James A. Reed was in federal court, about to argue his case, when a call came in from Kansas City. Nell Donnelly had been kidnapped. James panicked. To James, Nell was so much more than a celebrated fashion designer. She was his neighbor. She was his secret lover. She was the mother of his child. He’d do anything to save her – including threatening the head of the Kansas City mafia.

“Nelly Gone: KCQ traces the kidnapping of Nell Donnelly,” by Kate Hill for the Kansas City Public Library

The book, “More than Petticoats: Remarkable Missouri Women,” by Elaine Warner

The book, “James A. Reed: Legendary Lawyer; Marplot in the United States Senate,” by J. Michael Cronan

“First A Lady,” by Jennifer Wilding for the Kansas City Star magazine

“Nelly Don’s unexpected legacy,” for the Fashion Conservatory

“Nell Donelly Reed,” Historic Missourians

“Nelly Don’s zero-waste apron design,” run-sew-read

“Nelly Don: Self made in America,” seamwork.com

The book, “The Snatch Racket,” by Carolyn Cox

The book, “The Devil’s Tickets,” by Gary M. Pomerantz

Obituary for George Blair, Kansas City Star, June 10, 1977

“Causes for hate,” The Kansas City American, Dec. 24, 1931

“Mrs. Donnelly is found, safe,” The Kansas City Times, Dec. 18, 1931

“Mrs. Donnelly’s chauffeur tells of the kidnappers’ treatment of them,” The Kansas City Star, Dec. 18, 1931

“Link Mrs. Depew,” The Kansas City Star, Dec. 23, 1931

“Mrs. Donnelly was released last Friday,” Southwest Mail and Weekly Post, Dec. 25, 1931

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