Maria Thompson Daviess facts for kids
Maria Thompson Daviess (born November 28, 1872 – died September 3, 1924) was an American artist and writer. She is famous for her popular novels from the early 1900s. These stories often had a positive, hopeful outlook. She also wrote many short stories, like “Miss Selina Sue and the Soap-Box Babies.” Maria Daviess was also involved in the fight for women's voting rights. She helped start and lead groups that supported women's suffrage in Kentucky and Nashville.
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About Maria Thompson Daviess
Maria Thompson Daviess was a talented woman who wrote many books and painted beautiful art. Her stories were very popular in her time. She also believed strongly that women should have the right to vote. She worked hard to make that happen.
Early Life and Education
Maria Thompson Daviess was born in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, on November 28, 1872. Her parents were John Burton Thompson Daviess and Leonora Hamilton Daviess. When Maria was eight years old, her father passed away. After this, her family moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Maria's grandmother, who was also named Maria Thompson Daviess, was a writer too. She wrote newspaper columns and gave speeches.
Maria studied for one year at Wellesley College. After that, she traveled all the way to Paris, France, to study art. She wanted to become a painter.
Becoming a Writer and Artist
When Maria returned to Nashville, she continued to paint. But she also started writing stories. Her very first novel was called Miss Selina Lue and the Soap-box Babies. It was published in 1909.
Another one of her books, The Melting of Molly, became a top best-selling book in 1912. Maria Daviess wrote a total of sixteen novels between 1909 and 1920. Her books were enjoyed by many readers.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Maria Thompson Daviess was a strong supporter of women's rights. She was part of the Equal Suffrage League in Kentucky. This group worked to get women the right to vote.
She helped create the Nashville chapter of the Equal Suffrage League. She also served as its vice-president. She even helped organize another chapter in Madison. Maria believed that women should have an equal say in society.
Later Life
In 1910, Maria Daviess was living in Nashville, Tennessee. Later, in 1921, she moved to New York City. She passed away there in September 1924. Maria Daviess never married and did not have any children.