Last updated: September 20, 2024
Place
Middleman to Yardman Exhibit
Christy Hoover
Quick Facts
Location:
Natchez, LA
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
The overseer was the link between the planter and their enslaved laborers during the Antebellum period. His primary duty consisted of overseeing the daily work of the enslaved people. Knowledge of weather patterns and soil conservation was also required. The house, a raised Creole cottage, was built by enslaved workers for Overseer Seneca Pace in 1861.
For most of the 20th century this was home to three generations of the Metoyers, a prominent Creole family. Beginning in the early 1900s, René Metoyer was the Yardman and stockman as an Overseer was no longer needed. His wife, Suzette, worked as the Prud’homme family cook. The Metoyer’s enclosed portion of the gallery (porch) to create additional living space. René and Suzette’s son, Leo, took over as yardman while his wife Camille became the cook. Leo and Camille raised three children here and resided in the house until 1973.
In the margin of this March 18, 1860 journal entry Overseer Seneca Pace noted the marriage of Seraphin and Jane, two enslaved workers. On June 20, 1865, an enslaved man named Seraphin Edmond(s) attempted to escape. It is not known if this was Jane’s husband.
Camille Metoyer (right and husband Leo) drew this sketch showing the flowers and trees planted around the house in the 1950s when it was the Metoyer family home.
For most of the 20th century this was home to three generations of the Metoyers, a prominent Creole family. Beginning in the early 1900s, René Metoyer was the Yardman and stockman as an Overseer was no longer needed. His wife, Suzette, worked as the Prud’homme family cook. The Metoyer’s enclosed portion of the gallery (porch) to create additional living space. René and Suzette’s son, Leo, took over as yardman while his wife Camille became the cook. Leo and Camille raised three children here and resided in the house until 1973.
In the margin of this March 18, 1860 journal entry Overseer Seneca Pace noted the marriage of Seraphin and Jane, two enslaved workers. On June 20, 1865, an enslaved man named Seraphin Edmond(s) attempted to escape. It is not known if this was Jane’s husband.
Camille Metoyer (right and husband Leo) drew this sketch showing the flowers and trees planted around the house in the 1950s when it was the Metoyer family home.