Harriet Bunker Austin

Harriet Melissa Bunker Austin (December 29, 1843 – June 26, 1904) was an American author.

Early life Harriet Melissa Bunker Austin was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on December 29, 1843, the daughter of John F. Bunker, descending from New England stock. Her great-grandfather, Benjamin Bunker, was a soldier of the Revolution, and was killed in the battle of Bunker Hill. The hill from which the battle was named comprised part of the Bunker estate, owned by her grandfather, Josiah Bunker. On her mother's side she was related to Amos Bronson Alcott and Lyman Beecher. She always took an active interest in the advancement of women and the promotion of social reforms. They were pioneers of McHenry County, Illinois, and they had the following children: Helen Leonore Austin (1859–1880), George Albion Austin (1862–1863), Florence Edith Austin (1864–1910), Harold Austin (1872–1874), Gertrude L. Shackell (1877–1930), Edward W. Austin. Gertrude Austin Shackell ran the Hillcrest Hotel in Woodstock.

She died on June 26, 1904, and is buried at Oakland Cemetery, Wodstock, Illinois.