Mignon, Francois, 1899-1981.

Francois Mignon claimed to have been born and educated in France. In actuality, Mignon was born May 9, 1899 in Cortland, New York to Walter Fish Mineah and Mary Ella Mineah. Mignon's given name at birth was Frank VerNooy Mineah. Although many details of his early life are unknown, it is known that Mignon attended school in Cortland and was an undergraduate at Columbia University during late 1921 and early 1922. Mignon's interests were well beyond Cortland, and eventually he moved to New York City.

Mignon long had a fascination with French culture, and according to unconfirmed sources, may have traveled there as a child. Testimony from a coworker provides evidence that Mignon had begun using his French psuedonym as early as 1935. Mignon worked at B. Westermann Company, an international bookstore in New York City from 1932 through 1939. Around this time, Mignon's eyesight had begun to dramatically deteriorate, a condition that would continue the rest of his life.

Also during this period, Mignon traveled to New Orleans, where he met Lyle Saxon. Saxon was the director of the Federal Writers Project, a WPA-implemented program for unemployed writers. It was through Saxon that Mignon eventually met Cammie G. Henry, matriarch of Melrose Plantation in rural Natchitoches, Louisiana. Henry had always supported the arts, and was well known for allowing artistic individuals to stay on her grounds as long as they were producing creatively. After visiting Melrose, Mignon moved permanently there in the Fall of 1939. Mignon would remain at Melrose until its sale in 1970. During Mignon's time at Melrose, he researched, studied and wrote about the history and legend of Louisiana and the American South. He became a fixture at Melrose and an integral part of the Henry family. Mignon died July 22, 1981 in Natchitoches.

From the description of Francois Mignon Collection 1848-1981. (Northwestern State University of Louisiana). WorldCat record id: 54070808