Avis Dungan was born in Moline, Elk County, Kansas and grew up as part of a farm family. Her grandmother was the teacher at her school. Avis and her five siblings worked on the farm both before and after classes. Avis graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. Afterwards she taught at Kinsley School until her marriage to Harry Carlson in 1917. Mrs. Carlson also obtained a Master degree in English from the University of Illinois. Avis and Harry adopted two children. Harry was a lawyer and his profession led them to relocate to Washington, D.C. and St. Louis, Missouri. Avis was an active citizen, free lance writer, English teacher, housewife, and mother. Mrs. Carlson was both a strong supporter as well as a member of the League of Women Voters. She wrote articles, short stories, books, and speeches regarding Kansas, the Dust bowl, and other areas of interest. She wrote articles for magazines and a regular column for the St. Louis Dispatch. She retired in 1982 and died in St. Louis in 1987.
From the description of Avis Dungan Carlson papers collection, 1927-1982. (Kansas State Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 49359616
