H. Maria George Colby (born George; also known as Clinton Montague, H. M. G., and H. Maria George; October 1, 1844 – March 29, 1910) was an American writer, newspaper editor, and important community leader during the late 1800s. She worked as a fashion editor for the Household magazine and wrote articles for many different magazines and newspapers. Among her writing names, the one people knew best was "H. Maria George."

Early life and education

Hannah Maria George was born on October 1, 1844, in Warner, New Hampshire. Her parents were Gilman C. and Nancy Badger George. Gilman was born in 1820 and died on September 12, 1894. He was the son of James and Hannah (Church) George and a descendant of James George, who moved to Haverhill, Massachusetts, in 1653. Gilman served as a captain in the state militia from 1843 to 1844. He worked as town clerk from 1868 to 1872 and as selectman from 1885 to 1888. He also held leadership roles, including master of Warner Grange, president of the Kearsarge Agricultural Association, and first worshipful master of Harris Lodge, No. 91, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of Warner. Colby had English ancestors on both sides of the family and inherited literary talents from relatives connected to Daniel Webster.

Career

During her teenage years, she wrote several short novels that were published in New York City and Philadelphia. Later in life, she wrote many articles for magazines aimed at young readers. She was also recognized as an expert on topics related to home life. Her work appeared in publications such as The Housewife, Housekeeper's Weekly, Christian at Work, Demorest's Monthly Magazine, Arthur's Lady's Home Magazine, The Youth's Companion, The Congregationalist, The Portland Transcript, Ladles' World, Good Cheer, The Philadelphia Press, The Chicago Ledger, The Golden Rule, The Household, Good Housekeeping, and St. Nicholas Magazine. For five years, she worked as the fashion editor of The Household. She strongly supported temperance and equal rights for men and women, sharing these ideas through her writing. She used different names when publishing her work, including "H. M. G." for art and biography sketches, and "Clinton Montague." Her most famous literary name was her maiden name, "H. Maria George."

Personal life

She married Frederick Myron Colby, a writer, on December 24, 1882. They lived in Warner, and she passed away there on March 29, 1910.