Edith Hern Fossett carrying a tray of tea and saucers.

Category: 

Culinary Arts

Tags: 

Chef, Cook

Edith Hern Fossett

Virginia | 1802

Edith Hern Fossett was one of Thomas Jefferson’s enslaved cooks. She trained under French chef Honoré Julien and later worked in Jefferson's presidential kitchen and at Monticello during his retirement. Despite being enslaved she earned a $2 monthly gratuity for her work.

Adopted By Melissa Elders