In the past, American women rarely served in front-line roles in the military. During the American Revolution, most women stayed home, but some worked as laundresses, cooks, or nurses with permission. A few found themselves on the front lines, either by choice or chance, and some served as spies. Over time, women served in battle, sometimes disguised as men. These pioneers, like Kady McKenzie Brownell, paved the way for the integration of women into combat roles today.
Kady Brownell was born in 1842 in South Africa to a French mother and Scottish father. Her father, Colonel George Southwell, named her after his friend, Sir James Kady. Sadly, her mother passed away shortly after her birth. Raised by a couple until they moved to Providence, Rhode Island, Kady was then cared for by family and friends. In the early 1860s, she worked as a weaver in Providence and married Robert Brownell in April 1861.
Determined not to be apart from her husband, Kady joined him in the war. In a time when women in combat were rare, she openly served alongside Robert, gaining respect from fellow soldiers and approval from their commander. She went beyond traditional roles, transitioning from a support position to a color bearer—a role of bravery and risk. Color bearers guided troops in battle and often found themselves in dangerous positions at the front lines.
Kady’s military service challenged gender norms of her time, earning her deep respect from her peers. After the war, Kady and Robert lived as common law husband and wife. Kady became the only woman to receive discharge papers from the Union Army. Recognized for her service, Kady was granted a pension and became a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization for Union veterans.
