Laura M. Thurston (née, Hawley; pen name, Viola; December 20, 1812 – July 21, 1842) was an American poet and educator.
A prolific writer, most of her works were originally published in the Louisville Journal,[1] and in William D. Gallagher's Hesperian.
[5][6][7] Her parents being in moderate circumstances, her early advantages for education were such only as were afforded by the common district school.
When she became older, however, she found means to enter John P. Brace's Hartford Female Seminary, where she continued her studies with unusual diligence and success, and secured the marked esteem of the principal and teachers.
[1][6] She was at this time a frequent contributor to the western papers and periodicals, usually over the signature of "Viola", and soon won for herself the reputation of being one of the best women writers in the west.