The actual American Red Cross Association was started by Clara Barton. She was born on December 25, 1812, to parents Stephen Barton and Sally Stone. During the Civil War, Clara Barton a nurse during the battle, had earned herself the nickname "Angle of the Battle Field," because she was always no matter what the conditions were on the battlefield, even if it was raining bullets, be out on the front lines addressing soldiers and attending to their every need. During the year of 1881 Clara Barton successfully started the American Red Cross Association