Born: September 1844 (Independence, Missouri)
Died: 1893
Biography:
Cathay Williams (born September 1844, died 1893) was a remarkable American soldier who defied gender norms and racial barriers in the 19th century. As a Black woman, she enlisted in the United States Army under the pseudonym William Cathay, becoming the first African American female to enlist and the only documented woman to serve in the U.S. Army while posing as a man during the Indian Wars.
Born in September 1844 in Independence, Missouri, Cathay Williams had a challenging upbringing. Her father was a free man, but her mother was enslaved, making Cathay’s legal status that of a slave. During her adolescence, she worked as a house slave on the Johnson plantation near Jefferson City, Missouri.
In 1861, as the Civil War broke out, Union forces occupied Jefferson City. At that time, captured slaves were officially designated as contraband by the Union. Many of them were forced to serve in military support roles such as cooks, laundresses, or nurses. While there is no concrete evidence to support Cathay Williams’ service in the Civil War, a soldier named Finis Cathay, possibly a relative, enlisted in the 32nd Missouri Infantry in 1862 and participated in significant campaigns in the west. This unit’s history closely aligns with many of the stories told about Cathay Williams, including its presence in Washington, D.C., at the final Grand Review in May 1865.
Disregarding the prohibition against women serving in the military, Cathay Williams enlisted in the United States Regular Army under the false name of William Cathay on November 15, 1866, in St. Louis, Missouri. She successfully passed herself off as a man and was assigned to the 38th United States Infantry Regiment after passing a cursory medical examination. Only her cousin and a friend, both fellow soldiers in her regiment, were aware of her true identity.
Shortly after her enlistment, Williams contracted smallpox and was hospitalized. Despite this setback, she rejoined her unit, which had been stationed in New Mexico. However, her body began to show signs of strain, possibly due to the effects of smallpox, the New Mexico heat, or the cumulative toll of years of marching. She frequently required hospitalization.
Ultimately, the post surgeon discovered that Cathay Williams was a woman and informed the post commander. As a result, she was discharged from the Army by her commanding officer, Captain Charles E. Clarke, on October 14, 1868. Her incredible disguise and service had come to an end.
After leaving the military, Cathay Williams faced numerous challenges as she readjusted to civilian life. She battled health issues and likely experienced difficulties finding employment due to her gender and race. Unfortunately, reliable information about her life after her military service is scarce.
Cathay Williams’ role in history cannot be overlooked. She defied societal expectations and overcame institutional barriers to serve her country during a time when opportunities for women and African Americans were severely limited. While her story may have been hidden for many years, her courage and determination have since been celebrated, highlighting the resilience and contributions of women throughout history.