The Woman All Spies Fear

1. Elizebeth Smith Friedman: A Pioneer in Cryptanalysis

Like the open code in Dickinson’s letters, Elizebeth could appear ordinary on the surface.

Unassuming Genius. Elizebeth Smith Friedman, often overshadowed by her husband William, was a brilliant cryptanalyst who played a pivotal role in shaping modern codebreaking. Her ability to decipher complex codes and ciphers was instrumental in combating organized crime during Prohibition and uncovering Nazi spy networks during World War II. Despite her extraordinary contributions, she often remained in the shadows, her work unacknowledged due to security concerns and gender biases of the time.

Breaking Barriers. Elizebeth's journey was marked by ambition and grit, overcoming societal expectations and professional obstacles to excel in a male-dominated field. Her story highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women in STEM fields, particularly in areas where their work has been historically overlooked. Her work was essential to national security, and her skills were highly sought after by various government agencies.

Lasting Impact. Elizebeth's legacy extends beyond her specific achievements, inspiring future generations of codebreakers and intelligence professionals. Her story serves as a reminder that true genius can often be found in unexpected places, and that perseverance and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Her work laid the foundation for modern cryptanalysis techniques.

2. Early Life and Education: Seeds of a Codebreaker

What you see, early on, is that young Elizebeth Smith was determined to be different.

Defying Expectations. Born in 1892, Elizebeth Smith grew up in a large family in rural Indiana, where she developed a keen interest in languages and a rebellious spirit against societal norms. Despite facing disapproval from her father, who believed higher education was a waste of time for girls, she pursued her academic ambitions with unwavering determination. Her early life experiences shaped her into an independent and resourceful individual, qualities that would prove invaluable in her future career.

Academic Pursuits. Elizebeth's passion for words and languages led her to excel in her studies, particularly in German and Latin. She attended the College of Wooster and later Hillsdale College, where she honed her analytical skills and developed a love for literature and poetry. These academic pursuits laid the foundation for her future career in cryptanalysis, which required a deep understanding of language patterns and logical reasoning.

Early Influences. Elizebeth's mother, Sopha, played a crucial role in encouraging her daughter to pursue her dreams and challenge societal expectations. Sopha's own experiences as a teacher and her belief in the importance of education instilled in Elizebeth a strong sense of self-worth and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to the world. This support system was essential in helping Elizebeth overcome the obstacles she faced in her early life.

3. Riverbank: An Unconventional Beginning

There Elizebeth found herself in a strange new world.

A Millionaire's Estate. In 1916, Elizebeth's life took an unexpected turn when she was offered a job at Riverbank, a unique research estate owned by millionaire George Fabyan. Fabyan, a man of eccentric tastes and unconventional ideas, had assembled a team of experts to explore various scientific and intellectual pursuits, including the study of Bacon's cipher. This opportunity provided Elizebeth with a chance to escape the limitations of traditional female roles and embark on a path of intellectual discovery.

Bacon's Cipher. At Riverbank, Elizebeth joined a team led by Elizabeth Wells Gallup, who believed that Shakespeare's plays contained secret messages encoded using Bacon's cipher. While Elizebeth initially embraced the project, she soon began to question the validity of Gallup's theories. This experience taught her the importance of critical thinking and the need to challenge established beliefs, even when they were held by respected authorities.

Meeting William. Riverbank was also where Elizebeth met William Friedman, a young scientist who shared her intellectual curiosity and her skepticism about Gallup's project. Their shared doubts and their mutual love for language and puzzles sparked a deep connection that would transform their lives and the future of American codebreaking. Riverbank provided the unique environment for their partnership to blossom.

4. World War I: A Nation's Call to Codebreaking

Code breaking even helped drag the United States into the war.

The War of Codebreakers. As World War I raged in Europe, the United States found itself increasingly drawn into the conflict. The advent of radio communication made codebreaking a critical skill, as both sides sought to intercept and decipher enemy messages. Recognizing the need for skilled cryptanalysts, the U.S. government turned to Riverbank, where Elizebeth and William were poised to make their mark.

Riverbank's Contribution. Elizebeth and William quickly established themselves as the nation's leading codebreaking team, deciphering messages for various government agencies, including the War Department, the Navy, and the Justice Department. Their ability to crack even the most complex codes within hours made them invaluable assets in the war effort. They trained military personnel in codebreaking techniques, sharing their knowledge and expertise to bolster the nation's intelligence capabilities.

