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Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley 1818 - 1907

Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley of Washington, D.C., District of Columbia County, District Of Columbia United States was born in February 1818 in Dinwiddie County, VA, and died at age 89 years old on May 26, 1907 in Washington, District of Columbia County, DC. Elizabeth Keckley was buried at National Harmony Memorial Park 7101 Sheriff Rd, in Hyattsville, Prince George's County, MD.

Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley

Elizabeth Keckly

Washington, D.C., District of Columbia County, District Of Columbia United States

February 1818

Dinwiddie County, Virginia, United States

May 26, 1907

Washington, District of Columbia County, District Of Columbia, United States

Female

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Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley Elizabeth Keckley (1818 - 1907)

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Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley's History: 1818 - 1907

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Introduction

Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, born into slavery and enduring hardships from the age of 4 through early adulthood, bought her & her son's freedom with funds from her dressmaking skills - thanks in large part to Mrs. Jefferson Davis, and became a successful businesswoman, author, and confidante to the First Lady Mary Ann (Todd) Lincoln. Elizabeth lost her son while he was fighting in the Union army. When the Lincoln's lost their son "Willie" it drew the two women even closer together. In fact, after the assassination of President Lincoln, Mrs. Lincoln asked specifically for one person - Elizabeth Keckley. See Centennial Scrapbook: Westward Ho Year 1866 for details. Alive during the time of emancipation, she was a role model to those recently enslaved and released: Not only by sharing her successes (& struggles) in life, but through starting the Ladies' Freedmen and Soldier's Relief Association which provided food, shelter, clothing and medical care to recently freed slaves. Read more about Elizabeth's inspiring life at Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley: Personal Life
02/dd

1818

Birthday

February 1818

Birthdate

Dinwiddie County, Virginia United States

Birthplace

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Ethnicity & Family History

African-American and Caucasian - her father was Caucasian, and her mother was African American.
Nationality & Locations

Elizabeth was born in Dinwiddie Virginia, purchased her and her son's freedom in St. Louis Missouri, lived in various locations including Hillsborough North Carolina and Baltimore Maryland, and spent a majority of her life in Washington D.C.
Early Life & Education

Elizabeth grew up as a slave. During the era of slavery, educating enslaved African Americans was discouraged and even outlawed in many Southern states. Typically only religious education was permitted.
Religious Beliefs

Union Bethel Church, 15th Street Presbyterian Church
Military Service

No military service - however her son lost his life during the United States Civil War while fighting for the Union.
Professional Career

Born into slavery, Elizabeth began working as a nursemaid at age 4, served home duties through early adulthood, became a seamstress, bought her own freedom then went on to create a successful clothing business in Washington D.C. employing 20 seamstresses selling to the wives of the political elite. She was also an author, publishing "Behind the Scenes" which told about her years of an enslaved person as well as details about the lives of the Lincoln family.
Personal Life & Family

Elizabeth began working at the age of four (!) as a nursemaid for her half-sister Elizabeth Margaret Burwell. Her treatment was about what you would expect. One particular story recalls when Elizabeth accidentally tipped her half sister's cradle causing Elizabeth Margaret to fall on the floor, Mary Burwell beat her severely. As Elizabeth grew older she assisted her mother making clothes, and at age 14 in 1832 was sent to live and serve the eldest Burwell son Robert in Chesterfield County, Virginia until they later moved to Hillsborough North Carolina. She endured great hardship living with Robert and his wife Margaret Burwell. At 17 years old in 1836 she was eventually given to a neighbor where she was forced into a four year long sexual relationship with her new 'owner' Alexander M. Kirkland and bore a son named George. She later returned to Virginia and served another half-sister Ann Burwell Garland, following the family to multiple locations until they ended up in St. Louis Missouri in 1847. It was during this time that Elizabeth became an accomplished seamstress and began earning money from her labor. She did so well in fact that her earnings were what supported the seventeen-member Garland family. She eventually was able to buy her freedom from Hugh A. Garland in 1852 for $1,200 (equivalent to approx $33,000 in 2020) by taking out a loan which she eventually repaid in 1855. Elizabeth had plans to work as a seamstress in Washington D.C. but ran into challenges getting a required license necessary for a free black American to live in the city for more than 10 to 30 days. One of her white patrons petitioned the Mayor for a license which he granted free of charge. Once approved to stay in Washington, Elizabeth worked hard gradually growing her business. She made it big when she completed a silk dress for Robert E. Lee's wife, Mary Anna Custis Lee, which she wore to a dinner party for the Prince of Wales who would become King Edward VII. Mary was complimented for her dress and via this word of mouth endorsement Elizabeth's business grew rapidly. Elizabeth met Mary Todd Lincoln on March 4th 1861 on the day of Abraham Lincoln's first inauguration. The following day Mary chose Elizabeth as her personal modiste and personal dresser. Over the years Elizabeth grew close to the Lincoln family. In April 1862 the District of Columbia emancipated slaves and Elizabeth was featured in a newspaper article as an example of recently freed slaves who made a success of their lives. Around this time Elizabeth established the Ladies' Freedmen and Soldier's Relief Association that assisted people in establishing themselves. In 1868 Elizabeth published "Behind the Scenes" which highlighted her story of slavery and provided insight into the personal lives of the Lincoln family.
05/26

