Woods, Katharine Pearson (1853–1923)

Katharine Pearson Woods was an American novelist, born Jan 28, 1853, in Wheeling, VA to Alexander Quarrier Woods, a tobacco merchant and Josephine Augusta (McCabe) Woods. She was the oldest of three girls where their parents promoted literature and education. This was a big influence in Miss.Woods works.

In 1874, at the age of twenty-one, she joined the religious organization of the All Saints Sisters of the Poor. Due to illness, she withdrew, but this experience led to her work in charity which encouraged the religious and moral tone of her writings.

In 1889, Miss Woods’s first novel was published. Metzerott, Shoemaker based on the Christian principals who advocated economic reform for the working class. Her other works included; Web of Gold (1890), The Crowning of Candace (1896) The Mark of the Beast: A Romance (1890), The Son of Ingar (1897), and The True Story of Captain John Smith (1901)

Woods’ greatest strength in her writings is evident in her description of natural settings and reflection for the love of nature. This strength landed several of her poems to be published in Harper’s Magazine.

Through the years, Katharine Pearson Woods took part in the WLCB, taught school age girls as well as continued with her good deeds and religious practices until her death , February 19, 1923.