Women’s Influence on the Civil War When the Civil War began in 1861, the Southern woman's role changed irrevocably. She had been the leader of the home life, training the servants, keeping the kitchen stocked. But with the exodus of the men from the plantations, the women instantly became the leaders of their farms, which could have more than 150 people on them. That was the case on the Millwood Plantation, which was northwest of Reddick, …showed first 75 words of 749 total…

…showed last 75 words of 749 total…at 9 this morning," wrote Taylor in her diary on Feb. 14, 1864. "Mr. T. had some corn and other things hidden from them. I got Fenwick to bury my wine. "Some members of Major Brevard's Battalion came up here, and he himself called on his way to meet the enemy. We were all busy endeavoring to secrete a few of our things." Disguised as a man, Frances Clalin served many months in Missouri artillery and cavalry units.