Clara Barton

Photograph of Clara Barton (http://www.uunhf.org/unitarian/famous/Clara-Barton.jpg)

Clara Barton was both brave and compassionate. She worked to save soldiers’ lives, and win rights for women. Her perseverance helped many people. She was known for accepting the challenges in life. Clara Barton was an inspirational healer and leader.

Clara Barton with her family (http://www.tngennet.org/macon/pictures/images/dorasfamily.jpg)

As a child, Clara Barton was very bright. She was born on December 25, 1801 in North Oxford, Massachusetts. Clara was the daughter of Captain Stephen and Sarah Barton. She was the youngest of five siblings, and got most of her education from them. She was very shy, but also very smart. Clara began to develop nursing skills as further education as early as age eleven. That was when she took care of her brother during a serious illness. She was extremely gifted.

Clara Barton saing soldiers (http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/images/barton5ws2.jpg)

Clara dedicated herself to healing the injured. During the Civil War she was one of the first women to be allowed in hospitals, battlefields, and camps. At first, the military officials turned her down when she offered her help. She insisted though, and eventually, they gained her trust. That opened many more doors for other women also. As a result of her hard work, she earned a reputation as, “the Angel of the Battlefield.”

American Red Cross Shield (http://www.jerseycoast-redcross.org/Portals/0/images/clara%20barton%20society.jpg)

Clara Barton was one of the people who founded The American Red Cross. She also became the president of it. Clara learned about the International Red Cross while on break in Europe, and became interested. The concepts and goals of the Red Cross were written on the Treaty of Geneva, which she observed and learned about. Twelve nations had signed it, but the United States had not. When she came back, she rallied to have the U.S join, and vowed to establish work. The United States finally signed the Geneva Agreement in 1882.

Pictue of Clara Barton (http://z.about.com/d/womenshistory/1/G/G/b/2/clara_barton_civil_war.jpg)

Not only did she attempt to heal people, she also tried to win rights for them. Clara Barton was an activist who thought women should have the opportunity to have freedom of speech. In her time, women had little to no rights. She wanted to change that. Clara worked closely with Susan B. Anthony and Lucy Stone to pursue that goal. She spoke at the first National American Woman Suffrage Association, and continued to do so for several more years.

Clara Barton’s courageous deeds helped many people. From the battlefields, to the rallies, she was always fighting for a cause. Clara was a truly unselfish person. For that, she received many accolades and is now viewed as a global inspiration. That is why Clara Barton is a hero.