Clara Barton: A Centenary Tribute To The World's Greatest Humanitarian - free ebook by Charles Sumner Young

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Clara Barton: A Centenary Tribute To The World's Greatest Humanitarian

Charles Sumner Young

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CLARA BARTON A CENTENARY TRIBUTE TO THE WORLD’S GREATEST HUMANITARIAN FOUNDER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS SOCIETY AUTHOR OF THE AMERICAN AMENDMENT TO THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS CONVENTION OF GENEVA FOUNDER OF THE NATIONAL FIRST AID ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

CLARA BARTON A CENTENARY TRIBUTE TO THE WORLD’S GREATEST HUMANITARIAN FOUNDER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS SOCIETY AUTHOR OF THE AMERICAN AMENDMENT TO THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS CONVENTION OF GENEVA FOUNDER OF THE NATIONAL FIRST AID ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

This book is respectfully dedicated to the Boys and Girls of the World; and to the Men and Women who are still Boys and Girls, in their love for humanity....

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The author, in the preparation of his pen pictures, begs to acknowledge with sincere thanks the courtesies extended to him by Mr. Stephen E. Barton, the Executor of the Clara Barton Estate; by Doctor J. B. Hubbell, for many years the manager for Clara Barton; by the Oxford (Mass.) Memorial Day Committee of 1917; by the Twenty-First Massachusetts Regiment G. A. R.; by many of the Army Nurses of the Civil War; also for material assistance in data by the American National Red Cross; by Mrs. J. Sewa

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THE FOREWORD

THE FOREWORD

The author undertakes to produce a few pen pictures of a personal friend—humanity’s friend. They are pictures of sentiment, pictures of reality—pictures of humanity. Although precluded the use of data left by Clara Barton for her biography the author, nevertheless, is conforming to the sentiment of her oft expressed wish that he write the story of her life. Recognizing the wish to be a sacredly imposed trust, for the past six years he has gleaned what he could for his sketches from public docume

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BABYHOOD IMPRESSIONS

BABYHOOD IMPRESSIONS

Babyhood repeats itself. Babyhood is practically the same yesterday, today and forever. And yet who does not try to recall first impressions and first experiences? Clara Barton says her first baby experience that she recalls was when she was two and one half years of age. She thus describes it:— “Baby los’ ’im—pitty bird—baby los’ ’im—baby mos’ caught ’im. “At length they succeeded in inducing me to listen to a question, ‘But where did it go, Baby?’ “Among my heart-breaking sobs I pointed to a s

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SCHOOL—CHILDISH MEMORIES—MILITARY

SCHOOL—CHILDISH MEMORIES—MILITARY

What woman has not said “I remember when I was a girl....” Clara Barton at eighty-six years said, in the story of her childhood, I remember ..., I remember riding wild colts when I was five years of age. I remember how frightened I was, but acquired assurance when my brother used to tell me to “cling fast to the mane.” To this day (at eighty-six years of age) my seat in the saddle, or on the bare back of a horse, is as secure and tireless as in a rocking chair. I remember I thought the President

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ON HER FAVORITE BLACK HORSE

ON HER FAVORITE BLACK HORSE

Like many other country girls, Clara Barton was fond of horseback riding. When twelve years of age, on one occasion, she ran away from home to go for a ride. She came down stairs quietly and slipped out for a ride on her favorite black horse. Falling from the horse, she injured her knee. Determined to keep the injury a secret she joined her brothers in the field as though nothing had happened. But she limped, and her brothers noticed it. She merely told her brothers she had injured her knee, but

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PHRENOLOGY—READ HER CHARACTERISTICS—BASIS OF FRIENDSHIP

PHRENOLOGY—READ HER CHARACTERISTICS—BASIS OF FRIENDSHIP

The physiognomist reads character in the face; the palmist in the hand; the phrenologist in the skull. Physiognomy since the origin of man has been nature’s open book. The science of palmistry is at least five thousand years old; but the science of phrenology is of comparatively recent origin. When Clara Barton was a little girl phrenology received its really first great impulse in this country, through the lectures and writings of the Doctors Fowler of England. In England, as in this country, p

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“SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION” LAID TO CLARA BARTON

“SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION” LAID TO CLARA BARTON

A timid child is invariably the butt of jokes. Clara Barton, in her youth, was not an exception. As a little girl she had learned to weave, working in a North Oxford satinet mill. She had not been it work there very long when the mill took fire and burned down. Then, as no satisfactory explanation of the cause could be given by the members of the Barton family, the fire was attributed to spontaneous combustion, brought on because Clara had worked so fast as to set the mill on fire. Clara Barton

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CHRISTMAS A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1894)

CHRISTMAS A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1894)

The life of Clara Barton should be familiarized to every child. Learning to ride, Clara, is just learning a horse. How can I learn a horse, David? Sister Clara. Catch hold of his mane, baby, and just feel the horse a part of yourself—the big half of the task being. Love me, love my dog. Heyward’s Proverbs. The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, and the one that never proves ungrateful, or traitorous, is his dog. Senator Vest

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“BUTTON”—“BILLY”—CLARA BARTON OWNERSHIP

“BUTTON”—“BILLY”—CLARA BARTON OWNERSHIP

A dog is a real philanthropist, his whole existence is living for others. The best “war-scout” known is the Red Cross dog, wearing the insignia. In a dog Miss Barton found a congenial spirit. Her first ownership was a dog, and known by the name of “Button.” He was medium-sized, very white, with silky ears, sparkling black eyes, and a very short tail. “Button” was Clara Barton’s guardian in the cradle, her playmate in childhood. “Button” would try to pick her up when she fell down, sympathize wit

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PAUPER SCHOOLS; FROM SIX TO SIX HUNDRED

PAUPER SCHOOLS; FROM SIX TO SIX HUNDRED

New Jersey had no public schools. The people said they were not paupers and would not have their children taught at public expense—would not send them to “pauper schools.” In New Jersey Clara Barton opened, for the first time, what was called a “free school for paupers.” Since those puritan days, what a change in public sentiment! Then it was “Pauper school” education; now Free education is the poor man’s marble staircase that leads upward, and into, the palaces of wealth, health and happiness.

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CHILD LOVE—JOE AND CHARLIE—APPRECIATION

CHILD LOVE—JOE AND CHARLIE—APPRECIATION

To the child nothing is small; nor does the child forget. Whatever kindness comes to the child is stored in one of the cells of the brain for future years. As an heirloom, the longer it is possessed the more it is cherished. Referring to her teacher of long ago, Dr. Eleanor Burnside recently related this incident in her school life: “I recall when a little girl in her school Clara Barton’s friendly interest in the progress of her pupils; unvarying patience, no matter what the circumstances might

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TEMPERANCE—CLARA BARTON AND THE HIRED MAN—STRANGER THAN FICTION

TEMPERANCE—CLARA BARTON AND THE HIRED MAN—STRANGER THAN FICTION

Way back in 1857 in Worcester, Massachusetts, Clara Barton showed her humanitarian spirit and organization ability. Under the Reverend Horace James, she assisted in the organization of the Band of Hope, [3] a society originating in Scotland whose object was: “To Promote the Cause of Temperance and Good Morals of the Children and Youth.” 3 . First Temperance Society organized in America, in 1789; First National Temperance Convention, in 1833; a “temperance revolution” urged, in 1842, by Abraham L

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LOOKING FOR A JOB—EQUAL SUFFRAGE

LOOKING FOR A JOB—EQUAL SUFFRAGE

Among the ancients, controlling the certain affairs worthy of man, were many goddesses; of these, Venus, Ceres, Juno, Diana, Pomona, Minerva. Such man’s inherent respect for femininity that feminine names in classic days were given to temples of worship; to the continents, Europe, Asia, Africa, and later to America. [4] Feminine names with few exceptions, also, have been given to all countries,—“she” and not “he,” likewise the word used to identify great things mechanical and useful. Long and ha

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CREDULOUS OX—INNOCENT CHILD—CLARA BARTON, A VEGETARIAN

CREDULOUS OX—INNOCENT CHILD—CLARA BARTON, A VEGETARIAN

Among the Puritans the horse was a luxury; the beast of burden was the ox. In the first half of the nineteenth century the ox made possible in Massachusetts even the existence of man. In the snows of winter, at seed time and at harvest, the toiling ox was loyal—faithful to the best interests of the family. The ox himself was unsuspecting, and untutored in the art of deceiving others. He couldn’t think his kindly attentive Master, Man, unappreciative, disloyal—wholly obsessed with greed. He didn’

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FELL DEAD ON THE GROUND BESIDE HER

FELL DEAD ON THE GROUND BESIDE HER

The first time Clara Barton visited in New Haven, she wore a gray dress that had bullet holes in it—received in caring for the wounded at Fredericksburg. In describing the battle scene Clara Barton said: “Over into that City of Death; its roofs riddled by shells, its very Church a crowded hospital, every street a battle line, every hill a rampart, every rock a fortress, and every stone wall a blazing line of forts!” As Miss Barton was being assisted off the bridge by an officer, an exploding she

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WICKEDNESS OF WAR—SETTLES NO DISPUTES

WICKEDNESS OF WAR—SETTLES NO DISPUTES

Clara Barton was a patriot, but “not a war woman.” She had no sympathy with the religion such as was Odin’s, of the ninth century, which religion assured for him who had killed in battle the greatest number the highest seat reserved in the Paradise of the Valhalla; nor with the sentiment of the King of Denmark of that day, “What is more beautiful than to see the heroes pushing on through battle, though fainting with their wounds;” nor with the sentiment of that same king’s boast, “War was my del

