Elizabeth Van Lew (1818-1900), who became known as "Crazy Bet," was a famous Union spy in the American Civil War.

She spent her entire inheritance of $10,000 by buying and freeing slaves and funding anti-Confederate efforts. Elizabeth's friend Mary Bowser, a freed slave, worked closely with Elizabeth throughout the war, obtaining military intelligence disguised as a slave. At one point, Elizabeth planted Mary as a spy in the household of Jefferson Davis.

• http://www.civilwarhome.com/vanlewbio.htm
• http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/article1038.html
• http://www.nps.gov/malw/vanlew.htm