If you've seen the Steven Spielberg movie, Lincoln, you might have noticed veteran actor Gloria Reuben in the role of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, who was a constant companion of the First Lady, Mary Todd Lincoln. If you know your history, you know that Ms. Keckley was an accomplished dressmaker, entrepreneur, activist, and author. I first became aware of her story in 2001 while working with the African American Cutural Complex, The NC Museum of History, and the Thomas Day Education Project , all in North Carolina.
Elizabeth Keckley was born into slavery in Dinwiddie County, Virginia in 1818. As with most slaves she was treated with the brutality and sexual abuse that
was common practice even from the most "respectable" slave holding member's of white society.
However, like most of those who were enslaved, Ms. Keckley endured, and rose above her station to become an accomplished, and financially successful dressmaker. She bought freedom for herself and her son in 1855, and, in 1860 moved to Washington, DC, where her clientele included the wives of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and Confederate Civil War Commanding General Robert E. Lee.
Keckley's relationship with Mrs. Lincoln was notable for its personal quality and longevity. In fact, when President Lincoln was assassinated Ms. Keckley financed Mrs. Lincoln's care and living expenses as there was no insurance or pension for former presidents', or their families.
In 1862, Keckley established the Contraband Relief Association.
In 1868, Ms. Keckley wrote and published her life story, Behind the Scenes, or Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House. She died in 1907.
Go to Wikipedia for more on the incredible life of Elizabeth Hoobs Keckley.
Elizabeth Keckley was born into slavery in Dinwiddie County, Virginia in 1818. As with most slaves she was treated with the brutality and sexual abuse that
was common practice even from the most "respectable" slave holding member's of white society.
However, like most of those who were enslaved, Ms. Keckley endured, and rose above her station to become an accomplished, and financially successful dressmaker. She bought freedom for herself and her son in 1855, and, in 1860 moved to Washington, DC, where her clientele included the wives of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, and Confederate Civil War Commanding General Robert E. Lee.
Keckley's relationship with Mrs. Lincoln was notable for its personal quality and longevity. In fact, when President Lincoln was assassinated Ms. Keckley financed Mrs. Lincoln's care and living expenses as there was no insurance or pension for former presidents', or their families.
In 1862, Keckley established the Contraband Relief Association.
In 1868, Ms. Keckley wrote and published her life story, Behind the Scenes, or Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House. She died in 1907.
Go to Wikipedia for more on the incredible life of Elizabeth Hoobs Keckley.
I just watch this movie and was please to see the United States Colored Troops included, also I attended Thaddeus Stevens Technical College in Lancaster, Pa. and I never knew who Thaddeus Stevens was until now. Shame on me and the Public Education system. I never heard of Lydia Hamilton Smith until this movie, she was Thaddeus Stevens servant for 23 years. This is another story that has not been told. truthfully.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. The more you search, the more hiden history there is to discover.
ReplyDelete