A Sister of Charity of Cincinnati, she served with distinction as a nurse on the front lines of the American Civil War.

Her work with the wounded and in health care in general caused her to be known as "the angel of the battlefield" and "the Florence Nightingale of America."

[2] Sister Anthony arrived in Cincinnati in 1837 to begin her work at St. Peter's Orphan Asylum and School for girls.

Some describe Sr. Anthony's word as being law with officers, doctors, and soldiers once she had established herself as a prudent and trusted administrator and nurse.

She and other sisters often were picked to treat wounded prisoners of war since they showed no bias in serving rebel, yank, white, or black soldiers.

Her method was "the first recognizably modern triage techniques in war zones, saved countless lives through faster hospital treatment and won her praise from President Lincoln".

[7] It still serves as St. Joseph Hospital, a residential facility for children and adults with severe mental and multiple physical disabilities.