Rufus Estes

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Rufus Estes (1857-1939) 

Credited with writing the first cookbook by an African American chef in 1911, was born a slave in Murray County, Tennessee.

His culinary journey crossed the country from heading the food programs for Pullman Railway Company in Chicago, to other luxury railroads, serving prominent guests like President Cleveland and Harrison.

He retired in Los Angeles in 1938 before passing away shortly after in 1939.