Stephen F. Brown (April 4, 1841 – September 8, 1903) was a Union Army officer in the American Civil War.

After the war, he graduated from Albany Law School, and moved to the growing city of Chicago to set up a practice.

Brown rebuilt his practice and businesses after losing multiple properties in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

[7][8][9] Once the 2nd Brigade arrived at Gettysburg, Brown determined to reclaim his honor by taking part in the fight.

Arming himself with a hand axe from a woodpile near his regiment's camp, Brown charged into battle to the cheers of his men.

During the hand-to-hand combat, he compelled the surrender of a Confederate officer, and took his sword and pistol before making him a prisoner.

[10][11] During the battle, Brown suffered head trauma from the concussion of an artillery shell, which exploded near him as he gave aid to a member of the regiment who had lost a leg during the fighting.

[17] In May 1864 Brown was wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness, when a bullet struck his left shoulder as he was giving orders to his company.

[21] In May 1882 the U. S. Grant Grand Army of the Republic Post (Number 28) in Chicago held a testimonial dinner in Brown's honor.

[25] He was active in the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States (MOLLUS).

[30] His father Samuel G. Brown enlisted at the start of the war, and served in Company A, 1st Vermont Infantry.

The War Department would not allow Brown to be depicted carrying his axe, regarding that as a tribute to disobedience of orders.