Kate Austin

Kate Cooper Austin (July 25, 1864 – October 28, 1902) was an American journalist and advocate of feminist and anarchist causes.

Early life Born Catherine Cooper on July 25, 1864, in LaSalle County, Illinois, At the age of 11, Austin lost her mother and had to raise her seven brothers and sisters. Reading became one of her amusements. Austin and her entire family were influenced by Hamon's writings, but it was the Haymarket Riot of 1886 and the ensuing reaction that brought Austin to anarchism.

A member of the American Press Writers' Association, Austin wrote for many working-class and radical newspapers.

Personal life In 1890, Austin and her husband, Sam Austin, both moved to Caplinger Mills, Missouri, about twenty miles away from the nearest railroad station. Austin did not feel any type of isolation, as country life was her ideal. Since Austin joined the American Press Writers Association, her work increased as she came in contact with many well known radical writers and lecturers of her time, keeping her busy reading and writing.

Austin died of tuberculosis on October 28, 1902, in Kingman, Kansas, leaving behind nine children aged between 19 and 10. Austin's body was sent back to Caplinger Mills, Missouri, as a funeral was held for her with the largest crowd that ever attended a funeral in that district.