Some of My Favorite Women In History

History is one of my favorite topics, especially one of the most underrated parts of history: the women that were overshadowed by men.

1. Phyllis Wheatley

Wheatley was the first African-American to publish a book of Poetry in the US. She was seized from her home in West Africa at the age of seven, and enslaved in the states. She lived in Boston, with the Wheatley family. Due to her slender frame and young age, the Wheatley’s educated her, teaching her to read and write (Although, they didn’t totally excuse her from her duties in the household.) Wheatley became very interested in most subjects, but specifically Literature. In the first ever poem she wrote, “To the University of Cambridge in New England” She wrote about how she yearned for more challenge in her education. After publishing a poem for a funeral sermon in 1771, she was internationally commended. In 1772, the Wheatley’s ran advertisements in the Boston newpapers, but the colonists weren’t willing to support and African American author. The Wheatley’s went to London with her works to try and find a publisher. Her first book of poetry is titled “Poems on Various Subjects, Religion and Moral”, published in 1773.

2. Simone Segouin

Simone Segouin is a French Resistance fighter who served in the Francs-Tireurs et Parisans group. She was born on the 3rd of October, 1925. She has three brothers. Her father was a decorated soldier in WWI. At the age of seventeen, she joined the Francs-Tireurs et Partisans, gaining the alias “Nicole Monet”. She began as a messenger, but moved to more dangerous expeditions, including a train-exploding expedition. She went on to have six children with Lieutenant Roland Boursier, but never married him. She was present at the Liberation of Paris and promoted to the role of Lieutenant. After the war, she became a pediatric nurse. She is 95 years old, and still alive.

3. Cathay Williams

Williams was the first ever black woman to enlist in the US army. Cathay Willians was born an enslaved woman. When the Union forces occupied Jefferson City, where she lived, she allegedly served in the Civil War, although there is no evidence to prove this. Later on, Williams enlisted in the US Regular Army under the name “William Cathay”. She passed her medical examination and was assigned to the 38th United States Infantry Regiment. After enlisting, Williams contracted Smallpox, and was hospitalized. She rejoined her unit in New Mexico, but often was hospitalized, either due to heat or due to effects of Smallpox. When the post sergeon discovered her gender, he told the post commander. She was discharged on October 14,1868.