Geneva Axe Brown, BiographyPorter County biographical sketches . . . .
Transcribed biography of Geneva Axe Brown
GENEVA AXE BROWN - As the wife of Henry Baker Brown, who was the founder of Valparaiso University and for many years served as president of that institution, Mrs. Brown found her activities in a very extended field of service and her assistance through the years to her able husband left an indelible impression on the shaping of many lives that came under the fine influence of President Brown and wife. Geneva Axe Brown was born in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana, the daughter of Elias and Phebe (White) Axe. The paternal grandfather was Jacob Axe, a Virginian who lived near Harper's Ferry. The paternal grandmother, Christina Keesecker, was of Pennsylvania German descent. The maternal grandfather, James White, was a soldier of the War of 1812, and the maternal grandfather of Phebe (White) Axe, William Steward, was a soldier of the Revolution and was captured and imprisoned by the British. The children born to Elias and Phebe Axe were Elnora, who married Alexander Dickey; and Geneva, the wife of Henry Baker Brown. It is noteworthy to say in passing that Henry Baker Brown during his presidency of Valparaiso University created many innovations in educational life, and was a pioneer of what we know now as summer school. To Henry Baker Brown and wife were born four children: Helen Axe, Henry Kinsey, Ruth Axe, and Bruce Axe. Helen and Ruth were both accomplished professional singers; Helen, who had married A. H. Stephans, passed away in September, 1921. Henry K. and Bruce A. are the proprietors of the Cook Laboratories of Chicago. Geneva Axe Brown is a charter member of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Women's Club (now the Valparaiso Women's Club), and is a member of the D. A. R.
Source: Cannon, Thomas H., H. H. Loring, and Charles J. Robb. 1927. History of the Lake and Calumet Region of Indiana Embracing the Counties of Lake, Porter and Laporte. Volume II. Indianapolis, Indiana: Historians' Association. 827 p.
Page(s) in Source: 781-782
This biography has been transcribed exactly as it was originally published in the source. Please note that we do not provide photocopies or digital scans of biographies appearing on this website.
Biography transcribed by Steven R. Shook