Margaret Hill McCarter (May 2, 1860 – August 31, 1938) was an American teacher and novelist.[1] She was the best-known and highest-paid novelist in Kansas at the time.
Margaret Hill McCarter | |
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Born | May 2, 1860 Carthage, Indiana |
Died | August 31, 1938 Topeka, Kansas |
Occupation(s) | Teacher, writer |
Born Margaret Hill near Carthage, Indiana to Quaker parents Thomas Thornbury Hill and Nancy (Davis), she was educated at public schools in Indiana then at the Quaker school Earlham College.[2] Margaret attended the State Normal School at Terre Haute, Indiana, studying Latin, English and history; earning an A.B. in 1884. She became the principal of the high school in Rensselaer, Indiana, then head of the English department at the Goshen, Indiana high school.[3] In 1888[2] she was hired to head the English department at Topeka High School in Topeka, Kansas,[4] remaining at that post for the next six years.[3]
She married William Arthur Carter, a doctor, on June 5, 1890, and the couple had three children. In 1894 she founded Western Sorosis, a women's club. Margaret became a writer in 1901;[1] contributing articles for newspapers and magazines.[2] Her first novel, The cottonwood's story was published in 1903.[3] She became the best known and highest paid novelist in Kansas for her time.[4] Her novels were historical fiction tales about Kansas, and featured an "anti-Indian" theme.[5] She was a staunch Republican and was invited to speak at the 1920 Republican National Convention in Chicago,[6] becoming the first woman ever to do so.[1]
Margaret died in Topeka, Kansas and is buried there. During her career she was awarded with honorary doctorates from Washburn University and the College of Emporia; both in Kansas. Margaret Hill McCarter Elementary School in Topeka is named after her.[1]