Antoine Dubuclet facts for kids

Antoine Dubuclet Jr. (1810 – December 18, 1887) was an important American politician. He served as the State Treasurer of Louisiana from 1868 to 1878. Before the American Civil War, Dubuclet was one of the richest African Americans in the country. After the war, he made history as the first person of African descent to hold the office of Louisiana treasurer.

Early Life and Family Wealth

Antoine Dubuclet Jr. was born in 1810 in Iberville Parish. This area is close to Baton Rouge. His parents, Antoine Dubuclet Sr. and Marie Felecite Gray, were both free African Americans. His father owned part of Cedar Grove, a very successful sugar plantation.

When his father passed away, young Antoine took on the responsibility of helping manage the plantation. In 1834, the plantation was divided among Antoine and his brothers and sisters.

Building More Wealth

In the mid-1830s, Antoine Dubuclet Jr. married Claire Pollard. She was also a wealthy free woman of color who owned her own plantation. Their marriage lasted until Claire's death in 1852.

Antoine was very good at managing his and his wife's properties. This helped him buy even more land. By 1860, he owned a large sugar plantation and was considered one of the wealthiest Black landowners in Louisiana.

Claire and Antoine had nine children together. They sent their children to France for their education. Some of their daughters stayed in France and married Frenchmen. Two of their sons became doctors. In the early 1860s, Antoine married again to Mary Ann Walsh. They had three children.

Life After the Civil War

The American Civil War (1861-1865) caused huge problems for the sugar industry in Louisiana. Many plantation owners, including Dubuclet, lost a lot of their wealth during this time.

Political Career

In 1868, Antoine Dubuclet Jr. was chosen as the Republican Party's candidate for state treasurer. Later that year, he and all the other Republican candidates won the election.

Taking Charge of State Finances

When Dubuclet became treasurer, Louisiana's government was in financial trouble. It had a lot of debt. Dubuclet, along with other state leaders, worked hard to reduce the state's debt. His two sons even helped him as clerks in his office.

Dubuclet was re-elected as treasurer two more times, in 1870 and 1874. He was a respected leader. In September 1874, there was a small uprising in Louisiana called the Battle of Liberty Place. Even during this difficult time, Dubuclet was allowed to stay in his position. He faced a challenge to his office in 1876 but kept his job. He decided not to run for re-election in 1878.

Later Life and Legacy

Antoine Dubuclet Jr. passed away on December 18, 1887, in Iberville Parish. He was buried in the family tomb at St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 in New Orleans.

In 1990, Antoine Dubuclet Jr. was honored for his contributions. He was inducted into the Louisiana Black History Hall of Fame.