Clara Barton was an American nurse and humanitarian who dedicated her life to helping others and providing aid to those in need. Born on Christmas Day in 1821, Barton was raised in a family that highly valued education, and she was the youngest of five children. As the daughter of a Massachusetts state legislator, she received an education that was uncommon for women at that time.
In 1861, Barton volunteered with the Union Army and served as a nurse during the Civil War. She traveled to battlefields to tend the wounded, wrote letters for wounded soldiers, and provided supplies. During this time, she earned the nickname “Angel of the Battlefield.” She was also the first woman to be awarded the Medal of Honor for her service during the war.
In 1881, Barton founded the American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance in times of disaster. Through the Red Cross, she organized relief efforts during natural disasters.
Barton died in 1912 at the age of 91. She left a lasting legacy of humanitarianism and service that is still felt today through the work of the American Red Cross. Her life serves as an example of how one individual can make a difference in the lives of many.
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