Mehitable Woods was a major in the Civil War, practically unheard-of for a woman at the time. This is the true story of the courageous life of Mehitable (Owen) Woods including her westward expansion from Vermont to New York and Ohio, to frontier life helping to build a new Iowan town, and four marriages. The outbreak of the Civil War provided the long-separated and childless Mehitable with ample opportunity to serve her community and her nation. "No power on earth will keep me from going!" Mehitable took supplies where they were most needed—to the battlefield. Governor Kirkwood gave her a major's commission to enable her to cut the army's red tape more effectively. By later accounts, "Mrs. Major Woods" made 13 trips, taking nine cargoes weighing between two and 37 tons each. If asked, she would always say, "I am going to see my sons, all of whom are in the army."