Mary Lincoln's presence at Abraham's death-bed

[Linda Anderson]

James Wormley, "the celebrated hotel proprietor," was reported as being present at Lincoln's deathbed. Critic-Record, "James Wormley's Death," October 20, 1884

"Mr. Wormley was present at the death bed of Lincoln, and he appears as the only colored man in Littlefield's picture of the death of the President. He was also present at the deathbed of Sumner."

Wormley started his career as a hack driver, worked his way to owning his own livery service and went on to become the steward of the Washington Club in the same house where Seward was later attacked. He opened Wormley's Hotel in 1871.

"Mr. Wormley's patrons numbered among them some of the most gentlemen and ladies of this and other countries. He was a master of diplomacy as well as the art of cuisine. New York Globe October 25, 1884.

"It has been learned since his death that for a number of years he has been supporting three white families, the heads of which were once counted as the most wealthy and aristocratic of the Virginians." Boston Journal. October 21, 1884,

It would be great if he had kept a diary but somehow I don't think he did.