Biography

Agnes Morley Cleaveland was born in 1874. The Morley family settled near Datil, New Mexico where Agnes' father built a ranch called the "White House of Datil Canyon". The family later moved to the town of Datil. Agnes spent the early part of her life in Datil, but was soon sent to school in Philadelphia. Agnes, who spent most of her later adult life away from New Mexico, became quite a successful and noted author. She wrote the book, No Life for a Lady, which was about a woman pioneer's experience in New Mexico. Her son, Norman Cleaveland, also became a prolific writer of New Mexico history.

The last few years of her life were spent on a ranch outside Datil, near her sister Lorraine, who was a prominent figure in the Datil community. Agnes died there on March 8, 1958.

Scope and Content

This is a small collection containing letters and manuscripts, including correspondence between Agnes Morley Cleaveland and Gertrude Hill about a "strange man," and a letter to George Stevens. The typed manuscripts, some of which are edited, are: "The Vanished American," which is about pioneers; "A Peculiar People: Tenderfeet;" "Incredible Montague," a story about an early pioneer, Montague Stevens of Silver City; and "Stories of Montague Stevens," as told by George Stevens. The collection also contains a sketch of an unidentified ranch.

Restrictions

Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publications or distribution.

Preferred Citation

Agnes Morley Cleaveland Papers (MSS 256 SC), Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections, University of New Mexico Libraries.

Processing Information

Contents list updated, December 2006.

Related Material

Pioneers Foundation Oral History Collection Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico

Montague Stevens Papers Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico

Gertrude Frances Hill Papers Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico

Women in New Mexico Collection Center for Southwest Research. University of New Mexico.

Access Terms

Cleveland, Agnes Morley, 1874-1958

Frontier and pioneer life -- New Mexico

Ranch life -- New Mexico

Stevens, George Richard Montague

Stevens, Montague, 1859-1953

Women authors, American -- 20th century

Contents List