Couzins became the first woman U.S. marshal, appointed by President Cleveland in 1887.
On February 9, 1887, following her father's death, President Grover Cleveland appointed Phoebe Couzins as the interim United States marshal for the Eastern District of Missouri. This made her not only the first woman to serve as a U.S. Marshal but also set a precursor for women in federal executive positions. Her appointment symbolized a landmark achievement, throwing light on the gradual inclusion of women in high-profile governmental roles, and provided a crucial precedent for future generations of female leaders in various administrative segments.