Doris Fleeson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Doris Fleeson
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Doris Fleeson (right) with Eleanor Roosevelt
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| Born | May 20, 1901 Sterling, Kansas, US
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| Died | August 1, 1970 (aged 69) |
| Other names | Doris Fleeson Kimball |
| Alma mater | University of Kansas |
| Occupation | Journalist |
| Spouse(s) | John O'Donnell |
Doris Fleeson was an important American journalist and columnist. She was the first woman in the United States to write a political column that was published in many newspapers across the country. She lived from May 20, 1901, to August 1, 1970.
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Doris Fleeson's Early Life
Doris Fleeson was born in Sterling, Kansas, on May 20, 1901. Her father, William Fleeson, managed a clothing store. Her mother was Helen Fleeson. Doris was the youngest of six children.
In 1918, she finished Sterling High School. She was the top student in her class. After high school, Doris went to Sterling College for a year. Then, she studied at the University of Kansas. She earned a degree in economics in 1923.
Her Journalism Career
Doris Fleeson had a long and successful career in journalism. She started working for newspapers right after college.
Starting Out as a Reporter
Doris Fleeson's first job in journalism was at the Pittsburg Sun newspaper. Later, she moved to Evanston, Illinois. There, she became the society editor for the News-Index. This meant she wrote about social events and important people in the community.
After that, she moved to Long Island, New York. She worked as an editor at the Great Neck News. In 1927, she joined the New York Daily News. She started as a general reporter. This meant she covered all kinds of news stories. She later moved to the newspaper's office in Albany. There, she reported on state politics.
Reporting in Washington D.C.
In 1930, Doris Fleeson moved to Washington D.C. She worked for the Daily News's office there. Her husband, John O'Donnell, was also a reporter for the same newspaper.
Together, they started a column called "Capital Stuff" in 1933. A column is a regular article written by the same person. Their column shared news and opinions about politics. It was published until 1942, when they divorced.
In 1943, Doris Fleeson left the Daily News. She became a war correspondent for Woman's Home Companion. A war correspondent reports on conflicts from the front lines. She reported from France and Italy during World War II.
After the war, she returned to Washington. She began writing a political column for the Boston Globe and the Washington Evening Star. In 1945, her column was picked up by the Bell Syndicate. This meant it was sent out to many newspapers across the country. By 1960, her column was in about 100 different newspapers. This made her a very influential voice in American politics.
Awards and Groups
Doris Fleeson received several honors for her work.
- In 1957, she received an honorary degree from The Sage Colleges. This special degree recognized her achievements.
- In 1954, she won the Raymond Clapper Memorial Award. This award is given to journalists for excellent reporting.
- She also won an award from the New York Paperwoman's Club for her distinguished reporting.
- She was a member of the Women's National Press Club. This group supported women in journalism.
Her Personal Life
In 1930, Doris Fleeson married John O'Donnell. He was also a reporter at the New York Daily News. They had a daughter named Doris O'Donnell. Their marriage ended in 1942.
In 1958, Doris Fleeson married Dan A. Kimball. He had been the Secretary of the Navy from 1951 to 1953. He later became the President of a company called Aerojet. Eleanor Roosevelt, the former First Lady, attended their wedding.
Doris Fleeson passed away on August 1, 1970. She died from problems after a stroke.
