Abrey Kamoo facts for kids

Abrey Kamoo (born Abbredalah Kaloss, also known as Tommy Kamoo; 1815 – February 21, 1904) was an American doctor. She was reportedly born in Tunisia. During the American Civil War in 1862, she was said to have served in disguise as a Union Army drummer boy. After her true identity was discovered, she then served as an army nurse for the rest of the war.

Early Life and Education

Abbredalah Kaloss was reportedly born in Tunis, Tunisia, in 1815. She was said to be a triplet, meaning she was one of three babies born at the same time. Her father, Abdallah Kaloss, was a well-known merchant. Her mother had German family roots.

Abbredalah studied medicine and earned her Doctor of Medicine degree in the mid-1830s. She attended the University of Heidelberg in Germany. At that time, women were not allowed to attend this university. So, Abbredalah dressed as a man to get her education. While studying, she met Enrique (William) Kamoo, who later became her fiancé. He was also a doctor.

Life in America

In 1838, Abbredalah Kaloss reportedly sailed to New Orleans, United States. There, she met Enrique Kamoo again, who was working as a doctor. They got married in 1840. The couple then opened a hospital in New Orleans that cared for black people.

Abbredalah and Enrique reportedly had triplets twice. However, only one of their children, a son named William, lived to become an adult. Enrique Kamoo passed away around 1859. Their last child, William, was born after his father's death in early 1860.

Service During the Civil War

When the American Civil War began, Abrey Kamoo wanted to help the Union side. She left her son, William, with friends and traveled north. In 1862, Kamoo reportedly joined the Union Army. She dressed as a man and used the name "Tommy Kamoo."

She first served as a nurse, then as a drummer boy. Her secret was found out after she was hurt in the nose during the Battle of Gettysburg. After this, she continued to serve as an army nurse for the rest of the war. Because of the rules at the time, she was only allowed to care for black soldiers.

After the War

After the war ended, Kamoo went back to New Orleans to be with her son. Later, they moved to New York City, where Kamoo started her own medical practice.

In 1875, Kamoo moved from New York to Boston. In Boston, she opened a practice as a skin doctor in the city's South End area. In 1885, she joined the People's Temple church in Boston.

Later Life and Passing

Kamoo's son, William, passed away in 1901. Abrey Kamoo's health became weaker after several falls. She passed away on February 21, 1904, at the age of 89. She was attending an evening church service at the People's Temple when she died.

Abrey Kamoo and her son are buried together at Mount Hope Cemetery in Boston.