Cathay Williams or William Cathay?

"I wanted to make my own living and not be dependent on relatives or friends".

Such were the words spoken by Cathay Williams.

I learned more about her story while visiting a local museum several years ago. There I had the humble honor and privilege to converse with some retired Buffalo Soldiers. They were proudly decked out in their military regalia. What an inspiration they were.

I even have a T-shirt that I have with their autographs that they so graciously signed for me. The stories they told visitors were so very riveting and intriguing. I couldn't help but burst forth with pride. While there I purchased another T-shirt with Cathay Williams on it. Several times when I have worn it, people would often ask me about her story.

JUST WHO WAS SHE?

Cathay Williams was born in 1842 just outside of Independence, Missouri. She was a house slave for William Johnson in Jefferson City, Missouri. He was a well-to-do planter. When he died the Civil War had begun. Fortunately for her, she was freed by the Union Army.

JOBS SHE PERFORMED

She was then employed with the Army as a paid servant. Cathay Williams once worked for Colonel Benton and General Phil Sheridan. Eventually she ended up in Washington to work for them as their cook and laundress. Because she traveled extensively with them, she saw first hand what was happening during the war.

CLEVER SCHEME SHE CAME UP WITH

Not wanting to depend on anyone, Cathay Williams joined the Army in November of 1866. At that time medical exams were not required. Of course, women weren't allowed to serve as soldiers during this time. So what did she do? She disguised herself as a man and used the name of William Cathay.

HER MILITARY SERVICE

She served with the Thirty-Eighth United States Infantry, Company A. They were later known as Buffalo Soldiers. They were called for duty at Fort Cummings in New Mexico on October 1, 1867. It was their job to protect immigrants traveling to California. She knew how to use a musket and also performed the job of guard duty.

THE DISCOVERY IS MADE

Soon she became tired of the rigors of military life. It was then that she pretended to be ill. That was when she was discovered to be a woman. Cathay Williams was honorably discharged on October 14, 1868.

SIGNIFICANCE OF HER STORY/CONCLUSION

She is the only female to ever serve as a Buffalo Soldier. She is often referred to as the Female Buffalo Soldier. It is believed that only two other people knew of her secret and they apparently didn't tell anyone.

Now this woman had lots of courage. To think that she pulled it off successfully for that length of time is mind-boggling. It was all because she wanted to earn her own keep. It just lets you know the depth that people will go to sometimes. She is to be admired for her determination.

It is not clear as to when she died. Researchers are still trying to find out the answer to that question.

SOURCE:

http://www.buffalosoldiers-lawtonftsill.org/williams.htm

Personal talk and presentation with Buffalo Soldiers who were at local museum several years ago.