Francois Lacroix facts for kids

François Lacroix (1806–1876) was a very successful businessman in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was known as a wealthy Creole of color, a skilled tailor, and a fabric merchant. He also owned a lot of land. His son, Victor Lacroix, was sadly killed during the New Orleans massacre of 1866. This event happened when Republicans gathered for a meeting and parade, and they were attacked by Democrats, including police and firemen. François Lacroix supported his son's wife, Sarah Brown, and their two children after Victor's death.

A Life of Success

Early Life and Family

François Lacroix was born free in Cuba. His brother, Julien, was also born there. Their family spoke French and were Catholic. Their parents, a white Frenchman and a free mulâtresse (a term used then for a person of mixed Black and white ancestry), had moved to Cuba from Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) to escape the Haitian Revolution.

Business and Giving Back

François Lacroix became a very successful businessman. He started a tailoring shop called "Cordeviolle & Lacroix" with another tailor, Etienne Cordeviolle. Their shop was located near Canal Street in New Orleans. Because he was so successful, he bought many properties and became a large landowner. Like many wealthy people of his time, he also owned enslaved people.

Mr. Lacroix was also very generous. He supported many charities, including La Société de la Sainte Famille. He also helped the Institut Catholique des orphelins indigents, which was a Catholic institute for poor orphans. He even served as the president of this institute for a time.

Dealing with Loss

The death of his son, Victor, deeply affected François Lacroix. He was so heartbroken that he participated in séances, which were meetings where people tried to communicate with spirits, hoping to connect with his son.

Remembering His Legacy

Later, an exhibit about François Lacroix's life was put on display at a New Orleans Public Library, sharing his story with new generations.