William Shea seeks the “interdiction” of a free woman of color from caring for her children and the appointment of a tutor for the children. William Shea represents that he has been appointed administrator of the “considerable” estate of a free man of color named Sam Shea. Sam lived in open concubinage with a free woman of color named Caroline Walker, and the couple had three children. Laura, the oldest child, is now eight years of age, Estelle is four, and William is two. Sam has recently died with no other direct or “collateral” heirs. According to William Shea, it was Sam’s intention to marry Caroline and recognize the children. However, he was prevented from doing so by his illness and the fact that Caroline has become insane and incapable of “contracting a marriage.” William Shea contends that, although the children are “legally and justly” entitled to their father’s succession, they have no one to take care of them, educate them, and administer their property, their mother being in no condition to do so. William Shea therefore prays for an order directing that Caroline Walker be “interdicted” in her role as mother. He seeks the appointment of a “curator” to take charge of Caroline, and the appointment of a tutor and an “under tutor” for the children.
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Repository: Iberville Parish Courthouse, Plaquemine, Louisiana
