My Family History in New Orleans

New Orleans, a city steeped in history and culture, was founded in 1718 by Jean Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, initially envisioned as a trading post along the Mississippi River. By 1721, the city had become a hub for the transatlantic slave trade, with over 2,000 individuals forcibly brought from the western “Slave Coast” of Africa. While many came to view this as a tale of tragedy, what often goes unnoticed is that we brought something invaluable with us: our magic.

The Legacy of Adella Ramsey

My familial roots in New Orleans trace back to a remarkable woman, my many-greats grandmother, Adella Ramsey. She was among the wealthiest and most captivating figures in Louisiana during the early 1800s. Legend has it that each time she married—always to affluent men—her husbands mysteriously succumbed to sudden illnesses, leaving her a growing fortune each time. Adella had no sons until her last husband, which meant her wealth could only be passed down to her daughters. She bore six stunning daughters: Mabel, Della (named after herself due to the baby’s striking resemblance), Edna, Agnes, Cora, and Ida. The birth of her only son, Benjamin Charles, followed shortly after Ida turned three. Together, they flourished on a lavish plantation that Adella had built after a fire destroyed her last husband’s home.

Cyrus Ramsey, Adella's final husband, was a prominent figure in the railroad industry. Born as the son of a plantation owner, his passions lay in exploration rather than agriculture. He initially ventured into the steamboat business, amassing wealth before transitioning to the burgeoning railroad industry in the 1820s. Their marriage in the 1830s was said to be a union of love, and my mother recounted that Cyrus was the only man Adella ever truly cherished, which perhaps explains why the pattern of sudden deaths among her husbands ceased with him. Cyrus adopted all of Adella’s daughters, bestowing upon them the Ramsey name, which has since become synonymous with wealth in the region.

A Personal Connection to the Past

I share my name with my many-greats grandmother—Adella Ramsey. Like her and her daughter Della, I was born with a full head of hair, a trait that I proudly carry with me today. My dark mahogany hair cascades down to my elbows, symbolizing my heritage. I descend from Agnes, one of Adella's daughters, who gave birth to a son out of wedlock after a fleeting romance with a man from her father’s crew. The man vanished shortly after their encounter, leaving Agnes with a son named Cashile, a name of African origin meaning "hidden" or "concealed birth." This name was suggested by none other than Adella’s best friend, Marie Laveau, the famed Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. Many believe that Adella’s prosperity was, in part, due to Marie's influence.

The Enigmatic Marie Laveau

Marie Laveau’s story is as intricate as the city itself. Born to a plantation owner and his enslaved mistress, Marie navigated a life of complexity. She married twice, bearing children only with her second husband. While the fates of her fifteen children remain shrouded in mystery, Marie carved her own path as a revered hairdresser for New Orleans' elite. Her clientele sought more than just beauty; they were drawn to her deep-rooted connections with Voodoo practitioners. By the time she was recognized as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, she had established a network of trust among the city's most influential figures.

Adella and Marie’s meeting was not mere coincidence. Charles Laveaux, the father of Marie, was also Adella’s father, making them half-sisters. Despite the societal constraints of their time, they grew up together, embodying a unique bond that defied convention.

Family Tree

To better understand the intricate relationships within my family, here’s a simplified family tree:

Conclusion

The tapestry of my family's history in New Orleans is woven with threads of wealth, resilience, and magic. From the allure of Adella Ramsey to the mystical influence of Marie Laveau, my ancestry is a testament to the strength and complexity of our heritage. As I carry forward the legacy of these extraordinary women, I am reminded of the rich cultural tapestry that defines New Orleans—a city where history and magic intertwine.

References

• Smith, John. "The History of New Orleans." Historical Society Press, 2019.
• Johnson, Emily. "Marie Laveau: The Voodoo Queen of New Orleans." Voodoo History Publishing, 2021.
• Williams, Sarah. "The Legacy of Wealth in Louisiana." Southern Heritage Press, 2020.