Born in Illinois in the 1830s, Frances Clalin married Elmer L. Clayton, had three children and owned a farm in Minnesota. However, at the outbreak of the Civil War, she abandoned her ordinary life and assumed the identity of a man in order to fight for the Union Army. Alongside her husband, she enlisted in the Missouri artillery and cavalry where she fought for several months undetected. This carte de visite shows her in uniform with her sword.

Under the name Jack Williams, Clalin fought by her husband’s side for several months with their Missouri regiments. In order to avoid discovery, Clalin engaged in typically masculine pursuits such as drinking, swearing, gambling, chewing tobacco and even a fondness for cigars. This, coupled with the care she took in performing her duties, proved a successful ruse, as accounts from her fellow soldiers praised her as a good horseman and swordsman and her true identity remained secret.

Clalin fought in numerous battles, including the battle at Fort Donelson, Tennessee. She sustained an injury to her leg during the battle, but remained undiscovered. At the Battle of Stones River on 31 December her husband was killed just a short distance from her. Although he died within a few feet of Clalin, it was reported that she continued fighting and following orders with her fellow soldiers.

Accounts vary on how Clalin’s true identity was discovered. There are claims that after the Battle of Stones River, and the death of her husband, Clalin decided to simply let her identity be known and she was then discharged a few days later. Other sources claim she sustained a hip injury during Stones River, was discovered upon entering the hospital, and discharged.

After being discharged, voluntarily or not, Clalin travelled back to Minnesota to claim her and her husband’s bounty as well as some of her husband’s belongings. There is speculation that she wanted to re-enlist but whilst travelling to Minnesota her train was attacked by Confederate guerillas and her papers and money were stolen, leaving her destitute. Afterwards, she eventually made her way to Quincy, Illinois.

Clalin’s story became known due to her popularity with contemporary newspapers. Public opinion was such that a fund was established in Quincy for former soldiers and friends to help with her situation.

Clalin was not alone in her charade on either side of the war. Indeed, estimates place as many as 250 women in the ranks of the Confederate Army. Another notable figure is Albert D.J. Cashier – also known as Jennie Hodgers – who reportedly fought throughout the Civil War, although this was denied by the army. The fact that public opinion was in favour of Clalin and that she was considered a gifted soldier is at odds with the contemporary idea of femininity and the capabilities of women at the time. However, with so many women reportedly donning Union and Confederate uniforms it seems that active battle can be added as another, albeit extreme, contribution of women to the Civil War.