Frances Joseph-Gaudet was a pioneering prison reformer

Frances Joseph-Gaudet was a pioneering prison reformer

Frances Joseph-Gaudet was a saint – literally and figuratively. The Mississippi native was dedicated to reforming prisons. In fact, her work with young Louisiana offenders led to the creation of juvenile courts. Born in 1861 in Holmesville, Miss., Joseph-Gaudet moved to New Orleans with her grandparents when she was 8. She got married at 17 and divorced at 27. She became a seamstress to provide for her three children. After a chance meeting in 1…