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HER WARDROBE IN A HANDKERCHIEF—THE BATTLE SCENE

HER WARDROBE IN A HANDKERCHIEF—THE BATTLE SCENE

On September 14, 1862, Clara Barton started from the City of Washington to the firing line, then at Harper’s Ferry. She took with her no Saratoga, no grip, no “go-to-meeting clothes.” The articles in her wardrobe on that eventful trip will never be known but it is known to a “dead certainty” that whatever “worldly goods” she did take with her were all tied up in a pocket handkerchief. Her only escort was a “mule skinner.” He, wearing the blue, held the one jerk line to the team of six mules, ani

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THE BRAVERY OF WOMEN—CLARA BARTON’S BRAVEST ACT

THE BRAVERY OF WOMEN—CLARA BARTON’S BRAVEST ACT

When asked where occurred her bravest act, Clara Barton replied: “At Fredericksburg.” She made headquarters at the Lacy House, just north of the Rappahannock River. While there, the surgeon in charge of the wounded on the south bank of the river sent a special messenger to Miss Barton to come across with her assistants and supplies at once. As a soldier and as an American patriot, she obeyed orders and followed the flag over the bridge and on to the battle field. In later years describing the wo

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YES, AND GOT EUCHRED

YES, AND GOT EUCHRED

During the battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, while the Federals lay again in Fredericksburg, Clara Barton one evening went to the hotel which from ground to garret was filled with wounded men. Five hundred of these were lying upon the bare floors. They had no food to eat, nor was there any food to give them. Clara Barton was struck with their fine soldierly figures and features, remarkable even in their terrible extremity, and stopping near one she asked: “Where are you from?” “Michiga

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TO DREAM OF HOME AND MOTHER

TO DREAM OF HOME AND MOTHER

At Decatur, Alabama, in a well-remembered scene of the Civil War many were the songs by southern chivalry started, but none finished. All efforts to sing one evening having been boisterously tabooed, there arose in the air a voice carrying the sentiment that thrills the camp, the field, the hospital. In gloom for today with foreshadowing for tomorrow, around a score of camp fires thousands of voices following the leader there broke forth pathetic, in full chorus, “Who will care for Mother now?”

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TRIBUTE OF LOVE AND DEVOTION

TRIBUTE OF LOVE AND DEVOTION

“I was young and strong and loved to walk,” says Clara Barton. “I had four great wagons loaded with supplies for sick and wounded soldiers coming in the rear, so I decided I would not get my feet wet, but wait for my wagons and cross in one of them. The soldiers splashed right through in solid ranks, the water being only about a foot deep. Suddenly the captain of a company in the middle of the stream called out to his men ‘Company, Fours, Left, March! Halt! Right, Dress! Front! Now, Boys, There

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CHEERING WORDS—ALWAYS READY—WEARS A SMILE

CHEERING WORDS—ALWAYS READY—WEARS A SMILE

No being other than the human knows how to wear a smile. A smile is as significant as are words—the smile oft proclaims the mind. Wearing apparel is the gift of man; the smile, the gift of nature. Wearing apparel wears out; the smile that is genuine never wears off. Of a woman it is said her face is her fortune. It also may be said, to rob the world of woman’s smile would leave the human race poor indeed. Of Clara Barton an author has said, “her heart made music and her face radiated sunshine.”

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HORRIBLE DEED—LEADS AMERICAN NAVY—ANGEL OF MERCY

HORRIBLE DEED—LEADS AMERICAN NAVY—ANGEL OF MERCY

“Go to the starving Cubans!” She went. She had been entertained by Captain Sigsbee and his officers on the Maine the evening before the explosion. “Remember the Maine!” became the war cry. War was declared. The Government wired: “Take no chances; get out of Cuba.” She returned to Florida to await events. The blockade of Cuban ports followed; the war was on. Let Clara Barton draw a picture of the war scene: “War has occurred four times in the United States in 120 years. Four times men have armed

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AT GALVESTON FLOOD

AT GALVESTON FLOOD

Major McDowell, ex-Union soldier, wounded—assistant to Clara Barton: Comrade, here is some clothing for you. Ex-Confederate: But, Major (hesitating), I am an ex-Confederate soldier.... Major McDowell: God bless you, poor suffering soul; what difference does that make—here, will this fit you?...

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CONFEDERATES AND FEDERALS ALIKE TREATED

CONFEDERATES AND FEDERALS ALIKE TREATED

Quite a number of wounded Confederate officers were brought to us. They shared alike with our own men. They were amazed, said C. M. Welles, at the kindness of northerners, particularly at a Massachusetts lady (Clara Barton) devoting herself to them as freely as to her own neighbors. One of them, a captain from Georgia, needed shirt, coat, stockings and something to eat. After being supplied, he said to me, while tears were streaming down his face, “Sir, I find that I have mistaken you; and, if I

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A KNOT OF BLUE AND GRAY

A KNOT OF BLUE AND GRAY

Clara Barton deserves first place in the living memory of the world today, and of generations to come. She bore herself with a poise that lost for her no friends. She had a faculty for seeing what needed to be done, and how to do it. New York Examiner. She accomplished what crowned heads failed in. Things came to me as if ordered by a world-controlling power. Goodness does not consist in greatness, but greatness in goodness. O God! that bread should be so dear, and flesh and blood so cheap. Tact

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THE ENEMY, STARVING—TACT—THE WHITE OX

THE ENEMY, STARVING—TACT—THE WHITE OX

To know is power, but the power may be latent. Tact is skill, ever alert. Tact knows what to do, when and how to do it. Queen Elizabeth had tact, unerring. Her long reign was a series of tactful events. Tact was the basis of the supremacy of the Elizabethan Age. Clara Barton had tact, unerring. Tact gave her position among rulers of nations, and likewise won for her the esteem of the lowly. Tact attracted to her unpaid Red Cross assistants, who cheerfully shared her privations. Through tact she

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BULLETHOLE—AMPUTATED LIMBS LIKE CORDWOOD—GOD GIVES STRENGTH

BULLETHOLE—AMPUTATED LIMBS LIKE CORDWOOD—GOD GIVES STRENGTH

The valley of Antietam lies in Maryland. In September, 1862, on the night of the 16th, the Federals were on one ridge of the valley; the Confederates, on the opposite ridge. Somber night was hushed to stillness. Within the fog that arose from the valley and the smoke of the campfires there gleamed the stacked bayonets and the properly placed cannon which portend the fateful tomorrow. On the tomorrow Antietam was to be the harvest field, death and suffering the harvest. In the early morning were

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FEARLESS OF BULLETS AND KICKING MULES

FEARLESS OF BULLETS AND KICKING MULES

General Shafter used to say that he did not think Clara Barton knew the meaning of the word fear. Sharp words passed between the General and Miss Barton because she would not obey his orders to keep away from the “firing line,” out of the way of the fighting men and of the bullets. On one occasion he even threatened to order her out of Cuba, if she continually disobeyed his orders in this respect. Sergeant Henry White, of the 21st Massachusetts Regiment, said that he had seen Clara Barton in pos

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HIS COMFORT, NOT HERS; HIS LIFE, NOT HERS

HIS COMFORT, NOT HERS; HIS LIFE, NOT HERS

In the winter of 1863–64 Clara Barton lived for a time in an old plantation house on Chapin’s farm, in Virginia. Chapin’s farm was not far from the field hospital. In the hospital were the sick and wounded; her services there were greatly needed. An ambulance was sent as a detail to bring her to the hospital. The soldier-messenger arrived at the house, and called for her. It was in the midst of a snow storm, the thermometer indicator hovering around zero. “Wait a minute,” she said; “tie your hor

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DOES NOT NEED ANY ADVICE

DOES NOT NEED ANY ADVICE

At Santiago Miss Barton approached Admiral Sampson and said, “There is some doubt about our being able to unload.” “Miss Barton,” replied Sampson, “Tell the world that the Red Cross Society does not need any advice. We only need an opportunity. If any trouble happens you, let me know.” On one of the boats in the harbor of Santiago, the following conversation took place between a Major-Surgeon and Clara Barton: Major: “You have been at the front?” Clara Barton: “Yes, Major.” Major: “I should thin

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HAD BUT A FEW MOMENTS TO LIVE

HAD BUT A FEW MOMENTS TO LIVE

Clara Barton supplied the place of mother and sister to the sick soldiers, and this she did for many months, while in the deadly miasma of the South Carolina marshes. Much of this time she was with the soldiers and facing the guns of Fort Wagner. There with the shot and shell whistling about her, the heroic woman could be seen at all hours of the day and night stooping over the wounded soldiers, and tenderly administering to their wants. An officer who had been with the Army of the Potomac said

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ENLISTED MEN FIRST—THE COLONEL’S LIFE SAVED

ENLISTED MEN FIRST—THE COLONEL’S LIFE SAVED

In ancient Greece, in the Roman Empire, in Europe through the middle ages, in the more modern chivalry of “Dixie,” among soldiers no slave, no servant—none but a gentleman carried a gun to kill. Killing in war time was the occupation of “gentlemen” only. For the first time in the history of the Centuries—in 1863—the ex-slave alongside the “gentlemen” on the battlefield, fought for human rights. It was at the battle of Fort Wagner on Morris Island; Colonel Shaw had led his “colored regiment” to t

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YOU’RE RIGHT, MADAM—GOOD DAY

YOU’RE RIGHT, MADAM—GOOD DAY

Immediately following the Battle of Fredericksburg, every house in the city became a hospital. Among the thousands of wounded Clara Barton, in her usual unobtrusive manner, passed in and out of the houses, first on one side of the street then on the other, on her mission of mercy. Provost Marshal General Patrick seeing her alone among the soldiers mistook her for a resident driven from her home. The general did not seem to know that any good woman is safe among men, brave and true, and nowhere e

