Lifespan: 1828-1897
Nationality: Scottish
Bio:
Margaret Wilson was born in East Lothian, Scotland, on April 4, 1828 to Francis Wilson and Margaret Oliphant. Her first novel, Passages in the Life of Mrs .Margaret Maitland, was published in 1849.
She married her cousin, Frank Oliphant, in May of 1852, and the couple settled in London. Frank was an artist, and in delicate health. The couple had six children, three of which died in infancy.
In 1859, the family moved to Rome for the sake of Frank's health. He later died there, leaving Margaret with no financial resources. She and her three children returned to England, where she resumed her writing career to support her family.
Despite her popularity as a writer, her personal life continued to be plagued by tragedy and hardship. In 1864, her only remaining daughter died, and afterwards, Margaret's brother and children moved in with her, after her brother's financial ruin, adding more for her to support. Her cousin, and fellow authoress, Annie Louisa Walker, also came to live with her.
Margaret's two surviving sons collaborated with her on some of her works, but both preceded her in death. Margaret died at Wimbledon, London, England on June 25, 1897.
In all, she wrote more than 120 works.
Novels:
Adam Graeme
Magdalen Hepburn
Lilliesleaf
The Laird of Norlaw
The Chronicles of Carlingford
Madonna Mary
Squire Arden
He That Will Not When He May
Hester
Kirsteen
The Marriage of Elinor
The Ways of Life
The Wizard's Son
The Beleaguered City
The Athelings; or, The Three Gifts
A Little Pilgrim Unseen
Salem Chapel
The Minister's Wife
The Second Son
Merkland, A Story of Scottish Life
Innocent
The Son of His Father
The Three Brothers
Phoebe, Junior
Agnes
Within the Precincts
At His Gates
Ombra
Madam
Brownlows
Carita
For Love and Life
Harry Joscelyn
Whiteladies
The Primrose Path
It Was a Lover and His Lass
A Rose in June
The House on the Moor
John, A Love Story
Zaidee
Cervantes
Two Stories of the Seen and Unseen
The Curate in Charge
Ailieford
John Drayton
The Melvilles
John Arnold
The Last of the Mortimers
Matthew Paxton
The Quiet Heart
Katie Stewart
May
Orphans: A Chapter in the Life
Miss Marjoribanks
The Ladies Lindores
Agnes Hopetoun's Schools and Holidays
Harry Muire
Christian Melville