I'm tracing the LeBrun family of Natchitoches parish and Pointe Coupee parish, Louisiana. A number were free and apparently prosperous. However I found mention of some LeBrun slaves (owned by Tranquil LeCompte) in the 1850 mortality index. The cause of death for two was "dirt eater". The mortality index contained many other instances of this as a cause of death. Does anyone know what it means?

I would be glad to hear from anyone else researching this family and the related Fotolan and Elie families.

Thanks, Irene