Harriet Alfarata Thompson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Harriet Alfarata Thompson
Born	1871
Died	June 9, 1922  (aged 50–51)

Harriet Alfarata Thompson (born 1871 – died June 9, 1922) was an American writer. She is known for her special kind of book called a "utopian novel." Her book, Idealia: A Utopia Dream; Or, Resthaven, was published in 1922.

Her Early Life and Education

Harriet Alfarata Chapman was born in Albany, New York. She was one of five children. Her parents, John R. Chapman and Harriet Alfarata Chapman, were African-American.

She went to Albany High School. She graduated from there in 1889. Her older sister, Arabella, made history. Arabella was the first African-American to graduate from that school in 1877.

Her Career and Family

After high school, Harriet went to Albany Business College. She then started working at the New York State Library. She worked for a famous person named Melvil Dewey. He was known for creating the Dewey Decimal System.

Harriet worked there for many years. She became the head stenographer in the catalogue department. A stenographer takes notes very quickly, often using shorthand. She retired in August 1921.

In September 1921, she married John W. Thompson. Sadly, she passed away soon after. She died on June 9, 1922, while visiting her brother in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Her Utopian Novel: Idealia

Harriet Alfarata Thompson wrote a short novel called Idealia. It was published in 1922, after she had passed away. Her husband made sure her book was shared with the world.

Idealia is a "utopian novel." A utopian novel describes a perfect or ideal place. In her book, Harriet imagined a kind and caring community. This special place was designed for people who needed help. It was for the elderly, children who were orphans, and people with disabilities.