Daniel Pinna
Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley
Date & Place:
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Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley
Updated Jun 26, 2025
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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
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Daniel Pinna
I want to build a place where my son can meet his great-grandparents. My grandmother Marian Joyce (Benning) Kroetch always wanted to meet her great-grandchildren, but she died just a handful of years before my son's birth.
So while she didn't have the opportunity to meet him, at least he will be able to know her.
For more information about what we're building see About AncientFaces. For information on the folks who build and support the community see Daniel - Founder & Creator.
My father's side is full blood Sicilian and my mother's side is a combination of Welsh, Scottish, German and a few other European cultures. One of my more colorful (ahem black sheep) family members came over on the Mayflower. He was among the first to be hanged in the New World for a criminal offense he made while onboard the ship.
My father's side is full blood Sicilian and my mother's side is a combination of Welsh, Scottish, German and a few other European cultures. One of my more colorful (ahem black sheep) family members came over on the Mayflower. He was among the first to be hanged in the New World for a criminal offense he made while onboard the ship.
Denise Kersting
About me:I haven't shared any details about myself.
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