Babin, Wallace J.

Submitted by Mike Miller

Babin, Wallace Joseph, M. D., of Kenner, La., was born at San Gabriel, in Iberville parish, Jan. 18, 1876, and is a son of Louis and Odele (LeBlanc) Babin, both of whom were born in the same parish as was he. The paternal grandparents, Neville and Melanie (Part) Babin, were natives of Ascension parish. The maternal grandparents, Edward and Lucille (Allen) LeBlanc, were born in Iberville parish. Louis Babin enlisted in the Confederate army at the age of 19 years and served as a member of a cavalry company throughout the war. He took part in the battles of Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, and other important engagements. After the surrender he was honorably discharged and returned to his home at San Gabriel, where he lived the remainder of his days, devoting his energies to the business of a planter and general merchant. He was a public-spirited citizen and occupied a place of prominence among the people of his locality, serving many years as a member of the school board of Iberville parish and performing other public duties such as devolve upon the leading men of any region. He died in his 75th year, but is survived by his wife, who still resides at the family homestead.

Eleven children were born to their union, and nine of these are now living, as follow: Louis Abner, married Anna Labiche of St. John the Baptist parish, who is now deceased, leaving 4 children; Wallace Joseph, subject of this sketch; Joseph Edward, now in the service of the Standard Oil Co., at Baton Rouge; Mary Mabel, wife of Joseph Byrne, merchant and planter of Iberville, Iberville parish, and mother of 1 child; Mary Mildred, wife of James Jumel, mechanical engineer, with the Standard Oil Co., at Baton Rouge, and mother of 5 children; Odele Ella, now Mrs. Mayhall, living at Burtville, La., where Mr. Mayhall is in the service of the Yazoo & Mississippi Valley R. R. They have 5 children. Mary Angel, educated at the Sisters' school, Baton Rouge, and Leah, educated at public and private schools in San Gabriel, are now at the parental home Louis Octave, a graduate of Soule' college, New Orleans, is now keeping books for the Standard Oil Co., at Baton Rouge.

Wallace Joseph Babin received his early instruction from a private tutor at the home of his parents. Later he attended the public schools of San Gabriel. In 1892 he entered the pharmacy department of Tulane university, from which he graduated with the degree of master of pharmacy with the class of 1894. Thereafter he practiced the profession of pharmacy at his birthplace until the year 1900. In 1901 he entered the medical department of Tulane university and passed 3 years as a student at that institution, when, on account of threatened ill health, he withdrew and entered the medical department of the University of the South, from which he received the degree of M. D. with the class of 1905. In the same year he began the practice of medicine at Torres, La., but after 1 year in that location he moved his offices to Kenner, where he has since been engaged in general practice. He also owns an up-to-date drug store at the latter place, adjoining his residence, and does a general prescription business. The doctor is a member of the Catholic church.

He affiliates with the democratic party, and has served as a member of the city council at Kenner since the incorporation of that place. He is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and Woodmen of the World, and fills the position of examining physician for the 2 last-named organizations; as well as for the Pan-American, New York Life and Cherokee insurance companies. Also, he is consulting physician for the St. Rosalie Italian society. Nov. 20, 1905, Wallace Joseph Babin was married to Emily LeBlanc, daughter of Simon and Emily (Greaud) LeBlanc of San Gabriel, and 3 children have been born to their union, namely: J essie Lee, Mary Elsie and Rose Mary.

Source: Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form, volume 3, pp. 711-713.
Edited by Alcée Fortier, Lit. D. Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.