James was born in Virginia 1765. By 8 years old James Hemings became enslaved to Thomas Jefferson. During the Revolutionary War, Jefferson and Hemings went to Paris. James learned how to cook in Paris. After 5 years in France he and Jefferson left. He also cooked the historic meal that was referred to in Hamilton the musical, "The Room where it Happens." In 1796 he was freed. And in 1801, he died.
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