Mary Ann Bickerdyke

Mary Ann Bickerdyke cph.3a02337

Mary Ann Bickerdyke, engraving by Alexander Hay Ritchie, National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution

Bickerdyke Memorial

Mary Ann Bickerdyke (July 19, 1817 – November 8, 1901), also known as Mother Bickerdyke, was a prominent nurse and healthcare advocate during the American Civil War. She gained recognition for her tireless efforts in providing medical care to Union Army soldiers and improving the conditions of military hospitals.

Early Life

Mary Ann Ball was born on July 19, 1817, in Knox County, Ohio. She was raised in a devoutly religious family and received a basic education. In 1847, she married Robert Bickerdyke, with whom she had two sons. After her husband's death in 1859, she moved to Galesburg, Illinois, where she worked as a nurse and herbalist.

Civil War Service

When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, Bickerdyke volunteered her services to the Union Army. She was initially sent to Cairo, Illinois, where she began organizing hospitals and providing care to wounded soldiers. Her dedication and effectiveness quickly earned her the nickname "Mother Bickerdyke."

Bickerdyke worked closely with the United States Sanitary Commission, an organization dedicated to improving sanitary conditions in military camps and hospitals. She traveled extensively, setting up field hospitals and ensuring that soldiers received proper medical care. Her efforts were instrumental in reducing the mortality rate among wounded soldiers.

Post-War Activities

After the war, Bickerdyke continued to advocate for veterans' rights and healthcare. She worked with the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans, to secure pensions and benefits for former soldiers. She also helped establish homes for veterans and their families.

Legacy

Mary Ann Bickerdyke is remembered as a pioneering figure in the field of nursing and healthcare. Her work during the Civil War set a precedent for the professionalization of nursing and the importance of sanitary practices in medical care. She is honored with several memorials and has been the subject of numerous biographies.

Related Pages

• American Civil War
• Union Army
• United States Sanitary Commission
• Grand Army of the Republic
• Military hospital