Who Is Clara Barton Angel Of The Battlefield

Clara Barton-Angel of the Battlefield

Clarissa Harlowe Barton born on December 25, 1821 in Oxford, Massachusetts lived a remarkable life. She was the fifth child of Stephen and Sarah Barton. Her father was a farmer and state legislator and had served in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). Clara’s mother was a homemaker, however, Clara was often under the care of her older brothers and sisters. She became a well renowned woman in the history of the United States and in women history she showed that a woman can do the same things as a man. Clara grew up to become a teacher, self-taught nurse, humanitarian, writer, philanthropist, and founder of the American Red Cross.

Early life

When Clara Barton was a young girl she was a very shy teenager

After sometime of resting and recovering, she volunteered for the Red Cross’ in their efforts in the Franco-Prussian war (July 19, 1870–May 10, 1871). She learned about the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Barton was amazed at how much was accomplished through systematic organization. She saw how the organization helped the wounded soldiers and civilians which where caught in the cross fire of the two armies. She also learned about the Treaty of Geneva (1949) that set guidelines for humane treatment of the wounded in wartime. The treaty was accepted by many countries but not the United States. Clara returned home in 1873 after receiving news of her sister's illness. After her sisters passing Clara suffered unspeakable debilitating nervous breakdown which she was not able to recover on her own. So she admitted herself to a sanitarium in Dansville, New York in 1876. Her treatment consisted of therapeutic baths, fresh air, sunshine and rest. It was and illness that lasted years and at age 60 Clara began the work for which she would imprint her name in history of the United States by founding the American Red Cross, and becoming the first president of the

She never took any money she made from her work within the organization and sometimes used her funds to support relief efforts. She often lied about her age and wore makeup and dressed to show and present the image of a younger much healthier woman. Even after leaving the Red Cross, Clara Barton remained active giving speeches and lectures. She also wrote a book The Story of My Childhood, which was published in 1907. She after she resigned Clara started her own National First Aid Society in 1905. She based the program in an unsuccessful which she had tried before within the American Red Cross, however, the National First Aid Society did succeed. This society invented the “First Aid Kits” which are still in use today in schools, busses, hospitals, and classes. Clara Barton served in a public role and left the finances and operations to other younger staff members. Barton died at her home in Glen Echo, Maryland, on April 12,