Pélagie’s Life
B. 1805
D. 1890 — Age of 85
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More than 130 years after her death in 1890, a group of Pélagie’s direct descendants gathered to invite filmmakers, archivists, local historians and educators to reconstruct her story.
Pélagie Amoureux was undeniably remarkable. Born to an enslaved mother in Missouri, her family was separated when she was 11 years old. Pélagie became a free woman of color at the age of 26.
Hear from the descendants
Bold, defiant, strategic, and loving, Pélagie demanded and defended her freedom, decades before the emancipation of all enslaved people.
Her 18th century house still stands today as a testament to her perseverance and courage.
Pélagie was not allowed to read or write, so we know little of her personal experience. By combining the proceeds of deep historical investigation with informed imagination, an extraordinary human being begins to emerge from the archives.
Story of Pelagie’s Life
Birth & Baptism
Separation
Love
Free From Enslavement
Reunited
Court
Family Life
Living As Man & Wife
Emancipation
Legacy
1805
Birth & Baptism
In 1805 Pélagie was born in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. Her mother was enslaved. Like all children in town, Pélagie was baptized in the local Catholic church. Her father is believed to be Joseph Vital Beauvais, a prominent white citizen and Pélagie’s enslaver. He was at her baptism, but recognized Pélagie as his slave not his daughter. After the baptism, Pélagie lived in the farmyard cabin behind his house with her sister Suzette and other family members.
Ste. Genevieve Catholic Church
Baptismal Registry, 1805
Vital Beauvais’ house