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BLEEDING TO DEATH—HIS HEADLESS BODY—WOMEN IN THE WAR

BLEEDING TO DEATH—HIS HEADLESS BODY—WOMEN IN THE WAR

One day Miss Barton was asked to tell what was the most terrible experience she had ever gone through on a field of disaster or war, and she replied: “It was at the battle of Antietam. The poor boys were falling so fast that I rushed up into the line of fire to save them from bleeding to death by temporarily binding up their wounds. Bullets went through my clothing, but I did not think of danger. I loaded myself with canteens and went to a nearby spring and filled them with water, until I stagge

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TIMID CHILD—TIMID WOMAN

TIMID CHILD—TIMID WOMAN

Fear is relative. The fear of death by flames is greater than by water. The fear not to do is ofttimes greater than the fear to do. The fear of failure is supplanted by courage. To the sensitive nature the fear that others may suffer impels to the greatest courage. Despite innate fear, courage is uppermost in the minds of those who would achieve results. The most renowned in the fine arts, in oratory, in patriotism, in the humanities, are those by nature timid. John B. Gough and Clara Barton at

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EZ EF WE WUZ WHITE FOLKS

EZ EF WE WUZ WHITE FOLKS

At Galveston one day, when Miss Barton was busy dictating letters her companion, Mrs. Fannie B. Ward, came in and told her that there were two negro soldiers of the Civil War waiting to see her. Miss Barton said, “Let them come in.” The two old negroes came in with their hats in their hands and bowing at every step. One of them asked, “Miss Barton, do you know us?” She replied, “No, I don’t remember you.” “We knows you, Miss Barton,” was the reply, “We wuz in de battle er Fo’t Wagner an’ got wou

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IN HER DREAMS—AGAIN IN BATTLE

IN HER DREAMS—AGAIN IN BATTLE

“What’s that big barn of a house?” “It’s the Red Cross house.” “Who lives there?” “Clara Barton, don’t you know Clara Barton?” “And what does she want to live in a house like that for?” “It is her headquarters—her home. There is where she does her work; there is where she keeps her supplies. Whenever there is a cry of distress anywhere in the United States she is off at a moment’s notice.” No paint on the outside of the house, none on the inside—a regular barn—why wouldn’t the stranger ask quest

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FOUR FAMOUS WOMEN

FOUR FAMOUS WOMEN

A famous artist called at Miss Barton’s home and explained to her that he had been sent out to secure the portraits of the four most famous women in America. She asked him, “Whom have you been to see?” And he replied, “I have come to you first.” “And whom will you go to next?” Miss Barton inquired. “To Julia Ward Howe, of Boston,” he replied. “And whom for the third?” Miss Barton asked. “I do not know,” he answered. “You tell me, Miss Barton.” “Well,” replied Miss Barton, “why not go to Mrs. Gen

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SIMPLICITY OF CHILDHOOD—PET WASPS PET CATS—LOVED LIFE-DOMESTIC

SIMPLICITY OF CHILDHOOD—PET WASPS PET CATS—LOVED LIFE-DOMESTIC

The simplicity of childhood continued with Clara Barton through to her latest years. Because requested by children in letters to do so, at eighty-six years she commenced to write “The Story of My Childhood.” She did not reach second childhood; she was in her first childhood at ninety. On a certain occasion, having declined to address an audience, she reconsidered and said: “Oh, yes, I will talk to the children.” Pets, as in childhood, continued; she had them wherever she happened to be,—pets of

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CLARA BARTON IN THE LITERARY FIELD

CLARA BARTON IN THE LITERARY FIELD

The treasure-house of the world is of books. Books are one’s chosen friends, and friends are of souls with like aspirations. From the contents of books character is made. The legacy in books is what youth bequeaths to maturity. In youth Clara Barton entered the “true university,” that of books. She read not only books from the shelf but found “books in running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything.” Her favorite authors were Shakespeare, Longfellow, Milton, Keats, Schiller, Bunyan, T

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THE ART OF DRESSING—CLARA BARTON’S INDIVIDUALITY

THE ART OF DRESSING—CLARA BARTON’S INDIVIDUALITY

Dress is a sentiment, sentiment of an occasion. Dress is an expression of the attitude of the mind as to propriety, necessary to accomplish results. Like smiles, dress is an expression of the intelligence of the wearer. Dress is an art, one of the highest of the arts. Dress has to do with the form divine and, whether dress be for good or ill, depends on the mind that fashions it. Court dress, then the want of dress , Clara Barton disliked and on one occasion would not conform. She thereby missed

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THE JEWELLED HAND AND THE HARD HAND MEET

THE JEWELLED HAND AND THE HARD HAND MEET

In the Franco-Prussian War the jeweled hand of the princess and the hard hand of the peasant met, and labored side by side unquestioned and unquestioning in their God-given mission. Side by side they wrought, says Clara Barton, as side by side their dead lay on the battlefield. Empress Augusta became the active head of the Red Cross Society of Germany. Luise, Grand Duchess of Baden, only daughter of the Emperor and Empress of Germany, was untiring in the conduct of the Society she had already fo

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CLARA BARTON AND THE EMPEROR

CLARA BARTON AND THE EMPEROR

The royalty of Germany had assembled to speed the parting guest, to pay tribute of respect to the “little lady” who had sacrificed herself for the sick and wounded in the Franco-Prussian war. William the First was there. The Emperor observed, among her many decorations, two decorations worn on that occasion by the “little lady.” One of these had been presented to her by His Majesty on his 75th birthday; the other, the “Warrior Brothers in Arms” of Milwaukee, he had not seen. It was the “Iron Cro

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AMERICA—SCARLET AND GOLD—EUROPE

AMERICA—SCARLET AND GOLD—EUROPE

In the autumn of her life honors, like the rich and beautifully colored leaves from the trees of New England, fell upon Clara Barton in showers. Twenty-seven testimonials officially were conferred upon America’s greatest woman philanthropist. The nations thus recognizing her valuable services to their respective countries are: Germany, Prussia, Austria, Russia, Switzerland, Servia, Turkey, Armenia, Spain, Portugal and Cuba. Through official sources it is learned that several of these nations hav

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THREE CHEERS—WILD SCENES IN BOSTON—TIGER!! NO, SWEETHEART

THREE CHEERS—WILD SCENES IN BOSTON—TIGER!! NO, SWEETHEART

It was on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Grand Army of the Republic, held at Atlanta, Georgia. Mrs. W. M. Scott, of O. M. Mitchell No. 2, W. R. C., was the President. At that meeting the President described the scene occurring at one of the sessions in Boston the previous year. Mrs. Annie Wittenmeyer was the President of the W. R. C. at the session in Boston. As President she said: “I have the pleasure and the honor to introduce to you”—and hundreds of lips ejaculated “Clara Barton!” Then t

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THE LAST RECEPTION—HER AUTOGRAPH—THE BOYS IN GRAY

THE LAST RECEPTION—HER AUTOGRAPH—THE BOYS IN GRAY

The last great public reception to Clara Barton was in Chicago, May 3, 1910. Miss Barton made the trip alone from Washington to Chicago, she then being nearly ninety years of age. The reception was given by the Social Economics Club, in Mandel’s Tea Room, to twelve hundred delegates, representing the club women of the State of Illinois, Clara Barton being the special guest of honor. Just back of Miss Barton on the stage was a snow-white flag bearing in its center a blazing red cross. The questio

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OPEN HOUSE—COST OF FAME, SELF-SACRIFICE—BEST IN WOMAN

OPEN HOUSE—COST OF FAME, SELF-SACRIFICE—BEST IN WOMAN

Clara Barton kept “open house.” She was “in” to everybody. One had but to knock and enter. Expressive of her welcome, on one occasion she says: “You will begin to feel the strings of welcome tugging at your footsteps when you leave the cars, and will know that it is fastened firmly to the knob of the door, pulling only the harder as the door swings wide open.” At one time her Glen Echo home was filled with indigent, homeless soldiers. About this time “Bessie Beech” was heard to say: “Clara Barto

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KNEELED BEFORE HER AND KISSED HER HAND

KNEELED BEFORE HER AND KISSED HER HAND

In 1902 the International Red Cross Conference was held at St. Petersburg. At this conference the civilized nations of the world were either indirectly or directly represented. The Czar and Czarina gave Clara Barton a special audience. The Dowager Empress also gave her the honor of a state dinner. Of all the delegates present Clara Barton was the most sought after personage. Not only at St. Petersburg but wherever she went throughout Europe, similar queenly honors were accorded Clara Barton by r

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I NEVER GET TIRED—EATING, THE LEAST OF MY TROUBLES

I NEVER GET TIRED—EATING, THE LEAST OF MY TROUBLES

“Miss Barton, these workers say they are starving ,” said “Sister Harriette”; “it’s four o’clock, and they have had nothing to eat since early morning.” “Why, bless their dear hearts; I had forgotten all about them. Take them to the restaurant across the street, and get them something to eat.” “But, Miss Barton, you need a rest and something to eat as much as we do.” “Oh, no, I never get tired, you know, and eating is the least of my troubles.” Miss Barton kept at her work in the warehouse, unpa

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ROYALTY UNDER A QUAKER BONNET

ROYALTY UNDER A QUAKER BONNET

Clara Barton had at Glen Echo a beautiful pet Jersey cow. This she personally cared for, feeding and milking her morning and evening. While milking the cow she would wear usually a plain black gown, white and blue checked apron, a white shawl over her shoulders, and on her head a brown, old-fashioned Quaker bonnet. As pendants on her breast there would be the elegant Pansy pin, presented to her by the Grand Duchess of Baden, and the Iron Cross of Prussia, presented to her by the Emperor of Germa

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STILL STAMPING ON ME—PERSONALLY UNHARMED

