Clara Barton was born on Christmas day December 25, 1821. She devoted her life to helping everyone she could.

When she was just eleven years old her brother David had a terrible accident and the doctors gave up on treating him.

Clara learned how to take care of him and give him medicine until he got better!

While Clara was growing up her family moved to a farm. Everyday she would happily offer her help. Here she learned what it meant to be a hard worker, by repainting or repairing anything in the farm. She also learned she liked to spend her free time horseback riding. 

Childhood

Young Adult

At the young age of seventeen Clara began to work as a teacher! She had no experience but was really good at her job. She decided to pursue a degree in education. and when she graduated she worked for a private school.

However, Clara would get sad when she saw other kids couldn't afford an education.  She decided to open the first free public school in New Jersey in 1852.

Clara Barton School

By 1854 Clara Barton had more than 600 students attending her school. That's a lot! 

After a career in teaching Clara worked for the patent office in Washington D.C. Clara was the first woman to receive a clerkship from the federal government with the same salary as a man. During her time in D.C the Civil War began.

The Civil War

During the Civil War many soldiers were hurt in battle. Clara immediately went to help nurse the wounded soldiers back to health,  just like she did with her brother when she was younger.

She took them food, clothing, books, paper, pens to write letters, and medical supplies. One time she almost died working in the battlefield! She was okay but the bullet hit her patient. Clara helped ALL soldiers, she didn't care what side they were on, she was just happy to help them survive.