Caroline Remond Putnam


Caroline Remond Putnam became known as an African-American businesswoman in Salem, Massachusetts, together with two of her sisters. They made their mark in a fashionable salon, the largest wig factory in the state, and the growing field of hair-care products for African-American women. Born free in Salem, the sisters and their siblings were devoted to anti-slavery activism.

Early life and education

Caroline was one of seven children born to parents Nancy Remond, a cake maker and decorator, and John Remond of Salem, who became a merchant and caterer there. Their parents supported anti-slavery causes and encouraged the children's education.
She had four older sisters: Susan Nancy Remond, who married James Shearman, an oyster dealer; Sarah Parker Remond, who became an anti-slavery speaker; Cecelia, and Maritcha.
Together with her older sisters Cecilia and Maritcha, Caroline ran the Ladies Hair Work Salon in Salem. They also owned and operated the largest wig factory in the state. Their Mrs. Putnam's Medicated Hair Tonic was sold widely as a medicine to stop hair loss. Caroline Remond married Joseph H Putnam. Her sister Cecelia married James Babcock.
The sisters had two brothers: Charles Lenox Remond, who became an abolitionist and orator. He was one of the agents in the Massachusetts Salem Society who traveled with William Lloyd Garrison, and was active in the abolitionist movement. HE and his sister Sarah sometimes lectured together on tour. Their brother John Remond married Ruth Rice.

Activism

In May 1865, Caroline Remond Putnam was chosen as a vice president of the Salem Anti-Slavery Society, which was organizing an anniversary celebration with the end of the Civil War and emancipation of many slaves behind Union lines. It had been fighting for equality for all black people and, in the coming years, supported the constitutional amendments passed by Congress abolishing slavery, granting citizenship to slaves, and granting the franchise to men without regard to race.
Caroline along with other woman also backed women suffrage. She attended conventions of the Suffrage Association, which was made up of a majority of white women.