STILL STAMPING ON ME—PERSONALLY UNHARMED

In a letter under date of November 20, 1905, Clara Barton said: “I thank you for the clipping concerning Miss ——’s lecture. I have received others not at all complimentary to me personally. I am learning some very bad things of myself. “I wonder whether it ever occurs to her that taking a reputation and appropriating the work of another might be quite honest. I have, however, nothing to say. I have done with it all and so long as I am left personally unharmed I expect nothing more. They have lon

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AT THE MEMORIAL—“THE FLAGS OF ALL NATIONS”—A GOOD TIME

AT THE MEMORIAL—“THE FLAGS OF ALL NATIONS”—A GOOD TIME

Charon, the ancient guide over the River Styx, was peculiarly equipped to serve departing souls. Following the souls’ escape from earth, mourning customs are as numerous as are tribes and nations, as varied as are nationalities. At funerals, lives have been sacrificed, human forms disfigured, mourners employed, bells rung, lighted candles used—to serve their respective purposes, as have food, jewels, implements and weapons at the “last resting place.” Funerals and memorials sometimes are to hono

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CLARA BARTON KEPT A DIARY

CLARA BARTON KEPT A DIARY

The diary is an important factor in literary culture, and likewise in history. Diaries in some form are probably co-existent with the history of man. Keeping diaries, however, was revived in the seventeenth century. The best known diaries are those by Samuel Pepys and John Evelyn, of England. In this country, among the many well known diarists are John Quincy Adams and Henry David Thoreau. From youth continuous through her long and eventful life, Clara Barton kept a diary. The subject matter the

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“DOING MY WORK,” AT 87

“DOING MY WORK,” AT 87

This is my first day (since my illness) of doing my work and having a guest, but it has gone superbly. The breakfast table was neatly elegant—all silver and glass except the plates and cups and saucers. We had soft boiled eggs, cooked on the table, corn flakes, and a delightful platter of cream toast, with grapes, apple sauce, Dutch cheese and thick cream, and two kinds of coffee. Mr. Brown went to town returning at 5 P. M., when we had supper (or dinner)—a nicely cooked steak and sausage, fine

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“A RATHER HARD DAY”

“A RATHER HARD DAY”

Another fine day. But an experience this morning was anything but that. As Mrs. Barker did not come I was “doing up” the breakfast dishes at the sink and had put a kettle of beans on the stove to parboil for baking, as Doctor had expressed a desire for them. A rather heavy coal fire was going for this purpose. Suddenly I was startled by a great rush at the stove. Supposing that my kettle of beans had boiled over, I turned to see a flame three feet high from a vehicle larger than my kettle, pouri

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NURSING A FINE ART—OVER THE WASHTUB

NURSING A FINE ART—OVER THE WASHTUB

Was Clara Barton a nurse? Yes, and Florence Nightingale said that nursing is a fine art; and to succeed requires greater devotion than that in the art of painting or sculpture, for nursing has to do with “the living body, the temple of God’s spirit.” It’s probably the finest of the fine arts. Clara Barton did not assume the rôle of an art-nurse; she said others could surpass her in this art. Miss Barton in her passion for service claimed to be only a “working-woman.” Work did not undignify her;

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IMMORTAL WORDS—A MILLION THANKS

IMMORTAL WORDS—A MILLION THANKS

The following correspondence occurred between two beloved Americans: On the occasion of Memorial Day, May 30, 1895, at Arlington, Will Carleton delivered the poem. It was so fine that at its close I felt a great desire to reach him with some word of appreciation and, tearing a scrap from an envelope which I had, I wrote this upon it: Folding and addressing the scrap to Mr. Will Carleton, Miss Barton passed it to the next person, who graciously passed it to the next, and so on, through possibly a

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THE PANSY PIN—FOR THOUGHTS

THE PANSY PIN—FOR THOUGHTS

The “Pansy Pin,” of which so much has been written, and which Miss Barton continually wore, was given to her by the Grand Duchess of Baden. The pin is about as large as the case of a lady’s watch and in the shape of a pansy. The five petals are splendid amethysts and a single large beautiful pearl rests in the center, like a dew drop. The gift was accompanied with the words: “This is a simple gift, but it is a pansy which means ‘for thoughts.’” Jeweler—“Miss Barton, do you know the value of that

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CLARA BARTON PAYS RESPECTS TO FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE

CLARA BARTON PAYS RESPECTS TO FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE

In the year 1854 occurred the Crimean War. At the Scutari and Barrack Hospitals, Florence Nightingale rendered service that gave her immortal fame. “Her services there,” said Clara Barton in 1882, “marked an era never before reached in the progress of the world. When Miss Nightingale, with her thirty-eight faithful attendants, sailed from the shores of England, it meant more for the advancement of the world, more for its future history, than all the fleets of armies and navies, cannon and commis

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THE PASSING OF YEARS—RIGHT HABITS OF LIFE

THE PASSING OF YEARS—RIGHT HABITS OF LIFE

At the age of 11 years Clara Barton was a nurse; at 15 years, a teacher; at 34 years, a clerk in the Patent Office; at 40 years, a nurse in the Civil War; at 59 years, an organizer of nurses in the Franco-Prussian war; at 60 years, President of the American Red Cross; at 78 years as President of the Red Cross in the Spanish-American war; at 83 years, retired from the Presidency of the Red Cross; at 84 years, organizer and the President of the National First Aid Association, which Presidency she

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SHE WON HIS HEART

SHE WON HIS HEART

The son had broken a mother’s heart, and crushed out her life. The relatives and other mourners were at the open grave, made ready to receive her. Among them stood the son, then maudlin with drink. In that pathetic scene was Clara Barton. She stepped to the side of the boy, and grasped his arm. The ceremony halted. In a low voice she made her appeal; she won his heart; he promised—The casket was lowered; the group separated and she led the boy away. A few more words, then humanity’s friend and t

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YOU BUY IT FOR HIM

YOU BUY IT FOR HIM

The policy of the Red Cross was to help people to true independence by enabling them to support themselves by their own work. In Galveston after the flood had produced widespread ruin, Clara Barton authorized her field agent to visit the coast towns, ascertain the needs of the people, and send in requisitions by telegraph. As the agent was leaving on this mission she said: At the Sea Islands one day a negro came to see me. He said that we had built a little house for him, fenced in his field and

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OR GOD WOULDN’T HAVE MADE THEM

OR GOD WOULDN’T HAVE MADE THEM

Just back of the old Red Cross house at Glen Echo, the hills slope somewhat abruptly about 100 feet down to the Chesapeake and Ohio canal. The canal is still in use, with its locks intact, the boats plying day and night up and down between its banks. The canal is historic—one of the oldest in the United States. It is of unusual interest because the first construction work was under the supervision of George Washington, he being the President of the canal company. The canal was operated long befo

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CLARA BARTON—MARY BAKER EDDY

CLARA BARTON—MARY BAKER EDDY

Clara Barton and Mary Baker Eddy [6] were warm personal friends. 6 . Born July 16, 1821, five months and nine days before Clara Barton. For three years Clara Barton attended the Christian Science Church, but did not become a member. On numerous occasions Miss Barton expressed high estimation of the work done under the leadership of that most wonderful woman, Mary Baker Eddy, in the religious life of the people. Spiritually these two great women were in harmony. “Miss Clara Barton,” says Mrs. Edd

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LIKE TOLSTOI SHE LIVED THE SIMPLE LIFE

LIKE TOLSTOI SHE LIVED THE SIMPLE LIFE

Clara Barton’s food was of the simplest. Costly food, even at another’s expense, she could not enjoy; eating costly food, to her, seemed a sin. For breakfast, her first choice of menu was a dish of graham mush, with milk and fruit; her second choice, meal grains and vegetables, with simple accompaniments. COUNT LYOF NIKOLAYEVITCH TOLSTOI I would like to visit the United States, but I would want to spend the time among the farmers. Give Clara Barton my love; I feel that we are related.— Count Lyo

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CLARA BARTON—FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE

CLARA BARTON—FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE

Clara Barton was born in 1821 and lived to be ninety-one years of age. Florence Nightingale was born in 1820 and lived to be ninety years of age. Clara Barton lived her long life without marrying; Florence Nightingale likewise lived her long life without marrying. Clara Barton is known as the “Angel of the Battlefield”; Florence Nightingale, as the “Lady of the Lamp.” Although they were strangers to each other, they are known as, indeed, sisters. Clara Barton had the distinction of being born on

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THE GENERAL HAS MONEY—I AM HIS RECONCENTRADO

THE GENERAL HAS MONEY—I AM HIS RECONCENTRADO

When traveling on the cars, Clara Barton would take her lunches with her. At night she would sit up in the day coach, and not take a sleeper—because of the expense. She made a trip from Washington to Boston. Her secretary was with her. He wanted a sleeper. How could he enjoy the luxury and Miss Barton not know it? Miss Barton had taken her shawl—in a bundle tied together with straps—and laid her head on it for a pillow. “Now is my opportunity,” thought the secretary, but she didn’t close her eye

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ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S SON

ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S SON

Robert T. Lincoln was Secretary of War. When Clara Barton handed her card to the porter, he asked, “What do you want to see him about?” “Just because he is Abraham Lincoln’s son. I knew his father and merely want to pay my respects to him.” Clara Barton was admitted. The War Secretary rose as she entered the office, and Miss Barton opened the conversation by saying: “I knew President Lincoln well. He was good and kind to me in whatever I tried to do for the soldiers. He seemed to appreciate the

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THE BUTCHER DIDN’T GET IT

THE BUTCHER DIDN’T GET IT

“Miss Barton, the butcher has been here today. He wants to buy the little Jersey calf; offered me $5.00 for it,” said the manager of the Red Cross home, “and I told him he could have it.” “But he can’t,—why didn’t you ask me about it?” “Well, I knew we couldn’t keep it; we need the milk—” “But the calf needs the milk too, and I tell you that the calf is not going to be killed.” “But I have sold it.” “That doesn’t make any difference; I haven’t—and it’s my calf.” “You just ask your neighbors, and

