Appollonie Julia, a minor, petitions for her freedom. She claims she is the child of Lesprit Tallon, a white man, and Mary Chenet, a slave owned by the widow of Alexander Chenet. She contends that she was legally freed at her birth by Mrs. Chenet at the request of Tallon, who paid the widow $100 for his child's freedom. Appollonie then lived with the widow "not as a Slave, but as a person confided to her care." Mrs. Chenet has recently died and Appollonie's aunt was supposed to take her into her protection. However, Mrs. Chenet’s son-in-law, William Bertin, refuses to acknowledge Appollonie's status and instead claims her as a slave. He has bought her as part of the estate and now holds her as his slave. Appollonie Julia prays that a “Curator” be appointed to represent her in court, that she be sequestered under the protection of the Sheriff until the case is decided, and that the court acknowledge her freedom. Finally, she prays that Bertin be made to pay her $500 in damages.
Result: Granted.
Or you may view all people.
Repository: New Orleans Public Library, New Orleans, Louisiana
