Woman of the Century/Itti Kinney Reno

RENO, Mrs. Itti Kinney, novelist and social leader, born in Nashville, Tenn., 17th May, 1862. She is the daughter of Col. George S. Kinney, of Nashville. She was a high-strung, imaginative child, remarkably bright and precocious, and while still very young she was sent to a convent in Kentucky, where she remained until her education was completed. She was graduated with first honors, and her valedictory was delivered by the embryo author in the form of an original poem. Her debut in the great world was marked by the brilliance that wealth and social influence confer, and soon she became one of the belles of Tennessee's capital. She became the wife, in May, 1885, of Robert Ross Réno, only child of the late M. A. Réno, Major of the Seventh United States Cavalry, famous for the gallant defense of his men during two days and nights of horror, from the overwhelming force of Sioux, who the day before had massacred Custer's entire battalion. Through his mother Mr. Reno is related to some of the oldest families in Pennsylvania, and, though possessed of private wealth, he has expectations of a brilliant fortune, being one of the heirs of old Philippe Francois Renault (anglicized Reno), who came over with Lafayette, and who left an estate valued now at $200,000,000. For several years after her marriage Mrs. Reno led the life of a young woman of fashion and elegance. In the summer of 1889 she began to write a romance, entirely for self-amusement, with never a thought of publication. She kept her work a secret till its completion, and then she laughingly gave it to her ITTI KINNEY RENO. mother for criticism. Her parents insisted on publication, but Mrs. Réno declined. Finally her ather won her consent to submit her manuscnpt to his friend, Hon. Henry Watterson, and to abide by his decision. Mr. Watterson read and pronounced it "a genuine southern love story, full of the fragrance of southern flowers and instinct with the rich, warm blood of southern youth." He gave the young author some letters to eastern publishers, and her first novel, "Miss Breckenridge, a Daughter of Dixie" (Philadelphia, 1890), was published. It proved successful, and within a few months it had passed through five editions. Her second book, "An Exceptional Case" (Philadelphia, 1891), is one of great force and power, and it has also proved a success. Mrs. Reno lives in luxurious surroundings in a sumptuous home on Capitol Hill. She will henceforth devote her life to literature.