The Story Of Anna L. Sheridan:
Chicago’s Trailblazing Policewoman, Sharpshooter, And Advocate, As Told By Her Great-Granddaughter

We were intrigued. And we were stumped. We trawled archives, but only a few grainy images appeared. 

Then, we discovered a Facebook page dedicated to Anna Sheridan–which led us to Mrs. Sheridan’s great-granddaughter, Susan Dobbe-Leahy.

What better source than a direct family member?

“She is a fascinating example of women empowerment and leadership,” says Dobbe-Leahy. Through an in-depth interview and graciously provided resources, we’re thrilled to have such a valuable connection here to tell the story behind one of Chicago’s first policewomen. 

Born February 22, 1872, Anna Sheridan grew up on a farm in Illinois with fourteen siblings. According to an article written by her great-granddaughter, Sheridan moved to Chicago in 1893 and met Christopher Schaumann, who she married and helped manage a tavern with for years on 141 N. Sacramento Ave [somewhere between Madison and Washington Streets on Sacramento]. Soon after, Sheridan gave birth to their daughter Eleanor Christel Schaumann (Susan’s grandmother). Yet only a month later, tragedy struck.

Christopher passed away Christmas 1894, leaving Sheridan distraught. She continued to operate the tavern with her brother-in-law as a means to provide for her family. Yet misfortune would continue, from the death of her second husband James Dolan in the Spanish American War, to her third husband, Harry T. Sheridan in 1910. 

Despite the tragedies, Sheridan’s resiliency pushed her forward. She found herself at a crossroads, needing to care for her children, while feeling compelled to make a difference in the world. The year was 1914–the first year of World War I, and a whole six years before women would obtain the right to vote. Still, she found herself quietly setting a precedent for women to come: joining the Chicago police department.

Susanna Calkins, author of the blog “Criminal Element,” notes that “Chicago led the nation in introducing women officially into the police force.” When it was rare–or unheard of–for women to join the ranks in other cities, the Windy City was slowly but surely introducing the idea to the public.

Like most careers, Sheridan’s tasks ranged day-to-day, and evolved over the years. She patrolled the beaches, eyes trained to spot, by early 20th century standards, immodest swimsuits. She screened movies to ensure proper material before they debuted to the audience. At train stations, she watched for criminals–and their would-be victims. “Many women came to the city looking for work and did not always have a safe connection,” Dobbe-Leahy claims. By patrolling the stations, Sheridan “would make sure that single women arriving in Chicago were not kidnapped by white slavers and other negative influences.” 

It was this good-naturedness that made her a perfect candidate for bettering the lives of children around the city. According to “Searching for Anna Sheridan” by Kelsey O’Connor, Sheridan worked her way up to dealing directly with Chicago’s juvenile court and the state attorney’s office. There, she “acted as a guide and support system for women and children within the court system.” The income wasn’t always steady, either, and the department was forced to hand out supplemental methods of payment. “Anna and her colleagues made a very small salary,” says Dobbe-Leahy. “During the depression, they received chit instead of actual cash.” Sheridan still had to put food on the table, though. Thankfully, some vendors let her stall payments until she had enough money to give them. 

“It wasn’t long before Sheridan made herself a known figure. She earned a reputation as a steady sharpshooter– a frequent winner of marksman competitions like The Daily News revolver shooting tournament. Writer Sylvia Shepherd claimed Sheridan once “defeated 130 men at a pistol match by scoring 13 bullseyes in 15 attempts.” It was clear Sheridan wasn’t just capable of assisting others, but was a steadfast symbol of determination for the department.

Joining the police force wasn’t the only “atypical” career path Sheridan followed. She also juggled law school, setting herself up for a robust career after retiring from her duties, according to her great-granddaughter. Sheridan was serious about her studies as well, earning top marks, thanks to her studious nature.

It was clear that Sheridan didn’t let hurdles stop her. Despite loss and economic trouble, she persevered–and in doing so, opened the door for so many other women after her.

History isn’t always in the newsprint – it’s in the memories we share and the stories we tell. Thank you once again to Susan Dobbe-Leahy for providing incredible facts about Anna Sheridan’s life. Please consider following Susan’s Facebook page, @TheLadyCopper as she continues to document her great-grandmother’s journey. 

Do you have any additional information regarding:

• • Policewoman Theresa Johnson?

• • Policewoman Mary Burt?

• • Policeman Fred Schwegel?

• • Policewoman Georgia Davidson? 

Send details and photos to pon@ponetwork.com. Together, let’s dig deeper into history!

We appreciate your interest in the PONetwork. As a thank you, use the PROMO CODE: BLOG to receive a 10% discount on orders through our Gift Shop. From business cards, to calendars, and beyond, your purchase helps drive our mission of supporting the law enforcement community and bringing together police officers and the people who love them — both online and off! 

Please note: all photos in this article, unless explicitly stated, belong to the PONetwork. Please do not re-use or re-distribute without permission.