Harriette Merrick Plunkett

Harriette Merrick Plunkett (, Hodge; pen name, Mrs. H. M. Plunkett; 1826–1906) was a pioneer in the work of sanitary reform in the United States and a leader among women in literary and benevolent work. She served as president of the House of Mercy corporation (now, Berkshire Medical Center), for 30 years, was a leader in the establishment of the Massachusetts State Board of Health, and the author of numerous books. She was the daughter of Henry and Eliza Hodge. Harriette's siblings were Mary, Lester, Elizabeth, Lephe, and William.

She was a descendant of Rev. Samuel Hopkins of West Springfield, Rev. John Wareham of Windsor, Connecticut, and Rev. Jonathan Edwards of Northampton, Massachusetts.

Death Harriette Merrick Plunkett died at her home in Pittsfield, December 26, 1906. "Josiah Gilbert Holland", 1894 (text) "Unveiling of the Great Genius. / Melville and Hawthorne", Sunday Republican, July 1, 1900, p. 14