1907

Death

May 26, 1907

Death date

Unknown

Cause of death

Washington, District of Columbia County, District Of Columbia United States
Death location

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Gravesite & Burial

mm/dd/yyyy
Funeral date
National Harmony Memorial Park 7101 Sheriff Rd, in Hyattsville, Prince George's County, Maryland 20785, United States
Burial location
Obituary

There is currently no known published obituary for this truly remarkable woman. If you find an obituary please update this section. Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley died on May 26, 1907 in Washington, District Of Columbia United States at 89 years old. she was buried in National Harmony Memorial Park, Hyattsville, Maryland United States. She was born in February 1818 in Virginia United States. We are unaware of information about Elizabeth's immediate family. We know that Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley had been residing in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia County, District Of Columbia United States.

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5 Memories, Stories & Photos about Elizabeth

Daniel Pinna

9.26k+ favorites

06/17/2020

Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley

Portrait of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley - the dressmaker to Mrs. Abraham Lincoln. Born into slavery in 1818, in November 1855 she purchased her and her son's freedom in St. Louis Missouri.

She later moved to Washington D.C. where she began a dressmaking business employing 20 seamstresses who provided fashion to the wives of elite politicians including Varina Davis (wife of Jefferson Davis), Mary Anna Custis Lee (wife of Robert E. Lee) and of course the First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

Comments

AncientFaces

400 favorites

11/06/2020

Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, dressmaker to Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, previously purchased her freedom from enslavement as well as her son's. What an amazing, powerful woman.

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Gary Birch

via Facebook

11/06/2020

Looks like a man to me lol. Tell me it doesn't look like one

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Daniel Pinna

9.26k+ favorites

08/25/2022

Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley

Born a slave, bought her freedom, became a successful business owner, and friend to the Washington DC political elite. Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley.

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

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Daniel Pinna

9.26k+ favorites

08/22/2022

Centennial Scrapbook: Westward Ho Year 1866

The following appeared in The Kane Republican in Kane Pennsylvania on Friday January 21st 1966:
"On the morning following the tragedy the dressmaker was summoned to the White House by Mrs. Lincoln. Mrs. Keckley found her in bed prostrated with grief. She learned that the previous evening, after the dying President was taken from the theater to the house across the street, Mrs. Gideon Welles had asked Mrs. Lincoln whom she wanted with her to comfort her in her suffering. Mrs. Lincoln had replied, 'Send for Elizabeth Keckley. I want her just as soon as she can get here,'" it is related.

The same source adds, "When Mary Lincoln left the White House she urged Mrs. Keckley to join her. 'Elizabeth,' she said, 'you are my best and kindest friend...I wish it were in my power to make you comfortable for the balance of your days. If Congress provides for me, depend on it, I will provide for you.'"

This was Elizabeth Keckley's recollection, as related in her memoirs, which is given attention anew in the book, "Profiles of Negro Womanhood," by Sylvia G. L. Dannett (pub. by Educational Heritage, Inc.). Ironically, Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, who was born in slavery at Dinwiddie Court House, Va., became Mrs. Lincoln's dressmaker and confidant after having had the same position with Mrs. Jefferson Davis while the latter's husband was senator from Mississippi. With savings from pay by Mrs. Davis and other patrons, she was enabled to buy freedom for herself and child. The latter was killed in action as a Union soldier while his mother was Mrs. Lincoln's dressmaker and the traveling companion to whom the president entrusted his wife. Death of the Lincoln's son, "Willie," in 1862 drew the two women closer together.

In 1866, Elizabeth Keckley was in Illinois, helping Mrs. Lincoln through financial straits and trying to stave off her own. (Though she returned to dressmaking in Washington, she rejoined Mrs. Lincoln in New York in 1867 to aid in sale of Mrs. Lincoln's wardrobe for funds the tragic First Lady wanted to raise.

