New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-01
OBITUARY.
MRS. KATE CHASE sPRAGuE.

Washington. July 81 (speciaD-Mrs Kate Chase
sprague died at o'clock this morning at her his
torical homestead Edgewood. just beyond Ecking-
ton. this city Death was due to complication OF
liver and kidney troubles. With the dying woman
In her last hours in addition to the physicians.
were her three daughters-Mss Kitte Sprague. who
lives at Edgewood Miss Portia Sprague. OF Mar
ragansett Pier. and Mrs Donaldson. of Brooklyn.
Mrs. sprague ffty-nine years old. Up TO
late hour this evening arrangements for the
funeral had been made. Ultimately. Il Is said the
body will he taken 10 Cincinnati. Ohio. 10 be placed
beside that OF Mrs. Spragues father. Chief Justice
Chase, In the well known Mount Auburn Cemetery.
Noname could possibly be spoken in this city among
among the older residents that would evoke the
"reminiscences always started by the mention Of Kate
Chase. IL revived antebellum social and political
history and helped to adorn many tale of now
rapidly fading in Washington life No woman
so young ever held here the prominent and con-
trolling position leader which came to her as
mistress ~ her fathers household nor has the
most critical observer failed in according 10 her
exceptional personal brilliancy When her father be-
came the Governor Of Ohio he widower, and
Miss Chase. his eldest daughter became the mis-
tress NJ the Governors mansion. The greatest
trust and confidence existed between her father
and herself. ana the charm and grace Of her
manner were OF inestimable advantage TO him both
socially and politically When thus brought so
prominently before the world, Miss Chase only
l
when her father. taking the Treasury portfolio
under President Lincoln. again needed her help as
mistress Of his Washington home. At this time
began the social career with which her name
ISOLATED for so long Her father occupied the house
still standing at Sixth and SITS. notable in those
days for its spscousness and the elegance Of its
furnishings and where many Of the events
which helped 10 make the history Of that period
took place Here Miss Chase held court Of her
own. and her reputation spread far and wide as
the most brilliant woman Of her day. The popular
verdict declared her at the same time To bs among
the most beautiful She had rare personal mag
netism a faculty ~ drawing out the best traits in
others and while shining herself pre-emnently she
able 70 keep about her the most prominent
leaders in politics in society and in fashionable life
She had great success in arranging entertain
ments and while the hospitality Of her day on
a much more simple scale than that which obtains
now hers was marked by an originality which
gave II piquancy and flavor. Flattered by every one
and loved by many. Miss Chase's drawing room
| reflected in many varying moods the excitement
| then stirring hundreds of households in the early
/ days Of the war
The next chapter In her history was her marriage
| to the young and handsome Governor Of Rhode Isl
/ and William Sprague. II in this city they
! met and here also they were married. we'd
! ding march, especially written for the occasion
/ was played by the Marine Band. The ceremony
/ and reception were accompanied by such magnih-
When Governor Sprague became the Senator from his
! State with the wealth and elegance Of their home
here and with former prominence. aided by the
| intellect and beauty OF his wife, he began a new
| career seemingly full OF promise. This was. how
| ever. comparatively Of short duration and Wash
ingtonians Of this generation recognize in the name
/ Of Kate Chase Sprague only the memory Of ca
! reer of which many years OF sadness followed a
! few years Of youthful excitement and pleasure.
| Governor and Mrs. Sprague were divorced many
years ago Mrs Sprague assumed her maiden
name and was thereafter known as Mrs. Kate
Chase
/ The beautiful old homestead Edgewood. was
retained by Mrs. Sprague In the DIVISION, OF
/ her fathers estate, and was a valuable piece
| the plan called for extension OF Fourth
st northeast so that the street ran directly
/ through the Edgewood grounds That portion
west OF Fourth-st. sold, good price Delns
/ gage was placed the remaining property for
/ large sum. Additional funds were borrowed from
tine TO time. till the Indebtedness amounted 10
/ $4,000. This state Of affairs so her friends oe
! lieve. brought about by Mrs Sprague lack %
! business knowledge. number OF friends or
! Chief Justice Chase principally in New-fork, TOOK
steps TO aid his daughter. They raised the mort
gage OF $4,000. and arranged 10 allow MIS-.
/ Sprague S3OO0 a year FOR certain PERIOD Al
the end OF that time, according 10 the plan;
the property was 10 be sold II good times" had
! returned and after deducting the amount OF
I the mortgage and the money advanced 10 Mrs
/ Sprague as an annual allowance, the REMAINDER
/ realized was to be turned over 10 her. oS'eId a.
/ vas conducted b. New York people. ana the an
/ rouncement was made Of an intention 20 suodlVlpe
/ = into building lots Since that time Mrs Sprasue
/ has continued 70 live at Edgewood