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THE KIND OF GIRLS THAT NEEDED HELP

THE KIND OF GIRLS THAT NEEDED HELP

In Miss Barton’s relief work in the overflow of the Ohio River at one of the stops, at Shawneetown, among the people who came on board the boat for relief were two girls. They had evidently told Clara Barton their needs in a private conversation and were leaving, when somebody living in the town came to Miss Barton and quietly told her that she had better not have anything to do with these girls; they were not the kind she should be helping. Without ostentation, or without making any display abo

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A ROMANCE OF TWO CONTINENTS

A ROMANCE OF TWO CONTINENTS

The battle had been fought, and on the bloody field lay the wounded. Among these was a Swiss boy who had left his native country, coming to America to fight in the cause of the Union. In her ministerings on the field, Clara Barton had heard of this lad, by name Jules Golay, but had not seen him. He was undergoing a surgical operation. As the knife was doing its work, in great pain he cried out, “Mon Dieu!” Clara Barton heard the cry and went to him. He could not speak in English, but in French C

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THE LITTLE MONUMENT—FOR ALL ETERNITY

THE LITTLE MONUMENT—FOR ALL ETERNITY

She suddenly stopped talking; she faltered; she choked; then trembling, the veteran of many struggles, propped up in bed and suspecting the end near, on Oct. 3, 1911, there occurred the following conversation: “Now Mr. Young, I want to ask something of you. Would you do me a favor?” “Why certainly, Miss Barton, what is it?” “I know it is uncanny. You may not want to do it. I must not ask it, and yet I must .” “My dear Miss Barton, tell me what it is.” “You know, I have no one to leave my little

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STORY OF BABA—DREAM OF A WHITE HORSE—LIFE’S WOES

STORY OF BABA—DREAM OF A WHITE HORSE—LIFE’S WOES

While in Santiago Clara Barton was presented with a beautiful white Arabian horse, named Baba. Baba was a pacer and an ideal saddle animal. Miss Barton was fond of Baba, and Baba just as fond of Miss Barton. Having been bred and reared on the Island of Jamaica, Baba was very fond of bananas and, when Miss Barton brought from the store any of this fruit, her first thought on returning home was to share it with Baba. On one occasion, when her little nephew was out riding Baba, Baba spied a banana

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PEOPLE, LIKE JACK RABBITS—NO “SHOW-WOMAN”

PEOPLE, LIKE JACK RABBITS—NO “SHOW-WOMAN”

In 1900 a devastating flood visited Galveston. Thousands of human lives were destroyed. For two miles back from the shore not a house remained standing. Only here and there on the barren sands were seen the wreckage of the storm-swept city. Suffering and death held sway in that city of once happy homes. Clara Barton, with a corps of able assistants, was there having come from Washington at the urgent solicitation of the authorities of the City of Galveston. From overwork and nervous strain she h

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CLARA BARTON’S HEART SECRET—$10,000 IN “GOLD DUST”

CLARA BARTON’S HEART SECRET—$10,000 IN “GOLD DUST”

Clara Barton was very non-communicative as to her personal affairs, confiding in no one her heart’s secrets. But a woman’s curiosity got the best of the closest friend Clara ever had, and on a certain occasion “Sister Harriette” ventured to draw out of her heart what she had long wanted to know: “Clara, have you never had a sweetheart?” “Oh yes!” she replied, “just the same as all other girls.” “But tell me about yours,” Harriette ventured further. “I will, sometime,” Clara said. “Oh, no, tell m

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FELL ON THEIR KNEES BEFORE “MIS’ RED CROSS”

FELL ON THEIR KNEES BEFORE “MIS’ RED CROSS”

A terrific hurricane and tidal wave had struck the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. It was estimated that at least thirty thousand people were rendered homeless,—the larger number of these being of the colored population. Governor Tillman and Senator M. C. Butler sent an urgent request to Clara Barton to come to their assistance. Clothing was so scarce among the poor colored people that only the men could appear on the streets. About four o’clock in the morning, a crowd gath

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CLARA BARTON’S TRIBUTE TO CUBA

CLARA BARTON’S TRIBUTE TO CUBA

After the Spanish-American war nearly 500 of the leading men and women of Cuba joined in inscribing their names together with the most touching tribute, and sentiments of appreciation, in a beautiful album to Clara Barton. In order to get their signatures it required five and one half years of time for the collection of the same throughout the Republic. Miss Barton’s reply to the testimonial in part follows: “I have watched the beautiful island since independence came to it as a proud, careful m

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AT THE BIRTHPLACE OF NAPOLEON—THE CORSICAN BANDIT

AT THE BIRTHPLACE OF NAPOLEON—THE CORSICAN BANDIT

At Ajaccio, on the Island of Corsica, there is still carefully preserved the house where was born Napoleon, in 1769. The island (a French Colony) is 114 miles long and 52 miles wide, and contains about 300,000 inhabitants; Ajaccio, the capital, about 19,000 inhabitants. Many of the street names, and statues of the city likewise, perpetuate the memory of the great military chieftain, as do other spots of similar historic interest in connection with his boyhood. At Ajaccio, Clara Barton lived for

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WHEN CARES GROW HEAVY AND PLEASURES LIGHT

WHEN CARES GROW HEAVY AND PLEASURES LIGHT

It became incumbent upon Clara Barton to write tens of thousands of autographs, and inscriptions in books. As a philosopher, many such inscriptions are interesting and instructive. Characteristic of her is the following inscription which she wrote in a book presented to a personal friend: When life’s track has grown long, and the road bed flinty and hard; when the cares grow heavy and the pleasures light; and the tired soul reaches out for help, may you find those who will be as loyal and faithf

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A RED CROSS RED LETTER DAY

A RED CROSS RED LETTER DAY

For thirteen years Clara Barton had tried to secure from Congress and the President a National Charter for the Red Cross. The bill had been before the 56th Congress, and passed. It was then before the President for his signature. He sent for Miss Barton. She went, accompanied by a few personal friends. They were at the White House, at the appointed hour. After a few moments of waiting, the President came into the room, receiving Miss Barton in a beautiful manner. He put his left arm around her,

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PATRIOTIC WOMEN OF AMERICA SELF-SACRIFICING

PATRIOTIC WOMEN OF AMERICA SELF-SACRIFICING

Nursing in war is of comparatively recent origin. While it is recorded that Fabiola, a patrician Roman lady, founded a hospital in A.D. 380, and 600 nurses in the early part of the fifth century were in the hospitals in Alexandria, nursing in war hospitals dates from the Crimean War; and on the battlefields, from our Civil War. The Crimean War gave the first real impulse to this humanitarian work, and the Civil War gave added luster to the glory of this work of humanity, as did the Franco-Prussi

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OPPOSITION—THE AMERICAN RED CROSS “COMPLETE VICTORY”

OPPOSITION—THE AMERICAN RED CROSS “COMPLETE VICTORY”

She had served in Europe with a brassard on her arm; she had served in the camp, on the march, in the hospital, in the smoke of battle; she had bound up the wounds, soothed in a foreign tongue the dying; and there had learned her first Red Cross lessons. She had visited the Solferino battle ground where Dunant caught the humane inspiration for relieving distress of victims in war. She had breathed the spirit of great minds in the Red Cross world movement. She was armed cap-a-pie for a humane war

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GREETINGS

GREETINGS

“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Ay! Many New Years, each happier than the last. “The unerring records affirm that on Christmas day of 1821, 84 years ago, I commenced this earthly life; still, by the blessing of God I am strong and well, knowing neither illness nor fatigue, disability nor despondency, and take the privilege of bringing to you an outline of My Later Work (First Aid). * * * Work has always been a part of the best religion I had.”...

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NATIONAL FIRST AID ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

NATIONAL FIRST AID ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

On February 9, 1903, there was established in the American National Red Cross a department known as “First Aid to the Injured.” Mr. Edward Howe, a member of the St. John Ambulance Association of London, England, was made the Superintendent of the department. On December 8, 1903, Section 7 of the By-Laws to the Constitution was adopted and provided for its permanent operation—the formation of classes of instruction in first aid, methods of treatment of the injured and other necessary provisions.

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HUMANITARIANISM, UNPARALLELED IN ALL HISTORY

HUMANITARIANISM, UNPARALLELED IN ALL HISTORY

Greater than the organization of the American Red Cross, and of far more reaching importance to the human race, was the securing of the so-called American Amendment to the original International Red Cross treaty. To secure this amendment, Clara Barton personally addressed the Governments through the “International Committee of Geneva,” advocating the measure. This measure was seriously considered by the “Congress of Berne,” and adopted by the powers. The amendment is in force by every civilized

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CLARA BARTON’S PRAYER ANSWERED

CLARA BARTON’S PRAYER ANSWERED

In loud acclaim by the man whose arm had been cut off by order of the Queen, with the other arm upraised there came forth from the throat of the guiltless victim, “God Save Elizabeth.” Although her strong arm, serving humanity for half a century, had been paralyzed by the tyrannous “Powers that Be,” Clara Barton’s daily prayer, from 1904 to the closing scene at Glen Echo in 1912, was “God Save the American Red Cross.” The Mother’s prayer for the Red Cross has been gloriously answered; the Red Cr

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NOT THE VALUE OF A POSTAGE STAMP

NOT THE VALUE OF A POSTAGE STAMP

In 1902 a party of friends visited Clara Barton in her Glen Echo Red Cross home. In our party were two gentlemen from Mexico. One of the latter, an Englishman, had lived in the “Land of the Montezumas” for many years. He described to Miss Barton the people, their peculiar customs, their love of music and the other arts, their beautiful Moorish architecture, their lofty mountains and fertile valleys. Then he portrayed the characteristics of Porfirio Diaz, the then popular ruler of the Mexican Rep

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HONORARY PRESIDENCY FOR LIFE—PROPOSED ANNUITY

HONORARY PRESIDENCY FOR LIFE—PROPOSED ANNUITY

Miss Mabel T. Boardman, after the retirement of Clara Barton, became Chairman of the Executive Committee of the American Red Cross Society. In the following excerpts from letters in 1903, she certifies to the integrity , good name and fame, of Clara Barton, this being at the time the “MOTHER OF THE RED CROSS” was offered the Honorary Presidency for life, with an annuity of $2,500: “The character of Miss Barton nobody has assailed. “No such assault was made, nor intended, upon Miss Barton’s chara

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OMISSION OF, OR ACQUIESCENCE IN, THE TRAGEDY OF 1904 “PASSES THE BUCK”

OMISSION OF, OR ACQUIESCENCE IN, THE TRAGEDY OF 1904 “PASSES THE BUCK”

It may be we shall let most of the period of the differences with the Red Cross remain in solution till the larger life and letters (by William E. Barton)....

