Cleaveland, Agnes Morley, 1874-1958

Agnes Morley Cleaveland was born in 1874. The Morley family settled near Datil, N.M. where Agnes spent the early part of her life until she was 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. Agnes died on March 8, 1958 on a ranch outside Datil.

From the description of Papers, 1955-1958. (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 39736342

New Mexico author and rancher. She became active in politics after moving to Berkeley, California, including serving as head of the local chapter of Pro America, the National Organization of Republican Women. No Life for a Lady, her autobiographical book on growing up on a New Mexico ranch was winner of the 1941 Life-in-America contest sponsored by Houghton-Mifflin.

From the description of Agnes Morley Cleaveland papers, 1865-1954. (New Mexico State University). WorldCat record id: 50757978

Agnes Morley Cleaveland was born in 1874 in Cimarron, New Mexico. Her parents were William Raymond Morley, a location engineer for the Santa Fe Railroad and manager of the Maxwell Grant, and Ada McPherson Morley. Agnes was the eldest of four children. Her siblings were William Raymond "Ray," born in 1876; Ada Loraine "Lora," born in 1878; and Benjamin Franklin who died in infancy.

William Raymond Morley died in 1883. After his death Ada Morley remarried. Shortly after her second marriage, the family moved to a ranch near Datil, New Mexico. After spending the majority of her inheritance, Ada Morley's second husband disappeared, leaving her in charge of the ranch. Not suited to running a ranch, the responsibility fell to Agnes and Ray, then in their teens. They alternated operating the ranch with schooling and managed to turn the ranch into a well-run operation.

In 1899, Agnes married Newton Cleaveland, a mining engineer, and moved to Berkeley, California shortly afterward. There she became active in politics and other local activities. She was head of the local chapter of Pro America, the National Organization of Republican Women, and participated in other organizations such as the Alameda County Federation of Women's Clubs.

A steadfast patriot, Agnes published the pamphlet American Primer in 1931. This pamphlet was designed to tell Americans what they needed to know about their country. It was passed out to members of Congress in 1948. Agnes was a prolific writer and wrote for many newspapers, magazines, and journals. She also gave many speeches and participated in debates.

In 1941 Agnes published her autobiographical book No Life for a Lady, which was a winner of the Life-in-America contest sponsored by Houghton-Mifflin. No Life for a Lady describes Agnes' life growing up on the Datil ranch, the responsibilities of the children, and the people who were friends, neighbors, or passersby. Among her acquaintances were the legendary Englishman Montague Stevens and cowboy author Eugene Manlove Rhodes.

After the death of her husband in 1944, Agnes retired to a ranch near Datil to be near her sister Loraine. She died on March 8, 1958.

Newton and Agnes Morley Cleaveland were parents to four children: Norman Cleaveland, Loraine (Keffer) Lavender, (Agnes) Morley Cleaveland, and Mary Cleaveland Wohlers.

From the guide to the Agnes Morley Cleaveland Papers, 1865-1954, (Archives and Special Collections, New Mexico State University Library)

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.

From the guide to the Agnes Morley Cleaveland Papers, 1955-1958, (University of New Mexico. Center for Southwest Research.)