180 years ago today, on June 11, 1832, Pelagie and her sixteen month old son Felix, both born into slavery, are declared free!

This is a photo of the Emancipation Document for Pelagie and Felix

Emancipation document of Pelagie and Felix 

This document reads:

Know all men by these present, that I, Felicite Beauvais, of the Town and County of Ste. Genevieve, State of Missouri, Widow, for divers good and sufficient consideration moving me thereto, have emancipated and set free, and from and after the date of these present, do emancipate and forever make and set free, my mulatto woman and heretofore my slave, named Pelagie, aged about twenty six years, and also her son named Felix, aged about sixteen months; hereby releasing the said Pelagie and Felix from all bondage and services due from them to me, my heirs, executors and administrators, and all and every other person wherein soever, the same as if the said Pelagie and Felix had never been slaves.

Testimony whereof I have herewith set my hand and seal, this 11th day of June A.D. 1832.

Signed, Sealed and delivered in presence of,

Felix Valle

Bmy Duroches                                               Felicet Beauvais      (seal)

(Bartholomew Durocher)                                      (Felicite)