The Mother Of Orphans

Margaret Haughery was a philanthropist in the New Orleans area. A philanthropist is “a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, especially by the generous donation of money to good causes.” She was well known as “the mother of the orphans.” Margaret Gaffney Haughery was such a kind and loving person, and in 1880s New Orleans, she was beyond loved. She was so loved that she was known as “Our Margaret,” “The Bread Woman of New Orleans” and “Mother of Orphans.” The reason, Haughery is so loved is that she devoted her life’s work to the care and feeding of the poor and hungry, and to fund and build orphanages throughout the city.

Haughery was an Irish immigrant, and she was also a widow. Haughery held many titles. She was commonly referred to as the “Angel of the Delta,” “Mother Margaret,” “Margaret of New Orleans,” the “Celebrated Margaret,” “Head Mame,” and “Margaret of Tully.” A Catholic, she worked closely with New Orleans Sisters of Charity, associated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans. Her work was mainly with poor and orphaned widows and kids. She opened four orphanages in the New Orleans area in the 19th century. She didn’t stop there, however. Many years later in the 20th and 21st centuries, several of the asylums Margaret founded as places of shelter for orphans and widows evolved into homes for the elderly.

After her many long years of working with the needy, Haughery, a woman known for her great work in charity, became famed for her lifelong championing of the destitute. Some people considered her a living saint worthy of canonization. Haughery didn’t have a wealthy start. On the contrary, she was born into poverty and orphaned at a young age. She struggled most of her young life. She then began her adult life as a washwoman and a peddler. Nevertheless, she died a businesswoman and philanthropist and received a state funeral. Her life proves what is said in Luke 6:38 in the Bible, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Haughery was an extravagant giver. It doesn’t mean that she gave tons of money, although over the years, she did. Nevertheless, she gave as much as she could, sometimes even more.

Margaret was born in a stone cottage in Ireland in 1813, the fifth child of William and Margaret O’Rourke Gaffney. The family fell on hard times and the family divided, leaving the three younger children in Ireland with William’s brother. Before long the rest of her family died or, as in the case of her brother, ran off. Haughery was alone and homeless. A Mrs. Richards, who had made the overseas crossing with the Gaffney family heard of Margaret’s plight. She had lost her husband to yellow fever. She took Margaret into her home. There Margaret remained for some years, where she worked for her keep. In fact, she may have been little more than a servant. Margaret received no formal education, and never learned to read or write. When old enough, Margaret went into domestic service, which was common for Irishwomen in Baltimore at that time. While she basically started out with nothing, she received the “kindness” of Mrs Richards and then turned her life around. Margaret went on to show kindness to so many others, and in the end, she became one of the most beloved women in New Orleans.

Margaret married Irish-born Charles Haughery on October 10, 1835, when she was 21 years old. Margaret persuaded him that a change in climate might be therapeutic for his poor health. So, they moved south. They left Baltimore on the ship Hyperion and reached New Orleans on November 20, 1835. Unfortunately, New Orleans was in the middle of yellow fever and cholera epidemics. For a time, Charles’ health showed a slight improvement, but it was short-lived and medical advice recommended a sea journey. In desperation, Charles decided to go to Ireland, which was his native land. The trip had to be delayed for several months pending the birth of the couple’s first child, a girl named Frances. Eventually, Charles made the voyage but after some months Margaret received word that he died shortly after reaching his destination. A short time later, Frances became seriously ill and died. Once again, Margaret’s family was wiped out, and she was just 23 years old. At this point, Margaret Haughery could have given up in despair, but she didn’t. She turned her life around and became one of the most beloved women in New Orleans.

In her will Margaret left everything to charities, without distinction of religion, for widows, orphans, and the elderly. She left all her wealth to charities with the exception of the bakery, which she bequeathed to her foster son, Bernard Klotz. According to her will, the rest of her wealth. When Margaret died and her will was read, with all her giving, she had still saved a great deal of money. She somehow had given so much, and still had more to give. She left every cent of it to the different orphan asylums of the city. Each orphanage was given something, whether they were for white children or black, for Jews, Catholics, or Protestants, made no difference. Margaret always said, “They are all orphans alike.” Margaret signed her will with a cross instead of a name as she never learned to read or write. Her signature, a reminder of her humble beginnings, great business successes, and mark on humanity, despite being unable to read or write.