After the start of the Civil War, Ladies Aid Societies formed all over the country in an effort to provide aid and supplies for sick and wounded soldiers. The first meeting of the Hudson, Ohio, Ladies' Aid Society took place in August, 1861. According to a handwritten history of the organization, "at that time it was not supposed necessary that there should be any formally organized society but simply that a committee should be appointed to collect such stores as might be on hand and a person be designated to receive the small admittance fee & write the necessary letters." 115 women signed on as members of the society at the first meeting. Coordination of donations was divided by school district, with one or two women assigned to different parts of the town. The group met regularly in churches and homes. The organization helped raise money and coordinated shipments of supplies, including clothing, blankets, food and more to soldiers.

In June, 1861, the U.S. Sanitary Commission formed to support the efforts of these aid groups. Like other Ladies Aid Societies in the area, the Hudson society eventually became a branch of the Cleveland Soldiers Aid Society (October 28, 1861).