12 Facts About Pauline Cushman

Pauline Cushman is considered one of the most successful Civil War spies.

Harriet Wood, who later adopted the stage name of Pauline Cushman, was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 10,1833, the daughter of a Spanish merchant and a Frenchwoman.

Pauline Cushman's parents moved there to establish a trading post with indigenous peoples.

Pauline Cushman had three children: Charles, Ida, and an adopted daughter, Emma.

Pauline Cushman had decided to ingratiate herself with the rebels by making the toast, while offering her services to the Union as a spy.

Pauline Cushman was spared hanging by the invasion of the area by Union troops.

In 1865, a friend, Ferdinand Sarmiento, wrote an exaggerated biography titled The Life of Pauline Cushman: The celebrated Union Spy and Scout, detailing her early history, her entry into the secret service, notes, and memoranda.

Pauline Cushman lost her child to sickness by 1868, and married again in 1872 in San Francisco, but was widowed within a year.

Pauline Cushman had applied for back pension based on her first husband's military service which she received in the amount of $12 per month beginning in June 1893.

Pauline Cushman was found the next morning by her landlady.

Pauline Cushman died as Pauline Fryer at the age of sixty.

The time of her Civil War fame was recalled at her funeral, which was arranged by members of the Grand Army of the Republic; Pauline Cushman was buried with full military honors.