Frances Hook, American Cross-Dresser
Frances Hook (1847 - March 17, 1908) was an American cross-dressing Union soldier. When her brother enlisted she disguised herself as a man and went with him. She was 14 years old, but claimed to be 22. Their regiment fought at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and then at the Battle of Shiloh where her brother was killed. Under a new alias she enlisted in the 33rd Illinois Infantry regiment. After a few months of service she was wounded in the shoulder at the Battle of Fredericktown. While being treated at the regimental hospital the doctor discovered her sex; she was discharged from the army and told to go home. She ignored orders and enlisted in the 90th Infantry, and saw combat at Holly Springs, Coldwater, the Siege of Vicksburg, the Siege of Jackson, and Missionary Ridge. In 1863 she was captured, imprisoned, attempted an escape, but was shot in the thigh. While being treated another doctor discovered her true sex. Hook was moved to a separate room and put on a list of prisoners to be exchanged on February 17, 1864. When Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a Union Army surgeon, heard this report she argued Hook should be made a lieutenant in the Union Army, but was ignored. Because Dr. Walker was thrilled about the news of a female soldier, she notified the press. Hook consented to interviews, but refused to give her real name. T.J Merritt's National Portrait Gallery, 1861-65
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