Mary Jane Green facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mary Jane Green |
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| Allegiance |  Confederate States of America |
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| Born | 1839 or 1846 Sutton, Braxton County (now West Virginia) |
| Died | unknown |
| Nationality |  United States of America
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| Spouse |
William Watson
(m. 1864) |
| Occupation | Spy, Mail Carrier |
Mary Jane Green was a brave and daring spy for the Confederate States during the American Civil War. She was also known as a bushwhacker, which meant she was part of a group that used surprise attacks.
Her Early Years
Not much is known about Mary Jane Green's childhood. She said she was born in Sutton, Braxton County, which is now part of West Virginia. Mary Jane could not read or write. This suggests her family might not have had much money.
Records show she was likely born around 1839 or 1846. In 1850, a Mary Jane Green who was 11 years old lived in Sutton. She might also be the Mary Jane Green who married William Watson in 1864. She was 18 when she married, which matches descriptions of her. Mary Jane had three brothers who also became fighters during the war.
A Spy in the Civil War
Mary Jane Green was a teenager when she was first arrested in August 1861. She was caught trying to secretly deliver information for the Confederate side. She was held in Wheeling, Virginia, until December.
She was very outspoken and upset a Union general named William Rosecrans. He sent her back to her home county. She had to promise to support the United States to be set free, but she did not mean it.
Repeated Arrests
After her release, Mary Jane was arrested again in May 1862. This time, she was wearing men's clothes and cutting telegraph wires near Weston, Virginia. She was let go on a promise to behave, but she was arrested again because of her strong attitude. She was arrested a total of seven times during the war.
Mary Jane was very loyal to the Confederacy. She would often argue with Union soldiers, even when she was under arrest. Once, while in prison, she had to be tied down. When a guard untied her, she tried to hit him with a brick.
The last known records of Mary Jane Green are from the Civil War. She was moved from a prison to a special exchange point for prisoners in City Point, Virginia.
Images for kids
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Possible marriage record of Mary Jane Green