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“REFUSES TO ANTE”

“REFUSES TO ANTE”

If there was any lack of consideration for Clara Barton, it would do no good now to remember it. Years were to Clara Barton merely opportunities of service, not measures of life. This attitude prolonged her life and kept her young in spirit. At ninety (1911) there was no mark of physical infirmity upon her nor was there any slightest slacking in the interest of the object for which she long had cared. Senility was farther removed from her at ninety (1911) than from most women at sixty. At the ag

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CLARA BARTON’S RESIGNATION

CLARA BARTON’S RESIGNATION

At a meeting of the American National Red Cross, held December 10, 1901, President Clara Barton said: “at that meeting (July 10, 1900) I brought my armor, worn and rusted, and reverently laid it at your feet with the request that I be released. You declined to permit me to retire. I again lay my armor before you, recommending the filling of this most eminent position in your gift by someone better fitted than I ever have been to assume its duties, and wear its honors.” The Red Cross again refuse

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NO RED CROSS CONTROVERSY

NO RED CROSS CONTROVERSY

“There has been no Red Cross controversy,” says Clara Barton, “as the sensational press has termed it, inasmuch as the Red Cross has taken no controversial part. It has only spoken when it must , and as little as possible, and its President not at all, nor ever will. “When it is necessary for me to defend myself before the American people , let me fall. I should not value the defense thus gained, and I trust I shall never feel it needful.” In her later years the following was oft quoted by Clara

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INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS—AMERICAN RED CROSS—AMERICAN AMENDMENT

INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS—AMERICAN RED CROSS—AMERICAN AMENDMENT

The International Treaty of Geneva—Red Cross—dates from August 23rd, 1864. The Red Cross is a Confederation of Societies in different countries for the amelioration of the condition of wounded soldiers in arms, in campaigns on land and sea. The World Society originated with Henri Dunant of Switzerland, after seeing the condition from neglect of the wounded at the battle of Solferino, Italy, on June 24, 1859. Gustave Moynier, also of Switzerland, called a meeting at Geneva, Switzerland, and the o

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BLACKMAIL ALLEGED—“CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATION”—TRUTH OF HISTORY

BLACKMAIL ALLEGED—“CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATION”—TRUTH OF HISTORY

Joan of Arc was born in 1410; Clara Barton in 1821—411 years later. The former became the leader of the armies of France; the latter, the leader of humanitarianism in America. Each was a patriot—self-sacrificing—serving not for self-glory, but for a great cause. The little clique of politicians and military aristocracy plied Joan of Arc for five months with “catch questions” on “trumped-up” charges, then condemned her to be burned at the stake. The little clique of politicians and social aristoc

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“CHARGES”? YES, REDUCTIO AD ABSURDUM

“CHARGES”? YES, REDUCTIO AD ABSURDUM

If not true, what could have been the object hoped for by the accusing Red Cross official, in her perversion of Red Cross history? Was it that she might dictate to one hundred millions of people the sentiment of a government building, known as The American Red Cross Building? It is somewhat significant that a few months later the United States put four millions of soldiers in the field, to make “The World Safe for Democracy.” Since this chapter was written and in type, there came into the posses

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THE LIST OF NAMES OF TRIBUTES IN THE WAY OF BADGES, MEDALS, DECORATIONS AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF ESTEEM PRESENTED TO CLARA BARTON.

THE LIST OF NAMES OF TRIBUTES IN THE WAY OF BADGES, MEDALS, DECORATIONS AND OTHER EVIDENCES OF ESTEEM PRESENTED TO CLARA BARTON.

No. 1. Masonic Emblem. Given to Clara Barton by her father, and worn by her through the Civil War, 1861–1865. No. 2. The German Official Red Cross Field Badge. Presented by the Grand Duchess of Baden, and worn by Clara Barton through the Franco-German War, 1870–1871. No. 3. The Iron Cross of Germany. Conferred by Emperor William I and Empress Augusta, 1871, in recognition of Clara Barton’s services for humanity in the Franco-German War. No. 4. The Gold Cross of Remembrance. Conferred by the Gran

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OF GRAVES, OF WORMS, OF EPITAPHS

OF GRAVES, OF WORMS, OF EPITAPHS

After the Civil War Clara Barton engaged in a sad mission. Of the Federal soldiers, there were 80,000 missing. Letters from the sorrowing were coming to the President and the Secretary of War, for information. To obtain the names of the missing, how died, where buried, and other information about loved ones, was a tremendous undertaking,—it was Clara Barton’s mission. Many of her personal friends said it was impossible, but President Lincoln gave her encouragement. She also received her Commissi

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GRATITUDE OF A BROKEN-HEARTED MOTHER

GRATITUDE OF A BROKEN-HEARTED MOTHER

“ Dear Madam :—Seeing a notice in the paper of the effort you are making to ascertain the fate of missing soldiers from Michigan, I hasten to address you in regard to my son. His name is Eugene P. Osborne. He was a private in the 13th Michigan Regiment, Co. H Infantry; was in Sherman’s Army; left Atlanta last November with the Regiment, became lame soon after leaving there, and fell out the first day of December, near Louisville, Georgia. Since that time we have never been able to learn anything

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THANK YOU FROM MY VERY HEART, HIS POOR HEART-BROKEN MOTHER

THANK YOU FROM MY VERY HEART, HIS POOR HEART-BROKEN MOTHER

“ Dear Angel of Love and Mercy :—I address these few lines to you hoping to get some information in regard to my son’s remains. He died in August in the dreadful prison pen at Andersonville. I think it was about the ninth day of the month. Did you find when you were there on the list the name of Edward H. Walton, Co. H, 57th Regt. Massachusetts Volunteers? If so, you will confer a great kindness on me, his poor heartbroken Mother, by giving me what information you can. He went from Worcester, Ma

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MAY GOD BLESS YOU

MAY GOD BLESS YOU

“Will you please excuse a bereaved Mother again addressing you. I have seen by the papers that you have visited Andersonville. Can you give me any information respecting my dear lost son, my poor boy, as you have visited the graves of the precious dead; did you find the name of John Newton Strain? Oh! it would be a satisfaction, although a melancholy one, to know where his dear remains rest and oh! if I could only have them brought home, my noble boy, no better son a Mother ever had. If he had d

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MY PRAYERS FOR YOU

MY PRAYERS FOR YOU

“Please give me some information, if you can, of Frank Pearson of the U. S. Str. Mackinaw , North Atlantic Squadron. He was from New York State. I have not heard from him since the last of March. They were then on the Appomattox River and I suppose he fell when Petersburg was captured. I wrote to him the first of April, and not getting any word from him I wrote to his Captain but never heard from him. I had given up all hopes of ever hearing what has happened my best friend . When I saw your nam

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TURKEY—STATESMANSHIP OF PHILANTHROPY—ARMENIA

TURKEY—STATESMANSHIP OF PHILANTHROPY—ARMENIA

“Alone, bereft, forsaken, sick and heartbroken, without food, raiment or shelter, on the snow-piled mountain sides and along the smiling valleys they wander and linger and perish. By scores, by hundreds, they die; no help, no medicine, no skill, little food and, as if common woes were not enough, the Angel of Disease flaps his black wings like a pall.” Such the condition, says Clara Barton, in Asia Minor in 1896; and “Help or we perish,” the cry of the people. DR. G. PASDERMADJIAN THE DEMOCRACY

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MARMORA

MARMORA

Four expeditions through Turkey, Armenia and other parts of Asia Minor were planned and successfully carried out. Coasting boats were used to reach the interior, as were caravans of camels over the deserts and other almost waste places—the expeditions supplying the destitute with food, medicine, clothing, seed and farming implements. For this, the greatest undertaking of its kind in history, she was decorated by the Sultan of Turkey, by the Prince of Armenia, and from each of these rulers also s

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TREASON—LINCOLN ASSASSINATED—GRANT PROTECTS CLARA BARTON

TREASON—LINCOLN ASSASSINATED—GRANT PROTECTS CLARA BARTON

On the evening of the 14th of April, 1865, Clara Barton was at 488½ Seventh Street, Washington, D. C. She saw two men on the opposite side of the street, talking, and then excited men and women running up and down the street. Not long afterwards she heard the footsteps of a man pacing up and down the hall outside of her door, on the third floor. She cautiously opened the door to see who it was. In the hall she saw a sentinel, with his gun, passing—she wanted to know what it was all about. He sai

