Who Was Clara Barton - Who Was...? Author:Stephanie Spinner, David Groff (Illustrator) Clarissa “Clara” Barton was a shy girl who grew up to become a teacher, nurse, and humanitarian. At a time when few women worked outside the home, she became the first woman to hold a government job, as a patent clerk in Washington, DC. — In 1864, she was appointed “lady in charge” of the hospitals at the front lines... more » of the Union Army, where she became known as the “Angel of the Battlefield.” Clara Barton built a career helping others. She went on to found the American Red Cross, one of her greatest accomplishments, and one of the most recognized organizations in the world.« less