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. 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. Her portrait now hangs in the Worcester Historical Museum to remember her for her achievements.

Family and life On March 25, 1763, Lydia Bowman and Crosman became parents to their daughter Hepsibeth. Lydia was a Nipmuc Indian, and Crosman was a white man, making Hepsibeth a child of mixed race. Although Hepsibeth had both of her parents in her life on town records, she is listed primarily as the daughter of Lydia Bowman. This is due to the fact that it was illegal for an Indian woman and white man to be married at the time of her birth. In 1819, Jeffrey died, leaving Hepsibeth a widow at age fifty-six. Having to support her family by herself, Hepsibeth took in laundry, and also cooked and made wedding cakes.

Wedding cakes After the passing of her husband, Hepsibeth moved to a smaller home on Mechanic Street in Worcester near the Hope Cemetery. In the portrait, Hepsibeth wears elaborate clothing which are believed to be passed down from the upper class customers of her cake business. The portrait portrays what looks to be a middle to upper-class woman of Native American descent. In 1895, the portrait of Hepsibeth Hemenway became a part of the Worcester Historical Museum located in Worcester, where she was well known.