by Sioux Dallas
“Now I think we’d all get busy and make this office grow as Hannah would have. Victoria, I’m so happy that you’re able to work and are doing so well. I understand that wedding bells may be ringing for you and Liam soon,” Herb said.
“Yes, and I’m happy, too,” she said flashing a sparkling diamond. “I know I’m going to do a bang up good job because I have a true detective’s heart.”
Sioux Dallas playing her bagpipes at an army base in Washington, D.C. She was a marching member of the Gulf Coast Pipes and Drums.
Author’s Note
Dear Readers,
I promised to tell you about a few of the first women detectives before I share the recipes with you.
ISABELLA MARIE BOYD (Belle Boyd) was born on May 9, 1844 in Martinsburg, Virginia (now West Virginia) the oldest child of Benjamin and Mary Rebecca Glenn Boyd. She was a tomboy climbing trees with her brothers and running races with them. She was highly intelligent and well educated. After preliminary schooling she attended the Mount Washington Female College at the age of twelve and finished at the age of sixteen.
Her career began by chance as a spy and then as a detective. On July 4, 1861, a group of Union soldiers saw the Confederate flag flying outside her home. They tore it down and hung a Union flag in its place. She tried to fight the men and didn’t get anywhere until one of the men cursed Belle’s mother and called her filthy names. Belle went inside, got a gun and killed him. She was arrested, but released due to the circumstances.
Some of the Union soldiers felt sorry for her and befriended her. She listened to their plans and then gave her house worker, Eliza Hopewell, a message to be carried to Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. Eliza carried the message in a hollowed-out watch case and sometimes in hollowed-out vegetables.
Belle was caught and told she could be put to death. She stood straight and looked them in the eye without showing fear. They let her go. General Jackson made her an aide-de-camp on his staff. She then became a member of the Confederate Secret Service using assumed names to attend social affairs and find information. Belle entertained Union officers in her home and listened to their plans which she passed along. On July 29, 1862 she was arrested and held for a month in Old Capitol Prison in Washington, D.C. She contacted typhoid fever and on December 1, 1863 was sent to England for treatments.
While in England she married Samuel Hardinge. He was captured in Canada where he died. Belle started a stage career singing and telling war stories. She died on June 11, 1900 while touring the western United States.
She is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery in Kilbourne City, Wisconsin.
PAULINE CUSHMAN was born Harriet Wood in New Orleans. When the war began she was a loyal unionist. The Union used her to attend gatherings and discover who the spies were and to listen to any information they could use.
In May, 1863 General Rosecrans prepared to drive General Bragg across the Tennessee River. She was sent as an actress entertaining the troops to find information on the location and strength of Bragg’s military. She was captured and ordered to be hung. Before she could be hung in Shelbyville, Tenn., Gen. Bragg was attacked and left in a hurry forgetting Cushman in jail. She was rescued by Union troops and given the rank of Major which she demanded to be addressed as -- Major Cushman.
She was married three times and neither was a good marriage. After the war she had no luck getting work as an actress. She became a dressmaker’s assistant and later cleaned houses for people. She began taking opium and died of an overdose on December 2, 1893. The Grand Army of the Republic insisted on burying her with honors in a military cemetery in San Francisco.
NANCY HART was born in 1846 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her mother was first cousin to Andrew Johnson who later became President. When Nancy was fourteen, she joined the Moccasin Rangers, riding and shooting as good as any man.
The Union soldiers killed many civilians needlessly. Nancy hated this and at the age of eighteen in July, 1861, led a raid against the Union. She was captured, but tricked her guard and killed him with his own gun. She later married Joshua Douglas. The date of her death is unknown.
KATE WARNE was the first recognized female detective in the United States. She was born in New York City and married at a young age. Her husband died of an illness soon after the wedding.
A childless widow, she was searching for a means of income. Allen Pinkerton of the Pinkerton Detective Agency advertised for detectives. In 1856 she went in to apply for a job. He thought at first that she wanted a secretarial position. He was astonished when he learned she wanted to be a detective. At 10 a m on August 23, 1856 she had convinced him to give her a try.
Kate was very good at assuming other names and occupations so that she could infiltrate a business or a home and gain the information needed. If a man was suspected of embezzlement, or a more serious crime, she would make friends with his wife or members of his family. They would learn to trust her and talk in front of her.
Allen Pinkerton was hired by Samuel H. Felton, President of Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad, to investigate some criminal activities. Kate was one of the five agents sent to Baltimore, Maryland on February 3, 1861 to investigate. Her evidence proved that there were plots against the railroad and plots to assassinate president - elect Abraham Lincoln. The people told Kate that if Lincoln came through Baltimore, he would leave in a casket.
