Maria Harrison Hotchkiss (née Bissell; August 14, 1827 – November 10, 1901) was an American educator, heiress, and philanthropist.

[4][5][6] When the U.S. government showed little interest in funding new weapons after the war Hotchkiss moved to France in 1867 - without Maria.

Upon receiving her husband's inheritance, Maria considered macadamizing the streets of Salisbury and Sharon, Connecticut for use by automobiles.

[3] However, he permanently moved to France in 1867, subsequently marrying a Miss Cunningham from New York in a French civil ceremony without first divorcing.

[12] She was buried in Lakeville with her Bissell relatives in the Town Hill Cemetery, which lies within the campus of The Hotchkiss School.