Harriet B. (Harriet Burn) McKeever

Born in Philadelphia in 1807, Harriet Burn McKeever spent more than thirty-six years as a teacher in her native city. Sources on her life are limited, but they agree that she came to literary work relatively late and became a notably productive writer.

McKeever wrote poetry as well as a large number of religious and moral stories, including books for Sunday-school readers. Works linked with her include Twilight Musings and fiction such as Nothing but Leaves, The Old Chateau, and Crown Jewels. She was also associated with St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, where some of her hymns were written for local use.

She died in Pennsylvania in the 1880s; the exact year varies between sources, with some listing 1886 and others 1887. Even with those uncertainties, her career stands out for its combination of classroom experience, Christian themes, and an impressive body of writing produced in her later years.