Eliza Potter facts for kids
Eliza Potter (1820–1893) was an African-American hairdresser from Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1859, she wrote and published her own life story, called A Hairdresser's Experience In High Life. This book shares her unique experiences and observations.
Contents
Who Was Eliza Potter?
Eliza Potter was born in 1820. She was a free black woman. She was also of mixed race. Her life story gives us a special look into the past. It shows what life was like for a mixed-race woman in the 1800s.
Early Life and New Beginnings
Eliza grew up in New York City. She later moved to Philadelphia after she got married. She had two children there. According to her book, she decided to leave her home to travel. She called this "roving." This journey helped her learn her trade.
Traveling the World
Eliza Potter traveled a lot. She even visited places in Europe. During her travels, she learned how to be a skilled hairdresser. Her book talks about the different social customs she saw. She wrote about her experiences in many cities. These included New York City, Saratoga, Canada, Paris, and London.
Her Amazing Book: A Hairdresser's Experience
Eliza Potter's autobiography is very special. It's called A Hairdresser's Experience In High Life. The book gives us a close look at her life. It shares her experiences as a beautician. She worked for many white employers in Cincinnati. Her book helps us understand the challenges she faced. It also shows her observations about society.
