Read Part One HERE
In this post I continue to focus on a woman named Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley. She lived from 1818 - 1907. Elizabeth continued to work as a dressmaker in St. Louis until 1860. She and her son then moved to Washington, D.C. The city had a growing and vibrant African American community, despite the strict rules that were in place for them.
With the help of her clients in St.Louis, Elizabeth was able to settle in and create a new client base in this city. She started making dresses for the wives of the most well-connected and powerful men in Washington and quickly gained a reputation for being the best dressmaker in the city.
One of Elizabeth's clients suggested to First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln that she ask Elizabeth to make her inauguration gown.This dress became the first Elizabeth made for the First Lady.
Elizabeth was also deeply involved with Civil War relief efforts. In 1862, Elizabeth joined 40 other members of the 15th Street Presbyterian Church to found the Ladies' Contraband Relief Association. As president, she raised money and rallied support for the enslaved men and women who had self-emancipated and come to Washington.
Elizabeth also continued to be a successful businesswoman. By 1865, she had a dress shop on 12th Street and employed 20 women.
Around 1890 Wilberforce University in Ohio, appointed Elizabeth as head of their Department of Sewing and Domestic Science. She had to resign in 1893 due to ill health.
Elizabeth died in 1907.
Read Part One Hundred And Forty-Six HERE
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