Beecher is famous for a few reasons: she wrote a book called "The American Woman's Home Companion" which revolutionized the way the 19th century thought about women and their place in society. (ever heard of separate spheres? Or domestic goddesses? Thank Beecher). She's also part of the crazy Beecher family, who was involved in just about every major 19th century intellectual movement. And yes, she is the sister of Harriet. A pretty good read, and Sklar did a good job of setting her in a broader context.