Catherine Jane Hamilton (1841 – 1935) was an author and journalist who also wrote under the pen name, Retlaw Spring.
[1][2] She was born to a family with Irish roots in Somerset, second daughter of Richard Hamilton (1805/6–1859), vicar of Kilmersdon, and his wife, Charlotte, née Cooper (1809–1882).
As a child Hamilton was raised at the old vicarage but suffered a bout of typhoid fever and was extremely ill.
She was educated at home with her sister by governesses and learned French, Latin and Greek due to her father's influence.
[1][6] Hamilton wrote a series on notable women writers, actors and intellectuals which was eventually produced in volumes for publication.