LIBRARY OF THE 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 
 
 Q709.773 
 B43h 
 
 ILURM HISTORICAL SUIWY
 
 I 
 
 f 
 
 I 
 
 i I S T O R Y C 
 
 ^lUSIC AND AF 
 
 ) F 
 
 (T 
 
 I S 
 
 N I L L I N O 
 
 
 
 
 Portraits and Biogra- 
 phies of the cultured 
 men and women who 
 have been liberal pa- 
 trons of the higher 
 Arts : : : : : 
 
 == 
 
 
 
 
 FRANCES CHENEY BENNETT 
 
 SOCIETE UNIVERSELLE LYRIQUE
 
 Copyright, 1904 
 BY FRANCES CHENEY BENNETT
 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 There is a history in all men's lives, 
 Figuring the nature of the time deceased; 
 The which observed, a man may prophesy 
 With a near aim, of the main chance of things 
 As yet not come to life, which in their seeds 
 And weak beginnings lie entreasured." 
 
 Shakespeare, Henry IV., Part II., Act III., Scene I. 
 
 So wrote the great bard in the long ago, and the years 
 that have passed have in no way dimmed the truth of his ut- 
 terance. The thought that we live by deeds not hours, that 
 life is only worth living as it means achievement, that every 
 day in each individual life is making history, is familiar to 
 us all. It has been expressed again and again by philosopher 
 and sage and poet since Shakespeare wrote the words that 
 have become immortal. 
 
 An eminent divine once said: " If my library must be 
 taken from me, leaving me but one class of books, give me 
 my Biographies." This man, recognized as one of the most 
 brilliant pulpit orators in America, realized that in the pe- 
 rusal of biographies one comes in touch with the realms of 
 art, music and science, with the miracles of discovery and the 
 wonders of research. However fascinating other studies may 
 prove, there is nothing that can compare in variety and in 
 scope with the study of human nature and the story of human 
 effort and achievement. 
 
 The idea of presenting the history of the music and 
 art of a State, or a section of country, by writing the 
 biographies of those actively engaged along these lines or of 
 the patrons of such enterprises, was a happy thought. It left 
 
 O
 
 4 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 the door of many a sanctum ajar and revealed the very self 
 of those who have made possible the history in which all feel 
 so laudable and just a pride. The State of Illinois has been 
 selected as one whose history shall be thus told, and the 
 result of the effort has been the bringing together of names 
 illustrious and honorable, and the providing of a look into 
 lives cultured, broad and uplifting. Into Illinois, in the begin- 
 ning, came the very cream of the sturdiness and intelligence of 
 the New England and Middle States, with the spirit of the 
 Eevolution still dominant. Then came also the culture and 
 genial hospitality of the South, and all combined to develop 
 the best in their adopted State. The result was one of the 
 wonders of the century just closed, and Illinois stands to-day 
 second to no State in the Union from any standpoint. 
 
 Business interests have developed and flourished, manu- 
 factures are large and important, educational advantages 
 are the best, while such strides have been made in music and 
 art as to justify the prediction that Chicago will yet become 
 the music and art center of this country. The years have 
 wrought great advances in the existence of a general edu- 
 cation in art and music and of more cultivated literary tastes. 
 
 There are writers and speakers who seem to delight to 
 revel in a sort of pessimistic rant over the degeneracy of the 
 times and to sigh for the days gone by. Whatever has made 
 the " rift in the lute " for them, it is a fact that the people 
 as a whole are far more cultured than a half century 
 ago. Then the distinction between the business and the 
 professional man was wide, and, unless to fit her for some 
 particular vocation, it was hardly thought necessary to in- 
 flict a thorough educational training upon the daughter of 
 the family. To-day the demand for educated business men 
 has been felt and met. The magazines have lent their in- 
 fluence to this end in presenting papers on every variety of 
 topic music, art, politics, religion, fiction and every sort of 
 subject calculated to amuse or instruct the reader. The 
 women in our homes have become earnest students, accom- 
 plished linguists, musicians and artists. 
 
 Advantages of travel, once the privilege of the rich, are
 
 INTRODUCTION. 5 
 
 now within the reach of the multitude, and, as a result, there 
 is a general familiarity with works of art before unknown. 
 Men, whose days are filled with the fret and stress of business, 
 delight in the possession of a Corot, a Millet or a Meissonier, 
 a portrait from master-brush or a painting by Freer, Mers- 
 filder or Chas. F. Brourn. The sonatas of Beethoven, the 
 nocturnes and waltzes of Chopin, Listz's Fantasies and 
 Rhapsody, and so on through the wealth of the musical 
 world, are known even to the children of our homes, and the 
 statues of ancient and modern times find ready recognition 
 by the multitude. With this sort of general education 
 broadcast, it is not strange that so much has been accom- 
 plished during even a few years. The child who once 
 strummed with her little fingers on the window-sill, dreaming 
 of the sweet chords that would not come, has now, if nothing 
 more, her toy piano, from which, with tiny fingers, she brings 
 melody. The youth who, wandering over the meadow, saw 
 beauty in the falling leaf and springing flower, but had noth- 
 ing to encourage his art-dreams, may now make his own, at 
 least for a time, the treasures of a free institute, and learn to 
 handle the colors he loves so well. The free library has 
 opened to the humblest home the world of poetry and science, 
 of history and fiction, and to-day ignorance is the result of 
 choice, not a necessity. With all this atmosphere of research 
 as an environment, it is no marvel that even in her compara- 
 tively short career Illinois lays claim to such an honorable 
 history her musical, artistic and literary life as is un- 
 folded in the biographies included in this volume. It is not 
 claimed that all are found in this book who desire a place in 
 so illustrious a roll-call. The plan of work by which this 
 book was arranged was broad and ambitious. It attempted 
 and has achieved much, but not all it contemplated. Reasons 
 for this are obvious. It has been impossible for the pub- 
 lishers, though they have delayed the issuing of the book far 
 beyond the original design, to reach all they desired to in- 
 clude. 
 
 Not entirely understanding, no doubt, the importance 
 and the scope of the work, many have not co-operated as it
 
 6 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 was believed they would, and it has been impossible to se- 
 cure the data necessary to include them in the book. Some 
 have been abroad, others, possibly, who should have been 
 included, have changed their residence to other States and 
 have thus been overlooked. One cannot claim perfection 
 even for enterprises of the twentieth century, but an honest 
 effort has been made to represent each part of the State and 
 each branch of work as far as possible. In looking over the 
 list of those who have a place in this history, several general 
 characteristics suggest themselves to the thoughtful reader. 
 Possibly first is the comparative youth of those who have 
 achieved so much of importance in this sort of history. No 
 age of the world was ever more emphatically the age of youth 
 than is the present. 
 
 The presidents of our universities, the heads of great 
 enterprises, the artists in our studios, the greatest musicians, 
 are found very largely in the ranks of those still in the prime 
 of life and younger. It is said that people are living many 
 years in one, and this may be true in a sense that brings 
 regret, but it is also true in another sense. 
 
 Equipments for all sorts of educational work are so 
 complete; lectures, recitals, musicales and exhibits so open 
 the door to even the child student ; that oiir youth make rapid 
 strides up the hill of knowledge, and early learn to think, 
 to do and to win for themselves. This prominence of youth 
 is a peculiarly distinguishing characteristic of the newer 
 States, and Illinois has not yet counted the years long enough 
 to have lost the charm. 
 
 Possibly this might not be considered remarkable along 
 many lines, since this is called the age of Young America, 
 and from President down through the lines of executive 
 officials, in the pulpit and on the forum, youth sometimes 
 seems the most essential desideratum. But in the history 
 of Nation or State we look for the development of its literary 
 and art work latest, since in a way they do not represent 
 the essentials of practical life. With us, however, the 
 President of our great university is a man still in his prime. 
 The directors and leaders in musical and art circles, our
 
 INTRODUCTION. 7 
 
 Lorados, Tafts and Ralph Clarksons, our poets and our 
 singers, are very largely young men and women, or those 
 still on the sunny side of life. Any observer of musical 
 and art-life in Chicago must have been impressed with this 
 fact in attending the various entertainments given. The 
 Mendelssohn Club, Chicago's favorite musical club, is for 
 the most part a club of young men, with its leader, Harrison 
 M. Wild, still in his prime. Wilhelm Middleschulte, as 
 organist and composer, Walter Spry, as pianist, Theo. Spier- 
 ing, a violinist and leader of one of the finest string quar- 
 tettes in Chicago, George J. Hamlin, Charles W. Clark, 
 Helen Buckley, Jenny Osborn, and other singers of note, are 
 all representatives of the present musical effort. Among 
 the studios the same truth is everywhere present, that to 
 comparative youth in the world of achievement is given the 
 sceptre and the crown. 
 
 One characteristic of this list which is eloquent of the 
 times in which we live is the prominent place not given to 
 but gained by women. Some of the most important posi- 
 tions have been and are occupied by them. With Mrs. Pot- 
 ter Palmer among the national, and Mrs. Ralph Emerson 
 among the State representatives to the great exposition in 
 Paris; Mrs. Warren Springer, a member of the Chicago 
 Press Club, and among the leaders in the new industrialism 
 of the day, and others in positions of responsibility and in- 
 fluence, one may well feel that women have proved their 
 ability and fitness for most prominent and important ser- 
 vice. In the realms of music we not only have our Thomas 
 and our Sherwood, our Ziegfelds and others organizing and 
 conducting musical colleges, not only our De Koven and our 
 Neidlinger, Matthews, Bronson, the Roots and other writers 
 of songs and ballads, Bernhard Ziehn and Carl Wolfsohn 
 standing for the highest ideals in the musical world, but 
 there are many women who do not suffer by comparison. 
 Ellen Crosby, who has no superior as the interpreter of 
 Wagner, Mrs. Gaynor, Mrs. Bond, Anita L. Owen, Eleanor 
 Smith and other composers; Anna Shaw Faulkner, with her 
 wonderful musical lectures and interpretations; Genevieve
 
 8 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Clark Wilson, Eleanor Sherwood and many another sweet 
 singer, take rank with the very first nmsicians of to-day. 
 In Alton, Jacksonville, Quincy, Aurora, Springfield, Knox- 
 ville, Galesburg, Rockford and many other cities are conser- 
 vatories of music and musical societies which owe their ex- 
 istence and success entirely to the efforts of talented musi- 
 cal women. The same may be said of every line of artistic 
 and literarjr work In many a studio husband and wife 
 work together in generous rivalry, while in hundreds of 
 other studios scattered through the State girlish faces bend 
 over the easel, and girlish hands work in wood and metal. 
 Miss Christia M. Reade has no rival in her work in metals, 
 illuminated text and stained glass, and a stroll through the 
 Art Institute, which is doing such a great work for this sec- 
 tion of country, is a revelation as to what women, many 
 young women, are achieving in various lines of art. 
 
 We have alluded to Dr. Harper, in many respects the 
 wonder of the age in educational circles. He has many noble 
 co-workers in the presidents of the various universities in 
 Illinois. But some of the brightest students who enter 
 these schools of learning go there from academies and sem- 
 inaries founded, taught and educated by women. 
 
 This unity of aim and effort between the intelligent 
 men and women on the highest plain of literary and artistic 
 life is one of the most marked features of this epoch, and, 
 perhaps, emphasizes its existence in unconscious fashion 
 in this history. A distinguishing feature which may appeal 
 to the patriotism of every loyal heart is the fact that 
 so largely the history of music and art in Illinois is 
 the history of the efforts of American men and women. 
 In a series of articles which recently appeared in one of the 
 daily papers of Chicago one of the most eminent musicians 
 this country boasts made earnest plea for American teachers 
 and American musicians. Not so very many years have 
 passed since American music was regarded as crude, Amer- 
 ican singers as only mediocre, and American teachers as 
 unable to produce satisfactory results, defying comparison 
 with the best instruction given in the old world. A revolu-
 
 INTRODUCTION. 9 
 
 tion has taken place in this respect. American composers are 
 obtaining recognition, in spite of the prejudices of educa- 
 tion, in the old world; our singers are crowned with laurels 
 across the water, and we have pianists who deserve a place 
 among the best in the world. 
 
 No more realistic composition was ever written than 
 McDowell's " March Winds;" no sweeter songs than Flor- 
 ence Aylward, J. G. Wison, Neidlinger, C. B. Hawley and 
 others already named have given us ; no sweeter singers than 
 those of our own country who, whether in oratorio, opera or 
 concert, delight and charm. Could that sweet queen of song, 
 Maria Litta, have been spared, who shall say that we might 
 not have given another Patti to an idolizing world? As 
 the years pass ideals grow more lofty, standards higher, pos- 
 sibilities seem greater and ambition grows boundless. It 
 is a living commentary on the change of conditions to note 
 how the wonders accomplished in Illinois have been wrought 
 for the most part by those who are American by birth or 
 adoption, and gratifying to know how some of the best re- 
 sults have been achieved by those whose education has been 
 received wholly in this country. As we have turned over 
 the pages of this volume, looking into the earnest faces, each 
 full of purpose ; as we have read the story of each life, every 
 one a history of resolve and effort, it has seemed as if these 
 simple stories, simply told, should be the greatest inspira- 
 tion, not only to those who come after to make later history, 
 but to the readers of to-day. Not without honest, earnest 
 effort have these results been reached; obstacles which 
 seemed insurmountable have been overcome ; prejudices have 
 been met and conquered; innovations have been battled for 
 and triumphed. Not cloudless the sky which stretches 
 over the voyager who dares to enter unknown ports. Not 
 rose-strewn the path that leads to fame. When the tasks of 
 life are done by magic, when your work and mine is accom- 
 plished by wishing it was done, then will fame be won with- 
 out effort and the laurel wreath without a sigh. The lives of 
 these men and women represent self-denial, earnest conse-
 
 10 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 cration, true ambition, untiring perseverance, the ignoring 
 of discouragement, and at the end success. 
 
 Not only to the toiler, however, has result been wholly 
 due, but as well to the many patrons, who, by their gen- 
 erosity and appreciation, have opened the door of coveted 
 possibilities. The beautiful music-rooms in palatial homes 
 opened for the giving of delightful musicales, the private 
 art galleries where hang choice pictures from home artists, 
 are the evidences that these cultured men and women have a 
 deserved place in such a history as this. 
 
 In a careful perusal of this history of lives which have 
 meant so much for the various realms they portray, the 
 thought can but be present of the many, many who have had 
 a share in making achievement possible, whose names find 
 no place on written page. We sometimes speak lightly of 
 the hand which rocks the cradle, but in the utter self-forget- 
 fulness of many a mother and the glad self-denial in many 
 a home was made possible the success of loved ones. Per- 
 haps no record will ever be made even of the name of some 
 noble heart whose greatest boon was to live its life in the 
 victory of another. No picture will ever be made of mam 7 
 a sweet face whose brightest smile was over the achievement 
 of one beloved. In many a studio, at many a desk, back of 
 many a sweet singer, is the memory of some dear, unselfish 
 life whose history is unsung save as an angel with reverent 
 pen shall write: " She hath done what she could." The 
 pioneers of yesterday 
 
 " Brave, stalwart men, born Nature's kings, 
 ' True-hearted women, Nature's queens," 
 
 made passible the artists and the singers, the educators and 
 the authors, the art and the music of to-day. Let their un- 
 written history never be forgotten in the pride and success 
 of the present, nor let us forget that but for their heroism 
 such histories as those in which we have an honest pride could 
 never have had existence. 
 
 That Illinois, that this middle-west, has a great future 
 is an accepted fact. The years will bring, no doubt, develop-
 
 INTRODUCTION. 11 
 
 ment of present ideas, fruition of hopes now little more than 
 dreams, improvement of what now seems perfection. Be 
 this as it may, it is safe to predict that there can be no 
 history embodying the lives of an equal number of men 
 and women which has meant more to this State than this 
 history now given to the public. Everything in the atmos- 
 phere of the times has contributed to make the years these 
 lives represent laden with interest, full of incentive, prolific 
 in result. These years have been wonderful years in the 
 world's history, but most wonderful for those portions 
 of our country which have developed like magic from 
 nothingness to the very acme of civilization, beautified and 
 enriched with the treasures of music and art. 
 
 In presenting this book to the public, those who have 
 been deeply interested in it feel they should say in justice 
 to themselves, that the work was inaugurated on a difficult 
 plan as to its perfection and completeness. But, in spite of 
 much delay and many discouragements, it has been the aim 
 of the publishers, as far as possible, to make the work 
 complete. 
 
 The very best in the social and artistic life of Il- 
 linois has found a place in these pages. It has been a 
 work done with the aim of giving honor to whom honor 
 is due, and no favoritism or personal preference has 
 left its imprint anywhere. The pictures have been very 
 largely taken especially for this book by one of Chicago's 
 best artists, and every effort has been made to do justice to 
 the face as to the character of those who have so kindly con- 
 tributed to the success of the book by giving the necessary 
 data. If it should seem as if undue prominence has been 
 given to those in Chicago, it must be remembered that 
 Chicago is an immense center to which many flock who 
 desire opportunity to win success. As a result, many of our 
 foremost men and women find a place in the great city. It 
 has been possibly easier to impress those in Chicago with 
 the value of such a work. 
 
 Scores of unanswered letters, others returned with the 
 offers made declined, testify to the fact that the opportunity
 
 12 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 did not present itself as desirable to many whose names and 
 lives would have been gladly added to those procured. Those 
 whose judgment should be valuable have pronounced the 
 book a marvel in the variety and scope it presents. 
 
 The book as now given to the public is much larger than 
 the original design. In the paper employed, the type, ar- 
 rangement and finish every volume is the same, the binding 
 alone having been left to the taste of the individual sub- 
 scriber. 
 
 There have been books of similar character written and 
 published, but none which more thoroughly commends itself 
 to the artistic eye or to the intelligence of the general reader. 
 
 The introduction to the article on the " History of Art 
 in Illinois " was written by Rev. Austen K. de Blois, Ph. D., 
 until recently President of Shurtleff College in Upper Al- 
 ton, Illinois. As ex-President of one of the best known of 
 the colleges of Illinois, as pastor of one of the oldest and 
 largest churches in Chicago, it is eminently appropriate that 
 his name should have a place in this volume. 
 
 The poem "Music," or " From Sound to Soul," which 
 serves as the introduction to the article on the " History 
 of Music in Illinois," was written by George Cathcart Bron- 
 son, well known as a writer, composer and most earnest pro- 
 moter of the best musical enterprises in Illinois. A sketch 
 of his life, also included in these pages, will be of interest to 
 many. 
 
 The biographies, with very few exceptions, and histor- 
 ical articles have been written by Mrs. Fannie Cheney Ben- 
 nett, whose writings have found place in the papers under 
 the nom de plume " Pensec." She belongs to a family of 
 scholars. Her father, Rev. D. B. Cheney, D. D., was well 
 known in the seventies as Trustee of the Chicago University, 
 interested in its theological seminary and pastor of the 
 Fourth Baptist Church of Chicago. 
 
 It is, therefore, a book peculiarly the product of Illinois, 
 and is given to the public with the hope that, whatever its 
 failures may seem to be, its merits may be found so many as 
 to win oblivion for aught else.
 
 INTRODUCTION. 13 
 
 Our widest judgments are our best. The sky mirrors 
 not one fleeting cloud but its vastness on the bosom of the 
 lake. A poem finds place in our loving memory for the 
 beautiful thought which inspired it, not for the jingle of 
 some rhyme which for a moment riveted the attention. A 
 song, a symphony, is prized for the whole theme which gave 
 it birth, not discarded for one crashing chord or treasured 
 for some dainty trill. 
 
 So judged in its completeness, it is hoped that this vol- 
 ume may seem worthy of hearty recognition and endorse- 
 ment as a history told by biographies of the Music and Art 
 of Illinois.
 
 Adams, Milward, 
 
 345 
 
 Davis, Mrs. Jessie Bartlett, 
 
 PAGE 
 273 
 
 Addenda to Introduction, . 
 
 657 
 
 DeBlois, Austen K., Ph.D., LL.D., 
 
 91 
 
 Aldrich, Charles Henry, . 
 
 455 
 
 Deere, Mrs. Charles H., . 
 
 135 
 
 Allen, Minnie Stephens, . 
 
 173 
 
 Dickinson, Katharine V., . 
 
 501 
 
 Armstrong, Wm. Dawson, . 
 
 531 
 
 Drummond, Mrs. John N., 
 
 705 
 
 Aronson, Maurice, . 
 
 337 
 
 Dudley, Grace Elliott, 
 
 559 
 
 Art in Illinois, History of, 
 
 19 
 
 Dunshee, Edna B., . 
 
 361 
 
 Art Institute, Chicago, 
 
 23 
 
 
 
 
 
 Emerson, Adaline Elizabeth (Tal- 
 
 
 Baird, Frank T., 
 
 349 
 
 cott,) 
 
 103 
 
 Baker, Edward, 
 
 535 
 
 Emerson, Ralph, 
 
 99 
 
 Balatka, Christian, . 
 
 293 
 
 Emery, Mrs. Luella Clark, 
 
 369 
 
 Balatka, Hans, 
 
 289 
 
 
 
 Barnaby, John B., 
 Bartlett, Mrs. Eliza, . 
 Bartlett, Leman, 
 Bentley, William Frederick, 
 Birch, Mrs. Hugh Taylor, . 
 Bond, Mrs. Carrie Jacobs, 
 Bonfield, Mrs. Haswell T., 
 Bronson, George Cathcart, 
 Browne, Charles FrancU, 
 Br-ant, Mrs. Anna Groif, . 
 Buckley, Helen, 
 
 539 
 669 
 667 
 613 
 143 
 209 
 547 
 155 
 477 
 647 
 327 
 
 Faulkner, Anne Shaw, 
 Field, Mrs. Marshall, Jr., . 
 Fort, Mrs. Greenberry L., . 
 Fountain by Pupils of Art Institute, 
 Francis, Mrs. John Harrison, 
 Francis. Miss Maude Ingle, 
 Freer, Frederick Warner, A.N. A., 
 French, W. M. R., . 
 Fuller, Jessica Haskell, . 
 Funeral Procession by Pupils of 
 
 315 
 
 87 
 151 
 31 
 463 
 467 
 489 
 109 
 147 
 
 29 
 
 Bush, Carrie Woods, 
 
 323 
 
 mi T ; 
 
 091 
 
 Butts, Annice E. Bradford, 
 
 237 
 
 Gleason, Frederick Grant, . 
 
 277 
 
 
 
 Godowsky, Leopold, . 
 
 331 
 
 Campbell, Francis, . 
 
 543 
 
 Gray, John Robert, . 
 
 353 
 
 Capone, Signor Pasquale, . 
 Carpenter, May F., . . 
 Chappelle, Maud, 
 
 459 
 623 
 555 
 
 Gray, Mrs. Mary Emeline Iliff, . 
 Groff-Bryant, Mrs. Anna, . 
 
 357 
 647 
 
 Cheney, Mrs. John Vanco, 
 
 253 
 
 
 
 Christmas Reminiscence, A, 
 
 339 
 
 Hamlin. George, 
 
 311 
 
 Clark, Charles W, . 
 
 297 
 
 Harper, William Rainey, . 
 
 61 
 
 Clarkson, Ralph, 
 
 485 
 
 Harvey, Cecil Clara, . 
 
 187 
 
 Conner, Sara K , 
 
 301 
 
 Haynes, Francis J., . 
 
 563 
 
 Conzelman, Mrs. W. J., . 
 
 191 
 
 Heinrich, Max, 
 
 373 
 
 Conzelman, William J., 
 
 195 
 
 Heinze, Victor, 
 
 381 
 
 Cooper, James Courtland, . 
 
 551 
 
 Henke, Frederic, . 
 
 567 
 
 Cornell, Katherine Spear, 
 Crawford, Mabelle, . 
 
 651 
 655 
 
 History of Art in Illinois, . 
 History of Art, Introduction to, . 
 
 19 
 17 
 
 Crosby, Mrs. William Spencer, '. 
 
 159 
 
 History of Music in Illinois, 
 
 37 
 
 Croxton, Frank, 
 
 653 
 
 Howard, Katherine, . 
 
 571 
 
 Curtiss, Charles Chauncey, 
 
 131 
 
 Huntoon, Mary Stephens, . 
 
 173 
 
 D'Arnalle, Vernon, . 
 
