Cathy William

             In preparation for a research paper on Cathy Williams the first female Buffalo Soldier, a book was from the library; "Cathy Williams from Slave Girl to Female Buffalo Soldier by Phillip Thomas Tucker. Articles about Cathy were read and printed out from the internet. The book, "Cathy Williams from Slave Girl to Female Buffalo Soldier," was very insightful, and a lot of information was obtained. The articles helped to fill in some of the gaps in Cathy's life that the book left out. For instance, the book gave the month but not actual dates that Cathy was sent to duty stations or infirmaries. That information was obtained from the articles found online.
             Cathy Williams First Female Buffalo Soldier
             Cathy Williams was born into slavery in September of 1844. Her mother was Martha Williams. Her father is unknown, although he could have been a freedman. Marriage between her parents would have been illegal, if this were the case because of their different social statuses. She was born in or around Independence, Missouri, on a plantation owned by William Johnson. Mr. Johnson, his family, and servants, including Cathy, would move to Jefferson City, Missouri, around 1850. This is where she would grow up. Cathy was considered a house girl. As a household servant, she was in the highest status in slave society. Some of her chores could have been; to set tables, draw bath water, cooking, cleaning, and assisting Mrs. Johnson. Mr. Johnson died just before the start of the Civil War. She stayed with his family even after his death.
             Rebel soldiers would take over Jefferson City, only to be defeated by the Union soldiers. The Union soldiers then freed the slaves of Jefferson City, including Cathy. The 8th Indiana Regiment would take Cathy and other freed slaves as "contraband." On August 6, 1861, fugitive slaves were declared to be "contraband of war" if their labor had b...

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Cathy William. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 19:30, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/96255.html