Suzanne H. Schrems is the author of articles and books about Oklahoma history and the history of the American West. She received her BA, MA, and PhD from the University of Oklahoma. Until retirement, Schrems taught American history at Rose State College in Midwest City, Oklahoma. She is the author of Who's Rocking the Cradle? Women Pioneers of Oklahoma Politics from Socialism to the KKK, 1900-1930 and Uncommon Women, Unmarked Trails: The Courageous Journey of Catholic Missionary Sisters in Frontier Montana.
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"Women's experiences in Oklahoma history, both inside and outside of politics, is currently a growth area for state historiography, and this book contributes in this direction. Schrems brings Alice Murray out of the shadow of 'Alfalfa Bill' Murray and reveals the family life of one of the most important figures in Oklahoma political history. While Alice was not herself a political activist, her life in a more traditional helpmate role also deserves to be explored, especially as it reflects on a surprisingly neglected yet crucial area of state history-the development of Oklahoma conservatism."-Robert Dorman, author of Alfalfa Bill: A Life in Politics and Revolt of the Provinces: The Regionalist Movement in America, 1920-1945 "A Chickasaw Lady, a Governor's Wife is a rich, thoughtful, and deeply researched contribution to both Oklahoma history and women's history, offering an intimate and illuminating portrait of Alice Murray. It succeeds admirably in weaving together the public and private dimensions of a woman whose life intersected with momentous political, cultural, and familial events. The voice is engaging, the documentation strong, and the pacing consistently effective. The integration of Indigenous, political, and domestic histories provides a nuanced view of Oklahoma's development through a rarely highlighted lens. It foregrounds Native identity in the context of domesticity, public performance, and political life."-Wendy St. Jean, author of Remaining Chickasaw in Indian Territory, 1830s-1907