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The Remarkable Story of the Friendship Between a First Lady and a Former Slave

Garrett Bell

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Published in Mrs Lincoln And Mrs Keckly: The Remarkable Story Of The Friendship Between A First Lady And A Former Slave

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The friendship between First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln and former slave Elizabeth Keckley is a remarkable story of compassion, loyalty, and the power of human connection. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and social statuses, these two women formed a close bond that lasted for many years.

Mrs. Lincoln and Mrs. Keckly: The Remarkable Story of the Friendship Between a First Lady and a Former Slave

by Jennifer Fleischner

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4600 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	397 pages

Mary Todd Lincoln

Mary Todd Lincoln was born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1818. She was the wife of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Mary Todd Lincoln was a strong-willed and independent woman. She was also outspoken and often criticized for her extravagance and her temper.

Elizabeth Keckley

Elizabeth Keckley was born into slavery in Virginia in 1818. She was sold to a slave trader and eventually ended up in St. Louis, Missouri. Keckley was a skilled seamstress and eventually opened her own dressmaking shop. She became known for her fashionable designs and her clientele included many of the city's elite women.

Their Meeting

Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley first met in 1861, shortly after Lincoln became president. Keckley was hired to make clothes for the First Lady. The two women quickly became friends. Lincoln admired Keckley's talent and her intelligence. Keckley was grateful for Lincoln's kindness and her willingness to treat her as an equal.

Their Friendship

The friendship between Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley was based on mutual respect and affection. Lincoln valued Keckley's advice and often confided in her. Keckley was a loyal friend and supporter of Lincoln, and she often defended her against her critics.

The two women were often seen together in public, and their friendship caused a stir among some members of society. Some people were shocked that a First Lady would be friends with a former slave. Others admired their friendship and saw it as a symbol of hope and progress.

Their Later Years

The friendship between Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley continued after Lincoln's assassination in 1865. Keckley wrote a book about her experiences with Lincoln, which became a bestseller. She also continued to work as a seamstress and eventually opened a dressmaking school for African American women.

Mary Todd Lincoln died in 1882. Keckley died in 1907. The two women are buried side by side in Arlington National Cemetery.

Their Legacy

The friendship between Mary Todd Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley is a powerful reminder of the power of human connection. It is a story of compassion, loyalty, and the ability to overcome prejudice and adversity. Their friendship is a testament to the fact that we are all more alike than we are different.