Rosalie, Annette, and Jean François Masse, free people of color, seek to obtain the property of their late sister, Magdeline Masse, a free woman of color and the widow of Etienne Seme. The petitioners aver that Magdeline died in September 1824 possessed of a large property, including developed land and slaves. They believe that, as the “nearest heirs and legal representatives,” they are entitled to the estate. However, five people of color named Pierre, Louis, Esope, Jean Louis, and Marie Louise have “wrongfully claimed possession” of the estate. The petitioners believe that Esope, Jean Louis, and Marie Louise “are really slaves for life, altho' they pretend to be free.” The petitioners pray that Pierre and Louis, free men of color, be compelled by the court to “deliver up” the estate to them, the rightful heirs, and to pay $500 damages. In addition, they pray that Pierre and Louis be “injoined and inhibited from committing any waste or damage or doing any injury whatever to the said tract of land.”
Result: Granted; appealed; upheld.
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Repository: St. Landry Parish Courthouse, Opelousas, Louisiana