 365 
 
 Introduction, .... 
 
 3 
 
 Davis, Mrs. Estelle B., 
 
 643 
 
 Introduction, Addenda to . 
 
 657 
 
 14 
 
 

 
 INDEX. 
 
 15 
 
 
 PAGE 
 
 
 PAQK 
 
 Jacobs-Bond, Carrie, 
 
 209 
 
 Rosenfeld, Morris, . 
 
 615 
 
 Jones, Walter Howe, 
 
 575 
 
 
 
 Jordan, Ada Stephens, 
 
 175 
 
 Sammis, Sybil, .... 
 
 451 
 
 
 
 Schieb, Eleanor Wilhelmina 3Iarie, 
 
 635 
 
 Kramm, 3Iax, .... 
 
 389 
 
 Schuster, Katherine, 
 
 597 
 
 Kreider, Phebe Jefferson, . 
 
 579 
 
 Scott, 3Irs. Clara H., 
 
 225 
 
 
 
 Seeboeck, W. C. E., . 
 
 233 
 
 Lamb, Artemus, 
 Lamb, Chancy, 
 Lamb, 3Irs. Chancy, . 
 
 673 
 677 
 679 
 
 Sewall, Mrs. May Wright, 
 Sharpe, 3Irs. Annie 31cFarland, . 
 Sherwood, William H., . 
 
 661 
 427 
 229 
 
 Lamb, Lafayette, 
 Lamb, 3Irs. Lafayette, 
 Laurence, Frederick Locke, 
 
 683 
 687 
 583 
 
 Slayton, Henry Lake, 
 Smythe, Nellie Hobbs, . 
 Spann, Thomas H., . 
 
 505 
 639 
 
 707 
 
 Lee, 31. Inez, .... 
 Leffingwell, Charles Wesley, D.D., 
 Lehman, Louis, 
 
 493 
 
 183 
 631 
 
 Spiering. Theodore, . 
 Sprague. 3Irs. A. A., 
 Springer, 3Irs. Warren, 
 
 447 
 95 
 113 
 
 Lieblins*, Emil, 
 Linck, Mary Elizabeth, . 
 Linne, Madame Ragna, 
 Lippincott, Nellie Stephens, 
 Longman, 3Irs. Marie White, . 
 Lundborg, Rudolph, . 
 Lyceum Bureau, The, 
 
 265 
 
 377 
 431 
 176 
 385 
 497 
 585 
 
 Stacey, 3Irs. Anna L., 
 Stacey, John Franklin, 
 Stead, Franklin L., . 
 Stephens, Charles Randall, 
 Stephens Family, The George, . 
 Stephens, George, 
 Stephens, George Arthur, . 
 
 515 
 
 511 
 601 
 175 
 171 
 165 
 171 
 
 3Iagnus, Mrs. Florence R., 
 3Iarden School of Music and Elo- 
 
 627 
 
 Stephens, 3Irs. George, 
 Stevens, 31ary Florence, 
 Stone, 3Irs. H. 
 
 169 
 319 
 127 
 
 cution, ..... 
 3Iarrott, George J., . 
 
 303 
 691 
 
 Stubbs, Hon. Daniel P., . 
 
 699 
 
 Mathews, W. S. B., . 
 
 269 
 
 Taft, Lorado, 
 
 471 
 
 3IcKay, 3Irs. James R., . 
 Mersfelder, Jules R., 
 Mersfelder, Mrs. Jules R., 
 Middleschulte, Wilhelm, . 
 
 119 
 519 
 523 
 405 
 
 Tanner, 3Iary Brown, 
 Tewksbury, Lucile Stevenson, 
 The Lyceum Bureau, 
 
 605 
 409 
 585 
 199 
 
 31iller, 31rs. Lillian Morgan, . . 
 
 589 
 
 omas, eo oie, . 
 
 
 3Ioyer, 31 me. Francesca Guthrie, 
 
 393 
 
 Vernon, William, 
 
 475 
 
 Music in Illinois, History of, 
 
 37 
 
 Vilim, Joseph, . . . . 
 
 413 
 
 Orebaugh, 3Irs. Lillian Wiley, . 
 
 593 
 
 Von Eisner, 3Iarie, . 
 
 261 
 
 
 
 Walter, Robert, 
 
 609 
 
 Palmer, Mrs. Potter, 
 
 67 
 
 Warner, Harriet Lydia, . 
 
 527 
 
 Parker. Edward Jarvis, 
 
 139 
 
 Watson, J. S., 31. D., 
 
 245 
 
 Patten, Cora Mel, 
 
 307 
 
 Watson, 3Irs. J. S., . 
 
 249 
 
 Peck, Ferdinand W., 
 Phelps, Luman A., . 
 Pullman, Geonre Mortimer, 
 
 123 
 397 
 
 77 
 
 Wesener, 31rs. Delilah Patty, . 
 What Becomes of the 3Iany Stu- 
 dents of Singing ? . 
 
 417 
 419 
 
 Pullman, 3Irs. George 31., . 
 
 83 
 
 Whitman, Dr. Frank S.. . 
 
 241 
 
 Radle, Gertrude M., . 
 
 443 
 
 Why 3Iany Singers Fail, . 
 
 419 
 
 Read, 3Irs. Lillian French, 
 
 439 
 
 Wilson, Genevieve Clark, . 
 
 205 
 
 
 
 Wolfsohn, Carl, 
 
 281 
 
 Reade, Christia M 
 
 481 
 
 
 
 Resume of 3Irs. Potter Palmer's 
 
 
 Yates, Mrs. Richard P, . : 
 
 619 
 
 Report to Congress, 
 
 71 
 
 Young, Bicknell, 
 
 423 
 
 Robertson, 3Irs. A. M., 
 
 695 
 
 
 
 Rogers, Henry Wade, 
 
 179 
 
 Zeisler, 3Iad. Fannie Bloomfield, 
 
 285 
 
 Root, Frederick W., . 
 
 435 
 
 Ziehn, Bernard, 
 
 257 
 
 Root, Dr. George F., 
 
 215 
 
 Zimmerman, 3Ime. Oliato, . 
 
 401
 
 ftjstorg at &rt to JHlinms, 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Art in America lias f ought a long battle with two strong 
 foes, the Puritan and the money-maker. The New England 
 fathers had but little conception of the glories of art. If our 
 country had been peopled at first by children of the European 
 southland, we would doubtless have for our dowry to-day a 
 fairer heritage of aesthetic culture. 
 
 The ancient rock-ribbed orthodoxy tended to repress the 
 joyousness and freedom which the genius of art exalts, yet re- 
 ligion needs art as much as art needs religion. A religion that 
 strips the ivy from the stones of the old cathedral, drives the 
 song-birds from spire and turret, stills the chimes in the tower 
 and the music of choir and organ within the holy place, tears 
 the paintings of the masters from the walls and robs the struc- 
 ture of every grace which the skill of the architect has devised, 
 is a religion that has strength without tenderness and great- 
 ness without joy. The Puritan spirit is iconoclastic, the aes- 
 thetic spirit is illuminative. 
 
 During the last half century the mammon-serving drift of 
 things has been even more powerful than the anathemas of a 
 
 narrow pietism. Many rich men are patrons of art, but the 
 
 17
 
 18 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 real genius of art and the commercial instinct belong to circles 
 of life essentially and forever distinct. We have been so busy 
 throwing our monstrous office buildings into midair, trans- 
 forming our marshlands into cities, and our cities into for- 
 ests of stone and deserts of asphalt, darkening the sun with 
 factory smoke, and training our fevered pulse to beat its re- 
 sponses only to the heart throbs of our giant engines, that 
 we have found neither leisure nor wish to cultivate the true, 
 the beautiful and the sublime. 
 
 The new time has already seen abundant tokens of a wide- 
 spread awakening. Theology and science and materialism 
 have filled men's lives and shorn them of their beauty. The 
 age of culture in our land will witness a profound revival of 
 interest in the deeper and richer qualities of life. That re- 
 vival will be esthetic, ethical, spiritual. 
 
 AUSTEN K. DE BLOIS, PH. D., LL. D.
 
 of 
 
 The progress of art in a community may be considered, to a certain ex- 
 tent, the gauge of its prosperity, for its growth is absolutely dependent upon, 
 wealth and culture. 
 
 Some one has said that the golden age of painting lies in the Christian 
 centuries, yet the history of painting is linked with that of the pyramids. 
 The history of art is one of the most fascinating ever written. The changes 
 in ideals with the years, the many varied conceptions of colors and their uses, 
 the different standards which have prevailed, are indisputable testimony as to 
 the times and peoples they represent. 
 
 In the scope of this article, it is impossible to speak of art, its history and 
 growth, in any other phase than that indicated by the title " The History of 
 Art in Illinois." Of necessity, the history of art in Chicago is practically the 
 history of art in Illinois, for the State is not yet old enough to have gath- 
 ered sufficient resources to admit of the establishing throughout the State of 
 schools of art which would be worthy the name. Rather, art students from 
 the various cities and towns avail themselves of the advantages offered in Chi- 
 cago, and make them their own. In Springfield, the capital of the State, there 
 is in the State building quite a collection of paintings, many portraits of Gov- 
 ernors, and other distinguished men, which is probably the largest collection 
 in the State outside of Chicago. In private homes, however, in cities and 
 towns, may be found pictures of value from the hands of the best artists at 
 home and abroad, and the same, in a less degree, is true of the statues which 
 adorn man}' a home beautiful souvenirs, perhaps, of some delightful trip to 
 other lands. The progress of art in Chicago has been such as to arrest atten- 
 tion, and many articles have appeared at different times giving, to some ex- 
 tent, a review of its history. The writer has taken the liberty of quoting from 
 Blanchard's History of Chicago, from various reports, from facts given by the 
 Secretary of the Chicago Art Institute, Mr. N. H. Carpenter, and from a most 
 
 19
 
 20 THE HISTORY OF ART IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 interesting article from the pen of Mr. Will H. Low, himself a representative 
 American artist, which recently appeared in The World To-Day. 
 
 It is a remarkable fact, in spite of the idea that has prevailed and still 
 prevails to some extent, that culture has its home in more Eastern cities, that 
 a school of art practice, including work from the human figure, was estab- 
 lished in Chicago in 1866, which was earlier than in any other city in the coun- 
 try, with two exceptions, New York and Philadelphia. This nucleus was or- 
 ganized into the Chicago Academy of Design, March 10, 1869, and, although 
 the name has been changed to the Chicago Art Institute, and it has had 
 different homes, it may be truthfully said that since that time the cause of art 
 has steadily progressed in Chicago. Almost all such institutions embody in 
 their history times of great discouragement and times of unexpected pros- 
 perity. There have been times of perplexity, perhaps, times when the outlook 
 was not altogether bright, still, as a whole, the history of this institution has 
 been exceptional in its upward and onward progress year after year. One 
 reason may, no doubt, be found in the fact that from the beginning the in- 
 stitution has been practically under the same regime ; Mr. Newton H. Carpen- 
 ter, the present Secretary, having been connected with the organization, in its 
 various phases, from the beginning, and of Mr. W. M. K. French, the present 
 Director, the same can be said. Their interest in its growth and prosperity 
 has been such as could not have been possible with those whose identification 
 with the work was temporary, and to them the city of Chicago and the cause 
 of art in the Middle-West owe much. 
 
 After the fire, there was a lull in the work done by the Academy of De- 
 sign for a few years, and, in 1878, after the raising of what was supposed to 
 be its entire indebtedness, by the artists, a board of trustees was added to 
 the artist membership, composed of business men. This experiment was not 
 altogether a success, owing chiefly to the discovery of still further indebtedness, 
 and, at the expiration of a year, the business trustees resigned. May 24, 1879, 
 upon the application of Marshall Field, Murray Nelson, Charles D. Hamill, 
 Ferd W. Peck and George E. Adams, the Art Institute was incorporated for 
 " the founding and maintenance of schools of art and design, the formation 
 and exhibition of collections of objects of art, and the cultivation and extension 
 of the arts of design by any appropriate means." Its first President was 
 George Armour, and, after one year's service, he was succeeded by L. Z. Leiter, 
 who held the position two years. The first board of trustees consisted of 
 George Armour, S. M. Nickerson, Ezra B. McCogg, Levi Z. Leiter, Wm. T. 
 Baker, N. K. Fairbank, James H. Dole, Albert Haydn, D. W. Irwin, E. S.
 
 THE HISTORY OF ART IN ILLINOIS. 21 
 
 Pike, W. M. B. French, G. L. Dunlap, B. W. Blatchford, Mark Skinner, Wil- 
 liam A. Bradley, J. W. Doan, George E. Adams, Homer N. Hibbard, George G. 
 Shortall and Charles L. Hutchinson. 
 
 Of these, Charles L. Hutchinson, S. M. Nickerson, James H. Dole, Wil- 
 liam T. Baker and N. K. Fairbank had been trustees through the whole his- 
 tory of the institution till within a short time, when the three last named 
 have been removed by death, a loss deeply felt. 
 
 The Institute had its first home at the corner of Monroe and State Sts. 
 from 1879 to 1881 A building was then erected at 10 Van Buren St., where 
 they remained from 1881 to 1887. This building was 54x70 feet, a sub- 
 stantial brick building, containing exhibition galleries and school-room; but 
 the growth of the organization made larger quarters necessary, and a beautiful 
 brownstone building was erected on the front of the same lot, facing Michigan 
 Ave., 80x100 feet, four stories high, Eomanesque in design, which was opened 
 during November 1887, and occupied by the Institute till 1893. The Insti- 
 tute, which had gained very much in the favor of the community, had be- 
 come the possessor of valuable collections of casts of sculpture, pictures, metals, 
 vases, etc., and it soon became apparent that larger quarters would have to 
 be obtained 
 
 " By a city ordinance, passed March, 1891, permission was given for the 
 erection of a building upon the lake front, opposite Adams St., to be used for 
 the World's Congresses during the Columbian Exposition, and afterwards to 
 be permanently occupied by the Art Institute, the building to be the property 
 of the city of Chicago." Between February, 1892, and May, 1893, the pres- 
 ent museum building was erected, after the plans of Sheplev, Reetan & Cool- 
 idge, architects. The building which had been occupied by the Institute was 
 sold, in 1892, for $425,000, to the Chicago Club, which still owns and uses it, 
 and the Art Institute came into possession of their present permanent home, 
 November 1, 1893. The Art Institute thus, in effect, made a gift to the people 
 of the city of the money expended by it upon the building about $450,000 
 and gained a public character very advantageous for the public service, at which 
 it aims. An injunction, issued May 31, 1892, restraining the city from erect- 
 ing a building upon the Lake Front Park, was dissolved upon a rehearing, June 
 23d. By this decision the Art Institute became firmly established in its 
 rights upon the lake front. When the Columbian Exposition made an appro- 
 priation of $200,000 for the building, they imposed several conditions, which 
 were as follows: That at least $500,000 should be expended upon the building; 
 that the building should be controlled by the Exposition for the World's Con-
 
 22 THE HISTORY OF ART IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 grosses from May 1 to Nov. 1, 1893 ; and that it should contain rooms and con- 
 veniences suitable for the meetings of the World's Congresses. The cost of 
 the building at the present time has been about $785,000. It is of Bedford 
 limestone, absolutely fireproof, in style Italian Renaissance, the details classic 
 and of Ionic and Corinthian orders. The front is 80 feet back from Michigan 
 Ave., and the building is 320 feet long, the wings 170 feet deep, with projec- 
 tions which make the whole depth 208 feet. The rear and center are not 
 yet built. It was planned with the greatest care, not only for its service as 
 a school of art but as a place for art exhibitions: It is not too much to say 
 of it that in regard to light, simplicity of arrangement and intelligent, con- 
 venient classification, this Institute has no superior anywhere. The owner- 
 ship of this building is vested in the city of Chicago, but the right of use and 
 occupancy is vested in the Art Institute so long as it shall fulfil the purposes 
 for which it was organized ; " shall open the museum free to the public Wednes- 
 days, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays; shall make the Mayor and 
 Comptroller of the city ex-officio members of the Board, and conform to some 
 other simple conditions." By these provisions the influence of the Institute 
 as an educator is widened to a degree which cannot be estimated. 
 
 Thousands of people, who could hardly afford to pay the entrance fee, thus 
 have the opportunity to see the fine collections of pictures and statues, and even 
 the school children become familiar with the names of great artists and their 
 works. The value of such opportunity may possibly be appreciated when it is 
 known that from ten to fifteen times every year the permanent collection is re- 
 inforced by loan collections of rarest worth. During the past six years the 
 additions to the many departments have been both numerous and valuable, so 
 that, as an Art Museum, the Art Institute of Chicago ranks among the first 
 three or four in the country. The Institute has received much in the way of 
 donations. Mrs. Henry Field, whose husband was formerly a trustee of the 
 institution, has committed permanently to its keeping the entire collection of 
 paintings which belonged to him. This collection comprises forty-one pic- 
 tures, representing principally the Barbizon school of painters, including Mil- 
 let's familiar " Bringing Home the New-Born Calf," Jules Breton's " Song 
 of the Lark," Troyon's " Returning from the Market," and specimens of Rous- 
 seau, Corot, Cozin, Constable and Daubigny. This collection has its place in 
 a separate room, known as the " Henry Field Memorial Room," and is held 
 in trust by five trustees appointed by Mrs. Field. Mrs. Field also empowered 
 the trustees of the Institute to order from Mr. Edward Kenrys, the sculptor 
 of animals, two monumental bronze lions, to stand upon the flanks of the
 
 24 THE HISTORY OF ART IN ILL1KOIS. 
 
 imposing external approach to the museum. The order was most artistically 
 executed, and the lions were unveiled, May 10, 1894. 
 
 In 1890, the disposal of the best works of the famous Demidoff collection 
 of works of old masters, which had not been included in a sale of a larger part 
 of the collection in 1880, gave an opportunity by which the Art Institute se- 
 cured thirteen pictures by old masters, chiefly of the Dutch school, some of 
 them fine examples of the masters by whom they were painted. The acquisi- 
 tion of these pictures marked an epoch in the growth of art in Chicago. Among 
 them are five examples of portraiture which are representative of Eembrandt, 
 Rubens, Van Dvck, Frans Hals and Holbein ; " The Guitar Lesson," by Ter- 
 burg; "A Family Concert," by Jan Steen; a landscape, by Hobenna, which 
 may be accounted among his masterpieces ; " The Jubilee," by Van Ostade, 
 and fine examples of the work of Teniers, Ruysdael and Adrian Van de Velde. 
 By purchase or gift, the museum has been constantly accumulating rare and 
 valuable paintings. Among the American painters represented are Chase, 
 Hitchcock, Alex. Harrison, McEwen, Dannat, Inness, Vedder, Pearce and 
 Davis. In 1898, a fine collection of about sixty paintings, which had for some 
 time been exhibited in the galleries, was bequeathed to the Institute by Albert 
 A. Munger, a life-long citizen of Chicago. 
 
 Among works of the highest merit, this collection contains Meissonier's 
 " Vidette;" " The Bathers," by Bouguereau ; "Just Before Sunrise," by Corot; 
 de Neuville's "A Piece in Danger ;" Detaille's " Reconnoissance ;" Jacquet's 
 " Queen of the Camp ;" " Springtime and Love," by Michetti, and Mun- 
 kascsy's " The Challenge." Gerome, Rosa Bonheur, Von Marcke, Fromentin, 
 Vibert, Roybet, Charlemont, Zimmerman, Achenbach, Jacque, Schreyer,Troyon, 
 Courbet, Isabay, Makart, and many other leaders of the modern world of art 
 are represented. 
 
 The collection of reproductions of sculpture is very large and repre- 
 sentative. A great proportion of it is the gift of Mrs. A. M. H. Ellis, who 
 has given it the name of her former husband, and it is known as " The El- 
 dridge G. Hall " collection. It includes only fac-simile copies of original 
 works of sculpture, in accordance with the expressed wishes of the donor. It 
 includes not only classical but Renaissance and modern sculpture, and the con- 
 temporary collection is the most valuable in America. Among modern sculp- 
 tors represented are Dubois, Mercie, Barrias, Cain, Chapu, Falguiere, Rodin, 
 Fremier, Thornycroft, St. Gaudens, Bartlett, French, Potter, etc. The French 
 Government sent to the Columbian Exposition, as a part of the national ex- 
 hibit, an extensive historical collection of architectural casts, reproduced from
 
 THE HISTORY OF ART IN ILLINOIS. 25 
 
 collections in Paris, destined to become, at the end of the Fair, a part of 
 the permanent collection of the Art Institute. This remarkable collection, 
 which is unsurpassed in its kind, either in quality or extent, is now installed, 
 as far as the room permits, in the galleries of the Art Institute, but a con- 
 siderable part of it is stored, for lack of suitable room in which to place it. An- 
 other element in the sculpture collection is the gallery of reproductions of the 
 antique bronzes of the Naples Museum, one hundred and nine of the most 
 famous statues, busts., tripods, statuettes, lamps, and other objects found at 
 Herculaneum and Pompeii. This collection was the gift of H. N. Higin- 
 botham. They were purchased through the fine art department of the Colum- 
 bian Exposition, and are certified by the Director of the Naples Museum to be 
 perfect reproductions. 
 
 Another department which has already attained importance is that of the 
 original Egyptian antiquities. Through the interest of Mr. Getty, Mr. Ryer- 
 son and Mr. Hutchinson, accessions have been made of typical Egyptian ob- 
 jects of great rarity and value, sufficient to form a collection respectable in 
 quantity and more than respectable in quality. There is also a very carefully 
 collected and adequately representative collection of classical antiquities/Greek 
 vases, figurines, lamps and fragments, and marble Roman remains, both sculp- 
 tural and architectural. Other fields of art are represented by collections of 
 embroideries, tapestries, painted fans, textiles, etc presented by the society of 
 ladies called "Antiquarians of the Art Institute " and of musical instruments, 
 armor, etc. 
 
 In the summer of 1900, Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Nickerson presented to the 
 museum of the Art Institute their superb private collection of jades, crystals, 
 paintings and curios, and fitted up two galleries for the permanent installa- 
 tion of the collection. 
 
 On October 26, 1891, the Ryerson library was opened by a reception to the 
 members. This building, erected through the generosity of Martin A. Ryerson, 
 is most beautiful and commodious, is open at all times to both members and 
 students, and is really a free public library on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the 
 free days of the museum. The reading-room is a model of convenience and 
 comfort, supplied with all the leading art periodicals of the world, and with 
 alcoves and shelves for many books. The accumulating of books must, of 
 necessity, be the work of time. That the three thousand books already placed 
 are appreciated by the students is evidenced by the fact that during the year 
 26,509 students have made use of the library, while the total number of visitors 
 (46,769) is said to be as large as at the South Kensington Museum Library, in
 
 26 THE HISTORY OF ART IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 London, which contains two hundred thousand volumes. The present library 
 has been selected with greatest care, is strictly confined to the best art, and 
 includes many valuable works. In it is kept the great collection of large 
 carbon photographs, known as the Braun autotypes, 16,000 in number, includ- 
 ing reproductions of the paintings, drawings and sculpture of most of the 
 well-known galleries in Euorpe. These are the gift of Dr. D. K. Pearsons. 
 
 During 1897, a lecture-room was built, in accordance with the original 
 plans of the building, and presented to the Institute by Charles W. Fullerton 
 as a memorial to his father, Alexander N. Fullerton. This room seats five 
 hundred persons, and is a model lecture-room, as regards comfort in seating, 
 ventilation, acoustic properties and tasteful adornment. Lectures upon sub- 
 jects pertaining to art are given three or four times a week throughout the 
 class year, usually in this hall, although many lectures of a more special char- 
 acter are given by various instructors in the class-rooms. All lectures are 
 given late in the day in order that the student may have ample time and day- 
 light for his technical study, and as they embrace a wide variety of topics in 
 their relation to art, they afford a means of culture very valuable as an ad- 
 junct to technical art instruction. The various courses of lectures have gained 
 within a year added value by the establishment of the Scammon course, the re- 
 sult of the Martha Sheldon Scammon endowment of about $36,000, which pro- 
 vides a fund for lectures upon the history, theory and practice of the fine 
 arts, to be given " by persons of distinction or authority on the subject of which 
 they lecture." This series was inaugurated, May, 1903, by a course of six 
 lectures, by John La Farge, upon " The So-called Barbizon Painters." These 
 series of lectures, together with the special lectures, are of incalculable value 
 to all of the students, but particularly to those who have not had the advantages 
 of a general education. 
 
