Ann Bradford Stokes facts for kids
Ann Bradford Stokes (1830–1903) was an amazing American nurse. She was born into slavery but bravely escaped. Ann Stokes later volunteered to serve in the United States Navy as a nurse during the American Civil War. She worked on a special hospital ship called the USS Red Rover in 1863.
Ann Stokes made history in a big way! She was one of the first African American women to work as a nurse in the U.S. Navy. Even more, she was the very first American woman to receive a military pension (regular payments) for her own service.
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Ann Stokes' Early Life and Freedom
Ann Bradford was born in 1830 in Rutherford County, Tennessee. She was born into slavery, which meant she was not free and had to work without pay. In January 1863, during the American Civil War, Ann found a way to escape slavery. She was taken aboard a ship, which was a big step towards her freedom.
Right after gaining her freedom in January 1863, Ann decided to help others. She volunteered to work as a nurse on the United States Navy hospital ship USS Red Rover. This ship was like a floating hospital, caring for sick and injured soldiers and sailors.
What Ann Stokes Did on the Ship
On the USS Red Rover, Ann Stokes worked alongside the Sisters of the Holy Cross, who were also nurses. She helped care for many people who needed medical attention. The Navy recognized her hard work and gave her the rank of "first class boy," which was a common rank for helpers on ships at the time. She was also paid for her important work. Ann Stokes continued her nursing duties until October 1864, when she had to leave because she was very tired from all the hard work.
Ann Stokes' Fight for a Pension
After leaving the Navy, Ann Stokes married Gilbert Stokes, who had also worked on the Red Rover. They moved to Illinois. Sadly, Gilbert passed away in 1866. Ann remarried in 1867 to George Bowman.
Getting Her Military Pension
In the 1880s, Ann Stokes tried to get a military pension. At first, her requests were turned down. But Ann was determined! She learned to read and write, which was a huge achievement. With these new skills, she applied for a pension again, this time based on her own military service as a nurse. In 1890, her request was approved, and she began receiving $12 a month. This was a very important moment because it made her the first American woman to get a military pension for her own service.
Later Life and Legacy
Ann Bradford Stokes lived in Belknap, Illinois, for the rest of her life. She passed away in 1903. Her story is an inspiring example of courage, service, and fighting for what is right. She showed that women, and especially African American women, played vital roles in American history and deserved recognition for their contributions.
