Margaret McDonald Bottome

Margaret Bottome ( McDonald; December 29, 1827 – November 14, 1906), also known as the author Margaret McDonald Bottome, was an American reformer, organizational founder, and author. She was engaged in religious work in Brooklyn, and for more than a quarter of a century, she gave Bible talks to the society women of New York City. Out of these experiences grew the order of the King's Daughters, which she founded and for which she was annually chosen president until her death. She was the author of several books, and made a large number of contributions to religious magazines.

Early life and education Margaret McDonald was born in New York City, December 29, 1827. Her parents, William and Mary (Willis) McDonald, were of Scottish ancestry. She was the eldest of 18 siblings. McDonald lived in Brooklyn from her childhood. She received her education at Prof. Greenleaf's School for Girls, Brooklyn Heights.

Early in life, she became interested in religious and charitable work in Brooklyn where her father held a municipal position. She accompanied him weekly to the almshouse and prison, and systematically visited the sick and poor of the Brooklyn districts. Influenced by these impressions, she developed strong religious and charitable sentiments. The influence of the home culminated in the conversion of Margaret at Sand Street Church, at the age of 12.

Career In 1850, she married Rev. Francis ("Frank") Bottome, an itinerant preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church. About 1876, she commenced giving Bible talks in drawing-rooms to society women of New York City and continued this practice for more than 25 years. Francis was a native of England, who had served in the local ministry in that country and had migrated to Canada, where on an immense circuit, he preached to the Native Americans until his health declined, after which he came to New York City.

When Rev. Bottome was a pastor in the wealthy suburb of Tarrytown, New York, some of the summer residents heard of the talks Margaret was giving to a class which she led, and they came to listen to her. After that, for more than a quarter of a century, she lectured on the topic of "Bible Talks" in the drawing rooms and salons of wealthy women; it was her most effective personal work. In 1878, Rev. Bottome was thrown from his horse and killed. Instead of his death putting an end to Margaret's activities, it spurred her on to continue in religious work.