She called herself Mrs. Cherry, a rich, southern lady staying at the Barnum Hotel. She passed herself off as a “flirting” southern bell and was able to gain valuable information.
Lincoln was traveling by train from his home in Springfield, Illinois to Washington, D.C. with stops along the way to campaign. Transfers had to be made. One ended at Calvert Street and another at Camden Street. The distance between the two stations was about a mile and was covered by horse-drawn carriage.
Kate learned that as Mr. Lincoln would enter his carriage, a plan was made for some men to pretend to start a big street fight. It was thought the police would go to stop the fight leaving Mr. Lincoln unprotected. A few other men were supposed to murder him there and then run to get on a steamer in the Chesapeake Bay and escape. Pinkerton asked Kate to take the 5:10 p m train, on February 18, and take a letter to Norman B. Judd informing him of the plot.
On February 21, Judd, Pinkerton and Lincoln met to make plans. A detective was to be disguised as Lincoln and be prepared to fire on the would-be murderers. The plot was confirmed by Frederick W. Seward, son of William H. Seward, secretary of state designated.
Mr. Lincoln was duty bound to give some speeches, raise an American flag at Independence Hall and attend an very important political dinner. John George Nicolay, Lincoln’s private secretary, came to get him from the dinner saying it was something vitally important they needed to discuss. Lincoln put on a traveling suit, a soft felt cap and a shawl to look like an invalid.
The disguised Lincoln took the sleeping car. Allen Pinkerton and other detectives were nearby, Kate walked through the train and loudly said goodnight to Mr. Lincoln so those listening would not catch on to the switch. Kate did not sleep the whole time she was on duty which was many hours through night and day. In the meantime the real Mr. Lincoln, with other detectives, was traveling safely on the Pennsylvania Railroad. As the entire idea for protecting Mr. Lincoln was Kate’s idea, Pinkerton was quick to tell everyone she was as good as any man on his force.
During the War Between The States, Pinkerton and Kate were hired to gather information. She went undercover as a socialite where a man would not have been believable. She was able to overhear a lot of useful information.
Kate served well and Pinkerton was loud in his praise of her. He began to hire other women who would be trained by Kate Warne, Supervisor of Women Agents.
On January 1, 1868, Kate became very ill with pneumonia and on the 28th died with Pinkerton holding her hand. He had her buried in the Pinkerton Family Cemetery (Graceland Cemetery) in Chicago, Illinois. The stone reads Kate Warne died of congestion of the lu
ngs at the age of 38. She was buried with full honors on January 30, 1868.
Women were not allowed to be on a police force until 1891 and were not listed as detectives until 1903.
Some Tasty Treats to Enjoy
from Sioux Dallas
Don’t forget when mixing anything, stir in one item at a time and mix before adding another item. This improves the flavor and the texture of the food. Use regular sugar -- NO SUBSTITUTES.
South Carolina is famous for Chicken Bog. It is as traditional a dish as any other special holiday food. It is easy to prepare and can be cooked for any number of people. Hobos would cook it in black iron pots on the banks of the Pee Dee River. Older people believe it was started years ago at the tobacco barn warehouses. Men would cook it and serve with coleslaw.
Today they have days of celebration and Chicken Bog cook-offs which is as famous as the Texas chili cook-offs. It is a day of arts and crafts booths, sometimes rides for children and dozens of booths where people compete for the best recipe for Chicken Bog.
Mrs. Chisholm Wallace of Red Doe Plantation has been known for her recipe served with coleslaw and cornbread.
There were about thirty recipes which would be too boring to discuss and take too much time and space, I choose Mrs. Wallace’s to share with you.
Chicken Bog
About a six pound fat hen
1 small onion
1 small green pepper
1 stick of butter (¼ pound)
2 pounds of long grain white rice (NOT INSTANT RICE)
One fourth lb. lean bacon
Salt and pepper to taste
Six quart heavy aluminum pot with lid
Wash chicken and put it in the pot with enough water so that there will be at least six cups of broth after chicken has cooked. Cook until very tender. When cooked, take from stove and let cool enough to handle it.
Pull the meat from the bones throwing away any fat and skin. Skim fat from broth. Tear meat into bite-sized pieces. Wash the pot and cook the bacon slowly in it until it is crisp, but not burned. Remove bacon. Leave bacon grease in the pot and put in the chopped up onion and pepper. Brown slightly. Add six cups of chicken broth and season to taste. Boil rice in another pot stirring as seldom as possible so as to not make the rice gooey. In the aluminum pot place the stick of butter on low heat. Add all the other ingredients, including the chicken pieces and rice, cooking slowly for about an hour. Crumble bacon and place on top of a serving. Bog can be kept in the refrigerator or frozen and later reheated.
