Clarissa Harlowe Barton is a renowned American nurse, known as the "Florence Nightingale of America" and the "Angel of the Battlefield."
Biography[]
Early life[]
Clara Barton was born to an upper-middle class family, the daughter of a soldier and politician. She served as a nurse during the American Civil War, as well as the Franco-Prussian War in Europe.
Season 1[]
Clara Barton gives a speech to wealthy "old money" patrons in New York at an event hosted by Anne Morris and Aurora Fane, and attended by Ada Brook, Marian Brook, and Cornelius Eckhard. She talks about her ambitions for the Red Cross in the United States to finally be sponsored by the government under President Arthur.[1]
The Red Cross receives an extremely generous donation from Bertha Russell after the Russells have strategized to become philanthropists for their image, as well as so that the charity can provide aid to their railroad workers. Miss Barton gives a speech in Dansville, announcing that the Red Cross can open not just one new branch, but three new branches thanks to Mrs. Russell's donation, and invites her onto the stage. She meets the attendees of her speech, including Mrs. Fane, Mrs. Morris, Miss Marian Brook, and Miss Scott, the latter of whom interviews her for The New York Globe. She gives the high-society patrons a tour, and shows them how they are caring for victims of a fire. Miss Barton joins the high-society patrons for dinner at their hotel, and is joined by Tom Raikes. After Mrs. Russell leaves, she tells the others that she knows Bertha is using the Red Cross to gain access to the ballrooms of New York, but that she is still thankful for her money. She also asks if anyone knows Mrs. Chamberlain, noting that her money would be welcome in spite of her tarnished reputation.[2]
References[]
- ↑ The Gilded Age, season 1 episode 3: "Face The Music"
- ↑ The Gilded Age, season 1 episode 5: "Charity Has Two Functions"