Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley

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