Vertical File Biographies

This is an individual biography from the vertical file of biographical information, primarily newspaper clippings, created by the Kansas State Histocial Society Library and Archives division. This is a concise version--there may be more information in this or other sources.

M.E.H. Davis

Mrs. M.E.H. Davis, the oldest active milliner and dressmaker in Kansas died of pneumonia at her home on Sunday, April 15, 1923. She was 80 years old.
Mrs. Davis was a native of New York state. She and her husband, a Vermont Yankee, married in 1863 and soon after made a trip across the plains to Oregon where they managed a hotel in the Blue Mountains. In 1868, they came back east and stopped in White Cloud where they settled.

In 1869, Mrs. Davis opened a millinery and dressmaking shop in White Cloud, which she operated until her death. Two years ago she received a letter from a well-known wholesale firm in St. Joseph, Missouri, saying that she was the oldest Kansas milliner doing business with them.
She learned the art of dressing and tanning fur-bearing animals from her late husband who was a noted hunter in the area. In addition, she kept very busy as a master taxidermist.

Mrs. Davis saw White Cloud grow from a small border pioneer settlement to a thriving community. She was very familiar with Kansas history and had many friends throughout the state. She was one of last of the original pioneers in the community.

Source:
“Kansas’ Oldest Milliner Dies At White Cloud After Brief Illness,” Topeka Capital, 18 April 1923.

The vertical file is on forty-three microfilm reels arranged alphabetically by name. These reels are available through interlibrary loan, or you may contact the reference staff . Please note that many of the clippings had yellowed and it may be impossible to produce a readable photocopy.

Completion of this biography was made possible by volunteer Frank Sotrines.