This week's hero is...
Cathay Williams
Cathay Williams was born in September of 1842 (some sources say 1844) in Independence, Missouri. She grew up as a slave on a plantation just outside of Jefferson City. However, everything changed for her when the Civil War began. In 1861, Jefferson City was occupied by the Union Army. When this happened all slaves within the city given the opportunity to work for the army as paid laborers (either that or be pressed into service). Williams and many others reluctantly did so.
From 1861 to 1865, Cathay Williams worked as a washerwoman and a cook for the Union Army. Although she did not find the work to be enjoyable, Cathay was able to learn much about military life and became fascinated by it. Her work also allowed her to witness a number of battles including the battle of Pea Ridge, the Red River Campaign, and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign (where she briefly worked for General Philip Sheridan). She continued work for the army until the War ended in 1865. After that she was released from her service.
Unfortunately, although slavery had been abolished by now, there were not many opportunities for freed African-Americans in the United States (especially not in the former slave states). Like so many former slaves, Williams found herself unemployed without any job offers. She then decided to enlist in the American Army under the guise of a man named, "William Cathay". On November 15, 1866, Williams successfully enlisted in the 38th Infantry Regiment (a segregated unit). This made her the first African-American woman to have ever served in the American military. For the next two years, she served at military posts in the Western United States (it is unknown if she ever saw combat). However, in July of 1868, Williams got sick and had to report to the field hospital. It was then that her true gender was revealed. As a result, she received an honorable discharge from the army and worked as cook for military until the year 1870.
After her military service ended, Cathay's health began to decline. She later applied for a military pension for her service (sadly, it was never approved). Much of what happened in her later life is not known. She is presumed to have lived her remaining years in Trinidad, Colorado before dying of natural causes sometime in the 1890s.
Cathay Williams was a remarkable individual. She was born into slavery, grew up in a very difficult period, and tried to make the most her life. One of those ways was to serve her country even though she faced terrible discrimination. Cathay Williams is one of the most unsung yet inspirational figures in history. She is definitely someone to be held in high regard.
https://www.nps.gov/people/cwilliams.htm
http://www.amazingwomeninhistory.com/cathay-williams/
http://blackartblog.blackartdepot.com/african-american-history/buffalo-soldiers/8-facts-cathay-williams-female-buffalo-soldier.html
https://www.legendsofamerica.com/cathay-williams/
From 1861 to 1865, Cathay Williams worked as a washerwoman and a cook for the Union Army. Although she did not find the work to be enjoyable, Cathay was able to learn much about military life and became fascinated by it. Her work also allowed her to witness a number of battles including the battle of Pea Ridge, the Red River Campaign, and the Shenandoah Valley Campaign (where she briefly worked for General Philip Sheridan). She continued work for the army until the War ended in 1865. After that she was released from her service.
Unfortunately, although slavery had been abolished by now, there were not many opportunities for freed African-Americans in the United States (especially not in the former slave states). Like so many former slaves, Williams found herself unemployed without any job offers. She then decided to enlist in the American Army under the guise of a man named, "William Cathay". On November 15, 1866, Williams successfully enlisted in the 38th Infantry Regiment (a segregated unit). This made her the first African-American woman to have ever served in the American military. For the next two years, she served at military posts in the Western United States (it is unknown if she ever saw combat). However, in July of 1868, Williams got sick and had to report to the field hospital. It was then that her true gender was revealed. As a result, she received an honorable discharge from the army and worked as cook for military until the year 1870.
After her military service ended, Cathay's health began to decline. She later applied for a military pension for her service (sadly, it was never approved). Much of what happened in her later life is not known. She is presumed to have lived her remaining years in Trinidad, Colorado before dying of natural causes sometime in the 1890s.
Cathay Williams was a remarkable individual. She was born into slavery, grew up in a very difficult period, and tried to make the most her life. One of those ways was to serve her country even though she faced terrible discrimination. Cathay Williams is one of the most unsung yet inspirational figures in history. She is definitely someone to be held in high regard.
https://www.nps.gov/people/cwilliams.htm
http://www.amazingwomeninhistory.com/cathay-williams/
http://blackartblog.blackartdepot.com/african-american-history/buffalo-soldiers/8-facts-cathay-williams-female-buffalo-soldier.html
https://www.legendsofamerica.com/cathay-williams/
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