Frances Clalin enlisted in the army with her husband Elmer Clayton at the time of the war. Although they were lived together in Minnesota, they enlisted in the Missouri Artillery Regiment, the reason is unknown, but perhaps this was to aid in her façade. She, as many other women did, fought in the war with the same intent of male soldiers. She portrayed a soldier’s physique standing at 6 feet with a more athletic frame and took on the masculinized name of “Jack Williams.” Clayton furthered her disguise as she mimicked the characteristics of the average American soldier. She performed her disguise well as she learned how to gamble, and practiced walking, chewing and talking like the men did in 1861. There were statements made about her being an excellent "horseman" and shooter.