Ida Husted Harper (1851–1931) was an American journalist, author, and suffragist who played a significant role in documenting the history of the women’s rights movement. Born in Fairfield, Indiana, Harper initially trained as a teacher but soon pursued a career in journalism, using her platform to advocate for social reform. Harper worked closely with Susan B. Anthony, a partnership that would become instrumental in the women’s suffrage movement and lead to her acclaimed biography The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony. She devoted several years to this work, gathering extensive materials and offering a personal perspective on Anthony’s life and influence.

Beyond her biography of Anthony, Harper actively promoted women’s rights through her writing, lectures, and organizational work. As a journalist, she contributed to newspapers across the United States and served as a representative for the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Harper used her writing to advocate for suffrage and gender equality, leaving a legacy that bridged her literary accomplishments with her passion for activism. Her dedication to preserving the history of the women’s movement made her a key figure in its documentation and helped solidify Susan B. Anthony’s legacy in American history.