Elizabeth Boit

Elizabeth Eaton Boit (1849–1932) was an American textile manufacturer and philanthropist. It was said that "the smartest man in Wakefield (Massachusetts) was a Woman" and this woman was Elizabeth Boit.

Early life Bolt was born in Newton, Massachusetts on July 9, 1849. She was the second child out of six daughters and went to school at Lasell Seminary. At 18, she was a timekeeper at the Dudley Hosiery Knitting Mill. She became forewoman of the sewing department within five years. Despite an influx of women into the textile industry, a forewoman was a novelty. Boit had an incredibly successful plant, having to expand it in 1901, 1903, 1907, and 1911, and at its height occupied a floor space of eight and half acres and employing an estimated 850 employees.

Boit was known for her generosity and set up a profit-sharing program for her employees. At this time, she was the only woman that was actively engaged in such a successful textile business.