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Daniel Pinna

9.26k+ favorites

11/06/2020

Elizabeth Keckley's Marriage and Child

When she lived in St. Louis, Elizabeth became reacquainted with James Keckley, who she knew in Virginia. He said that he was a free man. Elizabeth and James were allowed to marry as free persons on November 15, 1855. They were married for eight years. During that time, she learned that he was still enslaved, that he was not a helpful partner and relied on her support, and that he abused her. She separated from him and their marriage officially ended with his death, which was due to his personal excesses.

She had one child, George Kirkland, whose complexion was light (he was 3/4 Caucasian). As a result, he enlisted as a white in the Union Army in 1861, after the Civil War broke out. George died on August 10, 1861 during the Battle of Wilson's Creek. After some difficulty in establishing her son's racial identity, Elizabeth received a pension as his survivor - $8 monthly which was later raised to $12 (about $249 today) for the remainder of her life. This is what supported her when she was no longer able to work.

Comments

Elizabeth Keckley - dressmaker to Mary Todd Lincoln

Daniel Pinna

9.26k+ favorites

06/17/2020

Elizabeth Keckley - dressmaker to Mary Todd Lincoln

Elizabeth Keckley- dressmaker to Mary Todd Lincoln. She was born into slavery and became a successful seamstress, civil activist, author and dressmaker to the First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln.

Date & Place: 1861

Comments

AncientFaces

400 favorites

06/19/2020

Elizabeth Keckley was born a slave and began working as a nursemaid at age 4; who persevered and bought her and her son's freedom; and who began a successful business & became seamstress to the Washington D.C. elite. Friend of the First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, Elizabeth established a relief association that assisted newly found freed people in getting situated after the ending of slavery.

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Tracy Thurman

89 favorites

06/19/2020

What a beautiful Lady 💗

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Elizabeth Keckley's Family Tree & Friends

Elizabeth Keckley's Family Tree

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Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley Feb 1818 - May 26, 1907

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Mary Anna Custis Lee circa Oct 1, 1808 - Nov 5, 1873

Mary Ann Randolph (Custis) Lee was born circa October 1, 1808, and died at age 65 years old on November 5, 1873. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Mary Anna Custis Lee.

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Mary Ann (Todd) Lincoln Dec 18, 1818 - Jul 16, 1882

Mary Ann (Todd) Lincoln was born on December 18, 1818 in Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky United States. She was married to Abraham Lincoln on November 4, 1842 in Springfield, Sangamon County, IL, and they were together until Abraham's death on April 15, 1865. She had children Robert Todd Lincoln, Edward Baker Lincoln, William Wallace Lincoln, and Thomas Lincoln III. Mary Lincoln died at age 63 years old on July 16, 1882 at Springfield, Illinois in Springfield, Illinois County, Illinois. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Mary Ann (Todd) Lincoln.

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Other Biographies

Other Keckley Family Biographies

Keckley, Jewel (Apr 12, 1903 - Jul 1981) Keckley, Carl (Jun 27, 1910 - Jan 19, 1989) Keckley, Peter (Aug 6, 1895 - Aug 1966) Keckley, Rebecca (Jan 3, 1907 - Apr 1989) Keckley, Margaret (Jan 24, 1921 - Feb 13, 1998) Keckley, Viola (Feb 1, 1897 - Nov 1973) Keckley, Winfred (Mar 28, 1917 - Mar 1979) Keckley, Leah (Jan 15, 1900 - Feb 25, 1998) Keckley, Gertrude (Apr 9, 1898 - Oct 1990) Keckley, Dencil (May 5, 1912 - Oct 1975)

Keckley, James (Jul 14, 1924 - Mar 30, 2002) Keckley, Samuel (May 25, 1913 - May 1986) Keckley, Lorraine (Oct 15, 1923 - Oct 4, 1991) Keckley, Naomi (May 12, 1889 - Feb 1982) Keckley, John (Dec 9, 1918 - Nov 9, 2004) Keckley, Virginia (Sep 6, 1905 - Jan 9, 1997) Keckley, Margaret (Oct 19, 1909 - Sep 18, 2000) Keckley, Harrison (Aug 13, 1915 - Aug 21, 2008) Keckley, Mattie (Feb 24, 1911 - Dec 1992) Keckley, Miller (Jan 9, 1903 - Jan 1972)

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Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley 1818 - 1907

Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley's History: 1818 - 1907

Introduction

Birthday

Ethnicity & Family History

Nationality & Locations

Early Life & Education

Religious Beliefs

Military Service

Professional Career

Personal Life & Family

Death

Gravesite & Burial

Obituary

5 Memories, Stories & Photos about Elizabeth

Elizabeth Keckley's Family Tree & Friends

Elizabeth Keckley's Family Tree

Elizabeth's Friends

Other Keckley Family Biographies