The story of Cathay Williams stands as a powerful testament to courage, resilience, and a determined pursuit of self-sufficiency against formidable odds. As the first and only documented African-American woman to enlist in the United States Army by disguising herself as a man, Cathay Williams carved an indelible mark in American history, serving as Private William Cathay in an all-Black Buffalo Soldier regiment. Her extraordinary journey from enslavement to military service challenges conventional narratives and illuminates the lengths individuals would go to secure their freedom and autonomy in post-Civil War America.
Born into the harsh realities of slavery in Independence, Missouri, in 1842, Cathay Williams’ early life was marked by the ownership of William Johnson, a wealthy planter in Jefferson City. Her destiny, however, took a pivotal turn with the outbreak of the American Civil War. When Union soldiers arrived, Williams was freed, transitioning from an enslaved house servant to a paid worker for the Federal Army. This period became her initial exposure to military life, a precursor to her eventual, audacious enlistment.
A Life Forged in the Shadow of War
Working as a laundress and cook, Cathay Williams gained invaluable firsthand experience with the Union Army’s daily operations and movements. She served notable figures such as Colonel Thomas Hart Benton in Little Rock, Arkansas, and later, the esteemed General Philip Sheridan and his staff. Her duties took her across significant historical landscapes, from the Shenandoah Valley raids in Virginia to various posts in Iowa, Missouri, Louisiana, and Georgia. These experiences undoubtedly shaped her understanding of military organization and the often-arduous life of a soldier, fueling her desire for independence in a rapidly changing world.
The Audacious Enlistment: William Cathay Joins the Ranks
With the Civil War concluded and a desire to maintain the financial independence she had briefly tasted, Cathay Williams made a momentous decision in November 1866. Despite strict prohibitions against women serving in the military, she enlisted in the 38th U.S. Infantry, Company A, in St. Louis, Missouri. Adopting the male pseudonym William Cathay, she successfully passed a cursory medical examination, a process less rigorous than today’s standards, which declared her fit for duty. Only two trusted individuals knew her true identity: a cousin and a close friend, both of whom faithfully guarded her secret. She presented herself as a 22-year-old cook, described by the recruiting officer as being 5’9″ with black eyes, black hair, and a black complexion – details that would become part of her official military record.
Service with the Buffalo Soldiers
Her military career, spanning nearly two years, involved arduous deployments across the American West. After being sent to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, in February 1867, Williams’ company embarked on extensive marches. By April, they were in Fort Riley, Kansas, and subsequently moved to Fort Harker, Kansas, and Fort Union, New Mexico, covering hundreds of miles. Later, the regiment was stationed at Fort Cummings, New Mexico, where they served for eight months, primarily tasked with protecting miners and traveling immigrants from Apache attacks. During this period, a brief mutiny occurred, though Cathay Williams was not implicated.
Despite the challenges and secrecy surrounding her identity, Williams participated in the regular garrison duties expected of any soldier. While there is no definitive record of her engaging in direct combat, her service contributed to the vital role the Buffalo Soldiers played in securing the Western frontier. Her dedication under such unique circumstances underscores her profound commitment to her adopted role.
Health Struggles, Discovery, and Discharge
The rigors of military life, combined with the stress of maintaining her disguise, took a toll on Cathay Williams’ health. She was frequently on the sick report, admitted to various hospitals on five separate occasions for ailments that included smallpox. Remarkably, through these multiple hospitalizations, her gender remained undetected. However, her declining health eventually led to her discovery. In July 1868, while admitted to Fort Bayard hospital with a diagnosis of neuralgia – a catch-all term for nerve pain – her true identity as a woman was finally revealed.
On October 14, 1868, Private William Cathay was honorably discharged from Fort Bayard with a certificate of disability. The company’s captain noted Williams’ consistent physical and mental feebleness, stating, “He is continually on the sick report without benefit. He is unable to do military duty… This condition dates before enlistment.” Despite the official narrative attributing her discharge to pre-existing conditions, her legacy as the first and only female Buffalo Soldier to serve remained intact.
Life After Service and the Fight for a Pension
Following her military discharge, Cathay Williams continued to seek financial independence. She worked as a cook for a colonel at Fort Union, New Mexico, in 1869-1870, before moving to Pueblo, Colorado, where she worked as a laundress. By 1872, she had settled in Trinidad, Colorado, maintaining her livelihood as a laundress and part-time nurse. However, her health continued to plague her, leading to a prolonged hospitalization in early 1890.
Facing destitution, Williams filed for a pension from the U.S. Army in June 1891, citing deafness, rheumatism, and neuralgia as conditions contracted during her service. Her courageous application highlighted her belief in the validity of her service, regardless of her gender. Unfortunately, after medical examinations and investigations, the Pension Bureau rejected her claim. They concluded that no disability existed, that her feeble condition predated her enlistment, and critically, that her service in the Army was not legal due to her gender. Consequently, any pension, disability, or otherwise, was denied.
Conclusion: A Pioneering Spirit Remembered
The precise details of Cathay Williams’ final years remain shrouded in mystery; her name vanished from census rolls after 1900, suggesting she likely passed away between 1892 and that year. Despite the tragic end to her quest for a military pension, Cathay Williams’ story resonates through history as a powerful symbol of determination and defiance against societal norms. Her brave act of enlisting as William Cathay not only shattered gender barriers but also highlighted the systemic inequalities faced by African Americans and women in the post-Civil War era. Her incredible journey serves as a poignant reminder of the untold contributions of individuals who dared to live authentically and contribute to their nation, regardless of the personal cost. Her legacy is a testament to the pioneering spirit of those who pushed the boundaries of what was considered possible.
