Margaret Hill McCarter (May 2, 1860 - August 31, 1938) was an American teacher and novelist. Margaret became a writer in 1901; contributing articles for newspapers and magazines. Her first novel, The cottonwood's story was published in 1903. She became the best known and highest paid novelist in Kansas for her time. Her novels were historical fiction tales about Kansas, and featured an "anti-Indian" theme. She was a staunch. She was educated at public schools in Indiana then at the Quaker school Earlham College. Margaret attended the State Normal School at Terre Haute, Indiana, studying Latin, English and history; earning an A. B. in 1884. In 1894 she founded Western Sorosis, a women's club.