Henrique Michelet, also known as Henry Michelet, was a Pensacola slave dealer, auctioneer, and city alderman.
| Henrique Michelet | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1776 Marseilles, France |
| Died | May 31, 1841 Pensacola, Florida |
| Occupation | Auctioneer, slave dealer, alderman |
| Spouse | Dionisia de la Cruz |
| Children | Anna Maria Croix Michelet Maria Gertrudis Michelet Maria Theresa Michelet |
A native of Marseilles, France,[1] Michelet married Dionisia de la Cruz in Cádiz, Spain in 1795, and the couple had three daughters, each of whom was born in Cádiz.
Michelet later emigrated to the United States, settling in Pensacola, where he operated an auctioneer business. In 1821, when Pensacola became United States territory, Andrew Jackson formed a municipal government and appointed Michelet as a city alderman.
At the time of his death in 1841, Michelet was a substantial landowner, holding hundreds of acres on the Escambia River as well as Bayou Chico. Michelet also once owned the land on the western end of Santa Rosa Island that became home to Fort Pickens. On May 28, 1828, the United States purchased 1,181 arpents (about 997 acres) from Michelet for the sum of $4,000.[2]
Michelet's residence, recorded in his 1841 will, was Lot 118, Old City Tract, on the northwest corner of Baylen and Government Streets.[1]
Involvement in the slave trade
The August 30, 1823 issue of the Pensacola Gazette includes an advertisement for an auction to be held "at the Auction Store of Henry Michelett," at which an enslaved woman and child would be sold.[3]
Michelet also personally owned slaves; his 1841 will records four enslaved individuals among the property to be divided between his wife and daughters.[1]
References
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