John Dabney

John Dabney (c. 1824 - June 7, 1900) was a renowned Richmond-based caterer through much of the nineteenth century. Dabney began acquiring his reputation while enslaved, even serving one of his famed mint juleps to the future Edward VII of Britain during the prince's 1860 visit to America. He was in the process of purchasing his own freedom when the American Civil War (1861–1865) and slavery ended. Known for his integrity, he could secure credit from banks, which he and his wife used to purchase several properties and open a restaurant.

John Dabney in The Guns of the South
The Prince of Wales' praise for John Dabney's culinary skills had gotten enough business for the latter that he was able to buy himself out of slavery and open his own establishment. It was unthinkable to have a large event in Richmond without Dabney involved. President Robert E. Lee hired Dabney to cater his inauguration, and was impressed by his skills. Dabney, being illiterate, had a legendary ability to keep all his orders and directions memorized, and had never been known to make a mistake.