 An error too often made in modern art-teaching is the absence of mental 
 training. The technical equipment of a pupil is so difficult of attainment and 
 so absorbing that often the student, without other special education, finds him- 
 self unable to explain to others what he knows so well. That those in charge 
 of the Chicago Art Institute realize this danger is indicated by the follow- 
 ing extract from the report of its Director " It has been for many years our 
 aim to surround our students with such influences that a young person who 
 studies in our school three, four or five years should come out with something 
 corresponding in some degree to a general education." 
 
 As the Institute has advanced, new departments have been added to the 
 courses in painting and sculpture which were first established. There are now
 
 THE HISTORY OF ART IN ILLINOIS. 27 
 
 classes in decorative designing, architecture, normal and illustrative, while 
 lately instruction has been given to more than one hundred pupils in the ap- 
 plied arts pottery, china painting and metal work. This indicates the re- 
 markably comprehensive character of art instruction given, no one art school 
 in the country being the equal of the Art Institute in that particular. The 
 class in decorative designing, under Louis P Millet, is especially remarkable. 
 Mr. Millet is a pupil of Galland and the ficole des Beaux-Arts, is a practical 
 decorator, to whom many public and private buildings in the West owe their 
 interior decorations, and who is now filling the position of Director of Mure 1 
 Painting and Decoration for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, at St. Louis. 
 Mr. Millet's success as a teacher has been such that many of his pupils are able, 
 at the conclusion of their course with him, to begin work for which the demand 
 of the age is most insistent, both from an artistic and commercial point of 
 view. 
 
 Illustration also attracts many students not only those whose intention 
 is limited to the production of work in monochrome for illustrative purposes, 
 but many other pupils, realizing that the struggle before them to obtain recog- 
 nition as artists will probably be long and hard, give a portion of their time 
 to this work, which may prove the most available means within their grasp to 
 provide for their maintenance during the years of working and hoping. This 
 class has been, for some years, under the direction of Mr. Frederick Kichard- 
 son, an artist of wide reputation as an illustrator, who has, in a remarkable 
 degree, the faculty of arousing enthusiasm in his pupils. This class emphasizes 
 the practical, as well as the artistic, endeavor of the Art Institute, for, of the 
 graphic arts, illustration affords by far the largest opportunities to the student 
 at the beginning of his career as an artist. 
 
 The pupils of this Institute come from every part of the West from Min- 
 nesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Montana, North and South Dakota and from 
 the Pacific coast. They number about twenty-six hundred, with a corps of 
 eighty teachers, almost entirely city artists. Among them may be named 
 John H. Vanderpoel, F. W. Freer, Chas. F. Browne, Miss C. D. Wade, Lorado 
 Taft, Ealph Clarkson, Louis W. Wilson, Frank Phoenix, and many other 
 earnest, well-known artists. Mr. Vanderpoel, who is the instructor of drawing 
 and painting in the life and antique classes, has been connected with the Art 
 Institute many years. His lectures are among the most valued aids in the 
 institution, and to his clear explanation of the structure of the human body, 
 illustrated by bold and clearly-defined sketches in charcoal, which he executes 
 as he talks and which are wonderfully helpful, are due much of the ef-
 
 28 THE HISTORY OF ART IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 ficiency of his classes. The school work, so far as the technical practice is 
 concerned, is done on the ground floor of this great building, in rooms well 
 lighted, heated and ventilated. Already the growth of the school is demand- 
 ing more space, a necessity which will have to be met in the early future. In 
 every one of these class-rooms, to which the public does not have access, most 
 interesting work is being accomplished every day in the year. Possibly even 
 those who are most familiar with opportunities offered by the Art Institute 
 have really little conception of the magnitude of the work done by these many 
 pupils, the excellence of the standards attained and the reputation already hon- 
 estly earned by many of the students. Some classes of work have already re- 
 ceived mention, but the sculpture class really merits special notice. In this 
 class, under the scholarly direction of Mr. Lorado Taft, not only the usual 
 routine of study from the living model is practiced of modeling busts and full- 
 length figures, but work of much more ambitious scope is essayed by advanced 
 pupils, and groups of monumental or decorative design have been done. Their 
 method of work is most interesting. First, a sketch of the general compo- 
 sition is made, and these are modeled as separate figures on a small scale, care- 
 fully studied from life, then enlarged to the required size, and finally fitted 
 together to complete the composition. One of these groups, a fountain, was 
 temporarily placed for exhibition in the park south of the building of the 
 Art Institute, and attracted much attention. 
 
 When it is remembered that it was done by pupils not yet out of school, 
 it was certainly most creditable. Two other groups a fountain of the great 
 lakes and a funeral procession furnished experience such as is usually only 
 possible to post-graduate practice, and, as it is conducted under the constant 
 supervision of a sculptor of Mr. Taft's reputation, the advantage to the pupils 
 can hardly be overestimated. 
 
 By the courtesy of Mr. N. H. Carpenter, Secretary of the Art Institute, 
 photographs of the Institute and these groups are enclosed in this article. It 
 would hardly be possible, in the scope of this history, to even hint at the 
 various kinds of work done in the many classes of the Art Institute or the suc- 
 cess achieved by its pupils. 
 
 A frieze, painted by one of the pupils of the Institute, has been placed 
 in one of the public schools of the city; the illuminated texts, stained glass and 
 metal work of another pupil are giving her a national reputation ; another does 
 the most exquisite miniature work, and many of the graduates from the In- 
 stitute have their own studios and their own successful classes. 
 
 The most friendly spirit prevails in the administration of the In-
 
 30 THE HISTORY OF ART IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 stitute toward all who are working for the advance of art. In many cases 
 artists striving for recognition have enjoyed the courtesy of these galleries for 
 exhibition of their works, a help and encouragement they have deeply appre- 
 ciated. To this time the Institute has been dependent for its support upon 
 the following sources : An income of some $2,000, the income derived from, 
 membership dues, door receipts on pay days, catalogue sales and gifts from lib- 
 eral, art-loving citizens. The school itself has been for a long time self-sus- 
 taining from the students' fees, which are very moderate, and expended with 
 rigid economy; but there has been a yearly deficit in the museum expenses, a 
 burden, with many another, most nobly borne by the Board of Trustees of the 
 Institute. By legislation, recently enacted, the financial future of the Institute 
 is assured, a fact which should be most gratefully appreciated not only by the 
 citizens of Chicago and Illinois, but of the West, to whom it means so much. 
 The following bill having been passed by the Senate, and ratified by the city, 
 those who have watched the growth of the Art Institute from the very small 
 beginnings feel that the future is bright with hope, and rejoice in all it por- 
 tends. 
 
 Section 2 of an Act entitled "An Act concerning museums in public 
 parks" reads as follows "That any Board of Park Commissioners, having 
 control of a park, within which there shall be maintained any museum or 
 museums of art, sciences or natural history under the provisions of this act, is 
 hereby authorized to annually levy a tax (in addition to all other taxes author- 
 ized by law) of half a mill on each dollar of taxable property embraced in said 
 district according to the valuation of the same as made for the purpose of 
 State and county taxation by the general assessment last preceding the time 
 when .such half mill tax shall be levied for the purpose of maintaining and 
 caring for such museum or museums and the grounds thereof; and the pro- 
 ceeds of such additional tax shall be kept as a separate fund ; Provided, The 
 proposition to annually levy a tax, as herein aiithorized, shall first be submitted 
 to the legal voters of said park district and secure a majority of the votes cast 
 upon such proposition." This vote has been taken with most satisfactory re- 
 sults in Chicago, and by March, 1905, it is expected that the Institute will begin 
 to reap the practical benefits of this legislation. This certainly marks a great 
 change in the outlook for art growth in Chicago and Illinois. It means per- 
 manency, freedom from anxiety, a future provided for, all of which will en- 
 courage art-lovers and those who desire to encourage its progress to a still 
 further giving. 
 
 This tax of half a mill on the dollar seems really very little for a great
 
 32 THE HISTORY OF ART IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 city to pay for the maintenance of such a magnificent organization as the 
 Art Institute, which means more for the culture of the youtli of the State than 
 any other one institution. It will mean an annual income of $50,000, or moro, 
 available for the general expenses of the Institute, and will facilitate the even 
 better equipment of the Institute for the work which is so rapidly outgrowing 
 its present accommodations. " The Art Institute is in the fullest sense an in- 
 stitution conducted for the public good. Without a dollar of assistance from 
 the city, save the permission to build upon the lake front, its managers have 
 erected a museum building, and gathered a collection which commands the re- 
 spect of all competent judges, and which is the subject of pride and satisfaction 
 to all right-minded citizens. The art-school has grown to be one of the very 
 foremost, both in the number of students and the standard of excellence. The 
 fine galleries are open absolutely free to the public more than one hundred and 
 sixty days each year, and upon other days, not only the members and their 
 families, numbering more than ten thousand, but public school-teachers to the 
 number of four thousand six hundred, and all professional artists, are freely 
 admitted." The supporters of the Institute have been most generous in many 
 ways. Gifts of money and, as has already been intimated, of valuable works of 
 art, together with a vast deal of labor, thought and self-sacrifice, have made 
 possible the present ; but the future, which beckons on to greater achievement, 
 will have a surer foundation than the generosity of patrons. 
 
 To Mr. Charles L. Hutchinson, who has been the President of the Institute 
 for more than twenty years, the Institute owes such a debt of gratitude as can 
 never be fully known. Mr. Hutchinson is a man of wonderful executive 
 ability, with a keen interest in the public good, with true love for art, and a deep- 
 rooted belief in its usefulness in the widening and uplifting of civilization. 
 In all his work he has been singularly unselfish, caring little for honor or fame, 
 but much for the cause- to which he was devoting himself, and the growth 
 of which was so essential to the western part of our country. He has com- 
 manded the respect and esteem not only of his co-workers, but of those every- 
 where who, like himself, are interested in the growth of art. He has been 
 most fortunate in having associated with him, from the very incipiency of the 
 enterprise, a board of trustees composed of some of the best men in Chicago. 
 They are among those to whom the city owes much of her position in the 
 world of commerce and manufactures, and have been willing to use the same 
 ability which has accomplished so much in these directions to aid in the estab- 
 lishment and advancement of a permanent Art Institute. 
 
 "The great Sculpture Hall, recently completed by the efforts of these
 
 THE HISTORY OF ART IN ILLINOIS. 33 
 
 men in giving and inciting others to give, foreshadows the completion of the 
 present building by the erection of a new series of galleries above the Sculp- 
 ture Hall, as originally planned. Already, however, the collections stored for 
 want of room or promised when space for their exhibition can be had, de- 
 mand an extension toward the lake of another building, joined to the present 
 one by bridges over the tracks of the Illinois Central Railroad." 
 
 The direction of the schools and the museum, so far as art is concerned, 
 has been, from the first, vested in Mr. W. M. R. French, and the success which 
 has attended both of these departments bears testimony to his ability to fill a 
 position unique in its requirements and which is still fraught with peculiar 
 responsibilities. Mr. French a sketch of whose life appears in another part 
 of this volume has done for the Art Institute what no other director will ever 
 be expected to do. He has had much pioneer work to do, and in the paucity of 
 other resources has represented to a large territory a bureau of information 
 upon any and every subject even most remotely connected with art. It is a 
 tribute to the versatility of his knowledge, as well as to the courteous patience 
 of his character, that no request, however trivial, is ever dismissed without 
 having received kind attention. M^r. Low, to whose article tribute has already 
 been paid, has very well said " The responsibilities of the director of a 
 museum in older cities, or in other lands, do not, of course, include such ex- 
 traneous duties as furnishing stereopticon slides for art lectures, but here a 
 collection of some twelve hundred is classified and will soon be placed, un- 
 der certain restrictions, at the disposition of responsible lecturers, and an ex- 
 change to furnish information on art subjects to women's clubs and schools 
 is likewise maintained. "We believe in popularizing the Institute perhaps 
 to an extreme degree," explains 'the Director; "but, on the other hand, in the 
 schools the character of the work sought to be attained by Mr. French's in- 
 fluence, transmitted through the facility of competent and painstaking in- 
 structors, is of the highest standard." 
 
 Mr. Newton H. Carpenter has been identified with the institution from 
 the very beginning in various capacities. First as clerk, then, during Mr. 
 French's prolonged absence, filling his place, and now as Secretary of the In- 
 stitute. Mr. Carpenter is not only enthusiastically interested in all that per- 
 tains to the progress of art, particularly as represented by the Art Institute, but 
 he is accurately acquainted with every detail of its history. While believing 
 that honor should be paid to those to whom honor is due, and anxious to repre- 
 sent the growth of the Institute as glowingly as facts will permit, he is solici- 
 tous that the public should receive as history only what can be substantiated by 
 facts in the veriest detail.
 
 34 THE HISTORY OF ART IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 In the beginning of this article, reference was made to the Institute as a 
 place to which those desiring an art education came from various parts of the 
 State, but it has still another mission. Few perhaps are aware of the degree of 
 excellence attained by the scholars of our public schools in drawing. A 
 most interesting study is found in the exhibit of work done by pupils from 
 the 8th grade down, to say nothing of that of the High School scholars. 
 Every small town of three or four thousand inhabitants and less has at least 
 one good drawing teacher, and the demand for such teachers in the larger 
 cities is very great. These teachers must be trained in many kinds of draw- 
 ing, for in this age the artistic instinct is strong, and outside of the schools 
 there are many men, jewelers, carvers in wood and stone, metal workers, etc., 
 who are anxious to receive instruction in drawing to aid them in their varied 
 lines of work. How shall these teachers receive the necessary training ex- 
 cept in a regular school ? The Art Institute furnishes just the sort of instruc- 
 tion which these teachers must have, to be in any degree fitted for their work. 
 
 The management of the Art Institute is vested in the Board of Govern- 
 ing Members, which is limited in number to two hundred and fifty. The Gov- 
 erning Members elect the Trustees, twenty-one in number, who have the control 
 and management of the Art Institute. Each Governing Member pays one hun- 
 dred dollars upon election, and twenty-five dollars a year as annual dues. The 
 Governing Members, Trustees, President, Vice-President and Treasurer give 
 their services freely to the Art Institute. The Art Institute is greatly indebted 
 to its many friends for their remembrance of it by bequests in their wills. A 
 few of these have become available. 
 
 About one hundred thousand dollars have been received, all of which has 
 been invested, and the income only has been used. About two hundred 
 thousand dollars additional have been bequeathed to the Institute, but have not 
 yet been turned over to it. 
 
 Illinois has reason for great pride in the record made by her school of 
 art. When it is considered that comparatively few years have elapsed since 
 the settlement of the State, that many of the pioneers and old settlers are still 
 living, and remember that the establishment of an art school is not the primary 
 movement in a new country, the present seems almost incredible. While the 
 Art Institute stands in a large degree for art in Illinois, there are studio 
 buildings where talented men and women are doing most excellent work and 
 obtaining recognition in art circles in the East as well as in Illinois, as is at- 
 tested by the exhibition of their pictures, not only in Chicago but in New York, 
 Philadelphia and other cities. The Fine Arts Building is the home of many
 
 THE HISTORY OF ART IN ILLINOIS. 35 
 
 artists, and a visit to their studios is most interesting. Here Lorado Taft is 
 doing wonderful work, dainty busts for the drawing-room, monumental work 
 for the Exposition at St. Louis, llalph Clarkson, in a studio which is itself a 
 museum of curios, beautiful and rare, is making some of the best portraits seen 
 anywhere. Martha S. Baker is winning most enviable reputation for her ex- 
 quisite miniature painting, and Christia M. Reade and many others are doing 
 work in marble, on the canvas or with metals in the most artistic way. Al- 
 ready America is taking her place in the art world. Thayer, Brush, Winslow, 
 Homer, Sargent, Abbey, as painters, and St. Gaudens, French, Barnard Mc- 
 Monnies, McNeil, as sculptors, have international reputations, and America may 
 be most proud of her sons. Their success has not been by accident, nor by 
 simply taking courses of lessons in the best art school. Added to natural endow- 
 ment have been indomitable perseverance, unflagging ambition and mental cul- 
 ture. While they should be an inspiration to every art student, they should 
 also be a reminder that only by earnest endeavor and the most consecrated zeal 
 are such results possible. It may be said that we live in a practical age, that 
 art itself is turned into channels of commerce, that the inspiration is lack- 
 ing which made possible the results of the age of the Italian Renaissance. 
 This is true to a certain degree, and yet the history of the work which the Art 
 Institute of Chicago has achieved should encourage the most earnest effort on 
 the part of those to whom Heaven has given a true artist's nature. In no 
 walk of life is there the same opportunity for one's individuality to leave its 
 impress on result as that which is offered in the artist's life. We see that 
 for which we look in the world about us, and while the same scene would strike 
 one as pathetic, another as absurd, and still another as most grave, the world 
 seems almost kaleidoscopic in the variety of thought it offers to the artist as 
 suggestive. Art is not imitative, yet the overlapping trees in the forest sug- 
 gest the Gothic roof, and the poet clasps hands with the artist and sings, " The 
 groves were God's first temples." There is no emotion of the human heart to 
 which a beautiful picture or statue may not appeal, hardly a phase of thought 
 which has not been painted on canvas or wrought in metal or stone. The 
 sublime and the beautiful, the grand and the picturesque, the pathetic and the 
 grotesque, all appeal to the artist's nature and furnish material for effort. The 
 effect of th lovely in art upon the most uncultivated mind is eloquent testi- 
 mony to its value as a silent educator. Who that has ever spent much time in 
 art galleries has not been impressed with the effect which the silence of the 
 rooms and the wonderful exhibitions of works of art have had upon the most 
 careless beholders. Nature has offered the greatest possible field to painter
 
 36 THE HISTORY OF ART IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 and sculptor, as well as poet, and nature appeals to nature as naught else can. 
 The tear on the cheek, the twinkle in the eye, the earnest expression of- lip and 
 brow, speak more than words how some story of human life has appealed to 
 those battling with life's realities. This is an important truth, and most 
 easily proved. The power of appealing to the holiest passions of the heart is 
 the artist's opportunity, almost divine, and' entails responsibility far too little 
 recognized. At the Columbian Exposition, while pictures of grand mountain 
 peaks riveted the admiration, and beautiful meadows and mellow sunsets 
 charmed the eye, perhaps no picture day after day drew larger crowds of men 
 and women, touched to the heart, than did that simple picture, " Breaking 
 Home-Ties." 
 
 Love in its many phases mother love, the love of home and country, the 
 love of lovers has furnished the theme for many a brush and chisel through 
 the ages, and will be the inspiration of painter and sculptor for all time. This 
 power to influence humanity, to impress a sense of beauty upon the saddest life, 
 to make the commonplace seem full of charm, to win to laughter and merri- 
 ment those unused to smiles, is a power which every artist may wield. 
 
 This thought should be one of mighty uplift and permeate every studio 
 and every art school in the land. The highest aim of life should be to help 
 others, to brighten the days as they come and go for those about us, to wreathe 
 with some beauty even a bitter cross, and change the saddest tear into a smile. 
 
 For such achievement the opportunities of the artist are most abundant, 
 and sometimes if the pinnacle of fame seems far away and hope long deferred, 
 if the laurel wreath seems elusive and discouragements are many, the thought 
 that a life may have been brightened by some unpretentious sketch or purified 
 by the influence of a sweet, marble face, should be the greatest incentive to re- 
 newed and more persistent endeavor. 
 
 Viewed from this high standard, the work of the Chicago Art Institute 
 becomes more lofty, its ideals more sacred and its ambitions of greater value 
 than is usually realized. The history of the past has been such as to fill every 
 heart with grateful pride ; the future seems full of brightest hope and promise. 
 
 Illinois can well feel that, while the history of her brief life has given her 
 a most enviable place in the world of commerce and manufactures, the his- 
 tory of the Chicago Art Institute has placed her far beyond many an older 
 State in the world of art.
 
 THE HISTORY 
 
 ...OF... 
 
 Music IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 Vibration great and unknown force; 
 
 Prime author of velocity 
 Of budding life the pulsing part; 
 
 Primeval cause of things to be. 
 
 Momentum genius of the breath 
 
 That tacks the stars to shield of blue; 
 
 That twirls the world in safety round. 
 And guides the trackless regions through. 
 
 Sound very first born of effect. 
 
 Result of quickening atoms' clash; 
 
 The sweep of storm, volcanic quake, 
 The thunder of the lightning's flash. 
 
 Thought the subtle, the rythmic force. 
 Draws from brain the great recorder; 
 
 Shapes out the diamond from the dross. 
 Sorts and lends to chaos, order. 
 
 Soul the spark, the leavening flame 
 That makes the morsel good to taste; 
 
 'Tis to the mortal, touch of God 
 The rain-drop to the pouting waste.
 
 38 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 Music result of all in all 
 
 Essence immortal, dew of thought; 
 
 Gift of heaven: God's wireless speech- 
 Man's answering medium, spirit wrought. 
 
 George Cathcart Branson. 
 
 Thus beautifully has been voiced a sort of history of the birth of music. 
 Someone has expressively called these verses " From Sound to Soul," and in 
 a few lines great truths have been grasped and a most exquisite unfolding of 
 what means so much to the art-loving world. 
 
 All history is interesting ; every story, every tale that is told, is history of 
 fact or fiction and enlists our attention. The history which deals in figures 
 or statistics is the most easily told; that of the progress of events is a posi- 
 tive thing; but the history of music in any given locality is difficult to. ob- 
 tain accurately. It involves so many whose lives are unwritten, and the view- 
 point of the historian varies so widely that the reader will, perhaps, often supply 
 from personal knowledge events which have eluded the writer. For many facts 
 in this article the author is indebted to various histories of Illinois, to Mrs. 
 Florence French's " Music and Musicians in Chicago," and to many musicians 
 who have courteously contributed from their own memory interesting details. 
 
 In thinking of Illinois as a comparatively new State, we hardly realize, 
 with the present wealth of musical effort and achievement, that there was a 
 beginning, even in her brief life. Seventy-five years ago, a very short time 
 compared with that in which civilization and music and art have had their 
 development in Europe, Illinois was almost unsettled. Over its prairies wild 
 animals still roamed quite undisturbed; no waving harvests were eloquent of 
 the richness of the soil, no busy wheel mingled with the murmur of its beauti- 
 ful streams, nothing betokened the development and the growth which have 
 been almost like magic. To-day the lives of the men and women sketched 
 in the limits of this volume, with many another unwritten history, are tes- 
 timony as to the beginning and nurturing of music and art in a way sur- 
 passed in no country and no age in a like span of years. It would be absurd 
 to expect Illinois to equal Germany, England, France and Italy in what is de- 
 pendent upon centuries of experience and culture. Nothing is more inexor- 
 able than the laws of Nature. A new country does not begin its development 
 by the establishing of Art Institutes or Conservatories of Music. In open- 
 ing new territory, men are required to furnish shelter, food and raiment, and 
 the weary toiler is satisfied for the time with the possession of such neces- 
 sities. No matter how dominant art instinct and love for music may be, yet
 
 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 39 
 
 other demands must first be met, and the attainment of wealth must be assured 
 to foster art endeavor, or its perfection is the impossible. 
 
 In the State of Illinois, where the struggle for existence has been com- 
 paratively recent, the growth of art and musical institutions since 1840 has 
 been wonderful, and, during the past score of years, marvelous. These con- 
 ditions have been made possible through the aid of those who have amassed 
 wealth and who have had a longing for the beautiful and a great spirit of 
 public benefaction. It is difficult to give any date of the very beginnings of 
 musical life in Chicago or Illinois. The cradle songs voiced by many a mother 
 with heart yearning for home and loved ones far away were, no doubt, the first 
 songs that ever floated over the prairies which are now covered with cities and 
 towns and villages. But the demand for music had existence, and, as the days 
 grew into weeks and months and years, this demand grew more insistent. 
 The lullaby and the hymn and anthem of the primitive choirs grew rapidly, till 
 the years between the music of the early village church and the merry- 
 makings of that time, and the present, with its Apollo and Mendelssohn Clubs, 
 its grand opera at the Auditorium, its Thomas' orchestras and light operas at 
 the Studebaker, seem incredibly few in the light of results achieved. It brings 
 a realization of what the nineteenth century did, when those old settlers, some 
 of whom perhaps sang in the earliest choirs and singing schools, live to see 
 the perfection reached to-day. As has already been suggested, it is exceedingly 
 difficult to positively trace the development of music in Illinois. Much of this 
 progress had its sphere in the home life of some of these early settlers, so that 
 only the salient points can be recorded, and only a very incomplete men- 
 tion made of the many to whom honor is due. 
 
