Born Margaret Hill near Carthage, Indiana to Quaker parents Thomas Thornbury Hill and Nancy (Davis), she was educated at public schools in Indiana then at the Quaker school Earlham College.

[2] Margaret attended the State Normal School at Terre Haute, Indiana, studying Latin, English and history; earning an A.B.

[3] She married William Arthur Carter, a doctor, on June 5, 1890, and the couple had three children.

[4] Her novels were historical fiction tales about Kansas, and featured an "anti-Indian" theme.

During her career she was awarded with honorary doctorates from Washburn University and the College of Emporia; both in Kansas.