Augustus Jackson
African American, Augustus Jackson, a confectioner from Philadelphia, invented several ice cream recipes and methods of manufacturing ice cream around 1832. The origins of ice cream can be traced back to the 4th century B.C. and contrary to folklore Jackson did not invent ice cream itself, however, he was an accomplished businessman and perfected the making of ice cream at that time. Augustus Jackson did not apply for a patent for his recipes or methods.
Augustus Jackson left his position as a chef at the White House to move to Philadelphia in the late 1820s and started his own successful catering business. Jackson created several popular ice cream flavors which he distributed in tin cans to the many ice cream parlors in the Philadelphia area. At that time, many African American owned ice cream parlors or were ice cream makers in Philadelphia. Augustus Jackson was the most successful and his ice cream flavors were well loved.