Born a slave in the 1830s, Mary Fields ended up in Montana where she raised animals, grew crops, smoked cigars, swore, delivered a U.S. mail route by stagecoach unfailingly, drank men under the table, carried a shotgun and pistols at all times, and according to the Great Falls Examiner "broke more noses in central Montana than any other person" - due to her affinity to fist fight men.  She delivered mail and parcels to such remote areas that she is credited with helping develop central Montana.  Her route kept communication open to the outside world for those who lived in even the most remote corners of the state.  Mary earned her nickname by being so dependable and punctual in every kind of Montana weather.  She didn't retire from her route until she was almost 70 years old.  

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