Maine Memory Network

Rebecca Usher on arrival at nursing station, 1862

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1862 Location: Portland; Chester Media: Ink on paper

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Rebecca Usher on history of military hospital, Pennsylvania, 1863

Contributed by: Maine Historical Society Date: 1863 Location: Portland; Chester Media: Ink on paper

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Rebecca Usher: 'To Succor the Suffering Soldiers'

Rebecca Usher of Hollis was 41 and single when she joined the Union nursing service at the U.S. General Hospital at Chester, Pennsylvania. Her time there and later at City Point, Virginia, were defining experiences of her life.

The Sanitary Commission: Meeting Needs of Soldiers, Families

The Sanitary Commission, formed soon after the Civil War began in the spring of 1861, dealt with the health, relief needs, and morale of soldiers and their families. The Maine Agency helped families and soldiers with everything from furloughs to getting new socks.