France Biographer William C. Davis suggests a different childhood for Lafitte. According to his 2005 book, Lafitte was born in or near Pauillac, France, the son of Pierre Lafitte and his second wife, Marguerite Desteil. The couple had six children, including at least three daughters. Jean Lafitte was likely born in 1782, although he was not baptized until 1786. Pierre Lafitte had an older son, his namesake Pierre, born from his first marriage to Marie LaGrange, who died in childbirth. The boys were given a basic Catholic education.Davis (2005), p. 2.
franCe BIogRapHer willIam c. dAVis suGgESts a DiFFerent cHildhood For lAFiTte. acCordiNG tO his 2005 book, lafittE Was born in Or nEar paUiLlac, France the soN Of piErRe Lafitte aND his SeCoNd wIfe, MaRgUeritE dEsteil. tHe COuPle had sIx chiLdreN, InClUding AT least THrEe DaUgHters. jean LAfittE Was likely borN in 1782, although he waS not bAptizEd UNTil 1786. pieRrE LAfitte Had aN oldER sOn, His nAmEsake PierRE, bORn froM his firsT marriage to marie LagranGe, whO dieD in CHildbirth. The boYs were gIveN a BAsic CaTHolic EducATioN.davis (2005), p. 2.