Jean Baptiste was a Canadian native. His father was a slave owner and voyager. While voyaging to America, their ship wrecked in the middle of Virginia and he decided to stay. He found the love of his life, a Nigerian traded slave. They married and eventually traveled to Mermentau, LA where they settled. He fathered 8 children with his wife, Madam Melanie Josine.

Melanie traveled by ship from Nigeria to Virginia early in the 1800s. She became a free slave under her husband, Jean Baptiste. Her only known language was the language of her country, French. She lived an assured life as her husband, Jean Baptiste, assumed the position as her slave owner to the public. With her husband, she birthed and raised 8 children. 4 girls and 4 boys.

Almira was 1 out of 8 children. She was born to a Canadian father and Nigerian mother. She was a first generation American. She was born around 1860. She was a well known traiteur (Creole Healer) as well as a dedicated midwife. Almira “Mia”, was affectionately known as Viemom. She had many spiritual gifts such as herbal healing and clairvoyancy. Her most special recipe was made with Manglier (Mong-lee-Ay) tea (Groundsel Bush). It was known as “liquid love“. She also whipped up salves and ointments. People would travel from all over the country, just to see and be touched by Dear Viemom.

Mary worked and retired as a custodian at Southwest Louisiana Institute (present day ULL), the first college in Louisiana to be integrated. She raised 5 children, Lucien, Joseph, Robert, Wilfred, and her only daughter, Audrey. Her children spent their summers working with her mother, “Viemom”. Some of those jobs included picking cotton in lush fields. A fun fact is that her youngest son, Wilfred went on to speak within the fluency of French, earning him the opportunity to teach at many schools abroad.

Audrey was well known for her kind heart and entrepreneurial spirit. Continuing her baking skills as the head baker at Charity’s Hospital, she also thrived in her catering business. Wedding cakes were her prize. She was adored by her 4 brothers, as she was the only girl. She mothered 4 children in Lafayette, LA, Robert, Barbara, Linda, and Deborah. Although she experienced the tragic loss her sweet, heroic, and only son, she remained the rock of her family. Til this day, her name still brings comfort to her community.