Elizabeth Keckley: Seamstress

Description

Enslaved individuals pursued many paths to freedom. Some escaped to territories or states where slavery was illegal. Others were granted freedom through their owner’s wills, effective after their death. Still others purchased their freedom if allowed to keep a percentage of their wages when they were hired out. Elizabeth Keckley did just that by working as a seamstress in St. Louis. Mary Todd Lincoln later hired Keckley, where she soon became a confidant of the first lady.

Duration

14 minutes, 23 seconds

Date Created

05/14/2021

Copyright and Usage Info

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