Loyeau Berhel

Loyeau Berhel was a reconstruction-era politician who served as the first African-American and first Republican mayor of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Biography

In 1871, Berhel was commissioned by Governor Henry Clay Warmoth, also a Republican, as mayor of Baton Rouge. 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. 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.
His surname is sometimes incorrectly rendered as "Brahill".