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PRESIDENT MCKINLEY SENDS CLARA BARTON TO CUBA

PRESIDENT MCKINLEY SENDS CLARA BARTON TO CUBA

President McKinley personally had subscribed $1,000 to a fund to relieve the starving Cubans. He issued an appeal to the American people; the people responded with barely $50,000. Discouraged, he sent for Clara Barton. Not knowing the President’s desire to see her, Private Secretary Pruden told her that the President was very busy, and probably would not be able to see her until the next day. As she was about to leave Major Pruden said: “Wait a minute, Miss Barton, I’ll take your card in.” Retur

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IN DETAILS—CLARA BARTON, A BUSINESS MANAGER—WORLD’S RECORD

IN DETAILS—CLARA BARTON, A BUSINESS MANAGER—WORLD’S RECORD

On Christmas Eve, 1899, there arrived for Clara Barton at her Glen Echo home, besides letters, more than a bushel basket full of presents. These presents were from various parts of the world. One of them from Cuba was a large cocoanut with her name and address burned with a hot iron, the cocoanut plastered with postage stamps. The other presents were in packages. From these her secretary commenced to cut the strings. “Don’t do that, General; untie the strings. I save all the strings; we may need

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SUPERINTENDENT OF WOMAN’S PRISON

SUPERINTENDENT OF WOMAN’S PRISON

There is a woman’s prison, supported by the state at Sherborn, Massachusetts. Its condition had been unsatisfactory. Governor Ben F. Butler [11] sent for Miss Barton, and begged her to accept its superintendency. He said: “I ask it as a personal favor.” “But, if I accept, Governor, what would be required of me?” “Well, it will be necessary first for you to put up a ten thousand dollar bond.” “Would you accept a cash bond, Governor?” “Of course,” he replied. And she put up the bond. 11 . At a pub

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GREATNESS—AN IMMORTAL AMERICAN DESTINY—IMMORTALITY

GREATNESS—AN IMMORTAL AMERICAN DESTINY—IMMORTALITY

From a speech by Honorable Henry Breckenridge, Acting Secretary of War, representing the United States Government, at the laying of the corner-stone of the American Red Cross Building, at Washington, D. C, March 27, 1915. To every soldier who fought in the Union Army, and survived the war, the name of Clara Barton was known. And as long as the American Red Cross endures or its name is remembered the memory of Clara Barton will be cherished. Her sympathies were universal, her zeal unflagging. She

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WHAT WAS HER RELIGION?

WHAT WAS HER RELIGION?

Was Clara Barton a Church woman? Of herself she says: “There are few people who have memories of harder Church work and better Church love than I; I have never lost my love for the old Church of my Fathers, my family and my childhood.” Was she a Mormon? A friend of the Mormons, and one of the biggest receptions ever tendered to her was in the tabernacle at Salt Lake City, by the Mormons of Utah. Was she a Mohammedan? She was most cordially received by the Mohammedans, and decorated by the Sultan

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ONE DAY WITH CLARA BARTON

ONE DAY WITH CLARA BARTON

How so much was accomplished in the lifetime of one woman may be understood by reading “One Day with Clara Barton,” as described by herself in a personal letter to a friend: “How shall I manage to be a woman of business, and act like a lady of leisure? How strangely odd it seemed to me when I read your pretty description of how your time was passed, that you could dress for breakfast, help do some little things about the house, get ready for tea and walk after it. When did I see such days, or ev

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THE PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE—CLARA BARTON’S PROPOSED SELF-EXPATRIATION

THE PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE—CLARA BARTON’S PROPOSED SELF-EXPATRIATION

Occurring in October, 1911, in the sick room at Oxford, was the following interview: Mr. Young: Miss Barton, you once requested me to do a certain thing for you. I did not do it then and I won’t do it now, so please don’t ask it. Miss Barton: What’s that? I don’t understand. Mr. Young: You requested me to destroy a certain letter. I did not do it. Miss Barton: Was that the letter in which I asked you to take me to Mexico? And why did you not destroy it as I requested? Mr. Young: That’s the lette

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THE WAIL OF AN ACHING HEART

THE WAIL OF AN ACHING HEART

It is a blessing to your friends that you have a good memory. Otherwise, how should you have carried the recollection of poor me, all these weary months running into years and, through friends all unknown to me, sent such tribute of respect. I waited, after receiving the notices from you, to be sure of the arrival. I have directed the acknowledgement to be made to Mr. and Mrs. Canfield, but words tell so little; you will, I am sure, thank them for me. You will never know how many times I have th

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SCHEMERS—DEFAMERS—PIRATES

SCHEMERS—DEFAMERS—PIRATES

Your favor of January 13 received, and read with exceeding interest. Mr. and Mrs. Canfield appreciate your letter to them personally, as well as your kind words sent through me, in recognition of their slight token of high regard for you. While here a day or two ago, Mrs. Canfield requested me to convey these sentiments to you. Now, Miss Barton, why you have confided in obscure me is a mystery I cannot solve; such a compliment is more than I can hope to deserve. (Having written the above General

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SHE READ THE ACTORS LIKE A BOOK

SHE READ THE ACTORS LIKE A BOOK

I wonder if I have ever said a word in reply to your comforting letter of May. If I have or have not said anything on paper I have in my heart answered it many times and bless both you and Mrs. Logan for your kindliness and trust. I have never in my life had a moment’s doubt of the loyalty of Mrs. Logan. She stood the brunt of the battle while she could, and longer than I wished her to. She foresaw what was coming with her keen knowledge of human nature and thorough political training. She read

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A TRIBUTE

A TRIBUTE

The name of Clara Barton will forever shine among women who won deathless fame in the days of war that called for loyal effort. For patriotism, for national honor, I would stand by that at all cost. Clara Barton. If my life could have purchased the life of the patriot martyrs who fell for their country and mine, how cheerfully and quickly would the exchange have been made. Clara Barton. The following are excerpts from letters written to the author:...

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LOVED AND LOYALLY TRIED TO SERVE

LOVED AND LOYALLY TRIED TO SERVE

In April, 1909, she writes as follows: “Does ‘Mexico’ recall to your mind a request I once made of you that you should see me across the border line of that strange country? However much I needed it and whether well or ill I never knew. I only know I did not go. But my own country seemed to me so hard that I thought I could not live it through. “The Government which I thought I loved and loyally tried to serve has shut every door in my face and stared at me insultingly through its windows. What

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THE STRICTEST SILENCE

THE STRICTEST SILENCE

“There has never been an occasion, nor a time, when I have so missed my old time privilege of speaking in behalf of a friend. I never before have so fully realized what a pleasure that privilege had been to me through half a century. It is a change to me, to come to feel that my only help must lie in the strictest silence; an expressed wish for any one would be fatal; not perhaps with President Taft personally , for I am of small importance to him, if he even knows me, but from the advice he wou

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OVER THE MEXICAN LINE

OVER THE MEXICAN LINE

May 31st, the date runs, and I know I never answered that letter, for I never in my life could have answered a letter like that, but still more, I never even tried to. Discouraged at the onset and gave up the encounter. A glimpse at the topics it handled were so far beyond any reply from the “likes o’ me.” “Great services unnoticed”—“Future remembrances when others are forgotten”—“To be told in story and sung in other lands”—poor little me who has never seen the present Ruler of her own country!

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A GREATER POWER AND A WISER MIND

A GREATER POWER AND A WISER MIND

“How well I remember when I once asked you to escort me over! and I never can understand why I failed to go; a Greater Power and a Wiser Mind were guiding me, no doubt——” He who hath a thousand friends hath none to spare. I am never weary when meeting my friends. Clara Barton. Clara Barton’s intellect was never keener, clearer nor more alert than it is now (1911). Stephen E. Barton. The report which went out that I was ill set the country, nay the world, by the ears and the letters came pouring

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WRITE NONE—SEE ONLY THOSE I MUST[12]

WRITE NONE—SEE ONLY THOSE I MUST[12]

My Dear friend: I am trying to speak to your letter of yesterday, myself, but it is from a very sick bed. I write none—see only those I must. I must see you . Come and see me though only a week. I had hoped to see you under better conditions. I replied to your dispatch. Come when you will; all times are alike to me. 12 . Her friends who were with her through her last illness say the letter of which the above is a copy is the last letter written by Clara Barton....

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DATA AS TO THE TWENTY-FIRST MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT

DATA AS TO THE TWENTY-FIRST MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT

Of this number 560 were killed or wounded in battle. The regiment was a member of the ninth-army Corps under General Burnside, a corps that did not lose a color nor a gun. Membership of the Twenty-first Massachusetts Regiment Association August 23, 1921–61. Miss Carrie E. Cutter, delicate and accomplished, was known as the Florence Nightingale of the Twenty-first. She was the daughter of Calvin E. Cutter, surgeon of the regiment; died in the service as nurse, March 24, 1862. Aged, nineteen years

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CLOSING INCIDENTS—THE BIOGRAPHY—OTHER CORRESPONDENCE

CLOSING INCIDENTS—THE BIOGRAPHY—OTHER CORRESPONDENCE

I am so glad to see you; I was afraid you wouldn’t get here in time . Clara Barton. From “Notes” at Oxford, Massachusetts, Oct. 2, 1911....

