Loyeau Berhel | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Baton Rouge | |
| In office 1871–1871 | |
| Preceded by | James Essex Elam |
| Succeeded by | James Essex Elam |
Loyeau Berhel was a reconstruction-era politician who served as the first African-American and first Republican mayor of Baton Rouge,Louisiana. [1]
In 1871,Berhel was commissioned by Governor Henry Clay Warmoth,also a Republican,as mayor of Baton Rouge. [1] Appointment by the governor,rather than via a popular election,was common in contested politics of Reconstruction-era Louisiana. His appointment was certified by the Democratic-controlled commissioners of election. [2] His election was challenged by the incumbent mayor,James Essex Elam,a Democrat. Berhel's term was cut short after charges of voting irregularities were brought against him and a Democratic-controlled electoral investigative committee removed him from office. [1]
His surname is sometimes incorrectly rendered as "Brahill". [3]
We learn by dispatch from Hon. John S. Chapman that at the election in Baton Rouge for mayor, yesterday, the Republican candidate, Mr. L. Brahill, was elected by fifteen majority.