Clara Barton

NAME: Clara Barton. She was named after the titular character of Samuel Richardson's novel Clarissa. 

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Clara Barton is famous for founding the American Red Cross and her pioneering work in humanitarian aid and nursing during the Civil War.

BIRTH: Clara Barton was born on December 25, 1821, in North Oxford, Massachusetts, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: Barton was the youngest of five children born to Captain Stephen Barton, a farmer, a member of the local militia and politician and Sarah Barton. Her family had a strong tradition of military service and community involvement. Captain Barton was the leader of progressive thought in the Oxford village area.

CHILDHOOD: Clara was described as an adventurous and strong-willed child. She helped care for her younger brother, David, who suffered from chronic illness, sparking an early interest in caregiving.

EDUCATION: Clara was educated at home, chiefly by her four brothers and sisters and excelled academically. She later attended the Clinton Liberal Institute in New York.

CAREER RECORD: In 1852, Barton landed a plum job opening the first-ever free school in New Jersey. It became a roaring success, but some uptight local leaders thought a woman shouldn't be at the helm of such a grand institution. So, they demoted Clara to "female assistant" and brought in a man. This, along with a bout of nerves and ill health, sent Clara packing.

She landed on her feet in Washington D.C. in 1854, snagging a clerkship at the Patent Office. Now get this – Clara was paid the same as the men! She was the first woman to ever hold such a lofty (and well-paying) government position. But alas, she was wrongly shown the door in 1857. Thankfully, she returned under Abraham Lincoln to pave the way for future generations of office-wielding women.

Clara Barton's career was defined by her selfless service during the Civil War, where she provided aid to wounded soldiers on the battlefield and organized relief efforts for soldiers and their families. Here's her resume:

Teacher (1839-1854)

Clerk at the U.S. Patent Office (1854-1861) - First woman to hold such a position

Battlefield nurse during the American Civil War (1861-1865)

Founder of the American Red Cross (1881)

Led the Red Cross in various disaster relief efforts (1881-1904)

APPEARANCE: Clara Barton was slender and petite, exactly 5 feet without her shoes. with a determined expression.

Clara Barton – steel engraving by John Sartain

FASHION: Barton's attire was practical and utilitarian, reflecting her hands-on approach to humanitarian work.

CHARACTER: Clara Barton was known for her unwavering determination, compassion, and resilience in the face of adversity. She was known for her tireless work ethic and dedication to helping others

SENSE OF HUMOUR: Barton was described as having a dry wit and a knack for finding humor in difficult situations

RELATIONSHIPS: Barton never married, she was devoted her life to her work

Barton had close relationships with her family and colleagues, forming lifelong friendships with fellow nurses and volunteers. 

She had several nieces and nephews on whom she lavished her attention. 

MONEY AND FAME: Barton's primary focus was on her humanitarian work, and she often lived a modest lifestyle, dedicated to her cause rather than personal wealth or fame. She faced financial difficulties at times due to her dedication to her causes

FOOD AND DRINK: Barton's diet was simple and nourishing, essential for sustaining her demanding work schedule.

MUSIC AND ARTS: While not a prominent aspect of her life, Barton appreciated music and the arts as sources of comfort and inspiration.

LITERATURE: Barton was well-read and drew inspiration from literature that emphasized perseverance and humanitarian values.  She relaxed with historical and biographical works

Barton published her autobiography in 1908, titled The Story of My Childhood

NATURE: Barton found solace in nature and often sought refuge outdoors during her breaks from relief work.

Her first pet was a dog she named Button. She described the pooch in her autobiography as “a sprightly, medium-sized, very white dog, with silky ears, sparkling black eyes and a very short tail.” 

Barton loved cats. Her favorite was Tommy, her faithful black-and-white companion for almost two decades.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: Barton's brother David taught her to ride a horse, a skill she loved and enjoyed throughout her long life.

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Barton's work required practical knowledge of basic sciences and mathematics to provide effective medical care and relief services.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Although not formally a member of the Universalist Church of America, Barton identified herself with her parents' church as a "Universalist". Clara Barton's faith undoubtedly informed her humanitarian work.  She grew up in a religious household and references to her belief in God can be found in her writings.  However, she wasn't known for advocating specific theological views.  Her driving force was a deep compassion for others and a strong sense of social justice.

