Robert Haley

Robert Haley, a free person of color, entered the world in the enigmatic realm of Beaufort District, South Carolina, circa 1826. In 1851, he embarked on a significant journey, making his way to the vibrant city of New Orleans, a place ripe with opportunities and the promise of a brighter future.

Evidently, Robert's aspirations led him to own a home in what is now Duncan Plaza, a historical hybrid community where free and formerly enslaved people of color thrived. In the heart of New Orleans, he pursued the honorable trade of a barber, a profession highly regarded among free men of color during that era.

By 1853, Robert's life took an unexpected turn as he formed a family with Esther Tillman, a woman  from Pointe Coupee West Feliciana. Despite the formidable challenges and hardships imposed by the institution of slavery, their union gave rise to three exceptional children: John, Tena, and Robert Haley Jr. 

Historical records reveal that these cherished offspring were born amidst the picturesque landscapes of Pointe Coupee and West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana, in the tranquil vicinity of Laurel Hill, Louisiana.

Regrettably, Robert Haley's life was cut short at the tender age of forty, as he bid adieu in New Orleans, his final abode nestled between Gravier and Perdido Streets. His narrative stands as a testament to resilience and the indomitable spirit of those who surmounted adversity in their relentless pursuit of a better life. His legacy endures, carried forth through the generations he nurtured and the stories that continue to grace our family's treasured history.

This article was written by Chris Smothers.