Will of John Chavana, Mobile Alabama Leaving Estate to a “Woman of Color” / SOLD

Will of John Chavana, Mobile Alabama Leaving Estate to a “Woman of Color” - Inventory Number: DOC 341 / SOLD

Dated July 26, 1820

John, a Creole, leaves his estate to Clairre Padille, a Quartronne (woman of color) woman who lives with him and is the mother of his five children.

Superb document detailing an interracial relationship.

In the name of God Amen!

I John Chavana of the City of Mobile in the State of Alabama being in good health of body, and of sound and disposing memory, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time, heretofore, made:

First, I give and bequeath unto Clairre Padille the quartronne woman who lives with me, and who is the mother of my children hereafter mentioned, all the property both real, and personal of which I may die possessed to be enjoyed by her during her natural life, and at her death, it is my will, and desire that the same be equally divided among my five children namely Vincent, Jeane, Aurore, Bazile, and Therese whom, I do, hereby, acknowledge my children.

Secondly, It is my will and desire that the before mentioned Clairre, Padille pay to my children respectively as they become of age, the sum of four hundred dollars out of any moneys or property which, she may then have in her possession belonging to my estate.

Thirdly, It is my will, and desire that the property hereby bequeath to the before mentioned Clairre Padille, remain in kind for the benefit of my said children at the death of their mother the said Clairre, and, therefore, I expressly forbid that any part thereof, be sold, except such as may be of a perishable nature, and become worse by keeping.

Lastly, I appoint my friend Dominique Salles executor of this my last Will and Testament, and fervently pray him to see that justice be done to my before mentioned children and to their mother; I, also, appoint the said Clairre Padille executrise of this my last Will and Testament and guardian of my before mentioned children, and moreover, ordain that no security be required of her by the orphans court, or court of probate for the due execution of the trust hereby reposed in her, having full confidence in her integrity and discretion.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my seal, at the City of Mobile, this twenty sixth day of July in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and twenty.

Jean Chavana

Signed, sealed, published, and declared by the said Jean Chavana to be his last Will and Testament in presence of us.

V. Millo

J. Chantin

Goutista Secca

Saml Aere

Inventory Number: DOC 341 / SOLD