A Historical American Soldier | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

A Historical American Soldier

Do you know William Cathay?

11
A Historical American Soldier
Google

There are many hidden figures from the past that we still haven’t been introduced to yet. We recently just learned about three African American women Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson who worked for NASA, and helped with an important mission of sending John Glenn into orbit from the movie, Hidden Figures. I must say there must be a long list of names that may never be recognized, or even noticed. There are many stories to tell, for example there are war stories. Imagine you’re stopping in a small coffee shop to buy a cup of coffee and you see a war veteran standing in line. Have you ever wondered what his or her story may be? Could it be the reason why they are still alive today is because another soldier risked their life just to save him, or her. There are many men and women whom we will never hear their names and what they’ve done to fight for our freedom in this country.

I was introduced to a United States Army soldier that I’ve never heard about before. Though this person's service was only for a short time, this soldier literally changed the game. William Cathay, a brave human being, and an African American who served this country from 1866-1868. William Cathay wasn’t any ordinary soldier for William Cathay was Cathay Williams. Yes, he was a she, and was the first African American woman enlisted who disguised herself as a man. For blacks, during those times were tough and southern communities were against equal opportunities for blacks such as jobs, healthcare, and shelter. It would only make sense to join the army where they would provide those things. They offered shelter, medical assistance, and pay. This was something Cathay knew she needed in order to survive. For two years she lived as a black man in the army until her gender was discovered, and she was then discharged.

Williams was born in Independence, Missouri to a free man and a woman slave, and with her mother being a slave she was considered a slave herself. Although, her survival may have depended on the army, it was never in her plans to join. Born into slavery, she worked as a house slave on the Johnson plantation which was located on the outskirts of Jefferson City, Missouri. During the birth of American Civil War in 1861, the Union forces collected slaves from Jefferson City who were “contraband”. Of course Williams was considered as such because she was a house slave. It also means that her labor in the household was considered aid. After traveling through several states she enlisted in the Army in 1866.

For this month celebrating Black History, let us honor Cathay Williams, the first African American woman United States Army soldier.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

442627
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

16099
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

41301
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

21099
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

321523
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments