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PAST AND PRESENT
The life of the founder of the American Red Cross
Clara Barton was a nineteenth century woman driven to greatness. She was a teacher, a nurse, a Civil War heroine and founder of the American Red Cross. In order to cut a path into the future we must know where we have been. The story of Clara Barton is about someone who cut that path. It is about courage, overcoming obstacles, never giving up and doing the job that needs doing. What makes it fascinating is the human side, the weaknesses that coloured her life. We can learn from her journey as we develop our own path into the future.
HER BEGINNING
Clara Barton was born in a humble farmhouse on a cold Christmas day in 1821. It had been eleven years since a new baby graced the home of Stephen and Sarah Barton. Clara was the fifth and would be the last addition for this New England family whose ancestors first came to Massachusetts in 1640. The first Barton to arrive at North Oxford was Samuel. He had fled Salem after unsuccessfully defending women accused of witchcraft. Stephen's father, also called Stephen, was a rebel in the American Revolution. Clara's father made his own soldierly adventure fighting Indians on the western frontier under General 'Mad' Anthony Wayne.1,2 He loved to tell his children stories about his experiences in those battles. Clara was extremely proud of her father and never tired of hearing his stories. She listened and dreamed of being a brave soldier.
HER LIFE
Clarissa Harlowe Barton grew up on a farm near North Oxford, Massachusetts in the early part of the nineteenth century. She was the youngest by a margin of 11 years with four older siblings, Dorothea, Stephen, David and Sally. She was the recipient of several nicknames such as Tot, Clary and Baby. Mother Barton frequently did not have time for Clara, so her upbringing was often left to the older siblings. The sisters were both teachers and frequently used Clara as a guinea pig for practice teaching. The brothers taught Clara manly outdoorsy things. She enjoyed the wildlife in the area and had her own dog, 'Button.' As a child she was...