Hello,
Iam trying to find information on my paternal,maternal gggrand mother Clara Rapp. Rapp being her maiden name. I know she was a free woman in 1860 in Louisiana.I saw her on a census record for 1860 living in Algiers LA. However,i am having difficulty trying to find out anything before 1860. Some say she may have been a slave and freed in 1860 others say she may have been free way before 1860. Iam also told that Rapp is a german last name.Any suggestions on where to go with this?

Thanks
A.C.Johnson