Clarissa Harlow Barton was born on December 25, 1821 in North Oxford, Massachusetts. She was the youngest of five children. Although she was very shy she loved to help people. (Hamilton, 17)

Most of her siblings were schoolteachers. They taught Clara how to read, write, ride horses, and do math problems by the time she was five. She was one smart little girl. She learned how to be a nurse when her brother David fell from the barn roof and he became very ill. For two long years she stayed by his bedside helping in every way possible, from giving him his medication, cleaning his wounds, or just keeping him company. (Hamilton 17-18)

At the age of 17 she became a schoolteacher and got a badge of honor for having the most disciplined class. She taught for about 13 years then returned home to further her education. After she graduated from Clinton she moved to Bordentown, New Jersey where she began teaching again at a school for families who could pay for their education. (Hamilton 25-26)

In 1852 she finally got her wish of starting a public school. With in one year she had 600 students. Even th

But to her advantage in the fall of 1881 a huge forest fire broke out in northern Michigan, leaving about 5,000 people homeless and many other badly injured. The new Red Cross chapters were ready to help out almost immediately with volunteers and supplies. For the first time in United States history an organization existed that was able to serve as a liaison between the victims of a natural disaster and those who wished to send contributions. (Hamilton 90)

She spent so much of her time helping others+ that she forgot to take care of herself and she became ill. To recover her health she went on vacation to Europe. It was while on vacation Dr. Louis Appia of the Red Cross found her. He told her all about the Red Cross and what it did. Of course Clara was very interested in the program and wanted to learn all about it. (Hamilton 69)

ough Barton made the school the board decided that it was too large for a woman to run, so they hired a male to take over. In 1854 Clara resigned and left Bordentown. (Hamilton 29)

Today the Red Cross provides humanitarian service that include disaster relief, biomedical services, health and safety training, community services and armed forces emergency services. The organization is supported by more than 1,200,000 americans who serve as red cross volunteers annually. It is a huge organization that helps millions around the world every year. (World Book 185)

When news of the signing reached Europe there was great rejoicing. Gustave Moynier, president of the Red Cross said this “Without the energy and perseverance of this remarkable woman, Clara Barton, we should not for a long time have the pleasure of seeing the Red Cross received in the United States.” (Hamilton 90)

Washington saw what the Red Cross could do and ratified the treaty on March16, 1882. Pr

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