Mary and the African American church

[Donna McCreary]

Mary hired at least two seamstresses while living in Washington. One was Mary Ann Cuthbert, an Irish immigrant who began her career as a seamstress for Mary and later became the White House housekeeper. Another was Rosetta Wells. I think Rosetta was hired to do the "plain sewing" and therefore, would not be considered a dress maker.

Mrs. Keckly had several women working for her. I have never seen any of their names.
(By the way, since the publication of Jennifer Fleischner's book, I always use the spelling "Keckly.")

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Regarding Gabriel Coakley, I found this:

http://civilwardc.org/texts/petitions/cww.00332.html

I also found a reference saying the story about the fundraiser for the school first appeared in CATHOLIC MIRROR on June 16, 1883.