A writer, poet, educator, and seminarian, Esther Morse came to Austin in 1864. She was the driving force behind the formation of the Austin Ladies Floral Club in 1869, a civic group dedicated to beautifying Austin and contributing to the city's social betterment. Under her leadership, the Floral Club raised the funds to purchase the books that formed the genesis of the Austin Public Library. Her legacy continues through the Floral Club's literary and social programs, and on-going financial support of the library.