Barton, Clara (1821–1912)

US health worker, founder of the American Red Cross 1881 and its president until 1904. A volunteer nurse, she tended the casualties of the American Civil War 1861–65 and in 1864 General Benjamin Butler named her superintendent of nurses for his forces.

Born in Oxford, Massachusetts, USA, Barton was trained as a teacher before becoming involved in projects for the welfare of American soldiers. She was present at the Baltimore riot at the outbreak of the Civil War 1861 and also at the Battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg 1862.