Early Successes. The Friedmans' work at Riverbank played a crucial role in uncovering German plots and disrupting enemy operations. Their success in deciphering intercepted messages helped to strengthen the case against German agents and contributed to the overall Allied war effort. Their work was essential to national security, and their skills were highly sought after by various government agencies.

5. Love and Partnership: The Friedman Codebreaking Duo

Working together, they were solving problems that no one else could.

A Perfect Match. Elizebeth and William's professional partnership blossomed into a deep and enduring love. Their shared passion for codebreaking, their complementary skills, and their mutual respect created a bond that transcended the workplace. They became an inseparable team, both in their personal lives and in their professional endeavors.

Complementary Skills. While both Elizebeth and William possessed exceptional codebreaking abilities, they each brought unique strengths to the table. William excelled at analysis and technical problem-solving, while Elizebeth possessed remarkable intuition and a knack for spotting patterns. Their combined talents made them an unstoppable force in the world of cryptanalysis.

Overcoming Obstacles. Their relationship faced challenges, including societal prejudices against interfaith marriages and the disapproval of some family members. However, their love for each other and their commitment to their shared goals allowed them to overcome these obstacles and build a life together based on mutual respect and unwavering support. Their partnership was a testament to the power of love and collaboration.

6. The Rum War: Cracking Down on Criminals

The thrill of your life.

Prohibition Era Crime. After World War I, Elizebeth found herself facing a new challenge: the rise of organized crime during Prohibition. As illegal liquor smuggling became a lucrative business, criminal gangs began using sophisticated codes and ciphers to protect their operations. Recognizing the threat, the Coast Guard turned to Elizebeth for help.

Fighting the Mob. Elizebeth's codebreaking skills proved invaluable in combating the rumrunners. She deciphered thousands of secret messages, providing the Coast Guard with critical intelligence about smuggling routes, ship locations, and gang activities. Her work led to the arrest of numerous criminals and the seizure of vast quantities of illegal liquor, significantly disrupting the operations of organized crime syndicates.

A Pioneer in Law Enforcement. Elizebeth's work during the Rum War established her as a pioneer in the field of law enforcement intelligence. Her ability to analyze complex data, identify patterns, and extract actionable information from seemingly random messages transformed the way law enforcement agencies approached criminal investigations. Her work was essential to national security, and her skills were highly sought after by various government agencies.

7. World War II: Unmasking Nazi Espionage

The woman all spies in U.S. fear.

A Growing Threat. As World War II loomed, Elizebeth's focus shifted from domestic crime to international espionage. With Nazi Germany posing a growing threat to global security, the United States needed to identify and neutralize enemy spies operating within its borders and in South America. Elizebeth's expertise in codebreaking made her the ideal person to lead this effort.

Tracking Nazi Spies. Elizebeth and her team worked tirelessly to decipher messages from Nazi spy networks, uncovering their plans to gather intelligence, sabotage American interests, and influence political events in South America. Her work helped to expose the extent of Nazi influence in the region and allowed the United States to take steps to counter their activities.

Cracking Enigma. One of Elizebeth's most significant achievements during World War II was her success in cracking the Enigma code used by Nazi spies. This breakthrough provided the United States with invaluable insights into German espionage operations and allowed them to disrupt enemy activities before they could cause significant damage. Her work was essential to national security, and her skills were highly sought after by various government agencies.

8. Post-War Legacy: Recognition and Remembrance

You never get sick of too much knowledge.

Unsung Hero. Despite her extraordinary contributions to national security, Elizebeth Smith Friedman remained largely unknown to the public for many years. Her work was shrouded in secrecy, and her achievements were often overshadowed by those of her husband. However, in recent years, her story has begun to emerge, and she is finally receiving the recognition she deserves.

Breaking the Silence. In the decades following World War II, Elizebeth continued to work in the field of cryptanalysis, but she was bound by oaths of secrecy that prevented her from discussing her wartime experiences. It was not until after her death that her story began to be told, thanks to the efforts of historians, biographers, and family members who sought to uncover the truth about her remarkable life.

A Lasting Impact. Elizebeth Smith Friedman's legacy as a pioneer in cryptanalysis and a champion of women in STEM fields continues to inspire generations. Her story serves as a reminder that true genius can often be found in unexpected places, and that perseverance and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Her work laid the foundation for modern cryptanalysis techniques.

Last updated: February 27, 2025