Garbanzo Bean Salad
Thirty ounces of garbanzo beans drained and rinsed (2 cans)
3 Roma tomatoes, sliced
2 spring onions chopped with green tops
5 or 6 radishes sliced
Juice of 3 limes
2 tablespoons of virgin olive oil
One half cup of feta cheese
1 teaspoon kosher salt
One half teaspoon each of garlic powder and black pepper
Lettuce salad mix of your choice
Mix all ingredients tossing gently.
Serve with fancy crackers or bread of choice
Seafood Egg Scramble
2 ounces of fresh crab meat
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 large eggs
1 or 2 ounces shredded cheese
Sauté the crab meat in olive oil on medium heat, Add lightly beaten eggs and stir. Add the cheese and gently stir for a minute. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with bread of choice.
Martha Washington Pie
Preheat oven on 375 degrees
1 cup softened butter
2 cups white sugar
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup milk
2 cups all purpose flour
Three fourths cup golden raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts (I use black walnuts)
2 unbaked pie crusts
Icing
1 cup confectioner sugar
One half teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons milk
Gently mix butter, sugar, eggs, cocoa powder, baking powder, milk, flour until smooth. Stir in raisins and walnuts. Pour in pie crusts and bake.
For the icing, combine the sugar and vanilla. Gradually stir in the milk until desired consistency is reached. Take baked pies out of the oven and cover with icing. Serve warm.
The next few do not have a title. I don’t know where they originated.
(1) Combine one fourth ounce of active dry yeast with one cup warm water and stir. Gradually add 1 teaspoon sugar and let stand about five minutes. Add 1 cup evaporated milk and 2 large slightly beaten eggs. Add a pinch of salt and one fourth cup of sugar and let dough stand to rise.
Shape into small squares about 2 inches. Bake at 375. Take out while still hot and roll in confectioner sugar. Can be served with honey.
(2) For a crunchy low calorie snack:
2 cups spoon-sized shredded wheat (cereal-not frosted)
1 heaping tablespoon peanut butter (I use crunchy)
1 cup of melted light or dark chocolate
Confectioner sugar
Melt peanut butter and chocolate together. Stir in shredded wheat. Lift each one out with a spoon and let dry. Optional to give second “bath”. Roll in confectioner sugar. Lick your fingers and enjoy.
(3) Open a can of biscuits. Take one biscuit and break the slices apart. (You might want to use 2 slices together. In the center place your favorite fruit and chopped nuts if desired. Crimp up the edges together and bake according to directions. You now have a bite-sized treat. I cook these while camping out in a Dutch oven. (It sounds as if I camp in the oven.)
(4) Boil a dozen eggs. Peal and place in a glass jar or bowl with a top. Add a can of pickled beets with juice and one full cup of apple cider vinegar. Let stand for at least 2 days. I love my pickled eggs. You might want more vinegar according to taste.
Butter Pecan Icing in the Cake
Preheat oven to 350
Baking dish
Do not follow baking directions on box.
Box of Betty Crocker Butter Pecan cake mix
Can of Betty Crocker Coconut - Pecan frosting
4 eggs
1 cup water
Three-fourths cup chopped pecans
One-half cup vegetable oil
On low speed mix oil, water, eggs and frosting together. Add cake mix and pecans. Mix on low speed until completely combined (about 1 minute).
Pour into baking dish and bake 35 to 40 minutes. Use a toothpick to test if it is done in the middle. Optional to sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve as is or with ice cream.
Stuffed Mushrooms (This is my recipe.)
Buy large mushrooms. Wash thoroughly. Snap out the stems and either throw away or eat separately. You need a pound of Jimmy Dean’s sage sausage. Pinch a piece of sausage and put it in the mushroom caps. Melt butter in a baking dish. Place the mushroom, cap down, in the butter and bake at 300 for about three minutes. Make sure the sausage is done. Stick a toothpick in each one and serve hot as an hors d’oeuvre.
Shrimp Cashew
1 pound cleaned medium shrimp
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
One fourth teaspoon of each: sugar, baking soda, salt
Pinch of pepper
1 cup whole cashews (break apart)
One half cup vegetable oil
Three cups cooked rice
Optional to add celery, peppers, etc.
Gently stir everything together except the rice and shrimps. Let stand about fifteen minutes. Heat over medium heat. Add shrimp. Stir constantly. Place serving over rice. Serve hot.
Corn Pudding
Preheat oven to 400
5 large eggs
One third cup melted butter
One fourth cup sugar
One half cup milk
4 tablespoons cornstarc
h
30 ounces whole kernel corn
May add a can of cream style corn if desired
Lightly beat eggs. Add melted butter, sugar and milk. Gently stir. Add cornstarch. Stir in corn blending well. Pour into casserole dish and bake for one hour.
