Kady Brownell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kady Brownell
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Brownell with the Union Army, c. 1865
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| Born | 1842 Kaffraria, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Died | 1915 (aged 72–73) Oxford, New York, U.S. |
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| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Unit | 1st Rhode Island Infantry 5th Rhode Island Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Kady Brownell (1842 – January 5, 1915) was a brave American woman. She served as a vivandière (pronounced: vee-vahn-DEER) during the American Civil War. A vivandière was a woman who traveled with the army. They often sold food and drinks, or helped care for soldiers. Kady went with her husband when he joined the Union Army. She even trained with the soldiers. Kady fought in battles and helped injured people. At the First Battle of Bull Run, she bravely held the flag high. This was even while bullets were flying around her.
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Kady's Early Life
Kady Brownell was born in 1842 in South Africa. Her parents were from France and Scotland. She was born in a tent at a British army camp. Her mother sadly died soon after Kady was born. Kady was adopted and raised by a couple. They later moved to Providence, Rhode Island. There, Kady was raised by family and friends.
In the early 1860s, Kady worked in a factory in Providence. She met Robert Brownell there. They got married in April 1861.
Serving in the Civil War
When the Civil War started in April 1861, Robert joined the 1st Rhode Island Infantry. Kady was determined to serve with him. She asked Governor Sprague if she could go along. He agreed to take her to Washington, D.C. There, she met up with Robert.
Colonel Ambrose Burnside was the commander of Robert's regiment. He made Kady a "Daughter of the Regiment." This was a special role for women who supported the soldiers. He also made her a "color bearer." This meant she carried the regiment's flag.
Kady's Role in Battles
Kady was very active in the First Battle of Bull Run in 1861. Later, she and her husband joined the 5th Rhode Island Infantry. She also took part in the Battle of New Bern in 1862.
At the Battle of New Bern, Kady did more than just carry the flag. She also saved the lives of many soldiers. On the morning of March 14, Union regiments were getting ready to fight. Soldiers from the 5th Rhode Island came out of some woods. They appeared from an unexpected direction. Other Union soldiers thought they might be enemy rebels.
Kady knew this misunderstanding could cause her own side to fire on each other. She was not afraid for her own safety. Kady ran forward into the open. She carried her regiment's flag and waved it wildly. This helped the other regiments see that the 5th Rhode Island soldiers were friends. Her quick thinking stopped a terrible mistake.
After the battle, Kady stayed in New Bern. She helped care for her injured husband. When he recovered, he was not able to fight anymore. Kady did not want to fight without him. So, both Kady and Robert were officially discharged from the army.
Life After the War
After the Civil War, Kady Brownell was the only woman to receive official discharge papers from the Union Army. In September 1870, she joined a group called the Grand Army of the Republic. This group was for Civil War veterans.
In 1882, she asked for a pension. A pension is like a regular payment for past service. She started getting $8.00 each month in 1884. Her husband received $24.00 a month.
After their army service, the Brownells lived in New York City. Kady worked for the New York City Parks Department for ten years. In 1905, she became a caretaker at the Jumel Mansion. This is a historic house in New York City.
Kady's Death and Burial
Kady Brownell died on January 5, 1915. She passed away at a home for women veterans in Oxford, New York. A funeral service was held for her in New York City. Then, her body was sent by steamboat to Providence, Rhode Island. A second funeral service was held there. She is buried in North Burial Ground in Providence.
Her husband, Robert, is buried in an unmarked grave in Pennsylvania.
