Mary Edwards Walker

Mary Edwards Walker was an American feminist, abolitionist, prohibitionist, alleged spy, prisoner of war and surgeon. As of 2016, she is the only woman ever to receive the Medal of Honor.

Mary Edwards Walker was born in the Town of Oswego, New York, on November 26, 1832, the daughter of Alvah and Vesta Walker. She was the youngest of seven children she had five sisters and one brother. Alvah and Vesta raised their both their son and their daughters in a progressive manner that was revolutionary for the time. Their nontraditional parenting nurtured Marys spirit of independence and sense of justice that she actively demonstrated throughout her life. While they were devoted Christians, the Walkers were free thinkers who raised their children to question the regulations and restrictions of various denominations. The Walker parents also demonstrated nontraditional gender roles to their children regarding sharing work around the farm Vesta often participated in heavy labor while Alvah took part in general household chores. Walker worked on her family farm as a child. She did not wear womens clothing during farm labor, because she considered it too restricting. Her mother re

Source: Wikipedia