Joshua and Ann Manning Millard were the parents of Dr. Edward Marcellus Millard, the eighth child of thirteen, the fourth male of six males. He was born in Washington, D.C. June 2, 1815.

His education began at the Washington Catholic Seminary, followed by Georgetown University at age 13, where he graduated with honors in July, 1832. He next went to a medical school in Baltimore to attain his education and training to be a doctor. The Millard family in Nacogdoches, TX has a copy of a letter written by Dr. Millard, 7 Oct 1836, while in New Orleans, LA., to his brother, Robert F. Millard of Nacogdoches, TX. In the letter, he says, "My object in coming to this part of the country is to find a settlement or a location where I may advantageously practice my profession."

Having settled in Grand Coteau, he married Ann Eleanor Littell Apr 27, 1840. There were no children of this marriage.

Dr. Millard ran for various political offices in St. Landry and he and his wife were substantial contributors to the St. Charles Borromero Church in Grand Coteau.

Dr. Edward M. Millard died 8 May 1882 at the age of 66. The following is from the Lafayette Adviser, Lafayette, La, May 13, 1882 as found by dm wms 47395858 and emailed to me: "Dr. E. M. Millard of St. Landry, died at his home near Grand Coteau last Monday. The deceased was a physician of high standing in his profession and was gifted with an intellect above mediocrity. He was a member of the constitutional convention of 1870 and also served as a member of the General Assembly of this State."

Dr. Millard is buried on the East side of the St. Charles Borromero cemetery, north side of of the Jesuit priests burial site. His tombstone reads, "He was a friend of the poor." His wife is buried in an adjacent grave with an identical cross marker.

The unique bell tower at the back of the church was built six years after the church was completed. Its purpose was to house the three-thousand pound bell donated by Mrs. Eleanor Millard in honor of her late husband Dr. Millard. He was the attending physician of Mary Wilson, the young postulant cured by St. John Berchmans at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. The bell tower was built by Brother Joe Brinkaus in 1886 at the cost of $700. Considered a rare structure in church architecture, it is one of the most photographed sights of the area.