“I wanted to make my own living and not be dependent on relations or friends.” -Cathay Williams to the St. Louis Daily Times, January 1876
Cathay Williams, a.k.a. Private William Cathay, was the first Black woman to enlist and the only documented woman to serve in the U.S. Army while disguised as a man during the American Indian Wars. Williams is also the only known woman Buffalo Soldier.
Born into slavery in Missouri, Williams was working on a nearby plantation when Union forces occupied Jefferson City in 1861. At the time, captured slaves were deemed “contraband” and made to serve in military support roles. At just 17 years old, Williams served as an Army cook and washerwoman. She accompanied the infantry all over the country, witnessing countless historic battles during the Civil War.
On November 15th, 1866, with years of experience around the military and a height of 5 foot 9, Williams cut her hair, donned masculine clothing, and enlisted for a three year engagement in the regular U.S. Army. She passed a cursory physical exam and was assigned to the 38th U.S. Infantry, one of the regiments known as the Buffalo Soldiers.
Undeterred by frequent illness and harsh conditions, Williams served for nearly two years before her identity was discovered. She was honorably discharged in 1868. Despite being discharged with a certificate of disability, her 1891 disability claim was denied by the Pension Bureau due to a lack of substantiation.
Sources:
Cathay Williams (U.S. National Park Service)
https://www.army.mil/article/73501/black_history_she_survived_under_the_guise_of_a_man
Cathay Williams Was the Army’s Only Female Buffalo Soldier | Military.com
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