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Who Was James Alphonse?

Born in 1849 in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, James Alphonse spent his entire life in the community of Chloe, where his story became woven into the history of Southwest Louisiana. He came into the world during the final years of American slavery and lived to witness Reconstruction, the rise of Jim Crow, two World Wars, and nearly a century of profound change.

In 1879, James married Josephine Alphonse, and together they built a family and a life rooted in Chloe. Census records from 1900 identify James as the head of his household and a farmer, reflecting a life devoted to the land and to providing for his family. Over the years, James and Josephine's family grew to include children and grandchildren whose descendants continue to carry their story forward today.

After more than five decades of marriage, James experienced the loss of his wife, Josephine, in 1932. He continued living in Chloe, where he spent his final years surrounded by family. According to contemporary newspaper accounts, he was living with his sister, Georgia Anderson, at the time of his passing.

James Alphonse died on July 26, 1943, at the age of 94, and was laid to rest in what is now known as Chloe Historic Cemetery. Newspaper accounts published at the time noted that he had five living children and had lived to see four generations of his family. His legacy continued through those generations, many of whom remained connected to Calcasieu Parish.

Today, James Alphonse holds a unique place in the historical record. A 1943 newspaper article referred to him as the "last slave of the late Major J. C. LeBleu," language that reflected the reporting conventions of the era. That article, preserved as a historical document, offers an important glimpse into both James's life and the period in which it was written. For descendants and researchers alike, his story represents resilience, family, and continuity across generations.

More than eighty years after his passing, James Alphonse remains one of the central figures in the history of Chloe Historic Cemetery. His life continues to inspire ongoing research into the families, community, and heritage of Chloe, ensuring that his name—and the lives of those connected to him—will not be forgotten.