Katherine Brown

Wife of Stuart Brown; died at age 59yrs, 7mos, 7dys

Well-known in social and philanthropic circles of Springfield. Daughter of Milton Hay, Sangamon county pioneer. Married Stuart Brown on April 28, 1886.

Director of the Springfield Associated Charities.

Survived by husband, brother Logan Hay, son Milton Hay Brown, daughters Mrs. Christine (Dushane) Penniman and Miss Jane Logan Brown; three grandchildren.

                                        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- From Elizabeth B. Ide, "Mrs. Stuart Brown -- Kate Hay Brown," Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, vol. 17, no. 1/2 (April/July 1924), pp. 312-314: "Kate Hay Brown was born in Springfield, Illinois, on March 21, 1864. She was the daughter of Milton Hay, a distinguished lawyer, and of Mary Logan Hay, whose father, Judge Stephen T. Logan, was also distinguished in the early law courts of Illinois. Her mother died when she was ten years old, and for some years she and her brother, Logan Hay, lived with their mother's sister, Mrs. Louis H. Coleman. The loss of her mother and the feeling of responsibility for her young brother undoubtedly hastened the development of an independent character, which was so marked in her in later years. At eighteen years of age, after graduating at Monticello Seminary, she took her place as mistress of her father's household. In 1886 she married .Stuart Brown, and to them three children were born : Milton Hay Brown, Christine Brown, now the wife of Dushane Penniman, and Jane Logan Brown. The virtue of hospitality was hers and her home was always open to her friends ; to the Woman's Club; the church and to functions, civil and social, of all sorts. To her immediate family and to her friends she was the center of the home. In the life of the community she was a moving spirit. Family and friends sought her advice in many problems and her keen intellect seized at once the salient points and gave valuable help. Her interest was just as active in solving the problems of the community. It was always the constructive side that appealed to her, and through her influence and financial help the first step in many enterprises was taken. A director for years in the Springfield Home for the Friendless, she was instrumental in improving the method of placing out children in foster homes; and through her aid the first paid trained worker was installed for that particular work. The Juvenile Court of Springfield also owes her a debt of gratitude, for she interested a group of women who furnished the funds to employ the first probation officer. This probation officer was able to show the need for such an office, and the county continued the work. In the Springfield Survey, made by the Russell Sage Foundation, she was a tireless worker, and afterwards she was active in carrying on the various recommendations made by the Survey to the different organizations with which she was connected. To the Associated Charities of Springfield, whose vice- president she was for many years, she was a tower of strength. She was a firm believer in the doctrine, that the only effective help is that which gives the individual the power to help himself. From this conviction sprang the "Opportunity Fund," for loans to poor girls to help them to continue their education; also, the "Case Committee," which included representatives from the various social agencies of the city for the working out of the problems of poor families along constructive lines. When she visited other places at home and abroad, she was quick to bring back to her own community the newer methods and improvements which she found. Education, as the best possible preparation for life, was to her most important, and she always kept some boy or girl in college at her own expense. During the World War she was local chairman of the Council of National Defense, and her judgment and ability were valued throughout the State. The last public function which she attended was the Congress of the National Playground Association, held in Springfield, and she promised her name and help to that organization in furthering the work in Illinois. She was a life member of the Illinois State Historical Society, of which her husband is a director. On October 28, 1923, she died, leaving her impress, not only on those who knew her intimately and loved her, but on the life of her community and her State. In a world of uncertain standards she stood firmly for the things of the spirit, and tried by the alchemy of an understanding and tender nature to transmute the practical detail of service into the gold of her ideal."