Our first author is the most elusive. Other than her surviving cookbook and several of its unauthorized knock-offs, there is no material on her at all. While this may seem impossible in our own times, remember that Amelia lived in the 1700s in the virtual wilderness of upstate NY, most likely somewhere in the Albany area. At least based on her language and cooking terms this is the general conclusion as she makes use of several Dutch words in her book. When you read through her chapter you will notice things such as "cookje" and slaw, both of which are Dutch words.
She says she was an orphan. At this time that was a tough road. Homes for orphans were anything from refuges to boarding houses where kids were hired out as a cross between slaves and indentured servants. There is quite a history of laws, regulations and petitions for people to start the places and if the reader has a little patience, she will find lots of information on these places. Look at my bibliography for some starting places for your research.
When Amelia was alive there were no occupations for women other than wife, domestic servant or prostitute. Not only did Amelia learn to read and write, but she persevered to where she was able to publish her own book and retain the copyright for herself. Her book was a first in so many ways that it could be fun for the reader to make a list of "firsts" that Amelia brought to us.
Thank you Amelia.
