Harpers, while many poems and sketches have been published in other periodicals. " Snaky baked a Hoe-Cake," "Grief" and others, contributed to "Wide Awake" in 1876, were among
MOLLIE EVELYN MOORE DAVIS.
the first, if not the very first, negro dialect stories
which appeared in print. Certainly they preceded the furore for southern negro stories. In 1874 Miss Moore became the wife of Major Thomas E. Davis, of an excellent Virginia family, and now editor-in-chief of the New Orleans "Picayune," a gentleman, genial, refined and scholarly, who develops and cherishes what is best in his gifted wife. In 1880 Major and Mrs. Davis made their home in New Orleans, and every year their historic house in Royal street receives all the clever people in town, both French and American residents, while strangers find their way to the cozy drawing-room where General Jackson once discussed his plans of battle. With all her social cares she finds time for much reading and study and much unostentatious hospitality. Her domestic life is as complete as if her fingers were innocent of ink stains and her desk of publishers' proposals. She is an accomplished French scholar and also a lover and student of Spanish literature. She is president of the "Geographies." a select literary circle, and is a vice-president of the "Quarante," a large and fashionable club, also literary-. In both those organizations she is recognized as a mental guide, philosopher and friend. She is a successful author and a magnetic woman, who draws al>out her the best representatives of southern society.
DAVIS, Mrs. Rebecca Harding, author, born in Washington, Pa., 24th June, 1831. She was reared and educated in Wheeling, W. Va., where, in 1862, she became the wife of L. Clark Davis, at that time editorially connected with the Philadelphia " Inquirer," and a contributor to the prominent periodicals of the country. Mrs. Davis wrote from childhood, but her first successful bid for public notice was in 1861. when her "Life in the Iron Mills" was published in the "Atlantic Monthly." That story was afterwards printed in book form and found a large sale. Her next work, "A Story of To- Day." appeared in the "Atlantic Monthly" and was republished as a book, under the title "Margaret Howth" (New York, 1861). After her marriage she went to Philadelphia, where she lived until 1869, when Mr. Davis became a member of the editorial staff of the New York
"Tribune," and they took up their residence in that city. Mrs. Davis also contributed to the "Tribune." She was constantly writing, and short stories, sketches, essays and editorials without number flowed from her pen. Her other books are, " Waiting for the Verdict" (New York, 1867), "Dallas Galbraith" (Philadelphia, 1868), "The Captain's Story," "John Andross" (New York, 1874) "The Faded Leaf of History," and a number of novels, all of singular merit and attractiveness. Several years ago Mrs. Davis returned to Philadelphia, where her home now is. Her latest works include "Kitty's Chord" (Philadelphia, 1876), and "A Law Unto Herself" (Philadelphia, 1878), "Natasqua" (New York, 1886). Her son, Richard Harding Davis, one of the editors of "Harper's Weekly," has inherited her story-telling talent.
DAVIS, Mrs. Sarah Iliff, business woman and philanthropist, born in Oxford, Butler county, Ohio, 19th February, 1820. Her maiden name was Sarah A. Sausman. The family removed to Richmond, Ind., in 1832. At the age of fifteen she united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a teacher in the first Sabbath-school which was organized in the church in her town. She
SARAH ILIFF DAVIS.
taught a private school for a time, and afterwards learned the millinery business. At the age of eighteen she went into business for herself. She became the wife of John K. Iliff, 23rd February,
