In the late 19th century, the vast and rugged expanse of Indian Territory, encompassing what is now Oklahoma, stood as a crucible of lawlessness. It was a haven for hundreds of outlaws, accused of an array of heinous crimes ranging from murder and rape to robbery and arson. These fugitives initially found refuge in a territory where indigenous police forces lacked jurisdiction over non-native criminals. Yet, amidst this chaos, a unique breed of law enforcers emerged: the Lady Marshals, whose bravery defied the era’s conventions and helped tame the wild frontier.
The tide began to turn with the appointment of Judge Isaac Parker to the Western Judicial District of Arkansas, which included Indian Territory. Known as the “Hanging Judge,” Parker was determined to bring order, eventually commanding approximately 200 deputy marshals to clean up the expansive 74,000 square miles. This monumental task, however, was fraught with peril. Between 1872 and 1896, over 100 deputies lost their lives enforcing the law, underscoring the constant danger inherent in their occupation.
The Daring Women Who Challenged the Frontier
While legendary figures like Heck Thomas, Bass Reeves, and Bill Tilghman became household names for their exploits, a less-celebrated but equally courageous group of individuals also made their mark: women who served as U.S. Deputy Marshals. These Lady Marshals faced not only the same dangers as their male counterparts but also the societal prejudices of a “Man’s World,” proving their mettle with every warrant served and every arrest made.
F.M. Miller: A Dashing Deputy in Indian Territory
One of the earliest documented female deputies was F.M. Miller, commissioned as a U.S. Deputy Marshal out of the federal court at Paris, Texas, in 1891. She was reputedly the sole female deputy known to be working in Indian Territory at the time. Historical records place her serving as a guard at the federal jail in Guthrie, Oklahoma, under Deputy Marshal Ben Campbell, and she was known to accompany Campbell on all his demanding trips.
Newspaper accounts of her tenure paint a vivid picture. The Fort Smith Elevator on November 6, 1891, described her as “a dashing brunette of charming manners.” The article further lauded her capabilities: “The woman carries a pistol buckled around her and has a Winchester strapped to her saddle. She is an expert shot, a superb horsewoman, and brave to the verge of recklessness. It is said that she aspires to win a name equal to that of Belle Starr, differing from her by exerting herself to run down criminals and in the enforcement of the law.”
A few weeks later, the Muskogee Phoenix on November 19, 1891, affirmed her reputation, stating she was a “fearless and efficient officer” who had arrested numerous offenders. The article detailed her appearance: “Miss Miller is a young woman of prepossessing appearance, wears a cowboy hat, and is always adorned with a pistol belt full of cartridges and a dangerous-looking Colt pistol which she knows how to use.” These descriptions highlight the extraordinary nature of her role and the public fascination with these pioneering Lady Marshals.
Ada Curnutt: The Clerk Who Apprehended Forgers
Another remarkable woman to serve as a U.S. Deputy Marshal in Indian Territory was Ada Curnutt. A daughter of a Methodist minister, Ada moved to Oklahoma Territory and soon became the Clerk of the District Court in Norman, Oklahoma, and a Deputy Marshal to U.S. Marshal William Grimes at the age of 20.
Her most notable act of courage occurred in March 1893. Upon receiving a telegram from Marshal Grimes instructing her to send a deputy to Oklahoma City to apprehend two notorious forgers, Reagan and Dolezal, Ada found all other deputies out in the field. Without hesitation, Curnutt took on the responsibility herself. She boarded a train, located the fugitives in a saloon, and, with shrewd thinking, asked a man to lure them outside. When the heavily armed outlaws emerged, they laughed at the young woman, initially believing her arrest a joke. This gave Curnutt the crucial moment to handcuff them. When they realized the seriousness of the situation, she boldly declared to the gathering crowd that she was prepared to deputize every man present if aid was needed. It was not, and she successfully escorted them to the train station, telegraphing her success to Guthrie. The U.S. Marshals Service aptly described her: “Like all deputies of her era, she had to be extremely tough and ready to face a wide range of situations.”
S.M. Burche and Mamie Fossett: Frontier Fieldworkers
U.S. Marshal Canada H. Thompson, who served the Oklahoma Territory from 1897 to 1902, also recognized the capabilities of women, appointing two female deputy marshals: S.M. Burche and Mamie Fossett. While they often worked in the office, their duties extended to fieldwork, including serving writs, warrants, and making arrests.
A newspaper article from 1898, titled “Female Officers of the Law – Two Oklahoma Girls Are United States Deputy Marshals,” highlighted their unique position: “It is not infrequent these days for an officer of the law to name a woman as a deputy. But she is nearly always what is known as an office deputy. She performs mere clerical duties and never takes to the field. But Oklahoma has set the pace. United States Marshal C.H. Thompson of Guthrie has appointed two women as deputies for fieldwork.” The article emphasized the dangerous nature of the territory and the exceptional courage of these women: “Criminals in Oklahoma and in Indian Territory, the district where these two girls – for they are maidens – must operate, are of the most desperate and dangerous class. More lives are lost among Federal officers in a year than in all the rest of the nation together. So it would seem that these girls possess metal of exceptional kind to undertake such duties willingly.”
Another article, “Miss Mamie Fossett and Miss S. M. Burche Are Deputy United States Marshals in Oklahoma—They Perform Field Work as Bravely as Men,” elaborated on their adventurous spirit: “They are young, good-looking, educated, and full of the Wild West spirit—that is, they are fearless, adventurous, energetic, and self-reliant.” It detailed their first significant assignment: “Their first work was done in connection with an Indian Territory murder case. They were ordered to go to the country of the Sacs and Foxes and to bring in some unruly witnesses—an extremely difficult and dangerous task.” These women, described as expert shots and splendid riders, traversed perilous districts, camped out, hunted their own game, and cooked their own meals, all while successfully completing their missions and showing no desire for special credit.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Lady Marshals
The stories of F.M. Miller, Ada Curnutt, S.M. Burche, and Mamie Fossett stand as powerful testaments to the indomitable spirit of women in the American Old West. These Lady Marshals, operating in a profoundly challenging and male-dominated environment, broke barriers and redefined societal expectations. Their tenacity, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice in one of America’s most dangerous territories ensured that law and order began to take root. They were not merely deputies; they were pioneers, carving out a legacy that continues to inspire and remind us of the diverse and often overlooked heroes who shaped the nation’s history. Their contributions highlight that bravery and capability know no gender, even in the most rugged of times.
