Yesterday's Architect · c. 1739–1804
Charity “Duchess” Quamino
Born on the Gold Coast and enslaved in Newport, Rhode Island, as a cook and nanny for the Channing family, she gained her freedom and built a catering business known for frosted plum cake, earning the title 'Pastry Queen of Rhode Island.' She is one of the earliest documented Black entrepreneurs in colonial America.
Read the Yesterday's Architects profileCharity "Duchess" Quamino: Pioneer of Black Business in Colonial AmericaDec 13, 2025 · Read →
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People
- husband · 1769John QuaminoBEJ profile
- documented by · 1804William Ellery Channingwrote her epitaphBEJ profile
- worked forWilliam Channingenslaved cook and nanny in the Channing householdBEJ profile
- worked forWilliam Ellery Channingcared for him as a child while enslaved by his familyBEJ profile
Institutions and enterprises
- member ofSecond Congregational Church (Newport)attended; not seated behind screensBEJ profile
Places
- buried at · 1804God’s Little Acre (Common Burying Ground)BEJ profile
- born in · c. 1739Gold CoastBEJ profile
- worked inNewport, Rhode Islandenslaved cook, then independent catererBEJ profile
Themes
Only relationships stated in a BEJ profile or a cited record are shown, each with its source.