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The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds: Civil War Spy, Great Episodes

Duane Kelly

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Published in Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story Of Emma Edmonds Civil War Spy (Great Episodes)

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Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy (Great Episodes)

by Seymour Reit

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2828 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	146 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

Emma Edmonds was a remarkable woman who lived an extraordinary life. Born in Canada in 1823, she disguised herself as a man and fought in the Civil War as a Union soldier. Her bravery and determination are an inspiration to us all.

Edmonds' story is one of courage, adventure, and resilience. She faced danger and adversity with a determination that is truly admirable. Her story is a reminder that anything is possible if we set our minds to it.

In this book, you will learn about Edmonds' early life, her decision to disguise herself as a man, and her experiences as a soldier in the Civil War. You will also learn about her postwar life and her legacy as a pioneer for women's rights.

The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds is a must-read for anyone interested in history, biography, or women's studies. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Early Life

Emma Edmonds was born in New Brunswick, Canada, in 1823. Her parents were poor farmers, and she had a difficult childhood. She was often sick, and she was frequently abused by her father.

When Edmonds was 16 years old, she ran away from home and joined a traveling circus. She worked as a acrobat and a bareback rider, and she quickly became a star performer.

In 1849, Edmonds left the circus and moved to the United States. She settled in Michigan, where she worked as a schoolteacher and a nurse.

Disguising Herself as a Man

In 1861, the Civil War broke out. Edmonds was deeply patriotic, and she wanted to do her part to help the Union cause.

However, Edmonds knew that she would not be able to serve as a soldier if she was a woman. So, she decided to disguise herself as a man.

Edmonds cut her hair short, bound her breasts, and put on men's clothing. She then adopted the name Frank Thompson.

Edmonds' disguise was convincing, and she was able to pass as a man for over a year.

Civil War Service

In 1862, Edmonds enlisted in the Union Army. She served in the 2nd Michigan Infantry Regiment.

Edmonds quickly proved herself to be a brave and capable soldier. She fought in several battles, including the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of Gettysburg.

Edmonds was also a skilled spy. She gathered valuable intelligence for the Union Army, and she helped to plan several successful raids.

Edmonds' service in the Civil War was extraordinary. She was one of the few women who fought in the war as a soldier, and she made a significant contribution to the Union cause.

Postwar Life

After the Civil War, Edmonds returned to Michigan. She married a man named Linus H. Seelye, and they had two children.

Edmonds never revealed her true identity to her husband or her children. She lived a quiet life as a housewife and a mother.

In 1897, Edmonds' true identity was finally revealed. A journalist named James Madison discovered her secret and published a story about her in the New York World.

Edmonds was immediately hailed as a hero. She was invited to speak at patriotic events, and she was awarded a pension from the government.

Edmonds died in 1909 at the age of 86. She is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Legacy

Emma Edmonds was a remarkable woman who lived an extraordinary life. She was a brave soldier, a skilled spy, and a pioneer for women's rights.

Edmonds' story is an inspiration to us all. It is a reminder that anything is possible if we set our minds to it.

The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds is a must-read for anyone interested in history, biography, or women's studies. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Behind Rebel Lines: The Incredible Story of Emma Edmonds, Civil War Spy (Great Episodes)

by Seymour Reit

4.6 out of 5