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The Blue Book of Iowa Women A History of Contemporary Women

Compiled by Winona Evans Reeves, 1914.

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Miss Lillie West Brown Buck

The great majority of people who have read the bright and readable musical and dramatic criticisms by "Amy Leslie," have failed to recognize in the nom de plume, Lillie West Brown Buck, who was born in West Burlington, Oct. 11, 1860.  Her parents, Albert Warring West and Kate Webb West, lived in West Burlington for many years and their daughter received her early education in the schools there.  In 1876 she was graduated with honor from St. Mary's Academy at Notre Dame, Ind.  As a child she was far above the average in her school work and her clever, quick mind gave promise then of the ability developed in the woman of later years.  Her musical ability while she was yet a child was also evident.  She has a clear soprano voice of unusual range and sweetness.  She sang the leading roles as Lillie West in Audran's, Offenbach's and Pianquettes operas.  She was the original in Fiametta in La Mascotte and in other soprano roles.  As prima donna she appeared in the principal cities of America and in many European cities.  She has been for years dramatic critic for the Chicago Daily News under the pen name of Amy Leslie.  She is the author of a number of books, among them "Amy Leslie at the Fair,"  "Some Players,"  and "Plays and Prayers."  Early in life she was married to Harry Brown, who died in 1890.  In 1891 she was married to Franklin Howard Buck, a native of Texas.  They have a beautiful home, The Roost, 265 Crescent Ave., Norwood Park, Chicago.

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