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Without extensive research; and relying only on what has apparently been passed on through the years, our family, like so many others in the Caribbean come - on the other hand, from descendants of slaves - therefore of African descent; and on the other, from European families who made use of black nannies and housekeepers in their homes.
Andrew Nibbs, "Porpoi" is best remembered as hard working and industrious. A seaman by trade, he traveled as a 'hand" on such boats as "The Flash" and "The Lily" -- Sea Cow's Bay sloops which carried cattle, coal and ground provisions to be sold in St. Thomas. At other times, he chopped wood and burnt coal, tended cattle and sheep; and planted sweet potatoes and other ground provisions 'up Ben Hodge' in order to keep his family going. The grandchildren recall a thin framed old man with sharp features, a memorable laugh and a characteristic way of speaking who named his cows after many of them. He may have seemed hard but also, wise, warm and always ready to tell an 'old time story'.
Margaret Nibbs, Mama or Grandmother as some of the grandchildren called her, raised her thirteen children and for the rest of her life usually had grandchildren living with, or visiting her. Nearby were the children of Miriam (who lived with Mama), Emmalie and Stanley. Ernest's son, Leando was raised by Mama. Though she is remembered as quiet, kind and sweet, also remembered is a somewhat stern side of Grandma. From all accounts, she did not spare the rod when she felt it was needed. Yet, the grandchildren knew that she cared a great deal for them and enjoyed spending time with her.
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