Ellis County Texas Archives News.....Daffan,   Katie  Author - Newspaper woman 1948 ?
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Virginia Crilley http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00003.html#0000642 January 1, 2007, 10:40 am

Ennis Daily News 1948 ?
Tip From Katie Daffan
Word of Advice to Writers: Let Nothing Else Interfere

by Margaret Elizabeth Parsons

"Never let anything interfere with your writing, " Katie Daffan, Texas author
and veteran newspaperwoman tells fledging writers. "Write when you are in the
mood for writing; other things can wait, your writing is important.".

After a brilliant career as newspaper woman, author, lecturer, teacher,
executive, club woman and social worker, Miss Daffan returned several years ago
to live in her home in Ennis where she spneds her time studying, writing and
helping those who call upon her.

Her work in the journalistic field included a 7 year term as literary editor of
the Houston Chronicle and "Miss Daffan's Literary Pate" was a popular feature.

In Houston, Miss Daffan pioneered in child welfare work, was a trustee of the
Houston Public Library, a member of the Houston Board of Education, a charter
member of the Houston Pen Women, taught in the Houston public schools, and
lectured to various groups. It was also during this period that she served as
state secretary to the General Federation of Women's Clubs.

As the first president of the Houston Story Tellers Club, Miss Daffan won such
fame as a teller of tales that an annual "Katie Daffan Day" was observed by that
organization, when her poems and stories were read.

An abiding interest in history has led Miss Daffan to active work in historical
organizations and a term as first vice president of the Texas Historical
Society. She has also served as state historian for the Daughters of the Texas
Divisino of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and she is now a life member
of its executive board. Third vice president general of the UDC, in charge of
all children's work, is another position that she has filled; and, from time to
time throughout the years, she has served as president of the Ennis chapter of
the UDC.  Miss Daffan's home is filled with beautiful gifts of appreciation and
presentations evidence of her identiy with the UDC.

The Katie Daffan Chapter in Denton was named in her honor. But her appointment
as the first superintendent of the Confederate Woman's Home in Austin was the
high point of her UDC activities. She was the first Texas woman ever to head a
state institution by appointment.

Another honor was conferred on this prominent Texan when she was made life
secretary  of Hood's Texas Brigade.  Many times she was selected by the
Confederate soldiers as state sponsor to reunions in southern cities, but her
appointment as sponsor for the South at the reunion in Chattanooga was the
highest honor that the soldiers of the confederacy could bestow upon a woman.

Since returning to Ennis Miss Daffan has helped to organize and has served as
the first president of the Ennis Writers Club. She has taught adult classes in
history and in parliamentary procedure of which she is a master. Her delightful
book reviews have been a real contribution to the cultural life of the community.

It is not unusual for whole classes of school children to be conducted to her
home for a visit and to hear the magnificent stories that she weaves about the
great figures in history. Sometimes these happy pilgrims come in buses from
neighboring towns.

Many distinguished visitors have registered in her guest book. "It was a real
treat", said David Russell, SMU professor and president  of the Poetry Society
of Texas and former poet laureate of Texas after a recent call at Miss Daffan's
home.

Miss Daffan's published works include seven books: "Woman in History: which
presents biographies of famous women of every era;  "The Woman on the Pine
Springs Road", a work of fiction:  "As thinketh a Woman", a book of early poems,
dedicated to her mother; "My Father as I remember  Him", Miss Daffan's memorial
to her parent; her "History of the United States: a handsomely illustrated book
and a valuable part of any library; "Texas Hero Stories" for boys and girls of
high school age and "Texas Heroes" for third, fourth and fifth grade students
which was adopted by the State Board of Education and is still used as a text in
Texas.

Of late writers,  Booth Tarkington is Miss Daffan's favorite.  "His works
endure" she says.

Every write has his "best time of the day to write" and Miss Daffan chooses the
early morning hours.  To beginners, Miss Daffan says: Pay attention to
everything; nothing is too insignificant to notice. Never turn a visitor from
your door; whether it be a beggar or a neighbor paying a friendly call, each
brings you something and you will be richer for the visit.

Additional Comments:
(1874-1951). Katie Litty (Miss Katie) Daffan, was born on July 29, 1874, in
Brenham, Texas, daughter of Laurence A. and Mollie (Day) Daffan. 
She was married briefly in 1897 to Mann Trice, then assistant attorney general
for the state of Texas. They had no children. 
Katie Daffan died in Ennis on May 22, 1951, after being hit by a car near her home.

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