Florence Van Leer Nicholson Coates was an American poet, and women's rights advocate whose prolific output was published in many literary magazines, some of it set to music. She was mentored by the English poet Matthew Arnold, with whom she maintained a lifelong friendship. She was famous for her many nature poems, inspired by the flora and fauna of the Adirondacks, where she lived. She was also an advocate for women and equality. She would be elected poet laureate of Pennsylvania by the state Federation of Women's Clubs in 1915.

George Hussey Earle Sr. was a prominent Philadelphia lawyer. As an abolitionist, he represented many fugitive slaves. He was a founder of the Republican party.