St. Louis Ladies' Union Aid Society facts for kids
The St. Louis Ladies' Union Aid Society was a group of women who helped soldiers during the American Civil War. They started on August 2, 1861. Across the country, many groups like this, called ladies' aid societies, worked to give medical help and supplies to soldiers. In St. Louis, this society worked with the Western Sanitary Commission. Together, they helped Union soldiers all over Missouri.
How the Society Started
The St. Louis Ladies' Union Aid Society was created by 25 women who supported the Union. They formed the group after the Battle of Wilson's Creek. Many soldiers were hurt and needed clean clothes and bandages. One of the first members, Adaline Weston Couzins, quickly sent supplies to them by train.
These founding women were very loyal to their country. This was important because St. Louis was a "border city" in Missouri, a state that allowed slavery. This meant people in the city had different ideas about the war. Even so, these women worked together. The Society grew a lot during the Civil War, reaching more than 200 members.
Who Were the Members?
Anna L. Clapp was the only president of the St. Louis Ladies' Union Aid Society. She worked with the U.S. surgeon general to get important medical supplies. She also encouraged other women who supported the Union to work in military hospitals.
Other important members of this group included Margaret Breckinridge, the activist Jessie Benton Fremont, and the lawyer Phoebe Couzins. Later, in 1864, a woman named Mary Meachum led a similar group called the Colored Ladies Soldiers' Aid Society in St. Louis. She was an abolitionist, meaning she was against slavery. Her group helped enslaved people who had escaped and also Black Union soldiers.
