Loyeau Berhel

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]

• List of first African-American mayors