Lottie Deno facts for kids

Carlotta J. Thompkins (born April 21, 1844, died February 9, 1934) was a very famous gambler in the 1800s. She was also known as Lottie Deno. People admired her amazing poker skills and her bravery in Texas and New Mexico.

Lottie was born in Kentucky. She traveled a lot when she was young before moving to Texas. We don't know much about her early life or even her exact birth name. But everyone agrees she was a super famous poker player in the American Southwest. Author Johnny Hughes said that Lottie Deno was "Texas' most famous poker player" in the late 1800s. Her nickname "Deno" came from the Spanish word dinero, which means money.

Lottie's Early Life

Carlotta J. Thompkins was likely born on April 21, 1844, in Warsaw, Kentucky. Her family was said to be very rich. Her father bred racehorses and was a well-known gambler. He reportedly traveled with Lottie and taught her how to win at card games. They visited some of the best casinos.

After her father passed away during the American Civil War, Lottie's mother sent her to Detroit. She went there to find a husband. Lottie was with Mary Poindexter, her loyal nanny and former slave. Mary was said to be seven feet tall and very strong. After running out of money in Detroit, Lottie started gambling for a living. She traveled along the Mississippi River. Mary Poindexter protected Lottie during their journeys.

Gambling Adventures in Texas

Lottie arrived in San Antonio in 1865. She worked as a house gambler at the University Club. This club was run by the Thurmond family from Georgia. There, she met and fell in love with Frank Thurmond, who was also a gambler.

Frank faced a serious accusation and had to leave San Antonio. Lottie decided to follow him. For many years, they traveled across the frontier areas of Texas. These places included Fort Concho, Jacksboro, San Angelo, Denison, Fort Worth, and Fort Griffin.

Their travels happened during a time when the Texas frontier was booming. There was a high demand for bison hides in the mid-1870s. Cowboys and traders had a lot of money during this period. They became targets for gamblers in these frontier towns. Lottie stayed in Fort Griffin for a while. This is where she became very famous. Fort Griffin was a frontier outpost west of Fort Worth. It was known for its saloons and the rough people it attracted. Lottie became a well-known gambler. She was even linked to other famous Old West figures, like Doc Holliday.

During her travels, Lottie earned many nicknames. In San Antonio, people called her the "Angel of San Antonio." At Fort Concho, she was known as "Mystic Maud." At Fort Griffin, she was called "Queen of the Pasteboards" and "Lottie Deno." This last name became the one she was most famous for. Her adventures during this time became part of the exciting stories of the American Wild West.

Lottie's Later Life

In 1877, Lottie and Frank moved to Kingston, New Mexico. They ran a gambling room inside the Victorio Hotel. Later, Lottie became the owner of the Broadway Restaurant in Silver City.

Lottie and Frank got married in Silver City in 1880. In 1882, they moved to Deming, New Mexico. They settled there permanently and stopped gambling. They became respected members of the community. Frank eventually became the vice president of Deming National Bank. Lottie helped start St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Lottie passed away on February 9, 1934. She was buried in Deming under the name Charlotte Thurmond.

Lottie Deno's Legacy

Miss Kitty Russell, a character from the long-running American radio and TV show Gunsmoke, was based on Lottie Deno. James Arness starred in Gunsmoke.

Lisa Gaye played Lottie Deno in an episode called "Lottie's Legacy." This episode was part of the TV show Death Valley Days. Robert Taylor hosted the show. In the story, Lottie falls in love with Reverend Peter Green (John Clarke). He does not know about her past.