Description

In the process of becoming one of the most famous Americans of her era Susan B Anthonys legacy has overshadowed many of her contemporaries who were also active in the fight for civil rights Among them few led as interesting or progressive a life as Dr Mary Edwards Walker who grew up in a family that encouraged every kind of pursuit for girls and provided an educational foundation that would propel Walker in many fields In addition to becoming a surgeon Walker and her family eschewed conventional dress styles in favor of being comfortable doing so in an era that ensured she would be ridiculed for it Undeterred Walkers work took her across enemy lines during the Civil War leading to her arrest in the South and to her recognition as one of only eight civilians in American history to be awarded the Medal of Honor for rendering valuable service to the Government and her efforts have been earnest and untiring in a variety of ways