Helen L. Gilson

Helen L. Gilson (1836–1868) was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts. She was a nurse during the Civil War. Also known as Helen. L. Gilson Osgood.
Early life
She began her career in teaching at seventeen as the head assistant of Phillips School in Boston, Massachusetts. She stayed there for a few years until 1858 when throat problems forced her to leave. After, she moved back to Chelsea, Massachusetts where she worked as a governess for her cousins, children of her uncle Frank B. Fay, the mayor of Chelsea.
Participation in the Civil War effort
Fay took a deep interest in supporting the Civil War, especially in supporting the troops. This was a cause that Gilson became passionate about as well. Hoping to help, Gilson applied for a diploma to Dorothea Dix, the government superintendent of female nurses. She was denied due to age requirements. However, this did not stop her from leaving home to help the soldiers. April 1862, Gilson applied a second...