We think of the women of the 1860's as meek and subservient to the men in their families so I was quite surprised at the number of women who served during the Civil War in so many different ways.  Some embraced the freedom and challenge that was now available to them.  Many wanted to fight for their ideals and values like their male counterparts.  Ellen Goodridge of Wisconsin joined her fiance in the Army and served by his side for three years and nursed him back to health after a serious illness.  Catherine Davidson of Sheffield Ohio enlisted in the 28th Ohio to be with her fiance.  Her fiance was killed and she was wounded at the battle of Antietam.  Lizzie Compton enlisted at the tender age of fourteen and served with no less than seven different regiments before being seriously wounded.  Mary and Molly Bell served with Jubal Early's command before being found out and sent home.  And the list goes on.