[LOUISIANA]. Manuscript document related to "Mr. Simon," a "homme de couleur libre," or French-speaking free person of color. St. Martin Parish, Louisiana. 1 May 1834.

In French with English notation at left margin. 1p, 7 3/4 x 9 1/2 in. (small tears, light pencil notation at top margin, creasing). Docketed on verso.

In consideration of the amount paid by Mr. Simon, "(alias Simon Masie), homme de couleur libre," the undersigned cedes to him rights over land in Saint Martin Parish, Louisiana. Note in margin indicates that the transfer was recorded in the office of the Judge of the Parish of St. Martin on 1 May 1834.

Free people of color formed a distinctive segment of Louisiana's population, and by the mid-nineteenth century the state had the largest number of free Black people in the Deep South, as well as some of the wealthiest. Though the majority of free people of color resided in New Orleans, other areas, including St. Martin Parish, were known for having large communities of "homme de couleur libre" or "gens de couleur libres." Among the privileges allowed to free people of color was property ownership - something denied to enslaved people of African descent.
This lot is located in Cincinnati.
Property from the Augustana Collection

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