Macha Lucile Vance was born February 6, 1882, in Minnesota Lake, Minnesota. In 1901 she came to Northwestern University from her home in Decorah, Iowa. A student in the University's School of Oratory, she received a Diploma of the University in 1903. After completing her studies Vance briefly joined a Chicago theatrical troupe, the Musical Hoyles, Orchestra and Popular Entertainers. As a reader and voice performer with the troupe she appeared in many small towns and cities across the midwest. During 1904-1905 Vance taught at Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls, Iowa. She returned to Northwestern in 1906 to pursue post-graduate study in the School of Oratory.
On November 28, 1907, Vance married David Long Grannis, a lawyer. The couple took up residence in South St. Paul, Minnesota, and had two sons: Vance B. (born in 1908) and David L., Jr. (born in 1910). Macha Vance Grannis died on December 7, 1970.
From the guide to the Macha Lucile Vance (1882-1970) Papers, 1901-1907, 1953, 1971, n.d., (Northwestern University Archives)