 The first piano brought to the little settlement of Chicago was the prop- 
 erty of John Baptiste Beaubien, one of two brothers devoted to music, and 
 leading the singing in the various social and religious " meetings " held. This 
 piano was brought to Chicago in 1834, and was the delight of all who heard it. 
 It is still in the possession of one of the family, Mrs. Ogee, of Silver Lake, 
 Kansas. A brother Mark of this Beaubien owned the first violin of which 
 we have any knowledge in Illinois, an instrument which became the property 
 of John Wentworth, who presented it to the Calumet Club, and it is now in 
 the possession of the Old Settlers' Association. 
 
 The first musical organization in Illinois was the Chicago Harmonic So- 
 ciety, which gave its initial concert December 11, 1835, in a Presbyterian 
 church. 
 
 In 1848 a musical convention was held in the First Baptist Church, and
 
 40 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 the resolutions adopted by it, expressing their sentiments and aims, certainly 
 embodied the highest ambitions and ideals. In 1857 the Chicago Magazine 
 thus cited the difficulties to be surmounted by the early choir " as those who 
 could sing were timid, and those who could not sing were unfortunately filled 
 with ardor to serve the Lord." Possibly leaders of to-day may feel that such 
 difficulty was not wholly confined to those early times. 
 
 In 1855 the Philharmonic Society was founded, under the leadership of 
 Julius Dyhrenfurth, violinist, who was a great favorite for years in musical 
 circles, and to him George P. Upton, the first musical critic of the Chicago 
 Tribune, attributes the honor " of first establishing the desire for musical cul- 
 ture in the West." 
 
 Among those who were foremost in promoting the love and knowledge of 
 music for thirty years following 1852 was Frank Lumbard, a genial com- 
 panion, an enthusiastic artist and a fine singer. He was active in establish- 
 ing early musical societies and church choirs, and when the Civil War broke 
 out his splendid voice was heard throughout the country, the inspiration of 
 many a disheartened soldier by the camp-fire. In those days traveling concert 
 troupes were most gladly welcomed, and they were not infrequently named 
 after the families who composed them. Some of the names are still familiar, 
 as the Berger, Hutchinson and Peak families. In connection with these 
 troupes some eminent soloists made their debut. Sol Smith Eussell, when 
 eleven years of age, sang " Lanigan's Ball " with the Peak family bell- 
 ringers; as far back as 1839 Joseph Jefferson, only a child, was a favorite 
 singer, and McVicker, known to the present generation as a scholarly and 
 dignified man, began his life in Chicago as a singing and dancing comedian. 
 Ballads were great favorites with the people of that time, and some of them 
 war-songs and love-songs were written by George F. Root, and were sung 
 and loved not only in Chicago but all over the country. Among them may be 
 mentioned " Rosalie, the Prairie Flower," " Hazel-Dell," " Nellie Gray," " The 
 Battle Cry of Freedom," " Tramp, Tramp, Tramp," " Just Before the Bat- 
 tle, Mother." To the war-songs Henry C. Wurk, of Chicago, contributed 
 " Marching Through Georgia," " Brave Boys Are They," " Kingdom Coming," 
 etc. In 1851 Jenny Lind came to Chicago, with Theodore Thomas as solo 
 violinist. In 1864 Uranus H. Crosby erected the first real opera house, with 
 a seating capacity of three thousand and a cost of $600,000. It was located 
 on the north side of Washington Street, between State and Dearborn, and 
 was called the Crosby Opera House, and the first season of grand opera in 
 Chicago was opened there.
 
 TEE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 41 
 
 On account of the assassination of Lincoln, the opening night was post- 
 poned from April 17th till the 20th, when, under the then famous impres- 
 sario, J. Grael, the opera of " II Trovatore " was given. This was followed by 
 " Lucia di Lammermoor," " II Polutio," "Martha," "Norma," " Faust," " La 
 Soninambula," " II Puritani," " Lucretia Borgia," " Ernani " and " Fra Di- 
 avolo." 
 
 This company was from New York, and included Clara Louise Kellogg, 
 Zucchi, Morensi, Lotti, Susini and Brignoli. This was the beginning of grand 
 opera in Chicago, and now each year brings to our city the best .talent, and a 
 most brilliant season is opened, patronized by the wealth and culture of the 
 city, who lend the elegance and charm of their presence to the delightful ren- 
 dering of the greatest operas. The Auditorium has furnished a rarely magni- 
 ficent place for the presentation of these operas, most beautifully staged and 
 sung by the greatest artists of the world. 
 
 In 1864, a music hall was built on the site of the present Chicago Opera 
 House, and there L. M. Gottschalk gave six concerts, the tickets being all sold 
 in advance, and the greatest enthusiasm evinced over the opportunity given 
 to hear the great pianist. In a letter written by him, December 4, 1864, Gott- 
 schalk gives a most interesting picture of the Chicago of that time. He speaks 
 of the " feverish enterprise everywhere ; the stores palaces ; the hotels towns." 
 Speaking of the Crosby Opera House, then in process of erection, he said that 
 it easily challenged comparison with any house in New York, surpassing most 
 of them. 
 
 Chicago had various musical organizations, but few were long-lived. In 
 1871 came the great fire, when Crosby's Opera House, McVicker's Theatre, 
 Dearborn Theatre and Wood's Museum, all on the south side of the river, were 
 destroyed, and Turner Hall and German Hall, on the north side. The win- 
 ter following this great calamity concerts were held in the churches, the 
 Michigan Ave. Baptist Church, near Twenty-second St., being the center for 
 the south side, and the Union Park Congregational Church for the west side. 
 In spite of all demands on time and brain and capital, music shared in the 
 great impetus given everything at this time. Before the fire the Oratorio So- 
 ciety, led by Hans Balatka, did perhaps the best work done in the city. 
 Their library was destroyed by the fire, their members scattered, and their 
 leader, for the time discouraged, removed to Milwaukee. 
 
 Orlando Blackman and A. K. Sabin, as managers, tried to reorganize this 
 Society, and the Handel and Haydn Society, of Boston, came to the rescue 
 with copies of the " Messiah," " Israel in Egypt," " David," and miscellaneous
 
 42 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 choruses. J. A. Butterfield was selected for conductor, and W. S. B. Mathewa 
 the organist. 
 
 Their first concert was given May 16, 1872, in the Union Park Con- 
 gregational Church, and soon after repeated in the Michigan Avenue Baptist 
 Church. On these occasions the chorus numbered about one hundred and 
 fifty, the orchestra twenty-two, and the success attending them seemed full of 
 encouragement. Eehearsals were had through the autumn, and a concert ar- 
 ranged for an evening in January, 1873, but only an hour before the time for 
 the concert the building in which it was to have been held burned to the 
 ground. The new library was destroyed, the members were much disheartened 
 and, in spite of the efforts of Orlando Blackman, the society gradually became 
 extinct. 
 
 In 1872, the Beethoven Club was organized for producing choral works. 
 This organization was the direct result of a visit to the city from Carl Wolf- 
 sohn. Mr. Wolfsohn added to ripe musical scholarship a real enthusiasm. 
 The key-note of the Beethoven Society was " enthusiasm for good music." 
 This organization had an existence for eleven years, and did a vast deal of 
 excellent work. During the first season, Carl Wolfsohn undertook the gigantic 
 task of playing the entire thirty-three sonatas, by Beethoven, as piano solos. 
 Ten recitals of this series were given in Standard Hall, corner Thirteenth and 
 Michigan Ave., to large audiences. Before the fire Wm. J. Lewis, violinist, 
 had attained prominence in the musical evenings, given under the aus- 
 pices of Root and Cady. Carl Wolfsohn found in him a most earnest co- 
 worker in his efforts to establish a demand for the best music. Soon after, 
 Eicheim, the 'cellist, came to Chicago, and these three great artists con- 
 tributed much to the delight of the reunions of the Beethoven Club. The 
 Chicago Quintette Club, an organization for the giving of chamber music, was 
 the most noted and longest-lived club of its kind in the city. It owed its 
 existence to the efforts of Wm. J. Lewis and Miss Agnes Ingersoll, and was 
 composed of Miss Ingersoll, M. Eicheim, Herman Allen, Wm. Allen and 
 Mr. Pellage, and had always the co-operation of Mr. Lewis. Miss Inger- 
 soll had come to Chicago from New York. She had inherited from her father 
 musical gifts, and received her early piano instruction from an elder sister, 
 who had been a pupil of the well-known Zundel. Later she studied in 
 Leipsic, Berlin and Paris, under the best teachers, and became an accomplished 
 musician. Although most widely known through her connection with the 
 Quintette Club, she was identified with concerts and musical entertain- 
 ments in different parts of the city. At this time Lewis Eicheim, Clarence
 
 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 43 
 
 Eddy and Edward Heimendahl were associated with Carl Wolfsohn, Emil 
 Liebling, W. C. E. Seebreck and Amy Fay, a sister of Mrs. Theodore 
 Thomas, in the production of chamber music, a galaxy of scholarly musicians 
 of which any city might justly be proud. Emil Liebling has been a most 
 prominent factor in the production of chamber music since 1880, his series of 
 piano recitals dating back to 1876. No one has been more closely identified 
 with the musical education and progress of Chicago than has this genial 
 scholar, enthusiastic musician and brilliant pianist. 
 
 The opening of the Hershey School led to the production of much music 
 of a similar class. This school was founded by Miss Sara Hershey, famous 
 not only as a pianist but as a scholarly artist and an excellent teacher. Born 
 in Philadelphia, and with a decided love for music, she began her profes- 
 sional career by teaching in Muscatine, Iowa. In 1867, she went abroad, 
 studying in Berlin, Milan and London, returning to New York, busy in con- 
 cert work there and teaching in the Packer Institute, in Brooklyn, for two 
 years. In 1875, she came to Chicago and immediately founded the Hershey 
 School of Musical Art, which obtained recognition from the leading musicians 
 of the city. 
 
 Mention should be made of David W. Perkins, pianist and instructor, 
 who came to Chicago in 1868 and opened a studio in Crosby's Opera 
 House, and before the fire became a very successful teacher, with a large 
 class of pupils, but afterwards moved to Milwaukee. 
 
 In the same building, in 1871, Charles H. Brettan established a school 
 and inaugurated a series of concerts, which gave him prestige in musical cir- 
 cles. It is impossible to name all who, during these years, were encouraging 
 the taste for the best music and laying the foundation for the splendid work 
 of to-day. Many a one lives only in the grateful memory of those who re- 
 ceived from them inspiration and encouragement to do their best work. The 
 first music hall built down-town after the fire was the Kingsbury Hall, on 
 Clark St., opposite the Sherman House. The first large down-town hall after 
 the fire was McCormick's Hall, corner of Clark and Kinzir Sts., which had a 
 seating capacity of twenty-five hundred people. Farwell Hall, rebuilt after the 
 fire, proved too small, and the necessity for a new and commodious concert and 
 lecture hall became imperative. At this crisis George B. Carpenter under- 
 took the personal supervision of the building of Central Music Hall on the 
 southeast corner of State and Washington Sts. This hall seated seventeen 
 hundred, with room for two hundred in the boxes. It was a beautiful hall, and 
 will ever be held in sweet memory by all music-lovers in Chicago. There
 
 44 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 Adelina Patti first appeared when she returned to America, and many other 
 celebrated musicians gave their concerts there. 
 
 For many years Dr. Florence Ziegfeld had his headquarters there, and as 
 his college, the Chicago Musical College may justly be called the parent of all 
 others. Central Music Hall became thus identified with the musical growth 
 of Chicago. Here the Apollo and Mendelssohn Clubs gave their concerts, and 
 from association this hall became sacred to the musical public of Chicago, as 
 possibly no other hall will ever be. There, too, the lamented and "silver- 
 voiced " David Swing charmed large audiences Sabbath after Sabbath, as 
 hardly any other has ever done. 
 
 But of the societies which were organized soon after the fire, the 
 Apollo Club has most bravely kept its way, and is to-day the leading club 
 for mixed voices in Chicago. To Silas G. Pratt should be accorded the honor 
 of the thought out of which grew this club, which has been the source of 
 pride to the city for many years. 
 
 A meeting was held in the summer of 1872, in the store of Lym & Healy, 
 then located on the corner-of- Sixteenth imdnWabash, to consider the organiza- 
 tion of a chorus of male voices. The organization was effected, and the 
 name and constitution of the Apollo Club in Boston were adopted. The first 
 concert was given in January, 1873, and the first conductor was Silas G. Pratt. 
 Mr. Pratt, however, resigned this position in a few weeks, and Mr. A. W. 
 Dohn, who had formerly been the conductor of the Mendelssohn Club, was im- 
 mediately chosen his successor. The success of this society was marked from 
 the beginning, and in connection with their concerts they gave to the public 
 the opportunity of hearing some of the best soloists, instrumental and vocal. 
 At the end of 1874, Mr. Dohn resigned and Carl Bergstein succeeded him as 
 conductor, but held the position only a short time. 
 
 About this time Mr. George L. Tomlins came to Chicago. Mr. Tomlins 
 was born in England, and early evinced a real genius for music. At the age of 
 nine he was a choir boy, and at eleven was organist; two years later he be- 
 came choirmaster, and at seventeen conducted his first oratorio. He com- 
 bined with a passionate love for music a rare gift for conducting, and his name 
 became the synonym for success in whatever he attempted. He had rare op- 
 portunities for study, and in 1870, when twenty-five years of age, he came to 
 New York. While making a concert tour he visited Chicago as conductor of 
 the Kichings-Bernard Old Folks' Concert Company. He came just when 
 the change in the conductor of the Apollo Club was pending. He was offered 
 the position, and accepted it, a connection which proved most advantageous in
 
 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 45 
 
 every way, and from that time he became identified with the musical progress of 
 Chicago. With him the thought that a ladies' chorus should be added and 
 made permanently a part of the club became conviction. A number of ladies 
 were trained, and their first appearance was made at an extra concert given 
 for the benefit of Mr. Tomlins, June 8, 1876. The next day the Chicago 
 Tribune made this comment: "Mr. Tomlins has succeeded with this mixed 
 chorus exactly as he has with his male chorus, namely, in perfect enunciation, 
 fine phrasing and shading, promptness of attack, steadiness in time and de- 
 velopment of power. The enthusiasm of the chorus was unlimited, showing 
 a very remarkable magnetism and inspiration on Mr. Tomlins' part." From 
 that time the success of this club has been assured, and to-day the Apollo Mus- 
 ical Club is one of the largest, as well as one of the most popular, musical or- 
 ganizations in the city. A review of its progress and a detailed history of its 
 programs would be most interesting, but the society is so well known as to 
 hardly need this sort of introduction to the public of Illinois. April 21, 1898, 
 this club held the closing concert of the season. This concert had memorable 
 interest from the fact that it marked the retirement, after twenty-three years 
 of continuous service, of William L. Tomlins as conductor. The chorus was 
 unusually large, four hundred and fifty strong, augmented by a portion of the 
 Chicago Orchestra. Mr. Tomlins was succeeded by Harrison M. Wild, who is to- 
 day the conductor of the society. While still a comparatively young man, Mr. 
 Wild is a man of great versatility of talent, an unrivaled director, a superb 
 organist, an able writer on musical topics, and a most successful teacher of both 
 the piano and organ. His ideals are the highest, his demands upon his choruses 
 are large, and his rules are rigorous, yet he wins not only the respect but the 
 affection of those under his tuition or leadership. He directs the music at 
 Grace Church, and has elevated the music there to such a high standard 
 that the church often will not accommodate the many who long for the in- 
 fluence of this beautiful service. Under his leadership the Apollo Club has 
 made great strides in the finish of its work, but the ambition of their leader 
 is not yet satisfied. He is a man of quick decisions, rare judgment in musi- 
 cal matters, and indomitable perseverence, and the public may expect a great 
 future for this club under his management. 
 
 Contemporaneous with this club was the Beethoven Club, already alluded 
 to as the first large mixed chorus in Chicago. This club had a member- 
 ship of over two hundred of the best voices in the city, which fact indicates 
 the sort of work done by them. As before mentioned, this club owed its ex- 
 istence to Carl Wolfsohn, a man of great attainment, personal magnetism and
 
 46 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 enthusiasm. They gave three choral concerts each year, and also monthly re- 
 unions, and presented to the public all that was best in the realm of chamber 
 music. For eleven years the Beethoven Society had an existence, and the 
 benefit of its influence is still felt in the higher musical circles of Chicago. 
 
 The Mendelssohn Club, an organization of sixty male voices, is one of the 
 older musical clubs, and would be an honor to any city. Harrison M. Wild is 
 its director, and in its work he feels he has succeeded in nearing the realization 
 of his ideals. The club gives three concerts during the season, and they are 
 among the greatest musical treats given to the public. Their singing is marked 
 by the most exquisite shading, and so perfectly do they sing together that 
 one can hardly realize that there are sixty voices. It is like one great harmony. 
 The greatest enthusiasm prevails among its members, and there is a marked 
 freedom from the petty jealousies which so often retard the work of musical 
 organizations. At each concert a soloist assists in the program. This season 
 they have been : George Hamlin, who is recognized as a leading American tenor, 
 and who is a great favorite with Chicago audiences ; Glymn Miles, a magnificent 
 baritone, who has been winning many laurels of late; and for the last con- 
 cert, Mrs. Maud Fenlon Bollman, of Eockford, 111., whose brilliant soprano 
 voice is making her a place among the best singers of Illinois. Mr. Wild feels 
 a great pride in the work of this club, and is ambitious for its future. 
 
 While these clubs were at work for the attainment of the best pos- 
 sible in chorus work, those interested along other lines were not idle. The 
 Chicago Quintette Club, already mentioned, for years did most excellent work 
 and achieved an enviable reputation. Various attempts were made by differ- 
 ent conductors to organize a home orchestra. Notable among these v, r ere Silas 
 G. Pratt, Adolph Rosenbecker, Dr. Ziegfeld, and others, but the orchestra led 
 by Theodore Thomas so completely eclipsed all others that it has absorbed 
 them to some extent, and they have become extinct. 
 
 Possibly the World's Fair contributed towards making Theodore Thomas 
 a permanency in Chicago. Although his name had been identified at various 
 times with the musical history of Chicago, since 1891 he has been permanently 
 associated with the Chicago Orchestra, which closes its twenty-third season this 
 year, 1904. Theodore Thomas was born in Essen, Hanover, and came to 
 America when but a ten-year-old boy. Dependent upon himself, he obtained 
 a musical education, and in 1855 became the leader of the Thomas-Mason 
 chamber-music concerts. For fourteen years this celebrated quintette worked 
 together, and made a lasting impression upon musical circles far and near. 
 In 1866 he became the leader of an orchestra which gave a series of summer
 
 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 47 
 
 concerts in New York, and later symphony concerts in the winter. In 1870 
 he made a tour of the country with his full orchestra, his May festivals in 
 Cincinnati 'attracting the attention of the musical world. Since coming to 
 Chicago his programs have been remarkable for their wide range of music 
 and the excellence of its rendition. Mr. Thomas is a natural director, ex- 
 acting in his requirements, yet of courteous, gracious manner, never imposing 
 upon others what he is unwilling to attempt himself. The music given by 
 this orchestra has been a great source of education to the Chicago public. 
 Liszt, Wagner, Brahm and others have thus become familiar, and through 
 various lectures, given as incidental to the work of the orchestra, the audiences 
 have come in a degree prepared to enjoy intelligently the programs prepared 
 for them. It seems now as if the dream long cherished will have realization, 
 and that this orchestra, with its distinguished leader, will have a home of their 
 own. 
 
 In the midst of many financial and other discouragements, Theodore 
 Thomas has stood immovable for all that is high and ennobling in music, and 
 he has gained the confidence not only of musical circles but the respect of the 
 community and the esteem of those who have been under his leadership. 
 
 The organization of the Spiering Quartette has given to Chicago a first-class 
 string quartette. Its success is eloquent of the musical taste of the present 
 Chicago, for these accomplished musicians play nothing but the highest class 
 of music, and their concerts are always attended by enthusiastic audiences. 
 
 As has been mentioned, various schools have been established during the 
 years. Among them may be named the Chicago College of Vocal and In- 
 strumental Music, Chicago Conservatory, Chicago Music College, Chicago 
 National College of Music, Balatka's College of Music, the Hershey Col- 
 lege of Musical Art, the American Conservatory, the Chicago Conservatory and 
 the Sherwood Music School, which this year (1904) does conservatory work. 
 We can only give a brief resume of the work done by the largest of those still in 
 existence. Some facts suggest themselves in this glance at the work done by 
 the leading musical schools of Chicago, for it will only be possible to write 
 fully of those longest established and most largely patronized. 
 
 The standard set before the youth of to-day is so very high that some 
 years ago its attainment would have seemed the impossible. In many a home 
 the daughter plays the piano, organ or violin with a skill that once would 
 have been found only among professionals. There must be a knowledge of 
 harmony, of the theory of music; the aim of every musical composer must 
 be understood to enable the player to give a correct interpretation, and not
 
 48 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 only a fine technique but an intelligent presentation must mark the pupil of 
 to-day. The same degree of progress is apparent in the teachers of the 
 present ; even those not connected with any institution or school feel the necces- 
 sity of the best preparation, and the normal department connected with most 
 of the larger institutions supplies their demand. Every possible incentive is 
 offered to pupils in every department to do their best work, and recognition 
 of their efforts is given in medals, diamonds, gold and silver, presented in ad- 
 dition to the usual diploma and certificate. The army of youth in Chicago 
 and through the State engaged in the earnest study of music on the highest 
 plane would, no doubt, surprise even those comparatively familiar with the 
 facts. The very best talent is engaged in teaching. Artists like Bernard 
 Ziehn, Carl Wolfsohn, Emil Liebling, Wm. H. Sherwood, Fannie Bloomfield 
 Zeissler and others, are teaching, and the result must necessarily be the accom- 
 plishment of much which not long ago seemed the impossible. They are 
 giving to the world some of its finest pianists, (Fannie Bloomfield Zeissler 
 herself having been a pupil of both Carl Wolfsohn and Bernard Ziehn), some 
 of its favorite singers, violinists and composers. We have already alluded to 
 the Chicago Music College as one of the oldest music schools in Illinois. For 
 facts connected with the history of this college we are indebted to Mr. 
 George P. Upton, for many years the musical critic of the Chicago Tribune. 
 The history in its entirety appears in the catalogue of the college, and is used 
 by the courtesy of Mr. Wm. K. Ziegfeld. The college was organized in 1867 
 by Dr. Florence Ziegfeld, who is still the President. Chicago was then a city 
 of two hundred thousand people, and the college has kept pace with the growth 
 of the great city, and is now a musical and educational center of a city of 
 more than two million inhabitants. Its first home was in the Crosby Opera 
 House, then the musical center of the city, and its beginning compared with 
 its present magnificent equipment was humble. From the Crosby Opera House 
 it moved to more commodious rooms at 253 Wabash Ave. Then came the 
 great fire, " when the daughters of music were brought low." It might seem 
 that music would be the last thing to receive attention at a time of such 
 disaster, but in a short time the college resumed its work, first at 800, later at 
 493 Wabash Ave., where they remained till Central Music Hall was erected. 
 In that building it seemed as if its accommodations were large enough to 
 satisfy any possible demands, and from those quarters thousands of graduates 
 went out, equipped with the musical culture and the gracious influences re- 
 ceived there. But their rooms proved too small to gratify the ambitious plans 
 of the founder for improved and additional facilities for their work, and
 
 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 49 
 
 to-day the home of this college is in their own building, on Michigan Boule- 
 vard, where they may boast the most elegant structure devoted exclusively 
 to musical purposes in the United States, if not in the world. The location 
 itself may be said to be artistic, for it stands facing the lake, almost opposite 
 the Art Institute, not far from the Public Library adjoining the Fine Arts 
 Building, that hive of music and art. The building is large and elegant, six 
 stories high, and no expense has been spared in so equipping every department 
 that all material requirements shall be met in the prosecution of their work. 
 During thirty-seven years this college has been a center of musical inspira- 
 tion, and has achieved more than can be estimated in figures. Dr. Florence 
 Ziegfeld is, and has always been, the President of the college, and every de- 
 partment receives the benefit of his advice and long experience. He is nobly 
 aided by his two sons, Carl and Win. K., the former as secretary and treas- 
 urer, the latter as manager, and their united efforts can only crown with greater 
 and still greater glory this Chicago's oldest college of music. The faculty 
 has many members of world-wide reputation as artists or as teachers, and 
 no teacher is selected without the utmost care. Proof of the results achieved 
 by this college may be gathered from the fact that several pupils from Berlin 
 and London are now studying at this school. Not only is instruction given 
 both vocal and instrumental on every instrument which can be named, but 
 there are also classes in harmony, counterpoint, canon, fugue, in composition 
 and ensemble playing, and so on through every line of study that can benefit 
 the most ardent pupil. In connection with the college there are schools of 
 opera, of acting ; instruction is given in fencing, stage or fancy dancing, and in 
 foreign languages. 
 
