Katherine Duer Mackay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Katherine Duer Mackay
|
|
|---|---|
Portrait by Théobald Chartran
|
|
| Born |
Katherine Alexander Duer
1878 New York, New York
|
| Died | 1930 (aged 51–52) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known for |
|
| Spouse(s) |
Clarence Mackay
(m. 1898; div. 1914)Joseph Blake
(m. 1914, divorced) |
| Children | 3 |
Katherine Alexander Duer Mackay (1878–1930) was an American suffragist, a well-known person in society (a socialite), and a writer from New York City. She started the Equal Franchise Society. Her work for women's voting rights encouraged other wealthy women to join the cause. She was also the first woman to be part of the school board for the Roslyn Union Free School District in Roslyn, New York.
Contents
Katherine Duer Mackay's Life
Katherine Duer was born in New York City in 1878. She was a direct descendant of Lady Kitty Duer, whose father was Lord Stirling. In 1898, she married Clarence H. Mackay. Katherine was well known for her involvement with Harbor Hill, where she helped with philanthropy (giving money and time to good causes) and education. She lived in Roslyn from 1898 to 1910.
Helping the Community
In 1899, Katherine Mackay improved Roslyn's public library, the William Cullen Bryant Library. She added new carpet, replaced books, and hired two librarians. She often invited people, including children, to her home for different events. Once, members of the Trinity Episcopal Sunday School had a picnic at Harbor Hill. The children even made her an "honorary knight."
A Pioneer on the School Board
From 1905 to 1910, Katherine Mackay served on the Roslyn School board. She was the very first woman to join the board. During her time there, she successfully removed corporal punishment (physical punishment) from the public schools in Roslyn. She also sent her own children to the public schools in Roslyn. She believed it was important for everyone, rich or poor, to support public education.
"It is necessary for the rich as well as the poor to patronize them [public schools]."
—Katherine Duer Mackay
Fighting for Women's Rights
In 1908, Katherine Mackay became the president of the Equal Franchise Society (EFS), which she had founded. She rented offices for the group's meetings in the Madison Square Building. Her involvement in the suffrage movement helped change the idea that suffragists were "unwomanly."
In March 1909, the EFS decided to work for women's right to vote in New York. They hoped this would help women get the right to vote across the country by 1914. Katherine encouraged people to learn about suffrage. She organized a series of lectures at the Garden Theater. By 1911, she found that being the president of EFS took up too much of her time. However, she remained a member of the group.
Later Life
Katherine Mackay's marriage to Clarence Mackay ended in 1914. She later married Joseph A. Blake in Paris on November 28, 1914. She also gave up her American citizenship at this time. Her three children, Katherine Duer, Ellin Duer, and John William, stayed with their father, Clarence Mackay.
In Paris, Katherine continued to support women's right to vote. She helped the Woman Suffrage Party from overseas. During World War I, she and her husband helped with the war effort. In 1919, they returned to New York. Her marriage to Joseph Blake also ended later. Katherine Mackay tried to make up with her first husband, Clarence, in 1930. However, she passed away that same year.
Works
Katherine Mackay wrote a novel called The Stone of Destiny, which was published in 1904.
Images for kids
-
Katherine Duer Mackay around 1910
.jpg)
