Mary Brown (nurse) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Ann Berry Brown
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| Born | June 30, 1840. |
| Died | March 15, 1936 (aged 95) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for | Civil War Nurse and Soldier |
Mary Ann Brown (born June 30, 1840 – died March 15, 1936) was an amazing woman who served as a nurse and even a soldier during the American Civil War. She fought alongside her husband in the 31st Maine Infantry Regiment.
Contents
Mary Ann Brown: A Civil War Hero
Early Life and Marriage
Mary Ann Berry was born on June 30, 1840. Her hometown was Lewiston, Maine. Her parents were William and Lydia Berry.
In 1861, Mary Ann met Ivory Brown. They fell in love and got married on August 12, 1861.
Serving in the Civil War
The American Civil War was a huge conflict in the United States. It was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy). A major reason for the war was slavery.
Mary Ann's husband, Ivory, joined the army. He first served for three months in the 1st Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Later, in 1864, he joined the 31st Maine Infantry.
Mary Ann wanted to stay close to her husband. She decided to join the army too, likely as a nurse. But she did something even more brave: she disguised herself as a soldier! She later said she "carried a musket" and "fought like the rest of them." She explained her reason for joining: "slavery was an awful thing and we were determined to fight it down."
Life After the War
After the Civil War ended, Mary Ann and Ivory returned home. They settled in Brownfield. There, they worked on a small farm for almost 40 years. They had one daughter, named Lydia.
In the late 1890s, Ivory's health started to get worse. He began to receive a special payment called a war pension. Ivory passed away on October 12, 1903, from kidney disease.
Mary Ann lived for another 30 years after Ivory. She eventually became very old and was cared for in a hospital. She died on March 15, 1936, at the age of 95.
Remembering a Hero
Mary Ann Brown's story has been shared to remember her bravery. She was featured in a special Civil War exhibit from 2012 to 2013.
In 2016, people started raising money to place a headstone for her. This headstone would be in the Brownfield Pine Grove Cemetery. It would be right next to her husband's grave. The headstone was put in place on September 13, 2017. It helps us remember her amazing service.
