Mary Lincoln's Dressmaker: Elizabeth Keckley's Remarkable Rise from Slave to White House Confidante

by Becky Rutberg

Recounts the life of a woman who spent thirty years in slavery and later worked in the White House

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, History

166 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1995

Reviews

[Goose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book about Elizabeth Keckley and her friendship with Mary Lincoln. However, having read a biography of Mrs. Lincoln, this book's treatment of her can come across as simplistic and shallow. Still interesting to learn about things from Keckley's point of view and it does make me interested in her own memoir.

[Erin Jarabeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short account of an interesting life. Elizabeth Keckley's story is one that should be told more often. Reflections on her life also add an interesting look into Mary Todd Lincoln's life, though this book I thought went a little too much into Mrs Lincoln's life for a book about Mrs Keckley.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting, but I thought the best parts were the ones quoted directly from Elizabeth Keckley's autobiography. I'm definitely interested in reading her story in her own words now.

[Andrea M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Todd Lincoln was the wife of Abraham Lincoln, the famous US President who freed the African slaves. She was the daughter of a wealthy Kentucky landowner. She did well in school and was able to articulate her opinions when most women were expected to listen but not join in the conversation. After she married Mr Lincoln her personality changed. “She seemed overwhelmed with the responsibilities of a wife and mother.” (p.52) Her fears, the sometimes heavy responsibilities of being home with children while her husband was away and the death of one of her sons caused her to do and say shocking things. Many people turned away from her being unable to understand why she would behave so improperly.

She depended heavily on a young African woman named Lizzie who served as her dressmaker and later her confidant and assistant. “Lizzie wrote that when Mrs Lincoln was in one of her ‘wayward’ impulsive moods, she tended to say and do things that wounded the president deeply...She believed that the president loved his wife deeply and wanted nothing but affection from her.” (p.84) It seems that a bond a friendship was formed between Lizzie and Mrs Lincoln that lasted for many years and may have influenced the President’s thoughts on slavery. (p.55)

While Mary Lincoln’s behavior is often regarded as the more sensational story, I was inspired by Abraham Lincoln’s quiet devotion despite her idiosyncrasies. One time, Mary discharged a servant after severely chastising her. When the girl’s uncle complained of her treatment, Abraham replied, “If I have had to stand this every day for fifteen years, don’t you think you can stand it a few minutes one day?” (p. 53) He remained true to her throughout his life. In fact he not only tolerated her behavior but he often gave her whatever she wished. Lizzie, being excessively jealous, objected to Abraham conversing with any other female person. In response to his wife’s concerns, he didn’t get angry, but said, “If you will not tell me who I may talk with, please tell me who I may not talk with.” (p. 85) With the answer received, Abraham modified his own behavior to mollify his wife even though normally a statesman spends a lot of time building connections with people.

I found this story compelling because of a couple of unrelated aspects. First I was saddened to see society’s rejection of a President’s wife for unstable behavior and I imagine that people still reject people for problems they don’t understand. Second, I see God’s hand in bringing an African woman into the Lincoln’s lives who by her strength of character influenced the President to abolish slavery. Third, I believe we can all learn from Mr. Lincoln about the devotion a husband or wife should have towards their spouse despite the incredible difficulty that it may entail. It is a virtue to be loyal and true in marriage through good times and bad.

[Becky Rutberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Mary Lincoln's Dressmaker" stands as the first book currently written to shine light on Elizabeth Keckley's remarkable life. I was captivated by her story when I first read her autobiography written in 1868. I felt compelled to write about how she overcame her horrendous years in slavery to make a life in freedom for herself and her son George. Her unwavering loyalty and support to the desperate and depressed Mary Lincoln and to the Lincoln family left its mark on history. She freely described the horrors of slavery to Mary Lincoln. Some historians believe her vivid accounts influenced the President's feelings about the unfairness and immorality of the intolerable institution. Three more books and articles in prestigious magazines followed mine. Elizabeth Keckley left her mark on history and has now achieved the respect and admiration she deserves, long overdue.
Becky Rutberg

[Kris Odahowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read for students of studying Black History, Rutberg shares a compelling story of woman who represents the promise of a free America and the brutality of slavery. The friendship that Elizabeth Keckley felt for Mary Lincoln was heart warming considering the behavior of Lincoln. Keckley story her drive, talent and intelligence is inspiring. Heartbreaking and graphic details of a woman slaves life are portrayed in this book. This books is available for check out a the Gadsden County Public Library.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but interesting.

[Jennifer Blackburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good read. It had a lot of information about Lincoln and how slavery came to an end. I enjoyed reading this book

[Gladys Clearwaters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative and fascinating with history of DC in mid 1900s. She also made dresses for the wife of Jefferson Davis. Enjoyed access to the WH and the friendship and confidence of Mrs Lincoln.