SCANDAL: Barton's career was marked by controversy at times, including challenges to her leadership of the American Red Cross.

MILITARY RECORD: The Civil War saw Clara ditch the paperwork and head straight for the front lines. Forget fancy Florence Nightingale lamps – Clara was a volunteer extraordinaire, distributing supplies to wounded soldiers.  After the Union's drubbing at Bull Run, she put out a call for medical supplies, and the response was overwhelming.  Clara turned into a one-woman distribution center, a role that would become her signature.

From 1862 on, Clara was a freelance battlefield nurse, a tireless whirlwind dispensing comfort and care to the war-weary soldiers.  She did have a stint as the official superintendent of nurses, but taking orders wasn't really her style. Clara preferred to be her own boss, which is probably why her biggest cheerleader during the war was a Massachusetts Senator named Henry Wilson.

After the war, Clara embarked on a mission to find missing soldiers, a massive undertaking that required a tenacious spirit and a good pair of walking boots.  She even spent a few years in Europe, setting up hospitals and helping the French during their dust-up with Prussia.  The Germans even gave her an Iron Cross – fancy that!

Barton's service during the Civil War earned her the nickname "Angel of the Battlefield" for her courageous efforts in tending to wounded soldiers.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Despite the demanding nature of her work, Barton maintained good health through her dedication to self-care and proper nutrition.

Clara Barton nearly shuffled off this mortal coil at the tender age of five, thanks to a nasty bout of dysentery and convulsions. Her folks were sure she was a goner, and word even got out that little Clara had kicked the bucket. Thankfully, she bounced back like a rubber ball, a feat that foreshadowed her remarkable resilience in the years to come.

Between 1869 and 1873 Barton lived in Europe, where she helped establish hospitals and distribute relief to the French during the Franco-Prussian War. She was honored with the Iron Cross of Germany.

Upon returning to the States, Clara set her sights on a new goal: an American Red Cross.  Through sheer determination, she got her wish in 1881 and became the organization's first president, a role she held until 1904.  Clara was a woman on a mission, representing the U.S. at Red Cross conferences and championing the idea of helping folks during peacetime disasters, not just wars.  Her Maryland home even doubled as the Red Cross HQ – talk about a dedicated leader!

Floods, famines, plagues – you name it, Clara was there on the scene, leading relief efforts with her team of doctors and nurses.  From the Galveston flood to the yellow fever outbreak in Florida, she was a whirlwind of compassion and action.  Even in her later years, she directed relief efforts in South Africa.  Her last act of service came in 1900, helping victims of another devastating flood in Texas.

HOMES Throughout her life, Clara Barton called various places home. She grew up in North Oxford, Massachusetts, and later lived in New Jersey while working as a teacher.  During the Civil War, she moved around frequently to be closer to the battlefields where she was needed.  Following the war, she established a base in Washington D.C. to advocate for missing soldiers.  

Her last 15 years were spent at 5801 Oxford Road, Glen Echo, Maryland,

TRAVEL Clara Barton's dedication to humanitarian work made her a well-traveled woman.  During the Civil War, she tirelessly followed the Union Army across various battlefields, from Virginia to South Carolina. 

After the war, her focus shifted to finding missing soldiers, which again involved extensive travel throughout the United States. 

Her efforts with the Red Cross also led her to travel internationally, including responding to a major flood in the Danube River valley in 1889.  Clara Barton's life was marked by a constant willingness to go wherever she was needed.

DEATH Clara Barton died on April 12, 1912, at her home in Glen Echo, Maryland.  She was 90 years old. The cause of death was pneumonia. 

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA  Given the era in which she lived, Clara Barton's media appearances were limited.  Newspapers documented her work, and she participated in some interviews.  However, she wasn't someone who actively courted the spotlight.  Her legacy rests on her tireless actions rather than media fame.

ACHIEVEMENTS Clara Barton's achievements include founding the American Red Cross in 1881, advocating for the establishment of the Geneva Convention to protect war victims, and leaving a lasting impact on humanitarian efforts worldwide through her tireless dedication to serving others in times of crisis.

Barton's service during the Civil War earned her the nickname "Angel of the Battlefield" for her courageous efforts in tending to wounded soldiers.

Barton was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1973.