Susan Cox (Civil War nurse)

Susan Cox was a Union nurse during the American Civil War. Cox enlisted in October 1862, in Knox County, Illinois. She served with the 83rd Illinois Infantry throughout her career, serving at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and Clarksville. Because Cox remained with the same regiment, and spent much of her time with them at Fort Donelson, her experiences weren't as varied as the stories of some Civil War nurses. At Fort Donelson, Cox witnessed daily fight with the enemy. This work exposed Cox to enemy fire and camp life difficulties as she cared for the ailing soldiers. Cox's husband was also part of the infantry; one day, as Cox was following her husband and his company up the Cumberland River, a skirmish broke out. Cox also witnessed a man publicly executed for desertion. After many challenging experiences, Cox's service ended June 1864.