Abby House

Abby House
Angel of Mercy to Confederate Soldiers
Dates: 
1797-1881

Known affectionately as "Aunt Abby," Abby House gained prominence when she walked all the way from her home in North Carolina to Norfolk, Virginia, during the War of 1812 to care for her sick beau. During the Civil War she collected clothes and food for Confederate soldiers. In 1876 she was the first woman to cast an official vote for political office.