135 Lucy Higgs - One Minute History

Higgs and her daughter escaped slavery by fleeing to Union lines near Bolivar, TN. Lucy volunteered with the 23rd Indiana Infantry as a nurse, cook, and seamstress, earning the nickname Aunt Lucy. Despite the Army Nurses Pension Act of 1892 excluding many volunteer nurses, 55 veterans of her regiment advocated for her, leading to a special act of Congress granting her a monthly pension. A photo shows Lucy at a Grand Army of the Republic reunion, surrounded by grateful veterans.

What roles did Lucy Higgs Nichols take on while serving with the 23rd Indiana Infantry Regiment?

• Driver and mechanic

• Scout and spy

• Teacher and medic

• Nurse, cook, and seamstress

What nickname did Lucy earn due to her dedication to the soldiers?

• Sister Lucy

• Mother Lucy

• Nurse Lucy

• Aunt Lucy

Why were many volunteer nurses like Lucy initially excluded from the Army Nurses Pension Act?

• They were not registered nurses

• They did not serve long enough

• They were not U.S. citizens

• They were not officially enlisted

How did the veterans of the 23rd Regiment support Lucy's cause?

• By raising funds for her

• By organizing protests

• By writing letters to the president

• By rallying to correct the injustice

What was the outcome of the veterans' efforts to support Lucy?

• She was given a new home

• She was appointed as a military advisor

• She was awarded a medal of honor

• She received a monthly pension of $12