Hepsibeth Hemenway

Hepsibeth Hemenway portrait by artist Henry Woodwand. In 1895 this portrait was displayed in the Worcester Historical Museum.

Hepsibeth Hemenway (March 25, 1763 - Feb. 17, 1847)  was a Nipmuc Indian known particularly as a baker of wedding cakes for the wealthy in Worcester, Massachusetts.[1] During her early years she struggled as a laundress and cook to support her family yet towards the end of her life she became quite successful. She is remembered today primarily by older families as a great cook and for having an excellent hand in making wedding cakes.[2] Her portrait now hangs in the Worcester Historical Museum to remember her for her achievements as an Indian woman.[3]

  1. ^ "Hepsibeth Hemenway, the Nipmuc Cakemaker of Worcester, Mass". New England Historical Society. 2017-03-12. Retrieved 2019-12-03.
  2. ^ Izard, Holly. "Hepsibeth Hemenway's Portrait: A Native American Story" (PDF). {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  3. ^ "Nipmuc Nation | History". www.umass.edu. Retrieved 2019-12-03.