Mary Ann Bickerdyke

Mary Ann Bickerdyke

Mary Ann Bickerdyke was born in Galesburg, Illinois. During the war she was a 44 year old Quaker whoserved in 19 battles. A large, widow, she was strong and resourceful. She was selected to deliever food and medical care supplies to soldiers in the army.

She recieved many nicknames given to her by the war soldiers. The men called ''Mother'', and she called him her ''Boys''. She was also called ''Cyclone in Calico'', for her remarkable strength. Another name is ''Mother B''. Her ''Boys'' loved her because she was one of the few nurses who bonded with the wounded soldiers during the many wars.

Hospitals Served in: -The Civil War -Cairco -Corinth, Mississippi - Chattanooga, Tennessee (on new years day)

''I have received my authority from the Lord God Almighty; have you anything that ranks higher?''

Mother B broke many rules for the sake of her boys. She would add extra brown sugar and cinnamon to the scraps they called food (basic foods fed to the soldiers were broth, tea, and bread) at the makeshift hospitals. Bickerdyke went to Cairo Illinois with food, clothing, and disinfectant. With those three items she kept patients clean, warm and fed. Makeshift hospitals were poorly supplied and kept, also lacking proper nurses and food when soldiers fell ill. That’s were she played her part as a medical professional/pioneer, a healer, and a social activist. She always would keep her word no matter what. She easily put arrogant doctors into their places. Fact: Had a horse names Whitey.

''Just you remember now. Not a soul touches these peaches. They's be for my Boys.''