“One of America’s foremost prima donnas.” Quad-City Times (IA), October 14, 1914
Grace Edith Moore was born in Iowa in 1881. In 1902 she married James Henry Doxsee in Michigan. They were both listed as residents of Chicago. In 1903 they had a child, Eunice. Sometime before 1908 they made their way to Caddo, where they are listed on the 1910 census. Mr. Doxsee was an agent for the railroad. Grace’s occupation is listed as “none”. James’ brother, Joe Doxsee, also lived in Caddo and in 1911 married Abbie Semple, daughter of Charles A. Semple.
The Bryan County Democrat
June 29, 1908
Mrs. J. H. Doxsee, and daughter, Miss Eunice, left Sunday for Chicago to visit Mrs. Doxsee’s mother. They will be gone all summer.
In August, 1910 Mrs. Doxsee is listed as one of the judges of the fiddler’s contest for the Corn Carnival.
The Caddo Herald
March 10, 1911
Mrs. J. H. Doxsee returned this week from New York where she has been for several months studying vocal.
June 9, 1911
At the residence of Mrs. A. M. Robertson Wednesday night, the pupils of Mrs. J. H. Doxsee rendered a musical program that was indeed a rare treat for those who attended. Mrs. Doxsee teacher voice only and her pupils have made wonderful progress under her teaching.
October 13, 1911
Mrs. C. A. Bilbo, Mrs. J. H. Doxsee, Mrs. A. E. Folsom, Miss Ross Braudrick, and Miss Phyllis Hancock visited Atoka Monday night to attend a musical recital.
Mrs. Doxsee sang a solo at the Union Thanksgiving service in Caddo in 1911.
April 5, 1912
Mrs. J. H. Doxsee left last Saturday for Kansas City where she has a class in voice. In this connection Mrs. Doxsee has made quite a reputation with the music lovers of that city….
Oakly Graphic (KS)
May 31, 1912
…after a recital at the Kansas City Conservatory of Music: “Mrs. Doxsee has a remarkable voice of that strong, rich, mellow quality.”
The Caddo Herald
July 5, 1912
Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Doxsee returned last Friday from a two-month vacation to Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California.
July 12, 1912
Mrs. J. H. Doxsee and Miss Mary Bell went to Durant yesterday to take part in a music recital which they and Prof. Davis gave.
Note: 1913-14 Mrs. Doxsee, usually billed as Grace Doxsee or Grace Moore-Doxsee, traveled throughout the states, appearing in the operas, Salome and Il Trovatore. The Boston English Opera Company performed in NY, FL, TX, OK, MO, MS, AL, LA, IL, IA and probably others. They also performed in Ontario, Canada.
The Caddo Herald
November 13, 1914
Mrs. Doxsee in Grand Opera
The Herald has a communication from Mrs. Grace Doxsee, who is with the Boston English Opera Co., now playing Il Trovatore. She is playing and singing the role of Inez in this wonderful production. The dates announced that this company will be at Denison opera house December 5th.
Mrs. Doxsee for many years lived in Caddo and is well known to all our people.
Note: There are few mentions of Grace after that…until 1919 when she is listed in a Christmas cantata in Kansas City. The 1920-1940 censuses list James and Grace as citizens of Kansas City, MO. James continued to work for the railroad and Grace is listed as a stenographer. James died in 1945. Grace died in 1949.
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