It isn’t easy to identify a former slave’s full name, parentage, or other key facts of their life due to many only being listed with a first name in most records. In census records prior to 1870, not even a name is given. However, I have been successful at identifying thousands of enslaved people of color throughout SW Louisiana through access to South West Louisiana Catholic records. One such former slave I’ve discovered is Mr. Alexandre LEJEUNE who went from being an enslaved man to a prosperous free man of color. Through the use of the Catholic records, slave sale records and the US Census, I was able to reconstruct the following details of Alexandre’s life.

A Sale to Louis LEJEUNE

Alexandre LEJEUNE was born circa 1838 in Opelousas, Louisiana to Louis LEJEUNE, a White butcher, and Henriette CUNNINGHAM, formerly enslaved to Michel PRUDHOMME. The record below shows that on 28 May 1840, his father purchased Alexandre from Michel PRUDHOMME for $250 under the condition that Louis LEJEUNE, his father, was to liberate him when the State permits. It was also understood that he was to never serve as a slave. Alexandre was listed at the age of 2 and as a Quadroon.

Michel PRUDHOMME to Louis LEJEUNE

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Catholic Marriage Record Confirms Alexandre’s Parentage

Alexandre was married on 10 Dec 1869 to Louisiana SMITH. It was his Catholic marriage to Louisiana that showed why Louis purchased him, obviously securing his son’s freedom. This record further identifies Louis and Henriette as his parents. LEJEUNE, Alexandre (Louis & Henriette CUNNINGHAM) m. 10 Dec. 1869 Louisiana SMITH (John & Judith JOHNSON) (Opel. Ch.: v. E, # 86).

Census Records Reveal More

In the 1870 census, Alexandre JELEUNE’s estate was valued at $1600 and his personal property was valued at $250, a very large sum for any person at that time. Just as his father, Alexandre also became a butcher. He was also one of the leading members of the St. Landry Republican Party, along with his brother-in-law, John SIMMS.

1870 Census Household of Alexandre LEJEUNE

In the same census, I also discovered his parents, Louis and Henriette, living in the same household. It’s not possible to know the exact terms of their relationship, but is seems that Henriette was more than just his child’s mother based on their continuing close relationship until at least 1870, almost 30 years after Louis purchased their son, Alexandre.

1870 Census Household of Louis LEJEUNE