 Some of the most prominent citizens give each year diamond medals to 
 those competing for excellence in the various departments, and commencement 
 night at the Auditorium, when hundreds are graduated, is a marked event. 
 Concerts and recitals are given with frequency, thus aiding the pupil in self- 
 poise and confidence. This college has about two thousand pupils. 
 
 Dr. F. Ziegfeld has done much for musical growth in Ilinois. He was born 
 in Jever, in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, where his father had an official 
 station at the Royal Court. He began the study of music in his sixth year. 
 Among his instructors and, later, his friends were such masters as Mascheles, 
 Plaidy, Popperitz, Wenzel, Richter and David. 
 
 He was a friend of Liszt, Wagner and other musicians, and corresponded 
 with them for years. He keeps in close touch with musical affairs in the Old 
 World, and visits Europe at least once a year. He made the selection of the
 
 50 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 artists for the great Peace Jubilee in Boston, resulting in the coming to this 
 country of Abt, Strauss, Bendel, Peschka-Leutner and other contemporaneous 
 artists. He has been for nearly forty years a resident of America, and is a 
 prominent figure in its musical history. Not long since he was awarded the 
 gold medal and diploma of the Bellini Royal Society of Letters, Art and 
 Music, of Italy. His latest decoration is that of the Chevalier of the Legion 
 of Honor, of France, conferred by the French Government, sent him by the 
 President of France through the French Consul, of this city. So far as we 
 know, he is the only musician in America on whom this honor has been 
 conferred. But among all his decorations none is more prized than a diamond- 
 studded cross inscribed "To Dr. F. Ziegfeld, from the citizens of Chicago," 
 presented to him Feb. 23, 1891, on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the found- 
 ing of the college. Aside from his work in the college, Dr. Ziegfeld has been 
 prominent in public affairs, and was chairman of the jury of piano and organ 
 awards at the World's Columbian Exposition. He merits marked recognition 
 in the history of music in Illinois. 
 
 The Balatka Musical College is next, probably, in age to the Chicago Musi- 
 cal College. It was founded in 1879 by Hans Balatka, whose name it bears, 
 and a sketch of whose life may be found in another place in this volume. It 
 was called at first the Balatka Academy of Musical Art, but under his super- 
 vision its growth was constant and its work done on broader lines, and it be- 
 came a leading school. Like other schools established in the earlier years, 
 it has had many homes, having been located in the American Express Building, 
 Kimball Hall and the Isabella Building. For some years now it has had its 
 quarters in the Le Moyne Building, on Randolph St., near State St. While less 
 pretentious in some respects than many other schools, in point of musical in- 
 struction and desired result this school occupies an enviable place among the 
 music schools of Chicago. For twenty-one years Hans Balatka was the head 
 of this institution, and his artistic instincts and cultured mind were an in- 
 spiration to every department of the school. Many musical affairs conducted 
 by Mr. Balatka form part of the musical history of Chicago and America; 
 they gave him prominence before the public, and have enshrined his memory 
 in many hearts throughout the land. He was a busy man, an enthusiastic lover 
 of music, devoted to his profession. His death, April 24, 1899, after more 
 than fifty years' labor in the field of music, was a great loss to musical cir- 
 cles in Chicago, for he was a gifted artist and consecrated to the best advance- 
 ment of the work he loved. The end came suddenly, as the result of heart- 
 failure, so to the very close of his most useful life he was able to pursue his
 
 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 51 
 
 known as a courteous gentleman, of gentle presence, a most scholarly musician 
 and a composer of merit. He was very enthusiastic in his ambitions for the 
 conservatory, and its advancement was the source of greatest gratification to 
 him. Patiently for years he had borne the burden of failing health, and at 
 last, after a brief illness, the useful life came to a close while still his hand 
 was guiding the work he loved so well. 
 
 One more school deserves special mention, since it began its first year's 
 work as a conservatory this year. It is the Sherwood Music School. This 
 school was organized in 1897, and has had a most remarkable growth, having 
 now five hundred pupils. Its quarters are attractive and commodious in the 
 Fine Arts Building, which is perhaps the finest edifice in the world given up 
 entirely to music and the arts. The school suite is so arranged as to be avail- 
 able for smaller recitals, while in four halls, varying in size, in the building 
 larger recitals and concerts are held. The teachers are well fitted for their 
 respective duties, using the best methods and understanding American needs 
 and character. Mr. Wm. H. Sherwood, the director, has a world-wide reputa- 
 tion as a pianist of the very first rank, and has been a rarely successful teacher, 
 some of his pupils being recognized in the professional world both in Europe 
 and America. 
 
 Realizing how much advantage accrues from hearing the best artists, fre- 
 quent opportunity is given the pupils to hear the members of the faculty and 
 other artists. Among the faculty are such favorite soloists as Mr. Walter Spry, 
 Arthur Beresford, Mrs. Genevieve Clark Wilson, Adolph Eosenbecker and 
 Holmes Cowper, and this school is certainly doing excellent work for the youth 
 of the city and State. 
 
 There are very many smaller schools and newer schools scattered through 
 the city, doing work which would challenge comparison with that of any of the 
 larger conservatories, but it is impossible to review them at this time. 
 
 Among them may be mentioned Mrs. Regina Watson's school, the Bush Tem- 
 ple Conservatory, the Columbia School, the Tomasso Mandolin and Orchestra 
 School, and many others. Enough has been written to show that even in her 
 comparatively brief history Chicago has attained very much in the establish- 
 ment of the very best grade of music schools. 
 
 Recognition of the efforts of Maurice Grau in giving to the people of Chi- 
 cago season after season of grand opera should find a place in any history of its 
 musical life. He has given the city opportunity to hear the best artists in 
 their favorite roles, and has had a pride in having every presentation of opera 
 as far as possible above criticism. That he has succeeded in attaining his am-
 
 52 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 bitions in a marked degree is evidenced by the enthusiasm and numbers of the 
 audiences which have availed themselves of the opportunities thus offered. No 
 more honest expression of appreciation could be given. 
 
 While the grand opera has been presented at the Auditorium, Henry W. 
 Savage, at the Studebaker, has been providing entertainments which have 
 been a delight and an education to the public. He had two aims first, the 
 production of standard operas, both grand and light, in English and at popu- 
 lar prices, and, second, a plan of promotion which should encourage American 
 singers. In both of these experiments he has been remarkably successful. He 
 opened with the Castle Square Company, which soon became a favorite with 
 the public. The outgrowth of this was the Savage English Grand Opera Com- 
 pany, which plays annual engagements here with a repertoire of seventeen 
 operas. 
 
 Last year " La Tosca " was produced for the first time in English, this 
 year " Othello," and Mr. Savage expects next year to give " Parsifal " in 
 English with a company distinct from his grand opera company. His scheme 
 of promotion has proved a powerful incentive to earnest work, and almost 
 all his principals had their beginning in the chorus, and are great favorites 
 with the Chicago public. Between the regular seasons of grand opera he has 
 produced several light operas, " King Dodo," " Sultan of Sulu," " Peggy from 
 Paris " and " The Sho-Gun," being presented now. Of these " King Dodo" 
 and " Prince of Pilsen " are by Frank Pixley and Gustav Luders, and the 
 other three by George Ade, of Chicago, with the music of the " Sultan of 
 Sulu " by George G. Wathall, " Peggy from Paris " by Wm. Lorraine and the 
 " Sho-Gun " by Gustav Luders. They have all had long seasons, and Mr. 
 Savage has the unusual record of having brought out seven new musical at- 
 tractions without a failure. The orchestra of the theatre, led by John McGhie, 
 is well trained, so that the orchestration is an added pleasure to those at- 
 tending performances at the Studebaker. The house is home-like and at- 
 tractive, seating fifteen hundred and seventy-three. It is the largest producing 
 center for musical plays in the West, and has done much for the education, as 
 well as the entertainment, of the music-loving public of Chicago and Illinois. 
 
 That Chicago is the home of so many musicians of international reputa- 
 tion is indisputable evidence of their estimate of the work to be done here 
 and the possibilites of the future. We have already alluded to some of 
 them, as Theodore Thomas, Carl Wolfsohn, W. H. Sherwood, Emil Liebling 
 and others, but a few more deserve mention, although a oomplete list is quite 
 impossible.
 
 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 53 
 
 chosen work. After his death his son, Christian F. Balatka, succeeded to 
 the directorship. He had been associated for years in the affairs of the col- 
 lege as assistant director and head of the piano department, and had had the 
 advantage of the companionship of his illustrious father. He has with great 
 care and thought gathered about him a competent corps of instructors, many 
 of them soloists holding high rank in their profession. Some of the prominent 
 members of the Thomas' Orchestra are members of the faculty, and honest, com- 
 petent instruction on all orchestral instruments is assured. This college 
 quietly, but conscientiously, is doing good work, and its graduates obtain 
 recognition and endorsement in the best musical circles. 
 
 The American Conservatory of Music is an American institution, fully 
 equipped to teach the art of music in the most practical and scholarly way. 
 More and more, American parents are recognizing the fact that their children 
 can receive the best advantages in their own homes, and the American Con- 
 servatory is a home institution particularly designed to meet the requirements 
 of American musicians and appealing to our national spirit. The President 
 and faculty of this school are men and women of liberal culture and ad- 
 vanced ideas, in sympathy with American life and its demands and devoted 
 to their profession. 
 
 The American Conservatory was founded and incorporated in 1886, with 
 John J. Hattstaedt as its President, and endorsed by some of the most prom- 
 inent citizens of Chicago, well known for their liberality and devotion to music. 
 Its name was intended to be significant of its design, for it was organized espe- 
 cially to give to the American student the opportunity to receive a thorough 
 education along whatever line he may select. The faculty consists of be- 
 tween fifty and sixty teachers, carefully selected, many with a national reputa- 
 tion, and all with wide experience as educators. The success of this con- 
 servatory has bean assured from the beginning, and some musicians well known 
 in this part of the country have been graduated from this school. It was for 
 years a sort of belief that Chicago could not vie in any respect with New 
 York either in the magnitude or excellence of its musical enterprises, but the 
 time when that was true is long since past. The standard of musical attain- 
 ment is higher every year, and the student may have as many advantages in 
 Chicago as in any of the musical centers of the country. It is to the music col- 
 leges and conservatories that this remarkable condition is to be ascribed. No 
 less an authority than Wm. H. Sherwood has said that he believed Chicago 
 was destined to become the musical center of this country, and the work done 
 by the schools and colleges is hastening that possible time. The American
 
 54 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 Conservatory is centrally located in the Kimball Building, corner of Wabash 
 Ave. and Jackson Boulevard, and is very easy of access from all parts of the 
 city. In addition to the ordinary equipments of such a school, it has its own 
 lecture-room, with a fine two-manual organ and the use of its recital halls, 
 which are in the building. Emil Liebling, who is connected with the Normal 
 Department, not only gives lectures pertaining to the piano but the most val- 
 uable " conversations " before the students of the conservatory. It has been 
 said, " In catholicity of musical culture, practical experience and felicity of 
 expression Mr. Liebling is surpassed by no living American." Mr. Hatt- 
 staedt, Mr. Wiedig and others also give courses of lectures to the students. 
 With Wilhelm Middleschulte, Mad. Eagna Linne and others of like enviable 
 reputation members of its faculty, it is safe to predict for this comparatively 
 new conservatory a brilliant future. 
 
 The Chicago Conservatory was organized in 1884 for the purpose of giv- 
 ing opportunity for the highest class of instruction, and the standard estab- 
 lished then has been maintained during the years of its history. The large 
 faculty embraces some of the ablest instructors and most scholarly artists to be 
 found in this country or Europe. The work of the conservatory has been such 
 as to win the confidence of the public and the musical world to such a degree 
 that it is easily recognized as one of the leading institutions of the kind in 
 America. The school averages about fifteen hundred pupils in actual attend- 
 ance, the number enrolled being somewhat larger. It is fortunate in having 
 its home in the Auditorium Building, one of the famous buildings of the 
 world. It is within easy reach of the Art Institute, Public and Crerar Libra- 
 ries, and convenient to all the leading theatres and opera houses. Opportunity 
 for the pupils to make public appearances is afforded by the beautiful Audi- 
 torium Lyceum Theatre, of which they have the use. Every branch of music 
 receives the most careful attention, and, as many of the rooms were planned 
 especially for the conservatory, many advantages accrue which would be impos- 
 sible in an ordinary structure. The Hinshaw Schools of Opera and Drama, 
 which are a part of this conservatory, afford the best instruction for those desir- 
 ing to lead a professional life. Quite an unusual feature in such a school is a 
 fine arts department,, where oil painting, water-color, china painting, etc., are 
 taught. There is also a department for the teaching of foreign languages, and 
 physical culture receives special attention. Particular thought is bestowed 
 upon the little ones, and children's music forms no unimportant part of their 
 curriculum. The conservatory has sustained a great loss during the year 1903 
 in the death of its director, Frederic Grant Gleason. Mr. Gleason was well
 
 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 55 
 
 To Mrs. Caroline Scott, a gentle woman of musical attainments, belongs 
 the honor of compiling the first anthem book ever published in Illinois and of 
 doing much musical work in the earlier years. 
 
 A master better known in Europe than America is Bernard Ziehn. To 
 him Von Bulow advised the musicians of Europe to go for instruction, call- 
 ing him " the greatest theorist of music in the world, whose judgment was be- 
 yond question." The critics of Germany said of his book on harmony that it 
 was " the work of a genius that can be recommended to any master and dis- 
 ciple, teacher and pupil." One cannot be in his presence without recognizing 
 the fact that he is a master worthy of mention with those we are taught to 
 revere. He is exceedingly retiring in disposition, but his success has been such 
 that some of the great artists of this country feel pride in naming him as their 
 instructor. 
 
 W. S. B. Mathews must be recognized as a prominent figure in the 
 musical history of Illinois. It has been said of him that no other man has 
 been so successfully and extensively a teacher through the medium of the 
 printing-press. His text-books for both advanced and elementary pupils have 
 obtained recognition throughout the country as standards, and are in general 
 use. Besides these text-books he is the author of various books on the his- 
 tory of music and kindred subjects valuable to the general student. He has 
 been one of Chicago's leading pianists and organists, and for years was as- 
 sociated with various daily papers in Chicago as their music critic. 
 
 Clarence Eddy, of wide reputation, was at one time Chicago's favorite or- 
 ganist, and has had a moulding influence on the musical life of Chicago 
 and, it might be said, of the West. He is a scholarly musician, a successful 
 teacher, and an accomplished artist, and some of his pupils have attained 
 most enviable reputation. 
 
 Ledochowski, a pianist and teacher, whose playing may be said to be 
 that of a virtuoso, and who studied under one of Chopin's pupils, has identified 
 himself with Chicago and become part of its musical history. 
 
 Hundreds" of cultivated teachers are doing most artistic work in their 
 various studios, who rarely receive the public recognition they deserve save 
 as the world may learn of them through the success of their pupils. Scores of 
 notable men and women have lent the value of their influence to the de- 
 velopment of the musical life in Chicago and Illinois, but it is impossible even 
 to name all those who most deserve such distinction. 
 
 So far we have written only of the history of music in Chicago, and to a 
 degree it is also the history of music in Illinois, they are so interdependent, but
 
 56 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 mention should be made of some of the more prominent of the many flourish- 
 ing schools throughout the State. 
 
 For this wonderful progress, of which the foregoing is but a suggestion, 
 has not been confined to Chicago, but in every city, town and village under the 
 inspiration of the love of what is artistic and beautiful, -men and women are, 
 through individual and concerted effort, seeking for the uplift of the com- 
 munity in which they live. They are striving also to bring into their own 
 lives the refining and elevating influences of the best productions of musical art. 
 
 In Alton, Miss Katherine V. Dickinson has been identified for several 
 years with " music-education " in connection with Shurtleff College, and a list 
 of her pupils and graduates will show that many of them are holding responsi- 
 ble positions as singers and teachers in churches, conservatories and schools. 
 The Alton Conservatory, with Ruth C. Mills as director, takes rank among the 
 first schools in the State, as do the music schools in Jacksonville, Aurora, 
 Knoxville, Springfield, Joliet, Galesburg, Quincy, Freeport, and many others 
 of equal excellence scattered through the State. 
 
 The Moline Conservatory of Music, founded in 1902, by Mrs. Ella Carter 
 Bryant, enrolled more than one hundred pupils the first year, and its subse- 
 quent growth has been amazing. This conservatory has the advantage of the 
 co-operation of Emil Liebling. The school in Sycamore has as a member of its 
 faculty George J. Lewis, who has a studio in the Auditorium, in Chicago, and 
 is an artist as well as a successful and popular teacher. 
 
 Rockford has possibly the reputation of being as musical as any city in 
 Illinois, if not the most musical. Its Mendelssohn Society, composed of 
 ladies organized for the study and rendering of the best music, has be- 
 come well known in the musical circles throughout the State as doing the 
 most unusual work. Mrs. Chandler Starr, for many years the President of this 
 club, and its accompanist, is not only a fine pianist and organist but a 
 woman of superior musical scholarship, of devoted love for music and great 
 executive ability. She is well known outside of Rockford, having been accom- 
 panist at presentations of the Persian Garden and miscellaneous programs in 
 other cities. She has also received honors for her musical work in large and 
 important gatherings. Twice a year the Mendelssohn Society gives to Rock- 
 ford a program by the best artists procurable, and twice a year concerts which 
 shall show the public who are deeply interested in their work what they have 
 accomplished during the season. Of comparatively recent organization is a 
 chorus of young ladies identified with this club who are under the direction 
 of Harrison M. Wild. He goes to them every week and feels great pride in
 
 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 57 
 
 their work. He feels that it will soon bear comparison with that of the Men- 
 delssohn Club of Chicago, a very great compliment from this conductor, whose 
 requirements are of the highest order. 
 
 Choral societies and various singing clubs in different cities attest to the 
 desire for musical advancement all over the State, and cheap transportation 
 and commutation rates make it possible for those near Chicago to avail them- 
 selves of its concerts, operas and other musical advantages. 
 
 The Elgin Choral Society gave the " Messiah " this season with great suc- 
 cess, and similar societies elsewhere do as excellent work. Sacred music has 
 not been neglected in the years during which the musical history of Illinois 
 has been made. In no city, excepting possibly New York, will fine music be 
 found in so large a proportion of the churches as in Chicago, while through- 
 out the State the traveler is impressed with the excellent choirs, quartettes or 
 choruses which are the rule in the churches. Sacred concerts and organ 
 recitals of the highest order are given on Sabbath afternoons, so that oppor- 
 tunity is afforded to all who desire to embrace it to hear the choicest sacred 
 music rendered in the most artistic and impressive way. 
 
 Chicago and Illinois have furnished more than would have been expected 
 in the way of composers. Dr. Geo. F. Boot, Reginald de Koven, Max Hein- 
 rich, Emil Liebling, F. G. Gleason, Mrs. Jessie L. Gaynor, Eleanor L. Smith, 
 Carrie Jacobs Bond, and many others have made reputations for the excel- 
 lence of their compositions which are used everywhere. 
 
 Not without many struggles and much self-sacrifice have the results of 
 the present been attained. Pioneer life of any sort is only poetic in the 
 retrospect, and pioneer effort in the musical development of any State is 
 like all other pioneer work ; it means the brave facing of obstacles which seem 
 insurmountable and the overcoming of ignorance and prejudice, the introduc- 
 tion of new ideas, the expenditure of individual monies, and a vast deal of 
 labor for which no remuneration is received or expected. The work that has 
 been done so well in the past is being prosecuted in the present under different 
 conditions and from a higher vantage ground, but it is still the work of uplift 
 and education. Chicago to-day is the musical center of a vast territory, her 
 schools and colleges receiving pupils from the coast to the sound, and from all 
 over the States which have more recently sprung into existence. Of those who 
 laid the foundations many have passed to the great beyond, but others re- 
 main to rejoice in the results of small beginnings, to feel a pride in the wealth 
 of musical resources in Chicago and Illinois. 
 
 The men and women whose faces and lives find place in this volume have
 
 58 THE HISTORY OF MUSIC IN ILLINOIS. 
 
 been an important part of the history of the years reviewed. Their wealth 
 has made possible large undertakings, their influence has been for the greatest 
 progress in the beautiful world of music and art, or their labors have been for 
 the development in others of the gifts which have made them famous. As in 
 the past, so in the future we may hope for the best in the musical life of 
 Illinois, and hope confidently, believing that realization, not disappointment, 
 will be the history of the years yet to come.
 
 Mutant Maineg Carper.
 
 Militant Haineg J|arper. 
 
 William Rainey Harper, President of the University of 
 Chicago, was born in New Concord, Muskingum county, Ohio, 
 July 26, 1856, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Rainey) Harper. 
 His education was begun in the United Presbyterian College, 
 of his native village, in which the course of study covered six 
 years, two being given to preparatory work, four to college 
 studies proper. When eight years of age he entered the Pre- 
 paratory Department, and, in 1870, when fourteen years of 
 age, he graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. As 
 the college was largely a school of preparation for those who 
 intended to enter the ministry of the United Presbyterian 
 Church, the study of the Bible in Hebrew, as well as in Eng- 
 lish, was a prominent feature in the work. The proficiency of 
 the youthful student in this language was such that when he 
 graduated he delivered his oration in Hebrew, an incident 
 which, probably, had more to do with the shaping of his life 
 than, at the time, he or his friends imagined. 
 
 After three years spent at home pursuing favorite stud- 
 ies, in 1873 he went to Yale University, where he became the 
 earnest student of philology, under Prof. William Dwight 
 Whitney. His completion of this period of study was marked 
 by the conferring upon him of the degree of Doctor of Phil- 
 osophy, in 1875, when he was nineteen years old. Soon after 
 
 61
 
 02 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 this he married Miss Ellen Paul, daughter of Dr. David Paul, 
 then President of Muskinguni College. In the fall of 1875, 
 he became principal of the Masonic College, in Macon, Tenn. 
 From this position he went to Granville, Ohio, to become a 
 tutor in the preparatory department of Denison University. 
 Here he at once attracted attention by his enthusiastic devo- 
 tion to his work. He proved himself an excellent drillmaster, 
 enlisting the interest of his students to a marked degree and 
 arousing their ambitions so as to secure great results in the 
 quantity and thoroughness of the w r ork accomplished. 
 
 The zeal displayed by him, and its attendant enthusiasm 
 among the students, led to his selection as principal of what 
 soon became Granville Academy. The President of the Uni- 
 versity was Dr. E. B. Andrews, and these two progressive 
 teachers worked together in great harmony and secured from 
 their students remarkable results. 
 
 While in Granville, Dr. Harper united with the Baptist 
 Church, and after three years of successful teaching, on the 
 recommendation of Prof. Andrews, he became Professor of 
 Hebrew and Cognate Languages in the Baptist Union Theo- 
 logical Seminary, at Morgan Park, 111. At this time two 
 thoughts seemed to dominate him, one the belief in the value 
 of the inductive method in teaching languages, the other the 
 desire to awaken fresh interest in the study of Hebrew. These 
 ambitions led to the joint authorship of a series of Latin, Greek 
 and English text-books on the inductive plan, and to the pub- 
 lication of a series of text-books in Hebrew, the organiza- 
 tion of Hebrew correspondence and summer schools and the 
 publication of a periodical called the Hebrew Student. 
 
