Loyeau Berhel
Loyeau Berhel | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Baton Rouge | |
| In office 1871–1871 | |
| Preceded by | James Essex Elam |
| Succeeded by | James Essex Elam |
Loyeau Berhel was a reconstruction-era politician who served as the first African-American and first Republican mayor of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.[1]
Biography
In 1871, Berhel was commissioned by Governor Henry Clay Warmoth, also a Republican, as mayor of Baton Rouge.[1] Appointment by the governor, rather than via a popular election, was common in contested politics of Reconstruction-era Louisiana. His appointment was certified by the Democratic-controlled commissioners of election.[2] His election was challenged by the incumbent mayor, James Essex Elam, a Democrat. Berhel's term was cut short after charges of voting irregularities were brought against him and a Democratic-controlled electoral investigative committee removed him from office.[1]
His surname is sometimes incorrectly rendered as "Brahill".[3]
See also
References
- ^ a b c Mark T. Carleton; Perry H. Howard; Joseph B. Parker, eds. (1975). Readings in Louisiana Politics. Claitor's Publishing Division. p. 253-254.
- ^ "Why dont (sic) you choose good men from your own race, and run them for office instead of putting these carpet baggers in all the offices". New Orleans Louisianian (p. 2). April 23, 1871.
- ^ "Baton Rouge Republican". New Orleans Republican. April 11, 1871 – via NewspaperArchive.com.
We learn by dispatch from Hon. John S. Chapman that at the election in Baton Rouge for mayor, yesterday, the Republican candidate, Mr. L. Brahill, was elected by fifteen majority.