Duchess Quamino facts for kids

Duchess Quamino (born around 1739 – died June 29, 1804) was an amazing woman from colonial Rhode Island. She was once enslaved but became famous as a successful chef and caterer. People knew her as the "Pastry Queen of Rhode Island." She was especially loved for her delicious frosted plum cake.

Early Life of Duchess Quamino

We don't know much about Duchess Quamino's early life. She was probably born in Africa, perhaps in Senegal or Ghana, around 1739. She said she was the daughter of an African prince. This is why she was called "Duchess," which means a royal lady. She was also known by the name Charity.

She was brought to Rhode Island as a child on a slave ship. In 1750, she became the property of William and Lucy Channing. They were a well-known family in Newport, Rhode Island. Duchess worked in their home as a cook and a nanny. She became a Christian while living with the Channings. She was an active member of the Second Congregational Church. This was a white church that the Channings also attended. Many white churches made Black attendees sit where they couldn't be seen. But Duchess was not hidden at Second Congregational. She was known as a very religious person.

Duchess Quamino's Marriage

In 1769, Duchess married John Quamino. He was enslaved by Captain Benjamin Church in Newport. Duchess and John had several children together. Their children included Charles (born 1772), Violet (born 1776), and Katharine Church (born 1779). They also had another daughter named Cynthia. Sadly, three of their daughters died young.

John Quamino won a lottery and bought his freedom in 1773. After that, he went to the College of New Jersey. Today, this school is known as Princeton University. He studied there to become a missionary. During the American Revolutionary War, John stopped his religious training. He became a privateer to earn money. He wanted to buy the freedom of his wife and two daughters. However, he died in August 1779. Duchess Quamino became a widow when she was about 40 years old.

Duchess Quamino Gains Freedom

By 1780, Duchess Quamino was no longer enslaved. Some say the Channings freed her. Others say she convinced Mr. Channing that all people should be equal. There is no clear proof that she bought her own freedom. But it is often believed that her successful business helped her gain freedom. After being freed, Duchess continued to live and work for the Channings. But now, she was paid for her work. She also worked as a nanny for William Ellery Channing. He was born in 1780 and later became a famous preacher. He remembered Duchess fondly in his writings. He said she helped shape his religious and anti-slavery beliefs.

Duchess Quamino started her catering business from the Channings' house. She delivered cakes to customers. She also catered large public events. She became very famous for her special frosted plum cake. She even catered an event for George Washington at least once. By 1782, Duchess earned enough money to buy her own home. She lived on School Street, near the Channings. She often used the Channings' large oven for her big baking projects. In 1792, Duchess Quamino made history. She was the first Black woman invited to join a Black male organization in New England. She bought a share in the Palls and Biers Society of the African Union. As a business owner, she was successful and respected. She was also well-connected in her community.

Death of Duchess Quamino

Duchess Quamino passed away on June 29, 1804. A large funeral was held to honor her. She is buried in Newport's Common Burying Ground. Her grave is in a section called "God’s Little Acre."

William Ellery Channing wrote the words for her gravestone. It says: "In memory of Duchess Quamino, a free Black of distinguished excellence; Intelligent, industrious, affectionate, honest, and of exemplary piety; who deceased June 29, 1804, aged 65 years." In 2017, Duchess Quamino's gravestone was repaired. Her daughter Violet's gravestone was also restored.