Estelle Johnson (February 2, 1841 – December 25, 1910) was a Union nurse during the American Civil War. She and her sister, Lydia Wood, enlisted when their husbands joined the service.[1][2] The two women and their husbands served in the 4th Vermont Volunteers; Johnson and Wood enlisted on September 20, 1861.[3] After long travels, the regiment finally set up camp at Camp Griffin.[4]
Civil War service
Upon arrival at camp, Johnson helped set up a hospital in an abandoned house as soon as possible.[5] Johnson was immediately exposed to the harsh camp life; at first the hospital was so low on supplies they did not even have cots.[5][2] When word got out about the poor conditions at this makeshift hospital, drastic changes occurred, and supplies were sent to the regiment.[5] Eventually, Johnson became matron of this hospital which cared for the Vermont Brigade.[2]
Camp hardships surpassed supply shortages, however. Soon typhoid fever plagued the regiment, Johnson's husband and sister both falling ill.[5] Her husband recovered, but Lydia Wood died.[5] Johnson also encountered two soldiers who she believed died from sheer homesickness.[6] Another noteworthy experience for Johnson were her trips to Washington, D.C. where she met Dorothea Dix.[6]
Johnson's husband was discharged upon injury, but Johnson continued her service for a few months after his departure. She left the service on March 23, 1862, after six months of service.[6]
