Mahala Wigginton was born in 1805 in Stafford, Virginia

According to US census records, Mahala was brought from Virginia as an enslaved black American citizen by her owner Elijah Wigginton to Spencer County, Kentucky where she served as a servant/cook in their household. According to records, it was noted that at some point she was married, then widowed and had a daughter named Amanda Wigginton. However, based on her comments to the census taker she had other children as well. 

In the last known census in 1870 Mahala at the age of 68 she was living with her grandson Joseph and his family, without occupation and without sight but free from slavery. While we are still researching the life of Mahala Wigginton, What we do know is Great Grandmother Mahala survived unusual circumstances without traditional means of support.

Mahala House founders Carmin, Camira, and Sister Paula are proud descendants of Mahala Wigginton. As a family, we dedicate this initiative to all the “Mahalas” who survive each day to keep their families protected, motivated and dedicated to future generations.