Jane Austin McCurtain

Jane Austin McCurtain (August 19, 1842 – October 27, 1924) was a Choctaw educator and political advisor within the Choctaw Nation, known for her influence on educational and tribal governance throughout her life. Serving as a close advisor to her husband, chief Jackson McCurtain, and later to his successors, she held key roles in Choctaw education, including as superintendent of Jones Academy, and remained active in Choctaw political affairs until her death, serving as custodian of the Choctaw Council House in Tuskahoma.

Early life and education Jane Austin was born on August 19, 1842, in Doaksville, Choctaw Nation near Fort Towson, to Lewis Austin, a full-blood Choctaw with mechanical inclinations who owned mills, gins, and a tannery, and Mollie Webster, who was of mixed Choctaw and white ancestry. Her parents had relocated west as part of the Trail of Tears. Her father established the first shoe factory in Indian Territory. When chief Isaac Garvin died, Jackson succeeded him as chief, a position he was elected to in 1880 and again in 1882. McCurtain served as a secretary, speechwriter, and close political advisor to her husband, contributing to Choctaw position papers and demonstrating strong support for her people.

Personal life McCurtain and her husband had five children. Following her husband’s death in 1885, she continued to reside near the Tuskahoma Council House, where she maintained a leadership role among her community, promoting education and cultural preservation. Known as "Aunt Jane," she held gatherings for Choctaw girls from nearby schools and advocating for their education with the slogan, “Educate the boys and girls for leadership. The time is coming when we shall need them." McCurtain died on October 27, 1924 and was buried in Tuskahoma.