Independence, Missouri (c 1844 -1893) age ~51 yrs

Cathay Williams, born enslaved, was pressed into service as an Army cook and a washerwoman. Despite the prohibition against women serving in the military, Williams enlisted in the U.S. Regular Army under the false name of “William Cathay” on November 15, 1866. Over 400 women served in the Civil War posing as male soldiers. Williams was the first African American woman to enlist. She was the only documented woman to serve in the United States Army disguised as a man. She served during the Indian Wars. Williams is also the only known female Buffalo Soldier. Williams’ determination to serve her country demonstrates the extraordinary feats women have accomplished simply trying to live their lives. Williams suffered from neuralgia and diabetes and had all her toes amputated was denied disability payments. The exact date of her death is unknown. It is believed she died in Trinidad, Colorado. This was shortly after she was denied disability benefits.