstract
In this indenture, Emile Arthur Valentin (described as a free man of color of 18 years of age and a Creole of New Orleans) is sponsored by his grandfather, Arthur Valentin (described as a free man of color), and his mother, Constance Arthur (described as a free woman of color), as an apprentice to Gregory Byrne to learn to be a shipwright.

Indentures in which at least one party was a free person of color were selected from among all of the indentures available. This identification was made either by the designation of an individual as a free person of color in the record or when a phenotypical description like "quadroon," "mulatto," or "Negro" was given and there was no information to indicate the person was enslaved.
Indenture of Joseph Allard with Louis Clairain sponsored by Thereze Allard, Volume 5, Number 315, 1831 May 25
title
Indenture of Joseph Allard with Louis Clairain sponsored by Thereze Allard, Volume 5, Number 315, 1831 May 25
Subject
Creoles, Louisiana, New Orleans, Free African Americans, Louisiana, New Orleans. Indentured servants, Louisiana, New Orleans, Legal documents, Deeds, Apprentices, Louisiana, New Orleans
Date created ms
1831-05-25
Abstract
In this indenture, Joseph Allard (described as a free child of color of 12 years of age and a Creole of Louisiana) is sponsored by his mother, Thereze Allard (described as a free woman of color), as an apprentice to Louis Clairain to learn to be a bricklayer. In French.

Indentures in which at least one party was a free person of color were selected from among all of the indentures available. This identification was made either by the designation of an individual as a free person of color in the record or when a phenotypical description like "quadroon," "mulatto," or "Negro" was given and there was no information to indicate the person was enslaved.
Jean Baptiste Meullion papers. Folder 01-11, 1831-1832.
title
Jean Baptiste Meullion papers. Folder 01-11, 1831-1832.
Subject
Free African Americans, Louisiana, Saint Landry Parish, Creoles, Louisiana, Saint Landry Parish, Meullion, Baptiste, 1763?-1840, African American plantation owners, Louisiana, Saint Landry Parish, African American businesspeople, Louisiana, Saint Landry Parish, African American slaveholders, Louisiana, Saint Landry Parish, Sugar trade, Louisiana, Land titles, Registration and transfer, Louisiana, Saint Landry Parish, Merchants, Louisiana, New Orleans
Date created ms
1831, 1832
Abstract
Business papers including bills of sale and a letter concerning Jean Baptiste Meullion's sugar accounts with Miramond O'Duhigg Company and Toledano & Gaillard Company, merchant firms in New Orleans. Also present is a conveyance transferring one tract of Garrigues de Flaugeac's land in Saint Landry Parish to Baptiste. All documents are in French except for the land sale.

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