She was born on December 25, 1821 in North Oxford, Massachusetts. Clara was the youngest of five children. Her father, Stephen Barton, was a farmer and state legislator who served in the Revolution. His experiences and stories made war and military affairs quite familiar to her. Clara’s mother, Sarah, was a strong woman with a firm temper. She was a very involved lady who taught Clara how to cook, sew, and weave, while being a firm supporter of women’s rights. Both parents were extremely proud of their daughter.

Clara was a very small, shy child. Her reputation of being well educated and well read helped her gain respect at a young age. Growing up, Clara was a tomboy. She played ball, rode horses, and entertained herself with toy soldiers instead of dolls. Although bashful at even a young age, she soon became an outgoing and reliable young woman. When Clara was eleven, her older brother, D

Officials of the International Red Cross urged Miss Barton to seek U.S. agreement to the Geneva Commission in order to recognize the work of the Red Cross. Clara saw the need for the Red Cross in America and plunged into the task of creating it. Educating the public through brochures, speeches, and even paying calls to congressmen were just some ways to reach success for the public’s support. Her dream organization would prepare for possible wartime service and other disasters. The public’s support and generosity would be directed towards human needs.

Although the Red Cross had saved hundreds of lives and helped thousands, criticism started growing. Some chapters refused to cooperate; many wanted an investigation of Barton’s activities. “Personal attacks on Barton multiplied: she was a tyrant, she lacked administration skills, she was too old.” (60) Her workers started to face problems like language barriers, suspicion of foreigners, long delays, and safety threats. “The bitter brew of half-truths, petty gossip, lies, rumors, and inventions about the Red Cross founder served only to sensationalize and distort the real problems” (62) In 1904, Barton was forced to resign her position as president. She experienced increasing criticism of her leadership style, and many felt it was time for the organization to be led by a larger, central administration. On May 12, Barton resigned. For the next 8 years, she lived in her home at Glen Echo, Maryland. Barton enjoyed good health and remained quite active, riding her horse and keeping abreast of current events. Clara Barton died on April 12, 1912, from complications of a cold. The mission of her life can be summed up in her own words, "You must never so much as think whether you like it or not, whether it is bearable or not; you must never think of anything except the need, and how to meet it." (Filler 408)

During the Franco-Prussian War, Clara found herself in contact with the International Red Cross. She worked first in France where she fed the starving and helped the destitute. The Duchess of Baden, daughter of Germany’s Kaiser, William I, assisted Barton. During the years following the war, Barton lectured about her war experiences, continued her work at the Office of Correspondence, and worked with the suffragist movement. However, by 1869, Barton had worked herself into a physical breakdown. She followed her doctor's orders and traveled to Europe to rest and regain her health. It was during this trip that Barton learned about the Treaty of Geneva, which provided relief for sick and wounded soldiers. Twelve nations had signed the treaty, but the United States had refused. Barton vowed to look into the matter. During this time, Barton also learned about the Red Cross. She observed the organization in action while traveling with

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