Annie Etheridge
Annie Etheridge
Born Lorinda Anna Blair in Detroit, Michigan around 1840, Annie Etheridge spent her early childhood in comfort until her father lost or squandered the family's money, plunging them into debt and poverty. She married James Etheridge in 1860 and followed him when he enlisted in the 2nd Michigan Infantry Regiment. He deserted the army quickly, but she transferred to the 3rd Michigan and served as it's "daughter" until it disbanded. She then reenlisted in the 5th Michigan.
She was witness to many bloody battles, and would stay at the forefront of the battlefield to tend to the injured. She also worked to encourage the soldiers when their energy began running out and boosted their morale. The Kearny Cross was awarded to her in 1863 for her service. She shared the same conditions and privations of the army, refusing to allow them to treat her better than any other soldier.
General Grant later tried to remove women from military camps, and although Etheridge's regiment made a petition asking that she be allowed to stay, she was dismissed and went to work as a nurse once again.
She later received a pension for her service as the daughter of the 3rd and later 5th Michigan regiments. When she died in 1913, she was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, a huge honor.
She was witness to many bloody battles, and would stay at the forefront of the battlefield to tend to the injured. She also worked to encourage the soldiers when their energy began running out and boosted their morale. The Kearny Cross was awarded to her in 1863 for her service. She shared the same conditions and privations of the army, refusing to allow them to treat her better than any other soldier.
General Grant later tried to remove women from military camps, and although Etheridge's regiment made a petition asking that she be allowed to stay, she was dismissed and went to work as a nurse once again.
She later received a pension for her service as the daughter of the 3rd and later 5th Michigan regiments. When she died in 1913, she was buried in Arlington National Cemetery, a huge honor.