Elizabeth Keckley: A Brief Biography

563 Words3 Pages
Title During and after the civil war, freed slaves had lots of trouble finding jobs and making a living. Elizabeth Keckley, however, was ahead of the curve. She climbed her way to the top, where she had a major influence on the first lady, and in turn had a major influence on the president. This didn’t just fall into her lap though. The White House didn’t hire her as a dressmaker, and unofficial aide to Mary Todd Lincoln to try and prove their support for the end of slavery. Her strong-willed personality and determination led her to a very successful life even though she was a former slave. Elizabeth, who was born into slavery, didn’t taste freedom until she was much older. Separated from her father, she and her mother were owned by