Description
Frances Clayton disguised herself as a man to fight in the Union Army. She enlisted in a Missouri regiment under the alias Jack Williams, along with her husband. She fought at Shiloh and was wounded at the Battle of Fort Donelson. She may have been discovered as a woman when physically examined after a bullet wound to her hip. Clayton left the army soon after her husband died at the Battle of Stones River.
An estimated 400 to 750 women clandestinely fought as men in the Civil War. Some went for the adventure or patriotic duty while others went to be with a loved one. If discovered, the women would usually be sent home without punishment.
This Frances Clayton mug is part of our Civil War series profiling participants in the War Between the States. Thousands of Confederate and Union soldiers fought in battles such as Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Chattanooga, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. We honor their sacrifices by telling their stories.
The biographical History Mugs were created to teach and inspire individuals to learn about our diverse and interesting history. The biographies were researched and written by history enthusiast, Robert Compton. He colorized most of the historic photos and images used on the mugs, which were originally black and white or sepia tone. The images and biographies are imprinted on mugs at his studio in rural Vermont.
- Mugs are food and microwave safe.
- To preserve photographic quality we recommend hand washing.
- Mugs are usually shipped within 3-5 days.
