At the time, women were not allowed to serve in the Union Army so Wilson and Graves had to masquerade as men.
Born in Long Island, New York, Wilson fell in love with and became engaged to a man before taking a trip to Lafayette, Indiana to visit some relatives in 1860.
[1] In early 1861, as America moved closer to Civil War Wilson and Graves returned home to Long Island.
[1] In 1862, the two men enlisted in the new regiment being formed at Camp Cadwallader, in Beverly, New Jersey.
At some point during this time, Graves' lover was also killed, however it is unknown when or where he died.
After two performances she quit and looked for another regiment to join, feeling the need to serve her country.
[1] On August 5, 1863, Wilson was riding through Memphis, Tennessee, with a fellow soldier when a guard stopped them.
Soon after, the authorities discharged her with female clothing and made her promise she would not disguise herself as a man again.