Mary Bickerdyke – A Civil War Hero
The American Civil War, a period of profound national division and sacrifice, witnessed the emergence of countless heroes, both on and off the battlefield. Among these figures, Mary Ann Bickerdyke stands as a beacon of compassion and unwavering dedication to the well-being of Union soldiers. A woman of remarkable energy and determination, Mary Bickerdyke’s primary focus during the tumultuous years of the war was to ensure that wounded soldiers received the best possible care, transforming chaotic and unsanitary conditions into havens of healing and hope.
Born in 1817 in Knox County, Ohio, to Hiram Ball and Annie Rodgers Ball, Mary Bickerdyke experienced life’s challenges early on. She later relocated to Galesburg, Illinois, where, after becoming a widow two years before the outbreak of the Civil War, she supported herself and her two sons by practicing as a "botanic physician." This background in herbal medicine and natural remedies would prove invaluable in her later role as a caregiver on the front lines.
The catalyst for Mary Bickerdyke’s involvement in the war effort came in the form of a letter. A young Union volunteer physician stationed in Cairo, Illinois, wrote home describing the appalling conditions of the military hospitals. Overwhelmed by the filth, disorganization, and lack of adequate care, he painted a grim picture of the soldiers’ suffering. Moved by this account, the citizens of Galesburg rallied together, collecting $500 worth of supplies. They entrusted these provisions to Mary Bickerdyke, tasking her with delivering them to Cairo and assessing the situation.
Upon arriving in Cairo, Mary Bickerdyke was immediately confronted with the harsh realities of war. The hospitals were indeed in a deplorable state, lacking basic sanitation and organization. Rather than simply dropping off the supplies, she decided to stay and help. In an unofficial capacity, she began to organize the hospitals, applying her practical skills and unwavering determination to improve the soldiers’ living conditions. She cleaned, she organized, she procured supplies, and she provided comfort to the wounded and dying.
Her tireless efforts and unwavering dedication quickly caught the attention of General Ulysses S. Grant. Impressed by her resourcefulness and effectiveness, Grant recognized the immense value of her work. Mary Bickerdyke also worked alongside Mary J. Safford, another well known Civil War nurse. As Grant’s army moved south along the Mississippi River, Bickerdyke followed, becoming the Chief of Nursing and establishing hospitals wherever they were needed. She understood that proper medical care was essential to maintaining morale and ensuring the army’s fighting strength.
Mary Bickerdyke was a fierce advocate for cleanliness and high standards of care. She was unafraid to challenge authority, often stepping on the toes of male physicians and officers to achieve her goals. She insisted on meticulous scrubbing of every surface, relentlessly pursued improvements in sanitation, and fearlessly reported instances of drunkenness or negligence among the medical staff. On one occasion, she even ordered a staff member who had stolen garments intended for the wounded to strip, demonstrating her commitment to justice and fair treatment. While her methods sometimes ruffled feathers, she consistently won her battles in the name of better patient care, earning the grudging respect of many who initially opposed her.
General William T. Sherman, another prominent figure in the Union Army, held Mary Bickerdyke in particularly high regard. He admired her unwavering dedication and her ability to get things done, regardless of bureaucratic obstacles. Legend has it that she was the only woman he would allow in his camp. When Sherman’s staff complained about her outspokenness and her tendency to disregard army regulations, Sherman famously quipped, "Well, I can do nothing for you; she outranks me." This anecdote perfectly encapsulates the immense respect and authority that Mary Bickerdyke commanded, even among the highest-ranking officers.
Her unwavering commitment to her "boys," as she affectionately called the enlisted men, earned her the moniker "Mother Bickerdyke." The soldiers revered her, cheering her arrival and relying on her for comfort and care. She was a constant presence on the battlefields, tending to the wounded with compassion and skill. When questioned about her authority to take certain actions, she famously retorted, "On the authority of Lord God Almighty, have you anything that outranks that?" This bold statement reflects her unwavering belief in the righteousness of her cause and her willingness to challenge any obstacle in the path of providing care to those in need.
During the war, Mary Bickerdyke collaborated closely with Eliza Emily Chappell Porter of the Northwest Sanitary Commission, a civilian organization that played a vital role in supporting the Union war effort. Together, they worked on the first hospital boat, a floating medical facility that provided care to wounded soldiers along the Mississippi River. Throughout the conflict, she helped establish approximately 300 hospitals and provided aid on 19 battlefields, including some of the most significant engagements of the war, such as the Battle of Shiloh, the Siege of Vicksburg, and Sherman’s March to the Sea.
At the end of the war, Mary Bickerdyke was honored for her extraordinary service. At General William T. Sherman’s personal request, she rode at the head of the XV Corps during the Grand Review in Washington, D.C., a triumphant celebration of the Union victory. This was a testament to the profound impact she had made on the lives of countless soldiers and the deep respect she had earned from the military leadership.
Following the war, Mary Bickerdyke continued to serve others. She worked for the Salvation Army in San Francisco, California, and even became an attorney, assisting Union veterans with legal issues. She later ran a hotel in Salina, Kansas, before eventually retiring to Bunker Hill, Kansas. In 1886, in recognition of her invaluable contributions during the Civil War, Congress granted her a special pension of $25 per month.
Mary Bickerdyke passed away peacefully on November 8, 1901, after suffering a minor stroke. Her remains were transported back to Galesburg, Illinois, where she was interred next to her husband at the Linnwood Cemetery. Her legacy of compassion, courage, and unwavering dedication continues to inspire generations. In memory of this remarkable heroine, a statue was erected in her honor in Galesburg, Illinois. Furthermore, two ships – a hospital boat and a Liberty ship – were named after her, ensuring that her name and her contributions would never be forgotten. The life and work of Mary Bickerdyke serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that one individual can have on the course of history, particularly during times of conflict and adversity. She exemplifies the spirit of selflessness and the importance of providing care and comfort to those in need.