Near Northwood in Worth County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Civil War
1861-1865
— Frances Clalin Clayton —
Photographed By McGhiever, November 4, 2022
1. The Civil War Marker
Several hundred women disguised themselves as men and took the bold step of leaving their homes to serve their country during the Civil War. Many women enlisted because they had no means of supporting themselves after their loved one enlisted.
Frances Clayton was one of those brave women and took the name Jack Williams in order to fight in the Union Army with her husband Elmer. Although the Claytons lived in Minnesota, they enlisted in a regiment from Missouri.
Frances Clayton served in both the artillery regiment and the cavalry. On February 13, 1852, the mother of three children was wounded in action during the battle of Fort Donelson in Tennessee where the Union was finally victorious after a three day battle. Her identity remained hidden and after being honorably discharged she returned to Minnesota as a widow due to the death of her husband at the Battle of Stones River on December 31, 1862.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is February 13, 1863.
Location. 43° 26.712′ N, 93° 21.251′ W. Marker is near Northwood, Iowa, in Worth County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Wheelerwood Road and County Highway 105, on the right when traveling north. The marker is at the Hartland
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. World War I (here, next to this marker); World War II (here, next to this marker); Korean War / Vietnam War (here, next to this marker); Iraq and Afghanistan War (here, next to this marker); Historic Northern Iowa / Carrie Lane Chapman Catt - (1859 - 1947) (a few steps from this marker); Minnesota’s Roads / Welcome to Minnesota (approx. 4.9 miles away in Minnesota); South Shell Rock Lutheran (approx. 5.6 miles away); Jefferson Highway Completion (approx. 6.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwood.
Photographed By McGhiever, November 4, 2022
2. The Civil War Marker (far left) at the Hartland Rest Area & Iowa Welcome Center
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 19, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on December 26, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 19, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
