Belle Harpster Hartness

Belle Harpster Hartness (, Harpster; 1867–1957) was American stenographer, writer, lecturer, and lady of letters. She was prominent in the social world and in charitable work in London.

Early life Minnie Belle Harpster was born in Cairo, Ohio on October 25, 1867. president of the Gospel News Company and editor of the Union Gospel News. At the same time, she was an able literary writer, which admitted her to exclusive circles. They married on August 16, 1893. The following day, they left for the Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

In 1899, Mr. Hartness was made the head of the Jones & Lamson Machine Company in London, England; they moved to that city, With her husband, Mrs. Hartness visited nearly every country on the European continent.

A writer, lecturer, and lady of letters, Mrs. Hartness served as honorary secretary of the American Circle in London. She was a delegate to the International Peace Congress in London some years later. As a special delegate of the American Circle of the Lyceum Club of London, she attended the meeting of the National League of American Pen Women in Washington, D.C.

In June of the following year, she accepted a position as private secretary to D. L. Davis, editor of the Union Gospel News.

During World War I, she worked for the American Circle of London.

Personal life Her husband's brother was Governor James Hartness of Vermont.

Awards and honors The 81st Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) conferred upon her the title of "Daughter of Regiment". This was the regiment with which her father served through the Civil War.