Theodora R. Jenness

Theodora R. Jenness (, Robinson; 1847 – March 30, 1935) was an American children's author, editor, and clubwoman who spent many years doing missionary work in South Dakota. In addition to publishing several books between 1879 and 1917, she also contributed short stories and serials to magazines. Jenness died in 1935.

Early life and education Theodora (nickname, "Dora") Her parents were John and Mary (Stevens) Robinson.

Jenness was educated in public schools. Known as Dora in her school days, she graduated from the high school in Ottawa, Kansas, 1865. and in 1908, she was based in Flora, Walworth County, South Dakota. Becoming well known as a talented and popular magazine writer, she was especially gifted in her stories and dialogues for children. She contributed to the "Zig Zag series", edited by Hezekiah Butterworth. At one time, she held an editorial position with The Youth's Companion. She wrote "Fire Stories", "John Tryman", and made numerous other contributions to leading eastern magazines.

She was the author of, Two Young Homesteaders, 1881; Piokee and Her People, 1891; Above the Range, 1896,

Personal life In 1872, in Ottawa, Kansas, she married Maj. George B. Jenness (died 1918). He was associated with newspaper work in that city. They had two daughters, Ella and Frances.

In 1882, in Ottawa, she organized and co-founded the MPM (Monday afternoon) Club, which became the oldest club of that city.

In 1920, when she was granted a pension of a month following the death of her husband, Capt. Jenness, in 1918, she was a resident of South Natick, Massachusetts.

Selected works Books The Indian Territory, 1879 The Contributors' club., 1879 Two Young Homesteaders, 1881 Piokee and Her People, 1891 Above the Range, 1896 A Homely Heroine. A Story of 'an Off Wheat Year'., 1902 Big and Little Sisters: A Story of an Indian Mission School, 1909 The Miracle Man, 1917

Co-author Young wives tales from Maine and Kansas Young folks' cyclopedia of stories., 1886