Rufus Estes

Rufus Estes was born into slavery in Tennessee in 1857. After the Civil War he began working as a railway attendant at the luxurious Pullman Palace Car Company, where he eventually became head chef. His cooking was renowned for its quality and creativity, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the country's best chefs.

Rufus Estes was born into slavery in Tennessee in 1857. After the Civil War he began working as a railway attendant at the luxurious Pullman Palace Car Company, where he eventually became head chef. His cooking was renowned for its quality and creativity, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the country's best chefs. See less