In the vibrant, historic tapestry of New Orleans, one figure shines as a beacon of compassion and unwavering determination: Margaret Haughery. Known affectionately as “Our Margaret,” “The Bread Woman of New Orleans,” and “Mother of Orphans,” her life was a testament to selfless giving. From humble beginnings as an orphaned Irish immigrant, she rose to become a renowned philanthropist, dedicating her life to feeding the hungry, caring for the poor, and establishing numerous orphanages across the city. Her incredible journey demonstrates how one individual, driven by empathy, can profoundly impact a community.
A Life Forged in Tragedy: From Irish Shores to New Orleans Heartbreak
Born Margaret Gaffney in County Leitrim, Ireland, in 1813, her early life was marked by hardship. Her family immigrated to Baltimore, Maryland, in 1818, seeking a better future. However, tragedy struck swiftly; both her parents succumbed to a devastating yellow fever epidemic in 1822, leaving nine-year-old Margaret orphaned and alone. With no formal education, she found work in domestic service.
In 1835, Margaret married Charles Haughery and moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. The city, unfortunately, became the site of further heartbreak. Within a short time, she lost her husband and infant daughter, Frances, also to yellow fever. These profound personal losses, however, did not break Margaret; instead, they ignited a fierce resolve to prevent other children from experiencing similar fates.
Building an Empire of Charity: From Dairy to Bakery Magnate
Finding solace and purpose, Margaret connected with the Sisters of Charity, who offered her support and a job as a laundress. Despite her meager earnings, she devoted a significant portion to local orphanages, volunteering her time and care to the children. Her innate business acumen soon emerged. She purchased two cows, starting a small dairy to provide milk for the orphans and selling the surplus door-to-door in the French Quarter. This enterprise quickly flourished, expanding to a herd of 40 cows, and she began selling cream and butter.
Margaret’s success led her to acquire a struggling bakery, which she transformed into Margaret Haughery & Company, one of the South’s first steam-powered bakeries. While her bakery thrived, exporting goods and making significant profits, Margaret never forgot her mission. Every evening, she distributed unsold bread to the city’s poor. She sold her products to all New Orleans orphanages at practically no cost, ensuring no child went hungry. Her entrepreneurial spirit also extended to owning the popular Klotz Cracker Factory.
The “Mother of Orphans” and a City’s Unwavering Love
Margaret’s philanthropic efforts extended far beyond providing food. During repeated yellow fever epidemics, she selflessly nursed the sick, promising dying parents that she would care for their orphaned children. She played a pivotal role in establishing and funding several orphanages, including St. Theresa’s Orphan Asylum in 1840 and St. Vincent’s Infant Asylum in 1861. She explicitly ensured that these institutions served all children in need, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or social class.
Even during the tumultuous Civil War, when New Orleans was under Union occupation, Margaret defied martial law to deliver food and milk to the needy across picket lines. When confronted by General Benjamin Butler, she famously asked if it was President Lincoln’s will to starve the poor, securing his personal permission to continue her vital work.
By the war’s end, Margaret’s reputation as a local hero was solidified. She built seven more orphanages and generously donated to Protestant and Jewish charities, embodying universal compassion. News of her extraordinary deeds even reached the Pope in Rome.
An Enduring Legacy: The First Woman Honored with a Statue in New Orleans
Margaret Haughery became seriously ill in 1882. Her final months were filled with public appreciation, including a blessing from the Pope. Her passing on February 9, 1882, was met with unprecedented grief throughout New Orleans. She was given a state funeral, with city offices and businesses closing in tribute. The mayor led her procession, the Archbishop presided, and two lieutenant governors served as pallbearers.
Margaret bequeathed her substantial estate, estimated at $600,000, to the orphanages of New Orleans and the Daughters of Charity. In 1884, a statue was unveiled in her honor at Margaret’s Place — only the second statue in the U.S. to commemorate a woman. It depicts her in her signature shawl, with an arm around a child, a lasting symbol of her enduring devotion.
Today, the former St. Vincent’s Infant Asylum, one of the many institutions she supported, has been reimagined as the luxurious Hotel Saint Vincent, located in the historic Lower Garden District. While the building now caters to a different clientele, local lore suggests the spirits of the children Margaret cared for, and even a nun, still linger within its walls, a ghostly echo of its past purpose and the incredible woman who dedicated her life to its inhabitants.
Conclusion
Margaret Haughery’s life journey, from an impoverished Irish orphan to New Orleans’ beloved “Mother of Orphans,” is a powerful narrative of resilience, empathy, and profound philanthropic impact. Her legacy, enshrined in the city’s history and its very fabric through institutions she founded and a statue in her honor, continues to inspire. She proved that even in the face of unimaginable personal loss and societal challenges, one person’s unwavering commitment to kindness and charity can build an enduring monument of hope for countless others. Her story is a timeless reminder of the strength of human compassion and the lasting power of a truly generous heart.