 The work of promulgating was carried on, not alone
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 63 
 
 through the correspondence schools, the summer schools and 
 the Hebrew Student, but also by means of Bible lectures deliv- 
 ered in various places, which made Dr. Harper's name fa- 
 miliar to all those interested in Bible study. Large sums of 
 money were required for the circulation of literature con- 
 nected with the work, and they were often secured by him, at 
 great personal sacrifice. One result of his work was the or- 
 ganization of the American Institute of Hebrew, which was 
 succeeded by the American Institute of Sacred Literature. 
 
 In 1875, he became Principal of the Chautauqua College 
 of Liberal Arts, and six years later of the Chautauqua System, 
 which position he held till 1898. In 1886, he became Profes- 
 sor of Semitic languages in Yale University. Here he aroused 
 great enthusiasm among his students, and, by means of lectures 
 in New Haven, New York, Boston, Chicago and other cities, 
 and at Vassar,Wellesley and other colleges, created widespread 
 interest in Bible study. In 1889, he had the great honor of 
 being elected by the authorities of Yale to the Woolsey Pro- 
 fessorship of Biblical Literature, thus holding two full pro- 
 fessorships in the institution at the same time. 
 
 In 1891, he was elected to his present position as Presi- 
 dent of the University of Chicago, and it is interesting to note 
 how his previous experiences influenced him to the organiza- 
 tion of a new university on a broad basis. One feature of this 
 work which has attracted widespread attention is the Uni- 
 versity Extension Division, whose threefold plan of instruc- 
 tion by means of lecture studies, correspondence studies and 
 class studies in the afternoons and evenings was only the de- 
 veloping of plans previously tried by him. 
 
 In like manner the Hebrew Student, which differentiated
 
 G4 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 iself into the Hebraic and the Old Testament Student, may 
 have suggested the publication in connection with the Univer- 
 sity of a series of journals devoted to special departments, 
 and designed to furnish contributions to these several 
 branches of study. 
 
 While perhaps it may be too early to consider the in- 
 fluence of President Harper in connection with the University 
 of Chicago, it must be apparent that he stands as one of the 
 foremost educators of the century. We must take into ac- 
 count his widespread influence in the University, in the many- 
 sided Chautauqua work, in the public school work of the city 
 of Chicago, in the editorial work connected with some of the 
 University publications, in his frequent public lectures in 
 various parts of the country, and in the suggestion and ad- 
 vice which he is constantly asked to give to those who, like 
 himself, are struggling with the great problems which con- 
 front the educators of to-day.
 
 ffii*. 'flatter Calmer.
 
 MRS. POTTER PALMER.
 
 Mrs. Potter Palmer is a representative woman of Amer- 
 ica as well as of Chicago and Illinois. 
 
 Twice, the distinction of her birth, social position and re- 
 markable ability have won for her the highest honors among 
 women of the world. 
 
 When Congress, in 1891, created a Board of Women Man- 
 agers for the World's Columbian Commission, Mrs. Palmer 
 was unanimously chosen President. This unprecedented step 
 towards the advancement of women in art, literature, science 
 and the industries found an invincible and wise leader in their 
 President, whose report upon the work accomplished by this 
 Board is a marvelous history. 
 
 The responsibilities of such an office, unique and untried, 
 demanded an intelligent, comprehensive knowledge of the 
 mental, moral, social and physical well-being of women, as 
 well as the customs and laws that affect their lives from every 
 standpoint. 
 
 Mrs. Palmer's record as President of this Board has 
 made history for all time, so vital and masterly was her grasp 
 of this epoch-making period. 
 
 Three times did her personal influence with the powers 
 that be in Washington and in Springfield, the State capital 
 
 of Illinois, gain concessions so gratifying to all that the whole 
 
 67
 
 68 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Columbian Commission presented Mrs. Palmer with a reso- 
 lution of thanks for her brilliant success. 
 
 Several visits to foreign nations, personal interviews with 
 royalty and the leading minds of different governments, 
 brought instant recognition which worked colossal reforms 
 in the advancement of women, and placed Mrs. Palmer's name 
 as the foremost among women for all time. 
 
 Through her untiring efforts, skilled labor, so long hid- 
 den behind capital, found " honorable mention " in the 
 awards to both men and women during the Exposition. Those 
 who had the privilege of being present at the meetings of this 
 great body of women, representing the minds and ideas of the 
 great nations of the world, will never forget those occasions. 
 
 They will recall with pride the infinite tact, marvelous 
 memory for names and faces, the perfect poise and great per- 
 sonal beauty, as well as the wisdom and diplomacy of this 
 highest type of an American woman. 
 
 Force and integrity have been shown in every act, both 
 public and private, of a life which has borne the fiercest light 
 of public scrutiny. 
 
 When Mrs. Palmer's name headed the list of eighteen 
 commissioners whom President McKinley appointed and 
 whom Congress confirmed to represent America at the Paris 
 Exposition of 1900, it was an official recognition of Mrs. Pal- 
 mer as the foremost woman in America. It was a notable 
 fact that her's was the only woman's name among the na- 
 tional commissioners. 
 
 Bertha Honore, of most distinguished ancestry, was born 
 in Louisville, Ky., but came so early in life to Chicago that 
 Illinois claims her as her own. Here she married Mr. Pot-
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 69' 
 
 ter Palmer, now deceased. He was a retired merchant, whose 
 sterling public and private character was most brilliantly 
 proven. He stood one of the prominent men of America for 
 brains and an ability which gained for him a second colossal 
 fortune, after the great fire swept away a princely income in 
 a few hours. 
 
 Both Mr. and Mrs. Palmer's civic pride was shown in 
 their encouraging their sons to enter a public life in their na- 
 tive city. 
 
 In their superb home, with rarest tact, Mrs. Palmer 
 has given to talent opportunity to come in touch with appre- 
 ciative audiences, opening her beautiful rooms for musicales 
 which have marked epochs in the history of music in Chi- 
 cago. The art gallery in this home holds one of the finest 
 private collections of pictures in the land. Near by are price- 
 less specimens of jade, ivory and crystals, the result of years 
 of study and research for the beautiful in art. 
 
 Socially, Mrs. Palmer reigns supreme. Charming in dis- 
 position, loyal to those dear to her, sympathetic and ready 
 with words of encouragement and cheer, wealth, political and 
 social distinction have failed to change this womanly woman, 
 and she is devoted to the friends of long ago, effacing every 
 thought of comparative position and opportunity. Personal 
 aggrandizement seems ever to be the thought most remote in 
 all her plans, which are made on a scale which indicates the 
 largeness of her views and the manner in which she grasps not 
 so much individual as world-wide demands. 
 
 The history of music, art and literature, not only of Illi- 
 nois but of America, will place Mrs. Palmer's name at the head 
 of those brave, notable women it was her proud privilege to
 
 70 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 lead in one of the most momentous times in the world's his- 
 tory, which future generations must and will forever honor. 
 
 To be in Chicago and keep herself free from the myriad 
 claims made by society, art, charity and a thousand demands 
 made upon her time and attention, seemed the impossible. 
 Quiet and rest from all importunity seemed imperative, and 
 since Mr. Palmer's death Mrs. Palmer has spent most of her 
 time in Europe, where she has been a most highly honored 
 guest in every place she has visited. She has been so many 
 times abroad that she is thoroughly at home in the principal 
 cities of the old world, and is so accomplished a linguist that 
 she enjoys conversation with the most cultured people of 
 every land. 
 
 Like many another who has risen to greatness, she seemed 
 born for a time of special need, and early began a career of 
 usefulness, waiting opportunity. Most truly has it been said : 
 
 " For a web begun the gods find
 
 RESUME OF MRS. POTTER PALMER'S REPORT. 71 
 
 A RESUME OF MRS. POTTER PALMER'S REPORT 
 TO CONGRESS, AS PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD 
 OF LADY HANAGERS OF THE WORLD'S CO- 
 LUMBIAN EXPOSITION. 
 
 In the important Congressional enactment authorizing 
 and providing for the administration of the Columbian Expo- 
 sition, the provision creating a Board of Women, and assign- 
 ing to the same unwonted duties, glides so quietly and un- 
 obtrusively into place that no warning is given of the momen- 
 tous innovation it inaugurates. 
 
 On re-reading the words, however, they arrest attention. 
 Becoming conscious of their unusual import, one tries to dis- 
 cern the intention lying behind them, the altered attitude of 
 the Government which they indicate and the changes which 
 they forecast. 
 
 The silence of centuries regarding women is broken by 
 this unprecedented utterance of the Congress of the United 
 States. 
 
 It would seem to furnish conclusive proof of quickening 
 perceptions on the part of the Government ; to give evidence 
 of its discovery that there exists a large and responsible class 
 of citizens, heretofore excluded from participation in national 
 affairs, which may on occasions be profitably called into ser- 
 vice. In thus decreeing official administrative participation 
 for women, and in specifically stipulating that they appoint 
 jurors to judge the handiwork of their sex, Congress has in ef-
 
 72 RESUME OF MRS. POTTER PALMER'S REPORT. 
 
 feet accorded to women the right of direct representation as 
 well as the further right to be judged by a jury of their peers. 
 
 These vital admissions once having, been formulated by 
 the Government, and action upon them having been put into 
 successful, even though temporary, operation, their underly- 
 ing truths may be regarded as accepted ; a striking precedent 
 has been created and placed upon record which will facili- 
 tate their further application and their liberal extension into 
 broader fields of equity. 
 
 In studying the phraseology of the act, it is noted that the 
 unaccustomed privileges embraced not only work produced 
 wholly by women, but embraced exhibits produced in part by 
 women. 
 
 This signal from the Government, which indicated a faint 
 recognition of the anomalous and unnatural position into 
 which industrial women have been forced, together with fresh- 
 ly awakened desire to be just and helpful to her, elicited a 
 wonderful response from women all over the world. It was a 
 response which revealed the existence of an entirely new 
 and, hitherto, unappreciated altruistic force in every commun- 
 ity. As a result of its efforts, the Board of Lady Managers 
 of the World's Columbian Exposition found itself at the head 
 of the most remarkable and powerful international organiza- 
 tion of women that the world has ever called into being, and 
 acting under high sanctions that have never before been ac- 
 corded them. 
 
 The Woman's Board created by the Government of the 
 United States had co-operating with it thirty royal and im- 
 perial women commissions, formed at its request by the 
 Governments of Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Cape Colony, Cey-
 
 RESUME OF MRS. POTTER PALMER'S REPORT. 73 
 
 Ion, Cuba, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, Guate- 
 mala, Holland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New South Wales, Nor- 
 way, Sweden, Russia, Siam, Spain, and thirty-two State 
 boards of American women, authorized and maintained by the 
 Legislatures of the various States. 
 
 Behind this official phalanx stood unnumbered hosts of 
 women laboring in various industries, more or less organized 
 in various groups and associations. There were from thirty 
 foreign countries two thousand four hundred and two volun- 
 tary organizations, having a membership of one million two 
 hundred and twenty-eight thousand three hundred and three, 
 expending annually $4,103,400, and from forty-six of our own 
 States and Territories, three thousand three hundred and sev- 
 enty-seven organizations of American women, with a member- 
 ship of three million four hundred and eighty-one thousand 
 seven hundred and thirty-one, expending annually $11,889,- 
 938.40, all endeavoring to promote the ethical end of civiliza- 
 tion. These unofficial organizations, only a part of the great 
 total that existed, knew little or nothing of each other, having 
 formed themselves in every part of the world, in obedience to 
 a spontaneous impulse, to accomplish ends manifestly desir- 
 able, and were themselves astonished at the showing they 
 made. 
 
 The Woman's Building was the first completed. Their 
 dormitory was the largest ever built by women for women, 
 and was entirely managed by them, and, although many hotels 
 failed, their restaurant closed with a surplus in its treasury. 
 Twelve hundred guests were housed daily, twelve thousand 
 two hundred and ten women found a home there, and no sick- 
 ness nor death occurred there. The invention or re-discovery
 
 74 RESUME OF MRS. POTTER PALMER'S REPORT. 
 
 of the process of underglaze, by Miss Louise M. MacLaugh- 
 lin, of Cincinnati, through the efforts of this Board, of Man- 
 agers, obtained recognition, as well as the re-discovery of ap- 
 plying gold upon porcelain (Japan art), by Miss A. Healy, of 
 Washington. 
 
 These may be reckoned among the most important artistic 
 events in American history. 
 
 Space forbids more than a glance at the important 
 things accomplished by the united efforts of this wonderful 
 band of women, at this time. 
 
 Even more important than the discovery by Columbus, 
 which we were gathered together to celebrate, is the fact that 
 the general Government has just discovered woman. Having 
 revealed themselves in response to a call from the Govern- 
 ment, and having done their utmost to forward its intentions 
 while organized under its sanction, this great army of women 
 stands waiting a second message of helpful import. 
 
 May they not reasonably hope for such a call ?
 
 cje jttort inter Pullman*
 
 jftortimer Pullman. 
 
 In Brockton, Chautauqua County, N. Y., lived James 
 Lewis Pullman, of whom George Mortimer Pullman, born 
 March 3, 1831, was the third son. The father was a house- 
 builder, a thoughtful, reserved man, who had invented some 
 labor-saving appliances, although, like many another in- 
 ventor, he did not reap much financial benefit from them. The 
 mother was the daughter of James Minton, of Auburn, N. Y., 
 a noble woman, serene, cheerful, loving and brave. Of her it 
 has been said: 
 
 She met hosts of sorrow with a look 
 That altered not beneath the frown it wore." 
 
 The family consisted of eight children, six sons and two 
 daughters, whose lives are full of interest and crowned with 
 success. Ambitious for their children, the parents did all 
 possible to aid them in the best self-development, expending 
 more in this way than many, in their circumstances, would 
 have thought they could. George had all the educational ad- 
 vantages available. He was persistent and teachable, practi- 
 cal rather than brilliant. At the age of fourteen he, at least 
 partly, supported himself working as clerk, for which he re- 
 ceived forty dollars a year. A year later he was employed in 
 his brother's cabinet shop, in Albion, N. Y. Who can say but 
 that humble beginning indirectly led to the great results he
 
 78 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 achieved? for in the Pullman car we find the very acme of 
 devices for indoor comfort. In 1853, his father died, not hav- 
 ing been able to hoard any resources for the loved ones he was 
 leaving. As the oldest unmarried son, he assumed the sup- 
 port of his mother and the younger children, who needed care, 
 and most cheerfully he carried this burden. His mother lived 
 till 1892, and for the forty years of her widowed life he was 
 her support and stay. 
 
 With increased responsibilites came the necessity for in- 
 creased resources, and he began the business of house-raising 
 on the banks of the Erie Canal. A few years later he was en- 
 gaged in the same business in Chicago, having maintained the 
 family and accumulated six thousand dollars as the beginning 
 of a fortune. Some of the largest building jobs ever at- 
 tempted, not only in Chicago but in the world, were attempted 
 and successfully accomplished by him, and their record fur- 
 nishes most interesting history. 
 
 But the great achievement which made him famous was 
 the invention of the sleeping-car system. For three years 
 he was in Colorado, attracted by the wonderful gold dis- 
 coveries made at that time. As he traveled he was greatly 
 impressed with the discomforts of journeying at night. Cars 
 were then being introduced which were an attempt at furnish- 
 ing a better place to rest than had been known heretofore. 
 The berths were, however, little more than shelves, and in the 
 narrow cars poor ventilation and crowded quarters were in- 
 evitable. As he often told the story, one night, while making 
 a most comfortless trip, great possibilities dawned upon him. 
 After his earnest solicitation, the Chicago and Alton R. R. 
 gave him two old passenger cars to experiment on and an old
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 79 
 
 shed to work in, and there he spent his time and his own money 
 till the first pair of " sleepers " was put on the night train 
 between Chicago and St. Louis. These were fairly satisfac- 
 tory to those who used them, but did not realize the anticipa- 
 tions of their builder. Lured still by hopes of gold, he re- 
 turned to Colorado, but the thought of a possible sleeping-car 
 was ever present, and, returning, he went again to the Chi- 
 cago and Alton R. R., who gave him the opportunity to again 
 try, which was all he asked or needed. After a year's time 
 and the expenditure of eighteen thousand dollars he had built 
 a traveling palace. He named it the " Pioneer," and to-day 
 it is carefully preserved at Pullman, an interesting and valued 
 memento of the perseverance and the genius of the man whose 
 reputation this invention made world-wide. This car was part 
 of the funeral train when the remains of the martyred Lin- 
 coln were brought back to the State which had so proudly 
 given him to the nation. From this time there was no ques- 
 tion as to the demand for their general use, and to-day they 
 are everywhere, a comfort to the traveler, a perpetual monu- 
 ment to George M. Pullman. 
 
 Mr. Pullman's name is connected w r ith many gigantic en- 
 terprises, such as the New York Elevated Railway, the Nica- 
 ragua trans-isthmian canal, and others. 
 
 The great industrial experiment at Pullman a prosper- 
 ous manufacturing town, full of the spirit of enterprise and 
 content was regarded first with curiosity, almost distrust, 
 but later with admiration by those who from the beginning 
 watched its development and success. 
 
 Outside of his business life, Mr. Pullman was a patron of 
 art, a lover of books, enjoying with zest the best social life.
 
 
 80 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 After the great fire of 1871, at the solicitation of the 
 Mayor, he became the trustee of the world's money, which 
 poured in by millions, giving not only his own valuable time, 
 but himself paying the salary of the cashier. It was said 
 afterwards that no fund was ever more sacredly handled, not 
 a dollar being diverted from its original purpose. 
 
 In 1867, he married Miss Hattie A. Sanger, daughter of 
 an honored citizen of Chicago, and their family consisted of 
 two daughters and two sons, who were twins. 
 
 His death was a great loss, not only to those who loved 
 him but to the financial world, for his integrity was prover- 
 bial, as was his shrewdness and his ability to manipulate great 
 enterprises.
 
 ift* {tollman.
 
 s. Ceorge ffi. DuUmatt. 
 
 Mrs. George M. Pullman bears a name of international 
 importance, one which royalty has honored. Harriet Sanger 
 Pullman was born in Chicago, and is a descendant of Sir Rich- 
 ard Sanger, of England. Her grandfather, David Sanger, 
 and her father, James Y. Sanger, were fine types of Amer- 
 ican men. Her father was famous for projecting ways of 
 transportation. The first railroad from Sacramento to Marys- 
 ville, Cal., the Illinois canal and the Ohio and Mississippi 
 Railroad are monuments to his energy. It seemed only poetic 
 justice that Mrs. Pullman, with such ancestry, should share in 
 the decoration and title of nobility conferred upon her illus- 
 trious husband, George M. Pullman, by King Humbert of 
 Italy, who regarded him as a benefactor of the human race. 
 His marvelous inventions have revolutionized the entire sys- 
 tem of travel. An audience from Queen Margarete was ex- 
 pressive of her appreciation. Mrs. Pullman's private car 
 furnished transportation for Eulalie during her visit to 
 America. Mrs. Pullman is a great traveler, and generally 
 shares this pleasure with her friends. While in Mexico she 
 was entertained by President Diaz: and his wife. 
 
 Shortly after their marriage, in 1867, Mr. and Mrs. Pull- 
 man built their present Chicago home. They spent their 
 
 summers on Pullman Island, in the St. Lawrence, in their love- 
 
 83
 
 84 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 ly home at Long Branch, N. J., or in foreign travel. In their 
 elegant Chicago home many distinguished guests have been 
 made welcome, among them Prince Leopold, Queen Vic- 
 toria's son. In return for this courtesy Mr. and Mrs. Pull- 
 man were entertained both at Buckingham Palace and Staf- 
 ford House during the life of the first duchess. Gen. Grant 
 and family, Gen. Sheridan and other army people formed a 
 house party given by Mr. and Mrs. Pullman on their island 
 in the St. Lawrence. Pullman, that city of miracles, lying 
 on the banks of the Calumet, was the scene of a most unique 
 entertainment, characteristic of the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Pullman, nearly one thousand guests being entertained at din- 
 ner. In their Chicago home, filled with all that wealth and 
 taste can suggest, art and artists have been welcome. Near 
 this house stands a statue presented to Chicago by Mr. and 
 Mrs. Pullman, commemorating the massacre of Fort Dear- 
 born. While Mrs. Pullman was one of Chicago's acknowl- 
 edged belles, she never courted social notoriety, but her gen- 
 erous patronage of all art is well known. Her intense love of 
 music and art has filled her home with means of gratifying her 
 taste. A magnificent pipe-organ, fine piano, old tapestries, 
 ivory carvings and paintings, create an atmosphere in which 
 artists delight to revel. To Mr. and Mrs. Pullman were born 
 two daughters and two sons. Mrs. Pullman's character is 
 best revealed in her devotion to her husband, children and 
 mother, and in the love with which she is regarded by those 
 who have been in her service many years.
 
 iilrs. iftarsfiall JFteUr,
 
 , fftarsfjall JTtdtr, 
 
 To make a home radiant with happiness, to so direct her 
 children that they shall be equipped for life's experiences, 
 to keep herself in touch with what is loveliest in music and 
 art, and be an inspiration to those she loves best, are some of 
 the purposes which are moulding the life of Mrs. Marshall 
 Field, Jr. 
 
 Mrs. Field, whose maiden name was Albertina Huck, was 
 born in Chicago, in 1873. Her mother, Clara (Kenkel) 
 Huck, was of German descent, a fact in which Mrs. Field has 
 the most loving pride. Mrs. Huck is remembered by many in 
 this city for her beauty and versatility of talent. Practical, 
 a model housekeeper and devoted mother, she was gifted with 
 a lovely voice, and sang with exquisite charm. Her life, of 
 which the memory is tenderly cherished, closed when her 
 daughter Albertina was fourteen years of age, but she has 
 still lived in the hearts of her children, an ideal to be attained. 
 From her mother Mrs. Field inherits both the practical and 
 the artistic thought of life. In her home she is conversant 
 as to every detail, not in a superficial way, but intelligently, 
 because under her mother's supervision she was taught to do 
 each task herself. After her mother's death she was edu- 
 cated abroad, and it was on the steamer, when en route to de- 
 vote herself to the study of art, that she met Mr. Marshall
 
 88 BIOGEAPHWAL SKETCH. 
 
 Field, Jr. As many another time, Cupid laughed at the plans 
 of the girlish student, and (1890) she was married to Mr. 
 Field. Since her marriage she has lived much of the time 
 abroad, although she has repeatedly returned to this country. 
 She has three children, two sons, the older ten years of age, 
 and a little daughter still in her babyhood. 
 
 To these children and her home she is giving the best 
 hours of her life; in them she finds her greatest happiness, 
 and for them she cherishes her highest ambitions. Social 
 duties necessarily claim her attention, but it is not Mrs. 
 Field's ambition to be in any degree a leader of society. She 
 devotes some time to music, which she studied under Mad. 
 Marches! in Paris. 
 
 She is very fond of both painting and drawing, in which 
 she received excellent instruction in Dresden. She is par- 
 ticularly interested in portrait and miniature work, and is 
 about to resume her studies in this direction. Mrs. Field's 
 two sisters are both married and live abroad; one, Baroness 
 Kunowski, lives in Germany, the other, Marquesi Spinola, in 
 Italy. Her only brother is living in the West. 
 
 Mrs. Field is a great favorite in Chicago society, which 
 would gladly accord her a prominence which she does not de- 
 sire. She is a beautiful woman, yet apparently unconscious 
 of her charms ; a womanly woman, gracious in her hospitality, 
 devoted to the claims of home, feeling that the noblest crown 
 a woman can wear is that of a consecrated wif ehood and moth- 
 erhood.
 
 Austen . tre Blob, WJ.ffl., MJB.
 
 AUSTEN K. de BLOIS.
 
