Mary Kennerly was born in 1887 in Austin, Texas. She married Frederick Grandin Cloud (1871-1930), a native of Pennsylvania, in 1903. Her husband's grandfather, John Wurts Cloud, Sr.(1797-1850) was one of the original members of the Austin Colony and the first known Episcopal minister in Texas. Mary and Frederick had three children, Frederick Grandin, Jr. (b. 1910), Mary Travis (b. 1916) and Frances Allen (b.1914). In her youth, daughter Frances was considered a popular entertainer, appearing frequently around town as a reader for theatrical and civic programs.
Kennerly Cloud served as curator of the Republic of Texas Museum located on the Texas Capitol grounds from 1926-1954. The museum is owned and operated by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DAR). Prior to that appointment, she was the society editor for the Austin American newspaper during the early 1920s. She also served under president Clara Driscoll (1927-1931) as state secretary of the DAR for eight years as well as a member and past president of the William B. Travis Chapter of the DAR. Other memberships included the Altrusa Club, the John T. Allan Parent-Teacher Association, the Austin Kwill Club and the Austin League of Women Voters. In addition, Kennerly Cloud belonged to the First Methodist Church of Austin for over 50 years.
From the guide to the Mary Kennerly Cloud Papers AR. H. 006., 1840-1951, (Austin History Center, Austin Public Library)
