Career
Mary McCoy (1820s – October 7 October 1899) was an Irish nurse Mary joined the regiment, being appointed an army nurse by Secretary Edwin M. Stanton. All surviving accounts testify to McCoy excellence at her post, but her work during the battle of Fair Oaks was especially distinguished.
Her work among the wounded on the firing line moved General George B. McClellan to compliment her bravery.
Shortly after the battle, President Lincoln arrived at Harrison"s Landing, and asked Nurse McCoy for a drink. McCoy hesitated to serve the Commander-in-Chief with an ordinary tin cup, and went in search of a glass, but Lincoln called her back, saying "If a tin dipper is good enough for the soldiers, it is good enough for medical "
Following his death, she joined the staff of Saint Mary"s Hospital, Brooklyn.
She died there on 7 October 1899, survived by a niece. Her death was marked by obituaries in state papers.