 3ustw E. tre Elms, t3fj. 13,, 
 
 Austen K. de Blois was born at Wolfville, Nova Scotia, 
 thirty-seven years ago. He is a descendant of an old French 
 family, which gave its nair.c to the castle and city of Blois, 
 near Paris. His immediate ancestors resided in England, 
 and he is nearly related by marriage to the late Lord Wm. 
 Kennedy, the Marquis of Ailsa, Admiral Austen, of the Brit- 
 ish Navy, and Jane Austen, the celebrated novelist. Dr. de 
 Blois has been a devoted student from boyhood, and was grad- 
 uated from the various schools with which he was connected 
 at an exceptionally early age. Graduating from Horton 
 Academy at the age of fourteen, he entered Acadia College, 
 N. S., from which he was graduated in 1886. After traveling 
 abroad, he entered Brown University, Providence, R. I., from 
 which institution he received the degree of Master of Arts, in 
 1886, and that of Ph. D. in 1889. His theological studies were 
 prosecuted, first at the Episcopal Divinity School, in Philadel- 
 phia, and later at the Newton Baptist Theological Seminary. 
 In June, 1900, he married, and, with his bride, again visited 
 Europe to study and to travel: At the University of Berlin 
 he was a student of Paulsen, Ebbinghaus and Zeller, in phil- 
 osophy, and of Harnack, in church history. Immediately 
 upon his return to America, Dr. de Blois was called to the 
 
 Vice-Principalship of the Union Baptist Seminary, St. Mar- 
 
 91
 
 92 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 tins, New Brunswick, and a few months later became its 
 Principal. 
 
 In 1894, Dr. Kendrick resigned the Presidency of Shurt- 
 leff College, Upper Alton, 111., and so great had been Dr. de 
 Blois' success in the management of the Seminary at St. 
 Martins that at once, by a unanimous vote of the governing 
 body of the college, he was tendered the position, an offer he 
 accepted. This invitation was a marked recognition not only 
 of his scholarship but of his executive ability, which, in view 
 of the fact that he was but twenty-seven years of age, was a 
 most exceptional compliment. For five college years he held 
 this position, and then accepted the pastorate of the First 
 Baptist Church, Elgin, 111., where he remained about four 
 years. The record of his pastorate there was one of such 
 achievement that, in the early part of 1903, he was invited to 
 become the successor of Eev. P. S. Henson, D. D., as pastor of 
 the First Baptist Church, of Chicago, a position he still holds. 
 While it is too early to speak of what he may accomplish in 
 this field, during the brief year he has so endeared himself not 
 only to the members of the church but of the community, that 
 it is safe to predict that the future will only emphasize the his- 
 tory of the past. 
 
 Dr. de Blois has written two books, " Bible Study in 
 American Colleges " and " The Pioneer School." He has 
 traveled extensively, having made four long visits to England 
 and the Continent. 
 
 Franklin College gave him the honorary degree of LL. D. 
 Few men in so few years have accomplished so much, his ver- 
 satility of talent giving him great opportunity for achieve- 
 ment.
 
 JHrs. &.
 
 X 7 
 
 U-,
 
 Among those well known in the best social circles of 
 Chicago, no one is a greater favorite than Mrs. Albert Arnold 
 Sprague. Shunning notoriety, she is still always the cordial, 
 gracious hostess and a guest welcome everywhere. 
 
 Nancy Atwood was born in Barnard, Vermont, the home 
 of her parents, Ebenezer Atwood and Elvira (Tucker) At- 
 wood. She was educated in the common schools and in the 
 Eoyalton Academy, Vermont. September 29, 1862, she was 
 married to Mr. Albert Arnold Sprague and came to Chicago, 
 where her home lias been ever since. 
 
 Pond of music, she devoted herself to its study in her 
 earlier life, and her home has always been a favorite rendez- 
 vous for musical people. 
 
 Mrs. Sprague is in no sense of the term a club-woman. 
 She is a Colonial Dame, but not an active member of the or- 
 ganization. She has a bright and appreciative intelligence, 
 is intuitive in her judgments, practical in her occupations, 
 with unusual capacity for details. She is lofty in her ideals, 
 with conscientious discrimination between right and wrong, 
 fastidious in her tastes, with a keen sense of humor. Loyal 
 in her friendships, tender in her affections and sympathies, 
 Mrs. Sprague 's greatest pleasure lies in ministering to those 
 about her, helpful to those whose lives come in touch with
 
 QG BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 
 her own. The integrity of her motives is apparent; she is 
 resourceful and free from vanity and affectation. She has 
 had exceptional advantages of travel, having been abroad 
 repeatedly. A lover of the beautiful, she has collected many 
 lovely souvenirs in this country and in the old world. These 
 she has arranged in her home, where they are objects of in- 
 terest to those whose privilege it is to see them. 
 
 Keeping pace with the trend of the age, Mrs. Sprague 
 aims to wield an influence for the upbuilding of right, and 
 stands as a lover and promoter of music and art and all the 
 enterprises which make for cultivation and refinement. Her 
 most coveted distinction, however, is to excel as a home- 
 maker, and those who know her best accord her this honor. 
 
 Mrs. Sprague is one of the most modest of women, and 
 nothing is more distasteful to her than to know that she is 
 the subject of public notice even in the most friendly way. 
 
 Happy in her home, helpful to those about her, Mrs. 
 Sprague is an excellent example in the various walks of life 
 of the best type of American womanhood.
 
 KALPH KilERSOX.
 
 Maty!) Emerson. 
 
 Among those connected with the industrial history of 
 Illinois none are more honorably known than Mr. Ralph 
 Emerson, of Rockford. Old citizens remember who rescued 
 the infant industries of Rockford when they seemed likely 
 to be crushed out, in the fifties, by wealthy rivals of other 
 places. 
 
 Mr. Emerson was born May 3, 1831, in Andover, Mass. His 
 father belonged to a distinguished family, his father and the 
 father of Ralph Waldo Emerson being cousins. When only 
 twenty years of age he came to Bloomington, Illinois. He 
 soon moved to Beloit, Wis., and in 1852 to Rockford, where he 
 now lives. He became a partner of Hon. Wait Talcott, who, 
 with his family, had settled on the shores of Rock River in 
 1838. In 1858 he was married to Adaline E. Talcott, daughter 
 of above, and from their home have gone forth some of the 
 most beautiful and helpful influences of Rockford social life. 
 Ralph Emerson is the only survivor of those engaged in the 
 famous J. H. Manny and McCormick case. He was a mem- 
 ber of the firm of the defense which paid Abraham Lincoln 
 his first large cash retainer. Edwin M. Stanton, later made 
 Secretary of War by Lincoln, was the leading lawyer em- 
 ployed by the defense, and it was during the progress of the 
 trial that the two men became acquainted.
 
 100 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 He has been prominently connected as President, Vice- 
 President, Trustee, sole owner or otherwise, with the organiza- 
 tion and working of over forty manufacturing, commercial, 
 agricultural, educational, financial and other enterprises, some 
 of national reputation. These enterprises include such in- 
 terests as the manufacture of agricultural implements, knit- 
 ting machines, cotton goods and woollen goods, the develop- 
 ment of two insurance companies, two national banks, two 
 electrical companies. Of some of the most important enter- 
 prises he still retains active control. His insight, dispassion- 
 ate judgment and quick perception render his advice val- 
 uable, while his devotion to his gifted wife reveals a warm 
 heart. 
 
 The name of Ealph Emerson will occupy a foremost place 
 in the permanent history not only of Eockf ord but of Illinois.
 
 tne lEHiabctlj (Calcatt) (Emerson.
 
 MRS. EMERSON.
 
 Uraline fEUiafcetf) (Calcott) IBmerswt* 
 
 Quiet and unobtrusive, a womanly woman, a loyal wife 
 and devoted mother, possessing a quick sympathy with the 
 aspirations, the achievements, the sorrows of others ! Such is 
 the subject of this sketch. 
 
 Few women in Illinois have had more honors bestowed 
 upon them, or have been more closely connected with the lead- 
 ing social, literary and public achievements of the State, than 
 has Mrs. Ralph Emerson, who has made Rockford, 111., her 
 home since 1857. Mrs. Emerson was born October 12, 1837, 
 in Vernon, Oneida County, New York, and is the daughter of 
 Hon. Wait Talcott and Elizabeth Ann (Norton) Talcott. 
 Her ancestors extend back to Alfred the Great, Charlemagne, 
 and, through the Nortons, to the French ancestor De Norvile, 
 who married into the house of Valois, and came into Eng- 
 land with King William the Conqueror, and was his Con- 
 stable. 
 
 When nineteen years of age she graduated in the class of 
 1856 at Rutger's, New York City, under the chancellorship of 
 Rev. Dr. Ferris, President of Columbia College, and Dr. Van 
 Norman, President of Rutger's. She was a student of music 
 under the late Prof. George F. Root and Prof. Daniel N. 
 Hood, but in later years she has devoted more time to literary 
 
 research and various kinds of literary work. 
 
 IDo
 
 104 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Married on September 7, 1858, to Mr. Ralph Emerson, at 
 that time a partner in business with her father, the Hon. Wait 
 Talcott, she has been prominently identified with him in all 
 the social and great industrial development of Rockford for 
 practically half a century. 
 
 The rearing of a family of six children occupied her 
 closely at home for many years, but even these family cares 
 did not prevent her being a companion of her husband in his 
 many travels and excursions all over America and Europe. 
 In the principal cities of England, France, Germany, Swit- 
 zerland and Italy she feels very much at home, having spent 
 months in Paris, Florence and Rome, and over a year at one 
 time in Munich. 
 
 This life abroad familiarized her with many peoples, and 
 as she was brought in touch with various public enterprises, 
 having daughters with her studying music and painting, it 
 was in some sense to her as well a student life. Intensely in- 
 terested in every line of literary and art achievement, not only 
 in a general way but in its detail, she returned to her native 
 land greatly enriched in thought as the result of her observa- 
 tions. The clubs for whom she has outlined courses of study 
 and to whose interests she has devoted herself have been 
 greatly indebted to her for the fund of information thus 
 gained. 
 
 Of an enthusiastic nature, feeling a pride in the success 
 of her husband and interesting herself in the best enterprises 
 of the city, delighted with everything which means advance- 
 ment, whether in musical work or the encouraging of young 
 artists, or lending the benefit of her experience to aspirants 
 for literary fame, she has gladly interested herself in all such
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 105 
 
 efforts. Anioug such enterprises as she has helped to sus- 
 tain may be mentioned the Mendelssohn Club, of Rockford, 
 a club which has won for itself a widespread reputation for 
 the rare excellence of its work. She has also been connected as 
 a patron with the Art Institute, of Chicago, from its begin- 
 ning; nor is her affiliation one only in name, for she is most 
 thoroughly cognizant of the work done and is ambitious for its 
 future. 
 
 The family, consisting of five daughters and a son, inher- 
 ited much talent from their gifted parents. One daughter, 
 Mrs. Belle (Emerson) Keith, is an artist, who has studied 
 under the most able professors in New York City, also for 
 years with Professor Carl Marr, in Munich, and Professor 
 Lazar, in Paris. Mrs. Keith's sketches and paintings have 
 been uniformly accepted, and are favorably known in art ex- 
 hibits both in Chicago and in New York City. 
 
 A son, Ralph Emerson, Jr., when only twenty-three years 
 of age, was instantly killed while heroically protecting from 
 the ravages of fire his father's property in Rockford. As a 
 young man he had already shown a rare executive ability. 
 Mrs. Emerson prepared a ' ' Memorial ' ' for her son, a work of 
 love which was grief's solace. Some years afterwards she 
 published a second volume, " Love-bound and other Poems." 
 These books have attracted much attention and widespread 
 commendation, and may be found in some of the best public 
 libraries in our land. While busy with her pen, with family 
 cares and myriad social obligations, Mrs. Emerson has still 
 found time to be identified with many of the best organiza- 
 tions of the nation. She is a member of the Society of Amer- 
 ican Authors, of New York City, The Fortnightly, The Twen-
 
 106 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 tieth Century Club and The Antiquarians, of Chicago; The 
 Monday Club, of Rockf ord, 111. ; The Illinois State Federa- 
 ation, Daughters of the American Revolution (founder of the 
 Rockf ord Chapter), and charter member of the Colonial 
 Dames of America in the State of Illinois, Society of May- 
 flower Descendants, and Colonial Governors, Founders and 
 Patriots. 
 
 By reason of her culture, catholic spirit and rare executive 
 ability, Mrs. Emerson has been called upon repeatedly to oc- 
 cupy for long periods of time positions of great importance in 
 philanthropic, patriotic and social organizations, not only in 
 the city but in the State and national societies, represent- 
 ing some of them as delegate at international conventions in 
 America, Paris and London. 
 
 At the time of the organization of the Army and Navy 
 League, during the late Spanish war, Mrs. Emerson received 
 appointment from the Governor of Illinois to a responsible 
 position. In 1900 she was appointed by Governor Tanner, 
 of Illinois, as an Associate Commissioner to the Paris Ex- 
 position. 
 
 Notwithstanding the fact that she has held so many prom- 
 inent positions, Mrs. Emerson is never more happy than in 
 her own home circle with loved ones about her, enriching 
 all with the brightness of her intellect, the breadth of her 
 thought, the culture of her mind. Such a life blesses and in- 
 spires all who come in touch with it.
 
 . JFrettcfj.
 
 :. &. jFrencJj. 
 
 Prof. W. M. E. French is the Director of the Art Insti- 
 tute of Chicago, the most important art institute of the West, 
 taking rank with the Boston Art Museum and the Metropoli- 
 tan Museum, of New York. It was founded in 1879 as the 
 result of Mr. French 's efforts, and he has been its only Direc- 
 tor. It includes a museum of art and a school of art, occupy- 
 ing a fine building on the Lake front. 
 
 The museum includes extensive collections of paintings 
 and sculpture and decorative objects, while the school offers 
 instruction in drawing, painting, sculpture, decorative draw- 
 ing and architecture, and last year had eighteen hundred and 
 three students and sixty-five instructors. 
 
 Mr. French is curator of the collection and principal of 
 the school. He is a lecturer of the University Extension 
 courses of the University of Chicago, and has been known as 
 a popular lecturer for twenty years. He was born at Exeter, 
 N. H., and educated at Phillips' Academy and Harvard Col- 
 lege, graduating in 1864. In 1867 he removed to Chicago, 
 where he has been ever since, except for trips to Europe or the 
 East. Until 1875 Mr. French was engaged in the practice of 
 civil engineering and landscape gardening. 
 
 As a lecturer his success has been phenomenal. The pe- 
 culiar and attractive feature of Mr. French's lectures is their 
 
 109
 
 110 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 abundant illustration by large extemporaneous sketches, 
 drawn on paper before the audience, in color and crayon., 
 Among the subjects of his lectures are the following: " The 
 Wit and Wisdom of the Crayon," "An Hour With the Cari- 
 caturists," " Conventional Art in Pictures and Decoration," 
 "A Knack of Drawing, Natural or Acquired," " The Value 
 of a Line " and " The Innocency of Vision." 
 
 Possibly " The Wit and Wisdom of the Crayon " is as 
 popular as any of Mr. French's lectures, and may be taken as 
 an example of his method. It treats of the analogies between 
 literature and art with such readiness of address, such swift- 
 ness and profusion of illustration, that even every child listens, 
 watches and understands. In it he draws thirty or forty pic- 
 tures, including faces, figures, animals, landscapes, etc. He 
 has lectured in almost every city, large and small, from New 
 York to Kansas City; before Chautauqua, Lakeside, Round 
 Lake, and other assemblies ; at Cornell University, New York, 
 and always holds his audiences so delighted and interested 
 in what he says and does that they are reluctant to have him 
 close. Wherever he has been, the press notices have been most 
 flattering, giving him, without question, the foremost place as 
 an art-lecturer. His quick wit, fascinating manner of pre- 
 senting and elaborating propositions and his marvelous use 
 of the crayon unite to make him one of the most instructive 
 and entertaining lecturers of the day. Mr. French belongs 
 to a well-known family. He is a brother of Daniel C. French, 
 whose " Minute Man," at Concord; group of " Death and the 
 Sculptor " and " Colossal Statue of the Republic " at the Co- 
 lumbian Exposition, are widely known.
 
 Jllrs. Silarren 
 
 No woman of her age in Chicago, probably in America, 
 has attempted and achieved so much along so many lines as 
 has Mrs. Warren Springer, whose work in literary and art 
 circles, and whose championship of the new industrialism are 
 most widely known. 
 
 Art as Ruskin thought it out, work as Carlyle preached it 
 that is her doctrine. Someone has said" Mrs. Springer is 
 that doctrine." A lecturer of note, a most versatile writer, 
 expressing herself with the strength of conviction, yet with 
 the elegance of culture, she impresses her audience and wins 
 her readers to admiration of her ability and belief in her ut- 
 terances. Mrs. Springer was born, March 27, 1871, in New- 
 ark, Ohio. Her father, John V. Maginnis, was a native of 
 the North of Ireland, a descendant of one of the oldest and 
 proudest families of Ireland. Her mother was Mary F. Fer- 
 guson, a great-granddaughter of Major Ferguson, one of the 
 first six in Pennsylvania to sign the membership roll in the 
 Oincinnatus, of which he was a promoter. He was killed by 
 an Indian, near Fort Recovery, Ohio, in 1791. 
 
 Mrs. Springer was educated in a convent, and when but 
 a girl began to be interested in the great problems of the day; 
 She is one of the board of managers of the National Society, 
 Daughters of the Revolution, as well as State Regent of the
 
 114 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 
 Illinois Society, and is identified with general club work. Her 
 keenest interest, however, centers in industrial reform, and 
 for its success, as editor of The New Industrialism, and in 
 other ways, she has been, and is, most actively engaged. 
 
 Dr. Oscar L. Triggs, of the University of Chicago, has 
 dedicated his book, " Chapters in the History of the Arts and 
 Crafts Movement," to her, on account of her devotion to the 
 cause. She holds membership in the Chicago Press League, 
 and is one of the active organizers of the " Fields and Work- 
 shops Society," which is international in its scope, and has 
 on its membership lists the strongest minds in the country. 
 
 Mrs. Springer is one of the most beautiful of women, as 
 has been written" with the sort of beauty of which Euskin 
 dreamed when he thought of the queen in the queen's gar- 
 den;" yet no air of self-consciousness reminds one that she 
 values her beauty. She has a fair, youthful, patrician coun- 
 tenance, large violet eyes and hair of silvery white. Her 
 sweetness of expression and charm of manner win for her the 
 admiration of those who meet her, the love of those who know 
 her. Exceedingly original in her thought, it is a delight to 
 hear her speak either from the platform or in private life, for 
 she always has something to say well worth saying. While 
 the most gracious courtesy is ever present, she has no hesi- 
 tancy in voicing her most positive convictions. 
 
 With charming presence and pleasant voice, she is a most 
 fascinating lecturer, and her audiences realize from the time 
 she begins to speak the treat in store for them. While so deep- 
 ly interested in questions which are claiming the most seri- 
 ous attention of the savants of the day, Mrs. Springer is an 
 intensely womanly woman. Her dainty satire and keen wit
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 115 
 
 'ive zest to her most ordinary conversation, but she is inter- 
 ested in the beautiful, rare and the unique, and covets its pos- 
 session. Her dining-room is the most artistic in Chicago, and 
 ;eems with riches in ancestral pewter, priceless china, match- 
 .ess homespun linen and antique copper and silver vessels, the 
 iccumulation of centuries. There are few women so well 
 versed in all things antique as Mrs. Springer, and it is an edu- 
 cation to listen to her as she talks of colonial times and cus- 
 ;oms, while her own fancies lend a charm to history. 
 
 " I like to think," she said, " that those dear old grand- 
 mothers of ours wove their own integrity into these linen 
 ;loths. They have the sterling endurance of those pioneer 
 ivomen." Among her treasures is an old-fashioned cabinet, 
 crowded with willowware, with ancient blue dishes, etc., all 
 icirlooms from her great-grandmother. Three pieces of early 
 Delft, for which she paid fifteen hundred dollars, are con- 
 ;ained in this wonderful collection. A mahogany table, with 
 i century or two of years its dower, and a collection of all sorts 
 >f rare curias, are Mrs. Springer's delight. Possibly her most 
 valued possession is an immense four-posted bed, on which 
 George Washington slept, and to reach which she climbs steps 
 placed by the side of the bed. Revering the antique, her 
 thoughts constantly recur to the great questions of life, and 
 ;o their elucidation she is devoting herself. Proud of her an- 
 cestry, her greater pride is in the possibilities of the present 
 md their achievement, and she has written and spoken with 
 so much wisdom that one can hardly realize that such utter- 
 mces are those of a woman still in her youth. 
 
 She is recognized as a generous antagonist, firm in her 
 >wn convictions, yet believing in absolute freedom of thought.
 
 116 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Always enthusiastic in whatever she undertakes, thinking 
 seriously and anxious as to result, her sense of humor is keen, 
 and her merry laugh is often heard to the discomfiture of her 
 opponents and the delectation of her adherents. 
 
 The history of her short life is replete with interest, but 
 when the records of what this century has wrought for hu- 
 manity are gathered up, no name will be more honored than 
 that of Mrs. Warren Springer.
 
 . fames K.
 
 fames K. 
 
 One of the most delightful studios in Chicago, with its 
 many artists and many studios, is that where Mrs. James R. 
 McKay works, quietly bringing out of shapeless clay forms in- 
 stinct with beauty we had almost said life. 
 
 Mrs. McKay is the daughter of Nathan Mears, of Mas- 
 saclmsetts, who came to Chicago in 1850. She graduated from 
 St. Mary's School, in Burlington, N. J., and finished her school 
 training at Mrs. McAuley 's, in New York City. She was mar- 
 ried June 19,1867, and has five children Mrs. McKay LeRoy, 
 Mrs. Albert W. Goodrich, Mr. James M. MacKay, Robert M. 
 MacKay and Nathan M. MacKay. She has always been 
 deeply interested in all forms of art and in the study of lan- 
 guages. Having spent much time abroad, she has had fine 
 opportunity to study the best in the realms of art and to per- 
 fect herself in the study of languages. 
 
 She has devoted some attention to painting, having stud- 
 ied with Laurence Earle, Miss Ella White, of Pasadena, Cal., 
 and others. Modeling, however, appealed to her most strong- 
 ly, and in it she has achieved her greatest success. She has 
 studied this line of art with Leopold Bracony and August 
 Rodin, of Paris. Her work impresses one at once as most 
 artistic and conscientious. In her studio are plaques bear- 
 ing the faces of her father and mother, busts of her husband,
 
 120 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 two of her sons and her daughter, Mrs. McKay Le Roy, whose 
 recognized beauty she has most exquisitely reproduced. 
 
 Her work, while stamped with the individuality of the 
 subject, has a daintiness of finish and a grace of pose which 
 bespeak the artist. 
 
 Statuettes a French maid, another of a Carlsbad milk- 
 maid, and a third of a golfer are all wonderfully well done, 
 and evince the versatility of talent which produced them, the 
 characteristics of each being carefully preserved and every 
 detail made effective. 
 
 Among other work one easily recognizes Mrs. Peter 
 Dunne, and the pose in a small head of John Drew is mar- 
 velously lifelike. 
 
 Mrs. McKay does not, however, confine herself to work 
 in the studio, much as she enjoys it. She is the President of 
 the Reception Committee of the Cercle de 1 'Alliance Fran- 
 gaise, and gave the first entertainment for the Salon Fran- 
 gaise. 
 
 She is also Hon. Vice-President of the Dante Alighieri 
 Society, and very few scrap-books of an American woman in 
 private life contain as many cards and letters of illustrious 
 foreigners as do Mrs. McKay 's. While receiving honors from 
 those who represent other nations, Mrs. McKay is proud of 
 her American ancestry, and is a member of the Daughters of 
 the American Revolution. 
 
 Such women as Mrs. McKay are an inspiration to the best 
 womanhood of any land. Crowned with silvery hair, with 
 queenly presence and gentle grace, she lives her artist life in 
 her studio, yet home and society are enriched by the results 
 of her rare experience and study.
 
 Jfertrtnantr
 
 Jfertrman& 
 
 No one man in the city of Chicago has done more for the 
 advancement of music, art and literature than has Ferdinand 
 W. Peck. While he has always contributed liberally of 
 money, time and energy to works of benevolence and public 
 interest, the advancement of music and art has also been pro- 
 nounced in his lifework. He conceived and carried to a suc- 
 cessful conclusion the Chicago Opera Festival, which gave for 
 the first time in Chicago the presentation of grand opera fully 
 and elaborately at popular prices. Out of this success came 
 the thought which, realized, produced the Auditorium. This 
 building was designed and constructed under Mr. Peck's per- 
 sonal supervision, and he alone financed the colossal undertak- 
 ing. 
 
