[2][3] After her graduation from Oberlin, Iredell moved back to Philadelphia and began her career teaching in public schools.
The Ladies Union was created to fund raise and provide assistance to African American soldiers who were either sick or wounded.
[7] She met and married Medal of Honor recipient Christian Fleetwood in 1869 and the couple subsequently had a daughter, Edith.
[8] They were very involved with the prominent African American professional community hosting literary salons and entertaining their guests with theatrical and musical performances.
[7] She spoke at various functions addressing issues like childcare and parenting training, establishment of nurseries for working women, and sanitation.
In August of the same year, she was confirmed as supervisor by the chief surgeon, Dr. William A. Warfield, who reappointed her and gave her the title, Directoress of Nurses.
[8][11] When her term expired in June of that same year, she was not reappointed and despite protests by the commissioners, no other African American representative was appointed to the board.