American red cross clara barton biography quotes

Clara Barton was a pioneering humanitarian who worked as a nurse during the American Civil War and helped to set up the American chapter of the Red Cross. Although she concentrated on humanitarian action rather than politics, she was a supporter of civil rights and female suffrage.

Even well into her 80s, Barton remained active in giving practical help to those in distress, whatever their nationality or background. She also founded the American First Aid society.

Birth

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

Her parents were members of the Unitarian Church had held relatively progressive, liberal views.

Clara barton education

Clara was taught at a local school and proved an excellent student, though she was personally very shy and struggled with social interaction. When she was ten years old, her brother suffered a nasty head injury after falling from a barn roof.

Clara took great interest in nursing her brother and became responsible for looking after his medical tre