I just had a run in with a vamp in Falkreath Tekla Dengeirs maid joined in and she had a bow and steel arrows. I know that she can become the steward so maybe thats the reason but all I have seem citizens carry up to now is crumby iron daggers.

Technically, depending on their level, your level, and a little bit of luck, many citizens can carry up to an Elven-quality weapon. Some special citizens can carry even better (Maven Black-Briar can carry up to glass, for example).

But more likely, Tekla took those weapons from a dead guard's body.