Brief biographies of the figurines on display in ... - University Library

64
MRS. ROBERT BICKERDYKE
(Mary A. Ball)
Mary A. Bickerdyke, familiarly known as ' 'Mo<strong>the</strong>r
Bickerdyke," was born in Knox county, Ohio, July 19,
1817, and came <strong>of</strong> Revolutionary ancestors. When about
twenty-five she married Robert Bickerdyke, a widower
with four or five children, by whom she was beloved. No
difference was known between <strong>the</strong>m and her own two
sons.
Mrs. Bickerdyke was living in Galesburg, Illinois,
when <strong>the</strong> Civil war broke out, and as sickness appeared
among <strong>the</strong> troops at Cairo, she went down among <strong>the</strong>m.
Her well-known skill as a nurse, and o<strong>the</strong>r qualities which
she possessed, enabled her to face many*
emergencies
during <strong>the</strong> trying days which followed.
"Mo<strong>the</strong>r Bickerdyke'' also did heroic work in <strong>the</strong>
hospitals at Corinth, Missionary Ridge, and Fort Donelson.
She was put in charge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> field hospital at Mission
Ridge in November, 1863, and for over a month was
<strong>the</strong> only woman <strong>the</strong>re. Over two thousand men were
assigned to her care. Few women equalled "Mo<strong>the</strong>r
Bickerdyke" in heroism and courage, ability, true worth
and modesty.
The "Mo<strong>the</strong>r Bickerdyke" Association was formed
soon after her death, which occurred at Bunker Hill,
Kansas, November 8, 1901.
In January, 1903, a request
was presented to <strong>the</strong> Legislature for an appropriation
<strong>of</strong> $5,000 for a monument to this fine woman. The Bill
was passed and signed by Richard Yates (son <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> War
Governor who had appointed her as <strong>the</strong> War Nurse).
The monument, <strong>the</strong> work <strong>of</strong> Mrs. Kitson, is in Galesburg,
Illinois. Governor Yates delivered <strong>the</strong> address at <strong>the</strong>
dedication.