Eliza Seymour Lee facts for kids
Eliza Seymour Lee (1800–1874) was an amazing American pastry chef and restaurant owner. She was born in 1800 and lived until 1874. Eliza followed in the footsteps of her mother, Sally Seymour, who was also a very famous pastry chef.
In 1823, Eliza married John Lee. He was a tailor who was a free person of color. This meant he was not enslaved, which was important during that time.
A Growing Business
In 1824, Eliza took over her mother's successful business. This included a bakery and other properties. She also continued to manage the workers who helped run the business. Eliza was very good at what she did and made the business even bigger!
She ended up running four different restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina. These included:
- The Mansion House on Broad Street (from 1840 to 1845)
- Lee House (from 1845 to 1848)
- Ann Deas' Jones Hotel (from 1848 to 1850)
- Moultrie House on Sullivan’s Island (from 1850 to 1851)
A Successful Woman
Eliza Seymour Lee became one of the most successful businesswomen in Charleston. She was known for her delicious food and well-run establishments. Another successful businesswoman at the time was Théonie Rivière Mignot, who was a friendly rival.
Just like her mother, Eliza was often hired to cater special events. She prepared food for private parties held by important families in Charleston. One of her biggest jobs was catering the yearly banquet for the South Carolina Jockey Club during race week.
Her success was very unusual for a free woman of color in the Southern United States before the Civil War. She showed great skill and determination. Eliza retired from her busy life in 1861.
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