NC: Aunt Abby House: Confederate Angel of Mercy

Abby House, Confederate "angel of mercy," was the daughter of Green and Ann House of Granville and Franklin counties. It is unclear where Abby was born, but she spent most of her adult life near Franklinton. Although her given name probably was Abigail, she came to be known as "Aunt Abby," and is most remembered for her aid to Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.

 When the war began, she pledged to her eight nephews that she would do what was necessary to help them if they became sick or wounded. In fulfilling her promise she made frequent trips to Virginia on foot and by train. Although she rarely had enough money for train fare, her rough features, shrewd eyes, black mourning clothes, feisty personality, and ever-present cane convinced conductors of the expedience of allowing her to travel at no cost.

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