Emma Dunham Kelley-Hawkins
1863–1938 (age 75)
Novelist
Biography
Emma Dunham Kelley-Hawkins shaped a literary legacy that blended keen observation with tender humanity, capturing African American life with grace and authenticity. Though she spent her later years far from the bustling centers of publishing, her novels continued to resonate with readers seeking stories of courage and quiet dignity.
Interred at Moshassuck Cemetery, she is remembered for lifting voices that had been overlooked, offering a window into the joys and sorrows of everyday people. Her contributions remain a touchstone for scholars and admirers of early Black women’s literature.