Elizebeth S. Friedman

American cryptologist

Also known as: Elizebeth Smith Friedman

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July 23, 2026

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Elizebeth S. Friedman was an American cryptologist who, along with her husband William F. Friedman, played a crucial role in deciphering enemy codes during both World War I and World War II. She specialized in cracking the codes used by smugglers and rumrunners. Cryptology is the science of secure communication and data storage, encompassing both cryptography (concealing information) and cryptanalysis (recovering or forging secured information without the key). The Friedmans' work was vital in government efforts to decode sensitive messages.12

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William F. Friedman and Elizebeth S. Friedman
Elizebeth Smith majored in English at Hillsdale (Michigan) College (B.A., 1915). They met at the Riverbank Laboratories (Geneva, Illinois), where they both eventually became involved in cryptology, working often for the government in decoding diplomatic messages. In 1917–18 William served in the U.S. Army, partly…
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Elizebeth Smith majored in English at Hillsdale (Michigan) College (B.A., 1915). They met at the Riverbank Laboratories (Geneva, Illinois), where they both eventually became involved in cryptology, working often for the government in decoding diplomatic messages. In 1917–18 William served in the U.S. Army, partly…
Read More