Figure020

Citation

S. Masury. “Frances Clalin Clayton, aka Jack Williams.” circa 1865. Greg French Collection. Mirror of Race, 11 Feb. 2021, mirrorofrace.bc.edu/items/show/251. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024.

Title

Frances Clalin Clayton, aka Jack Williams

Subject

Frances Clalin Clayton, aka Jack Williams

Creator

S. Masury

Date

circa 1865

Type

studio portrait

Identifier

Figure020

Rights Holder

Greg French Collection

Original Format

carte de visite: albumen print

Physical Dimensions

cdv standard

Factual Commentary

Frances Clayton adopted the name Jack Williams and posed as a man so that she could join her husband, Elmer Clayton, when he enlisted in the Union army. They fought together in several Missouri regiments, both cavalry and artillery. Elmer Clayton was killed in action, in front of Frances, at the battle of Mufreesboro on December 31, 1862, but she kept on fighting. She was wounded multiple times herself, but managed to keep her identity hidden even after the death of her husband. She fought at many engagements, including the decisive battle of Fort Donelson on February 12, 1862.

Interpretive Commentary

Frances Clayton was not the only woman to adopt a male persona to fight in the war. Dozens if not hundreds did so, too. The Miror of Race is interested in exploring the issue of gender passing as it relates to race passing. How do the two forms of passing compare? Which was more of a transgression at the time? When and why did it become acceptable to pass, either by race or by gender? What kind of "performance" was required to carry it off? And what does passing tell about the reality, or non-reality, of race and gender as natural categories?

Please go here for a sub-exhibition of portraits of women pushing the boundaries of gender roles in this period.

Alternative Title

Collection

Mirror of Race