O'Hare, Kate Richards (1877–1948)

Kimberly L. Freiberger

Kate Richards O'Hare, known by many as “Red Kate” because of her outspoken socialist beliefs, her political activism for the rights of women, workers, and children, and her vocal opposition to the United States' entry into World War I, was imprisoned for her political beliefs in 1919. Following her experience as a federal prisoner in the Missouri State Prison, she actively advocated for the reform of prisons. Her life story demonstrates the manner in which the government may use prisons to control public dissent. It also shows how individuals may effect changes in penal practices and beliefs. Kate Richards was born in Ada, Kansas, on March 26, 1877. She attended school in Nebraska for a short period of time before becoming an apprentice machinist working alongside her father in a Kansas City, Missouri, shop. Richards joined the International Order of Machinists union and, on her own time, devoted herself to ...

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