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AUTHORIZED TO SPEAK FOR CLARA BARTON

AUTHORIZED TO SPEAK FOR CLARA BARTON

Accompanying the letter under date of December 14, 1909, came data from Clara Barton to be used in her proposed biography, and which data the author had previously promised to make use of as soon as his private business would permit him to give the time necessary to do this literary work. Commenting on the author’s final acceptance of her commission, in her letter she said: “Your talent to writing a biography of me—of me! Your talent and time for such as this! ‘Why was this waste made’?” The obj

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PROPOSED HOME IN CALIFORNIA

PROPOSED HOME IN CALIFORNIA

A few days after the consultation at Oxford she rallied, and on a Pullman was taken to her Glen Echo home. Seriously ill and thinking this would be her last ride, she expressed the wish to have for the party of three, consisting of her physician, her nephew and herself, the Pullman exclusively. The cost for the use of the car would be three hundred dollars. This having been made known to her she protested the seeming extravagance whereupon a friend, after having been refused such tender by the P

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FORECASTING THE BIOGRAPHY

FORECASTING THE BIOGRAPHY

In April, 1912, her physician, Dr. Julian B. Hubbell, wrote from Glen Echo that a few hours before her passing Clara Barton expressed the wish that, if not exclusively so, in any event the author must be associated with her biographer. The protection of her “good name” by her biographer was more to her than a recital of her deeds of valor. She had in mind in selecting her biographer not what fame thereby might come to him, not kinship nor the family name, not what profit there might be in her bi

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ONE OF MY AUNT’S LAST REQUESTS

ONE OF MY AUNT’S LAST REQUESTS

When the death of our beloved occurred at Glen Echo on the morning of the 12th inst. Doctor Hubbell thought you were at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco and I immediately wired you there, but I was notified that you had left the city. I was exceedingly glad to receive your beautiful message of the 13th from Los Angeles. I followed your wishes by placing some beautiful flowers in your name upon her bier at Oxford and I knew that the sympathy and tenderness of your great heart were with us that d

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EXCERPTS FROM OTHER LETTERS

EXCERPTS FROM OTHER LETTERS

Concerning the biography of my Aunt, she desired that I call to my assistance several of her good friends, including your dear self. From a letter to the author, and dated November 18, 1912. I judge from your letter that you may not be aware that a preliminary biography of my Aunt has been written by Reverend Percy H. Epler, of Worcester, and published by the Macmillans. I have organized a literary committee composed of Reverend William E. Barton of Oak Park, Illinois, Reverend Percy H. Epler of

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AUTHORIZED

AUTHORIZED

Charles Sumner Young was authorized by Clara Barton to write the history of her life and so far as I know the only person so authorized. Clara Barton’s General Field Agent for the twenty-three years she was President of the American Red Cross. Last words of Clara Barton: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. Let me go! Let me go! A diagnosis of Clara Barton’s illness was made a few months before she passed. The report of the Doctors was that every organ in her body was perfect—he

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A RECORD HISTORY AT THE FUNERAL

A RECORD HISTORY AT THE FUNERAL

The funeral exercises for Clara Barton, who had served for 23 years as President of the Red Cross, were held in her Red Cross home in Glen Echo, Maryland. Flowers in profusion were there; her personal and real friends, with moistened eyes and aching hearts, were there; hundreds of telegrams of sympathy from all over the country were there; millions of humanity-loving American men and women, in spirit, were there; her devoted friend and immediate successor as President of the Red Cross, Mrs. Gene

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CLARA BARTON’S LAST RIDE

CLARA BARTON’S LAST RIDE

On her last ride from Glen Echo, Maryland, to Oxford, Massachusetts, Clara Barton went by the Federal Express. She was accompanied by her three friends, Stephen E. Barton, Doctor Julian B. Hubbell and Doctor Eugene Underhill. Every consideration was shown her by her personal friends and the railway company. Because of the fog on New York Bay and certain formalities to be imposed by the New York City authorities, an embarrassing delay was menacing the party. To circumvent the delay the party igno

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ACHIEVEMENT—WORLD RECOGNITION

ACHIEVEMENT—WORLD RECOGNITION

Clara Barton was the recipient of twenty-seven decorations, medals of honor, diplomas of honor, badges, jewels, flags, resolutions, votes of thanks, and commendations from rulers of nations, legislative bodies, Red Cross decorations, relief committees, and distinguished, or titled, personages,—as testimonials of her great work for humanity. The Author. Some day the full and complete history of Clara Barton and her unparalleled achievements will be given to the world, and no library on the face o

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CHRONOLOGY OF THE LEADING ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE LIFE OF MISS CLARA BARTON

CHRONOLOGY OF THE LEADING ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE LIFE OF MISS CLARA BARTON

(Especially prepared for this volume by her ex-secretary, W. H. Sears)...

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ACHIEVEMENTS

ACHIEVEMENTS

1. Organized, conducted and popularized Free School System, Bordentown, N. J., at her own expense. Commenced her school with six pupils, all boys, and in one year had six hundred; secured five teachers to assist and had promises of a new building, if she would continue. It was built for her and is still in use. “Pauper Schools,” that is, Public Schools at public expense, were ridiculed by the people. The six boys were renegades from private schools. Third week, room filled and assistant required

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THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR

3. Met and furnished relief at “Old Infirmary,” where Judiciary Square Hospital now stands; first day and next day at Capitol, in Senate Chamber (Senate not in session) to wounded soldiers of the 6th Mass. Volunteers in Washington, on arrival from the Baltimore attack by mob, April 19, 1861. First Civil War Field. 4. Met and furnished relief to sick and wounded soldiers, brought from the front on trains and boats to Washington, D. C., May 1, 1861 to July, 1862. Afterwards she was on the followin

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THE MEMORIAL TREE PLANTING TO THE MEMORY OF CLARA BARTON

THE MEMORIAL TREE PLANTING TO THE MEMORY OF CLARA BARTON

by the American Forestry Association at Glen Echo, Md., 3 P. M., Easter Sunday, April 16, 1922. The occasion—to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the passing of Clara Barton. Mrs. John A. Logan, with second shovel of dirt. Author of the Congressional measure creating May 30th a national holiday, known as Decoration Day; and sponsored in Congress by U. S. Senator John A. Logan. He who plants an oak looks forward to future ages, and plants for posterity. THE CLARA BARTON OAK Registered in the H

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CLARA BARTON AND THE OAK

CLARA BARTON AND THE OAK

The tree is the longest lived of all the lives of earth. Trees are in existence whose birth antedates that of our Christian civilization. The Cedar of Lebanon of the Old World is a part of the religious sentiment of the human race. The General Sherman Sequoia of the New World had battled against the warring elements of Nature for thousands of years before existed the warring forces of the Anglo-Saxons, on this continent. If there “be tongues in trees” every historic tree might say: “What I have

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THE FRANCO-GERMAN WAR

THE FRANCO-GERMAN WAR

Was on the following battlefield and relief fields during this war:— 28. Hagenau, battlefield. 29. Metz, battlefield. 30. Strasburg, battlefield (8 months) siege, and relief after siege. 31. Belfort, relief. 32. Woerth, relief. 33. Baden Hospitals. 34. Sedan, battlefields. 35. Montbelard, relief. 36. Paris, Fall of the Commune; relief. 37. Organizing and managing relief for sick and wounded soldiers and sick and destitute people in France at close of war, 1871....

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RED CROSS WORK

RED CROSS WORK

38. With the International Red Cross Committee in Europe, Switzerland, Germany and France. 1869–71. 1872–73, ill in London. 39. Seven years’ effort to make Red Cross known to the United States and asking for the treaty; 1875–1882. Secured adhesion of the United States to the Treaty of Geneva, March 1, 1882, having organized the American National Red Cross Association the year before, and was nominated to first presidency by President Garfield, 1882; was the President for twenty-three years; 1881

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RED CROSS FIELDS

RED CROSS FIELDS

64. Superintendent of the Massachusetts Reformatory for Criminal Women. One year; appointed by General Butler, then governor of Massachusetts, 1884. Represented United States Government at International Red Cross Conferences, as follows :— 65. At Geneva, Switzerland, in 1884. 66. At Carlsruhe, Germany, in 1887. 67. At Rome, Italy, in 1890. 68. At Vienna, Austria, in 1897. 69. At St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1902. 70. Author of books. 71. Author of lectures. 72. Author of poems. The press is the re

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THE PRESS AND THE INDIVIDUAL

THE PRESS AND THE INDIVIDUAL

Clara Barton is to America what Florence Nightingale is to us. The American Civil War created her, and determined the whole course of her life. There is that which war, and nothing less, can do with a woman. It can make her, right away, what we may without irreverence call superwoman; and, having done that, it can set her to hard administrative work, to reform and organize great matters of national welfare; and it can keep her at that high level to the end of her days. Only, it must have her all

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THE CLARA BARTON CENTENARY THE SIMPLICITY OF THE END

THE CLARA BARTON CENTENARY THE SIMPLICITY OF THE END

This year is the centenary of the birth of a Daughter of the Regiment. Three score years today that regiment left Worcester for fields of frightful carnage. Regiment and daughter shared in scenes tragic that the Union might live. At the close of the war the war-service of the regiment ended, but not the public service of the daughter. Continuous thereafter she served the human race. She served in disaster;—in fire and flood and famine and WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT The President, March 4, 1909–March 4,

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THE FINALE

THE FINALE

After the ceremonies at the cemetery, concluding with the hymn “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” the following conversation took place, at a christening: The Mother: My little girl was born in Clara Barton’s birthplace; in the very room. Reverend Barton: Bring her to me and I will christen her at once, “Clara Barton.” Honorable Charles Sumner Young’s address was an eulogy surpassing anything ever heard in Oxford on the woman whom the town delights to honor—Clara Barton. Worcester (Mass.) Telegram , May

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CLARA BARTON

CLARA BARTON

(Delivered by Charles Sumner Young, at Oxford, Massachusetts, Memorial Day, 1917) The inspiration of this historic day originated in the mind of woman. To the credit of womanhood there is a woman at the beginning of every great undertaking, sentimental and humanitarian. Today we pay the floral tribute to the late soldier-patriot. Equally befitting is it, amidst flowers of memory and at her birthplace, to pay tribute to the soldier’s comrade, the greatest woman-patriot of the Civil War. In ancien

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