Skip to main content

Klasner, Lily, 1862-1946

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1862 - 1946

Parallel Names

  • Casey, Lillian

Biographical History

Lillian "Lily" Klasner (1862-1946) was a writer, teacher, rancher, and telegrapher who resided in New Mexico.

Lillian "Lily" Klasner was born December 18, 1862, in Mason County, Texas in 1862 during the American Civil War. Her parents were rancher Robert Adam Casey, and Eveline Ellen Shellenbarger. At age five Lillian's family moved from Texas to Rio Hondo in New Mexico. While in her early teens Lily began collecting letters and documents to inform an autobiographical account of her pioneer experiences. She attended the New Mexico Highlands University at Las Vegas and became a teacher, telegrapher, and rancher. Lily married Joseph A. Klasner on December 18, 1893, in Texas, but later divorced him. She died in Roswell, New Mexico, on May 31, 1946. Lily's history, written from her diary, collected letters, photographs, and other documents, was found twenty years after she passed away. It was published posthumously as "My Girlhood Among Outlaws," in 1972, and edited by Eve Ball.

Citation:
UPB files, June 8, 2021 (Lillian "Lily" Klasner was born in Mason County, Texas in 1862 during the Civil War. At age five Lillian's family moved from Texas to Rio Hondo in New Mexico. While in her early teens Lillian she began collecting letters and documents to inform an autobiographical account of her pioneer experiences. Married Joe Klasner, but later divorced him. Died in Rosewell, New Mexico, on May 31, 1946)

My Girlhood Among Outlaws, 1972 (Attended the New Mexico Highlands University at Las Vegas and became a teacher, telegrapher, and rancher. Lillian's history, written from her diary, collected letters, photographs, and other documeents, was found twenty years after she passed away. It was published postumously as "My Girldhood Among Outlaws," in 1972, and edited by Eve Ball)

FamilySearch, July 19, 2024 (born December 18, 1862 to Robert Adam Casey, and Eveline Ellen Shellenbarger; married Joseph A. Klasner on December 18, 1893 in Texas;

Found in 18 Collections and/or Records:

Lily Klasner legal correspondence, 1893-1945

 Sub-Series
Identifier: MSS 1963 Series 5 Sub-Series 7
Scope and Contents

Lily Klasner legal correspondence regarding land, oil, and water rights, and other topics. Dated 1893 to 1945.

Dates: 1893-1945

Lily Klasner legal records, 1885-1945

 Series
Identifier: MSS 1963 Series 7
Scope and Contents

Case files regarding lawsuits, affidavits for various people, New Mexico warranty deeds, and other legal documents. Most involve Lily Klasner. Materials dated 1885 to 1945.

Dates: 1885-1945

Lily Klasner manuscripts, approximately 1885-1972

 Series
Identifier: MSS 1963 Series 2
Scope and Contents

Contains writings of Lily Klasner that were not part of her main publication, "My Girlhood Among Outlaws" (though the content is similar); it is possible some documents could be annotated by Eve Ball. This includes short stories and biographical sketches. The longest manuscript is an autobiography, "Lily of the mountains," by Miss Lady Casey, which discusses Lily Klasner's teaching experience on the western frontier. Materials dated approximately 1885 to 1972.

Dates: approximately 1885-1972

Lily Klasner personal correspondence, 1920-1945

 Sub-Series
Identifier: MSS 1963 Series 5 Sub-Series 8
Scope and Contents

Lily Klasner personal correspondence, dated 1920 to 1945. Includes envelopes without letters.

Dates: 1920-1945

Lily Klasner personal papers, 1885-1969

 Series
Identifier: MSS 1963 Series 6
Scope and Contents

Contains various personal papers of Lily Klasner, such as job applications, credentials and certificates, receipts, addresses, financial records, sewing guides and patterns, and various publications. Materials dated 1885 to 1969.

Dates: 1885-1969

Lily Klasner poetry and songs, 1900-1946

 Series
Identifier: MSS 1963 Series 3
Scope and Contents

Contains poetry and songs written or collected by Lily Klasner, including many about American western history. Most of Lily's works are in draft, typescript form, with some handwritten. Materials are in English and Spanish, dated 1900 to 1946.

Dates: 1900-1946

Lily Klasner political correspondence, 1930-1944

 Sub-Series
Identifier: MSS 1963 Series 5 Sub-Series 4
Scope and Contents

Correspondence on election work and with elected officials. Dated 1930 to 1944.

Dates: 1930-1944

Lily Klasner research correspondence, 1931-1945

 Sub-Series
Identifier: MSS 1963 Series 5 Sub-Series 1
Scope and Contents

Correspondence requesting historical information or regarding historical research. Materials dated 1931-1945.

Dates: 1931-1945

Additional filters:

Type
Archival Object 16
Collection 2
 
Subject
New Mexico -- History -- 19th century 14
Letters 11
Women teachers 9
Women authors, American 6
Drafts (Documents) 4