Louise Seymour Houghton

Born in Piermont, New York, in 1838, Louise Seymour Houghton was an American religious writer, translator, editor, educator, and settlement worker. She was educated at home and at the Utica Female Seminary, and later became known for writing accessible books on Christian history and biography as well as works for younger readers.

Years spent in Europe in the 1870s helped shape her interests, especially her connection with the McAll Mission in France. Back in the United States, she lectured, wrote extensively, and worked in editorial roles including at The Evangelist and Christian Work. She was also associated with Vassar College and with the Jacob A. Riis Settlement in Manhattan, reflecting a life that linked literary work with practical social service.

Houghton published widely across several genres. Alongside religious and historical books such as Life of St. Francis of Assisi and Our Debt to the Red Man, she is also remembered for The Russian Grandmother's Wonder Tales, a collection that introduced folk stories to English-language readers. She died in 1920, leaving behind a body of work marked by curiosity, moral purpose, and a gift for clear storytelling.