Flint in Genesee County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Sarah Emma Edmonds / Franklin Thompson
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021
1. Sarah Emma Edmonds Marker
Sarah Emma Edmonds (1841-c. 1898) left her New Brunswick, Canada, home in 1858. Escaping what she feared would be a life of “enslavement” as a woman, she took on the identity of a man, Franklin Thompson, and found employment selling books. When Thompson came to Flint is unknown; however, on May 25, 1861, he enlisted in the Union Army. In 1863, Thompson became ill and left the army. His true identity remained a secret until Edmonds applied for a combat duty pension from the U.S. Army twenty years later. Sarah Emma Edmonds Seelye died in Texas around 1898.
In 1861 Canadian-born Sarah Emma Edmonds enrolled in Company F, Second Michigan Infantry, disguised as a man named Franklin Thompson. The Second Michigan saw action at the first Battle of Bull Run and, as part of the Army of the Potomac, at Second Bull Run and Fredericksburg. Thompson performed all the duties of a soldier including nurse and mailcarrier. In 1863 he became ill, but was denied a furlough. To preserve his identity, he deserted. On July 3, 1886, Congress granted Sarah Emma Edmonds Seelye an honorable discharge from combat duty and a pension.
Erected 1992 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number S0639.)
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Women. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.
Location. 43° 0.738′ N, 83° 41.288′ W. Marker is in Flint, Michigan, in Genesee County. Marker is at the intersection of West Court Street and Saginaw Street, on the left when traveling west on West Court Street. Located on grounds of the Genesee County Circuit Court. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 900 Saginaw St, Flint MI 48502, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Genesee County Civil War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Resisting Slavery / Robert J. Cromwell (a few steps from this marker); Otto P. Graff (within shouting distance of this marker); Genesee County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Masonic Temple (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Court Street United Methodist Church (about 500 feet away); The Vehicle City (about 600 feet away); St. Paul's Episcopal Church (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Flint.
Also see . . . Wikipedia article on Sarah Edmonds (with photo). (Submitted on August 1, 2021.)
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021
2. Franklin Thompson Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 26, 2021
3. Sarah Emma Edmonds / Franklin Thompson Marker
Marker on north side of Genesee County Circuit Court
Credits. This page was last revised on August 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 500 times since then and 122 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 31, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