 For twelve years he was its President, till the pressure 
 of other public and private affairs induced his retirement. 
 He was one of the founders of the Illinois Humane Society, 
 and for many years its President, and he introduced in Chi- 
 cago the horse ambulance. He has served as Vice-President 
 of the Board of Education, and as President of the Union 
 League Club. He was one of the founders and, for several 
 years, the President of the Chicago Athenaeum, which has 
 steadily grown, and now holds a prominent place in edu- 
 cational work. He was exceedingly active in the efforts early 
 
 123
 
 124 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 
 
 put forth to secure for Chicago the World's Columbian Ex- 
 position, and was appointed as a member of the commission 
 sent by the United States Government to Europe in behalf of 
 the Exposition. He was First Vice-President of the Corpora- 
 tion, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and a member of 
 the Board of Reference and Control. He was prime mover 
 in the erection of the Confederate monument at Oakwoods 
 Cemetery, which did so much toward bringing about a frater- 
 nal feeling between the North and the South. 
 
 In 1898, he was appointed by President McKinley U. S. 
 Commissioner to the Paris Exposition of 1900. To this work 
 he brought the valuable experience acquired during his vari- 
 ous connections with the Columbian Exposition. There is no 
 doubt but that to the organization under his control and per- 
 sonal supervision is due the marked success which attended 
 the participation of the United States in this great exhibit. 
 Mr. Peck has, in connection with these large undertakings, 
 been associated with many movements which have stood for 
 the advancement of his native city and the amelioration of its 
 needy ones. He is a man of wide sympathies, and no deserv- 
 ing object appeals to him in vain. A busy man, grappling 
 ever with most practical problems, he is known as a patron of 
 art and a lover of music. He has never sought for, neither 
 will he accept, a public position for emolument. The public 
 good and the advancement of those objects which speak for 
 the higher things in life have been the motives prompting his 
 every effort.
 
 ffiv*. $, .
 
 In every community there are women, as well as men, 
 whose names we come to recognize as identical with uplift- 
 ing effort and fresh aspiration in the realms of art, literature, 
 music and science. 
 
 Often they do not covet such heraldry, yet so ever-present 
 and so potent is their support and patronage that, without it, 
 failure and dismay would overtake those who are most active 
 in the organizing of such enterprises. 
 
 History, in this age, centers more than ever about indi- 
 vidual lives, and is now, as always, a mosaic of people and 
 events, in which, however, the latter seem often the subservi- 
 ent. Into this sort of history, women, the leaders in society, 
 the most charming mothers and wives in our homes, are being 
 woven more and more conspicuously. This is not by acci- 
 dent, but is because of their persistent influence for the great 
 advancement of all pertaining to art, literature and science, 
 and the happy results they have achieved. Quite fitting, 
 it seems, that to such women should be accorded a sort of 
 leadership in establishing a demand for the best which the 
 world of music and art can offer, and wonderfully have they 
 risen to the requirements of a position which is, perhaps, more 
 often admitted than expressed. 
 
 Among such women in the city of Chicago, it is a pleas- 
 
 127
 
 128 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 lire to recognize the right of Mrs. H. O. Stone to a place in the 
 foremost rank. 
 
 Mrs. Stone was formerly Miss Elizabeth Yager, of Clif- 
 ton Springs, New York, but ever since her marriage to Mr. 
 H. O. Stone she has made Chicago her home, identifying her- 
 self with its interests and progress. She is a most devoted 
 lover of music, and has not been contented with being able to 
 gratify her own taste in this direction in her beautiful home, 
 but has been specially interested in having the best artists 
 come to Chicago with their best work. 
 
 To this end she has been a generous supporter of every- 
 thing which reached the highest standard of musical excel- 
 lence, and has lent the charm of her cultured presence for 
 years to all the finest operas and choicest concerts. Not only 
 is she a lover and a patron of music, but all forms of art ap- 
 peal to her most strongly. She has surrounded herself with 
 art treasures from every land, with curios rare and exquisite, 
 with lovely and dainty souvenirs of her travels. She has also 
 in her home works of great masters, which are silently elo- 
 quent as to her taste and her knowledge of what is most to be 
 desired in the realms of the artistic and the beautiful. 
 
 Mrs. Stone may not, perhaps, recognize the extent of her 
 influence in music and art circles, but it is potent in many a 
 studio, recognized in many a concert room in this city, destined 
 to become an art center.
 
 urtiaa.
 
 {)aunceg Curtiss, 
 
 Charles Chauncey Curtiss was born in Chicago, July 31, 
 1847. His father, Hon. James Curtiss, was a lawyer, much en- 
 gaged in public affairs and twice Mayor of that city. In 1854, 
 he purchased three thousand acres near Champaign, 111. This 
 became a model country estate, and was visited by many dis- 
 tinguished men from abroad. It was here that Charles 
 Chauncey Curtiss spent his childhood, receiving impres- 
 sions which have influenced his life. The death of hi<5 father, 
 in 1859, with financial affairs so involved as to necessitate the 
 selling of the fnrm, brought the boy face to face with life's 
 realities. He moved, with his mother, into Champaign, and 
 attended the public school for two years, when he was obliged 
 to begin work. He obtained a place as messenger in the local 
 telegraph office, receiving twelve dollars a month. Studying 
 at home, he cultivated a literary taste and gained general 
 knowledge. Presently he secured a clerkship in a dry-goods 
 store. When the Civil War broke out, he was anxious to en- 
 list, but his youth prevented \mtil, in 1864, when less than sev- 
 enteen years of age, he enlisted in Company B, 135th Illinois 
 Infantry, organized for one hundred days' service. After- 
 wards he obtained a clerkship in the Ordnance Department, 
 at Nashville. In April, 1866, he returned to Chicago, was em- 
 ployed in a dry-goods store, and later secured a position as 
 
 bookkeeper with Lyon & Healy. 
 
 lol
 
 132 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 After the Chicago fire, in 1871, he founded a music pub- 
 lishing house (Chandler & Curtiss), and soon was elected the 
 first secretary of the Apollo Musical Club, of Chicago, of which 
 he was one of the organizers. Ill health, in 1881, compelled his 
 retirement from business. In October, 1881, he organized the 
 firm of Curtiss & Mayer, managers of the Weber piano busi- 
 ness in Chicago, for whom was built " The Weber Music Hall 
 Building," the first exclusively art and studio building in the 
 city, from the success of which grew the plan of the Fine Arts 
 Building. Meantime the firm of Curtiss & Mayer was, in 
 1890, dissolved, and Mr. Curtiss organized the Manufacturers' 
 Piano Company, of which he was President until 1895, when, 
 for three years, he devoted his splendid energies and abilities 
 to perfecting this scheme until the great Fine Arts Building 
 was completed. This wonderful edifice created a new art cen- 
 ter. It is the magnum opus of its founder, whose devotion 
 to art is thus crowned in a brilliant manner. 
 
 In private life Mr. Curtiss is a valued citizen and cher- 
 ished friend. Four visits to Europe have broadened and 
 quickened a mind alive to the best in art and literature. A 
 domestic rather than a club man, he is still a member of the 
 Loyal Legion, Chicago Literary Club, Chicago Historical As- 
 sociation, American Historical Association, American Archae- 
 ological Association, " The Players," of New York, and the 
 Glen View and Edgewater Golf Clubs. Everywhere he has 
 secured the respect and esteem of associates.
 
 s, Cfjarles ft.
 
 MKiS. CHABLKS II. DEEBE.
 
 . Cfjarles & 
 
 In a lovely home in Moline, 111., with the pleasantly 
 suggestive name " Overlook," is a cultured, home-loving 
 woman, whose influence is felt in that city for all that means 
 achievement of the beautiful and good. 
 
 Tn Newbury, Vermont, August 9, 1841, Mary Little Dick- 
 inson was born. Her parents were Gideon Dana and Judith 
 Tappan (Atkinson) Dickinson. She was very early taken 
 to Boston, Mass., which was her home till her eleventh year, 
 when she moved to Chicago, where she resided till her mar- 
 riage. There is no question but that in early childhood the 
 most indelible impressions of life are made. No doubt those 
 years in the New England center of culture had a potent in- 
 fluence upon the tastes and character of the child, whose later 
 life has revealed her aspirations for the best in the realms of 
 music, art and -all forms of beneficence as well. 
 
 Her school life was spent in Chicago, where she received 
 the best educational advantages the city afforded, and was a 
 member of the first class graduated from the Dearborn Sem- 
 inary, of that city. After leaving school she devoted much 
 attention to the study of music under the tuition of Paul 
 Becker, who, at that time, was considered the finest teacher 
 of music in Chicago. Later she married Charles H. Deere, 
 one of the most prominent manufacturers of Moline, 111., and 
 
 moved to that city, where she still resides. 
 
 135
 
 136 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 She is not a club woman, so far as taking an active part 
 in club work would make her one, but she is interested in 
 the best work done by them, and is a member of the Fort- 
 nightly. 
 
 Her ancestry was represented in the war of the Amer- 
 ican Revolution, a fact in which she has a natural pride. As 
 a result, she is interested in the perpetuation, through their 
 descendants, of the memory of those heroes of the long ago. 
 For the past eight years she has been Regent of the Moline 
 Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and 
 State Regent since February, 1901. 
 
 Mrs. Deere is interested in all the social enterprises of 
 Moline, and is conscientious in the discharge of the duties de- 
 volving upon her in her church relations. She is very fond 
 of travel, and has greatly enjoyed the unusual opportunities 
 she has had for making wide observation and research in 
 many lands. She has been abroad three times, and to her 
 beautiful home has brought many rare and exquisite sou- 
 venirs of her extensive travels. A modest and retiring 
 woman, feeling that her home is her kingdom, she is a great 
 favorite in social circles, and, if she could be persuaded to ac- 
 cept them, would be given many official honors in the various 
 societies of the city where she lives. 
 
 As it is, her influence is felt in all enterprises art, edu- 
 cational, social or charitable and her quiet endorsement is a 
 recognition most highly valued.
 
 Ctitoarlr jfarbts
 
 lr JJarbis 
 
 Almost identical with the progress of the best enter- 
 prises of Quincy, 111., is the name of Edward Jarvis Parker. 
 Endowed with financial genius, rare executive ability and 
 absolute integrity, his counsel, opinions, as well as his ser- 
 vices, have been valuable in affairs of magnitude and impor- 
 tance. It is impossible even to name all the organizations 
 with which he has been associated in any brief sketch of his 
 life. He has had extensive affiliation with large banking 
 concerns; with the City Bank of Hartford, Conn.; in 1863 
 with L. & C. H. Bull's Bank in Quiney, 111., and later with 
 the following banks in the same city: 
 
 In 1865 he was Director and ex- Assistant Cashier of the 
 Merchants' and Farmers' National Bank; 1873-1878 con- 
 nected with the bank of E. J. Parker & Co., which, in 1878, was 
 consolidated with L. & C. H. Bull; in 1892 Director and 
 Cashier of State Savings, Loan & Trust Co. ; and 1903 Direc- 
 tor, Cashier and Secretary of the same corporation. In con- 
 nection with the banking business, he was, for many years, 
 a director and the Treasurer of the Quiney Paper Co., after- 
 wards absorbed by the American Straw Board Co.; Treas- 
 urer for years of the Quiney, Omaha and Kansas City Rail- 
 way Co.; Chairman of the Committee on Public Improve- 
 ments of the Board of Commerce. He has been President 
 
 139
 
 140 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 of the Quincy Boulevard and Park Association since its in- 
 corporation in 1888; President of the American Park and 
 Outdoor Art Association ; Member of the American Forestry 
 Association ; Director of the Quincy Horse Railway and Car- 
 rying Co., and the Quincy Gas Light and Coke Co. 
 
 Mr Parker is the Vice-President of the Chamber of 
 Commerce, on the advisory board of the National Business 
 League of Chicago, a member of the Chicago Club. He was 
 Vice-President for Illinois at the second session of the In- 
 dianapolis Monetary Conference, and has done work in con- 
 nection with the State Bankers' Association of Illinois and 
 the American Bankers' Association. But not alone to the 
 world of finance has Mr. Parker devoted his energies. Re- 
 ligious and philanthropic enterprises have greatly interested 
 him. He has held several ecclesiastical positions, and as- 
 sisted in the division of the Episcopal Church in Illinois. 
 Since its incorporation, he has been the Treasurer of Bless- 
 ing Hospital, and is Trustee and Treasurer of the Lindsay 
 Church Home. For many years he has been the Senior 
 Warden in the Church of the Good Shepherd, Quincy, and 
 Director and Treasurer of the Woodland Cemetery Associa- 
 tion. 
 
 In 1888 he married Miss Elizabeth Goodwin Bull, a 
 native of Quincy, and their home is a delightful center of 
 culture and generous hospitality. Mr. Parker's widespread 
 influence is always for the upholding of the right, and he is 
 beloved and respected by the community which has given 
 him such prominence and bestowed upon him so many proofs 
 of its confidence.
 
 Caglor Bird).
 
 , JIucjTj Caglor Bird). 
 
 The great influence wielded by Mrs. Hugh Taylor Birch 
 upon the highest musical life in Chicago is well known. For 
 years her home has been the center of notable musical events. 
 None have exceeded her in generosity or fine judgment in pre- 
 senting great artists and their work. Her superb music-room 
 has also always been open to rising young artists who wished a 
 hearing before the best audience that wealth and fine social 
 position could command. Carreno, Harold Baiier, Marteau, 
 Bendix and his string quartette, are among those who have 
 charmed society in these ideal surroundings. 
 
 Frequently, with exquisite taste, she has arranged these 
 programs with such skill as to call forth the approbation 
 of Theodore Thomas and other experts in this difficult task. 
 Her personal contributions to the entertainments of the Ama- 
 teur Club have been in fine taste and of importance in cre- 
 ating the high standard of that club. 
 
 Herself devoted to piano music, Mrs. Birch has gathered 
 about her the great pianists, violinists and 'cellists with whom 
 she has played for years, keeping in touch with all the finest 
 music. 
 
 Mrs. Birch was born in Buffalo, N. Y., her maiden name 
 being Maria Root. There she was educated until 1875, when 
 
 she went to Europe to pursue her study of music. In Berlin 
 
 143
 
 144 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 she had the rare advantage of private lessons from Theodore 
 Kullak, who was then at the head of his famous conserva- 
 torium, in that city. During her residence in Paris and her 
 visits to Bayreuth, London, Vienna and other cities, it was her 
 good fortune to meet and hear the world's great artists in 
 their own homes, where, restraints being thrown aside, days 
 and hours never to be forgotten were perhaps the inspiration 
 as well as compensation of her efforts to develop music as an 
 art in Chicago. 
 
 The close friendship it has been Mrs. Birch's privilege to 
 enjoy with Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Thomas has been fraught 
 with most gratifying experiences, both in Mr. Thomas' sum- 
 mer home, in the White Mountains, and in Chicago. No 
 greater proof of Mrs. Birch's impress upon musical life could 
 be given her than the voluntary dedication to her by Theodore 
 Thomas of his orchestral arrangement of " Rheingold." It 
 reads, "Fragments from Wagner's ' Rheingold,' arranged for 
 the Chicago Orchestra by Theodore Thomas for the special de- 
 lectation of Mrs. Hugh T. Birch. Felsengerten, 1901." This 
 is indeed a compliment the finest musician in the land might 
 covet, and is a distinction enjoyed and appreciated by Mrs. 
 Birch. 
 
 Mrs. Birch has two children, a daughter and son. The 
 daughter, Miss Helen Birch, has already shown such won- 
 derful talent for composition that some of Chicago's best 
 musicians predict for her a future as one of the great woman 
 composers of the age. Though but a young girl, her songs, 
 which belong to the distinctly modern school, are impressive 
 and artistic to a marvelous degree.
 
 tca gasfeell Jfttller,
 
 V 
 
 /
 
 Jessica gasfceli JFuller, 
 
 Unsurpassed in method, style and musical gifts, by in- 
 stinct classic in her tastes, Mrs. Jessica Haskell Fuller's won- 
 derful achievements place her in the front rank of Chicago's 
 artists. Miss Haskell was born in Toledo, Ohio, but came 
 to Chicago when quite young, and became identified with its 
 best musical effort. Her first public recognition was won in 
 Verdi's opera, " II Trovatore," when she sang the role of 
 Leonora with great success. For three years she was the 
 leading soloist of the Beethoven Society, which, under the 
 leadership of Carl Wolfsohn (one of the most poetic and mas- 
 terly interpreters of Beethoven) presented the best classic 
 music, and elevated the tone of musical study in Chicago, and 
 was the' inspiration of a reverence for the great masters. Miss 
 Haskell next became a pupil, in Paris, of Mad. Pauline Viardot 
 Garcia, renowned for her unfolding of great roles, particu- 
 larly those of Mozart. She was the teacher of Mme. Pauline 
 Lucca, whose never-to-be-forgotten role of Marguerite made 
 her famous. In teaching Miss Haskell the same part, she 
 called her the "American Lucca," so closely did their talents 
 and personal appearance resemble each other. With Viar- 
 dat this gifted young singer gained that purety of method 
 and highly finished interpretation which at once placed her 
 among the first American artists. A remarkable example of 
 her perfectly accurate musical ear was her singing from mem-
 
 148 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 ory and without accompaniment that long and difficult col- 
 oratura aria, " Bel Raggio," from " Semirainide, " ending this 
 wonderful musical feat absolutely upon the key. Theodore 
 Thomas, for whom Mrs. Fuller was singing, pronounced this 
 " the greatest proof of musical ability and perfect intona- 
 tion." Her exquisite and musicianly renderings of Beet- 
 hoven's "Ah Perfidio," Handel's " I Know That My Re- 
 deemer Liveth " and " Oh, for the Wings of a Dove," Schu- 
 mann's " Woman's Love and Life," Schubert's " Erl-King," 
 Listz's " Lorelie," and countless other works in her tremen- 
 dous repertoire, have won for her the highest praise. Re- 
 menyi was enchanted with her beautiful voice and art, and 
 used every effort to secure her for his famous concerts. Dur- 
 ing Mrs. Fuller's residence abroad, she studied Italian sing- 
 ing with Luigi Vanuccini, in Florence, oratorio with Shak- 
 speare, in London, and the Wagner roles, in Dresden. In 
 1876, Miss Haskell married Mr. Edward M. Fuller, of Madi- 
 son, Wis., where she now resides. Professors from the uni- 
 versity, artists of international reputation, and life-long 
 friends enjoy the gracious hospitality of her beautiful home. 
 Her art, which has improved with the years, is now a charm- 
 ing accomplishment which her family and friends associate 
 and ever will with her fine music room, and the gorgeous 
 sunsets and moonlight over the forests and lakes and all na- 
 ture about her delightful home, which Verdi and Wagner 
 called the " Divine Teacher " of music. 
 
 Looking out on the loveliness about her, well may she say, 
 
 " In woods aglow with warm sunlight, 
 From them I learned my singing."
 
 . (JEranfcerrg 3L JFort,
 
 Jftrs. <iccnfcm|) H. JFort. 
 
 In one of the newer States of a new country, it is a dis- 
 tinction worthy of note for one to be still living, after a lapse 
 of years, in the house where one was born, reared and mar- 
 ried. Such a distinction belongs to Mrs. Greenberry L. Fort, 
 of Lacon, 111., who, while a woman of extensive travel, and for 
 some years a resident of Washington, D. C., has known but 
 one home, and that in the city and house where she was born. 
 
 Miss Clara Boal was the daughter of Dr. Robert Boal, one 
 of the earlier settlers of Lacon, 111., her native city. He was 
 eminent in his profession, beloved, as well as respected, in the 
 community where he lived, recognized as a man of remarkable 
 force of character and a well-balanced judgment. His life was 
 one of sterling worth, his loyalty to his country unswerving, 
 his integrity unquestioned. He was one of the founders of 
 the Republican party, and was most vitally interested in im- 
 portant State and national problems. Miss Boal was married 
 in Lacon, to Greenberry L. Fort, and both her husband and 
 father were actively engaged in State politics. Her son, Col. 
 Robert L. Fort, seems to have followed in the footsteps of both 
 father and grandfather, as he is now (1903) a member of the 
 State Legislature. 
 
 For years Mr. Greenberry L. Fort was a member of the 
 
 Congress of the United States, and with him Mrs. Fort en- 
 
 151
 
 152 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 joyed official life in Washington, D. C. In addition to her 
 delightful experiences there, Mrs. Port has had the advant- 
 age of frequent trips abroad, and these united influences 
 have, no doubt, done much to develop in her that savoir-vivre 
 and cosmopolitan ease which are among her most marked 
 characteristics. Mrs. Fort is in many ways a remarkable wo- 
 man. Keenly and intelligently interested in the questions 
 which have so absorbed the lives of father, husband and son, 
 she is fond of all music and art, and aids their advancement 
 as far as possible by her influence. She has a charming pres- 
 ence, and preserves a figure noticed and remembered for its 
 symmetry and grace. She is as agile and lithe in all her 
 movements as a young girl, erect and dignified in her carriage. 
 She is of a frank nature, and appreciative of every cour- 
 tesy and kindness. In no place is she happier than in the 
 home endeared to her by many associations, and she feels a 
 pardonable pride in the results achieved by those dearest to 
 her. While her position has given her marked prestige, she 
 is free from arrogance, affable in her manners, thoroughly 
 companionable at all times and in all places.
 
 (ftatijcart
 
 Descended from peculiarly musical ancestry, it is hardly 
 strange that George Cathcart Brouson should have inherited 
 the varied talents which have gained for him a wide reputa- 
 tion as singer, musical composer and writer, as well as pro- 
 moter, of the best musical enterprises. His father, James 
 Cathcart Bronson, organized and directed the first brass band 
 in Indiana, in 1847. This band consisted very largely of 
 musically inclined relatives, eight of them being brothers. 
 They used to come to the village of Chicago to give concerts, 
 and the " ra-ta-ta " of the, then, wonderful band was most 
 enthusiastically welcomed there. In 1849, they crossed the 
 Continent, and for a long time retained their organization in 
 the mining-camp of Placerville, Cal. This was the first band 
 that ever crossed the Continent, and marked the introduction 
 of concerted music in California. While there Mr. Bronson 
 married Miss H. M. Pennington,a Philadelphia singer of note, 
 who had made the long and tedious trip around the " Horn " 
 to see the " wonderful gold fields " and the land of sunshine 
 and flowers. 
 
 Their son, George Cathcart Bronson, was born in Placer- 
 ville, Cal., in 1869. The family moved later to San Francisco, 
 where the boy began his nmsical studies with his father. His 
 
 progress was such that before many years he had sung all over 
 
 1 55
 
 156 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 the West with various concert organizations, and in 1889 went 
 to Berlin, Germany, where he was graduated in musical his- 
 tory, harmony and voice. After most successful operatic en- 
 gagements abroad, he came to Chicago, and ever since that 
 time has been engaged in promoting musical interests there. 
 
 He organized the Chicago School of Opera, and was 
 elected its President. The Cable Company' appointed him its 
 assistant manager and director of all their educational con- 
 certs, which have been exceedingly popular. While abroad, 
 he met Miss Maude Wellings, a gifted and brilliant singer 
 from Lansing, Mich., and since his return to Chicago she has 
 become his wife. Mr. Bronson has published quite a number 
 of books which have received most flattering endorsement 
 from the press and public. Among his books there are " Let- 
 ters from Musicians," "Ab Inter," " Soul Immortal " and 
 " Thou Shalt Waken," the latter invading the field of psy- 
 chology. His poem, " Music," or, as he has sometimes styled 
 it, " From Sound to Soul," is a rare gem, worthy of a wider 
 reading than it has hitherto obtained. Through his kindness, 
 it furnishes the introduction to the article on the " History of 
 Music in Illinois," in this volume. As a musical composer, 
 he is known by many songs and operettas, the latter having 
 been used mostly at private musicales. Mr. Bronson is a man 
 enthusiastic in his profession, of real poetic instinct and prac- 
 tically interested in the encouragement of the loftiest musical 
 ideals. His influence for musical progress is universally con- 
 ceded to be as intelligent and uplifting as it is potent.
 
 fftvs. railltam fencer
 
 * Militant pencer 
 
 Genius is a term which can rarely be truthfully em- 
 ployed. A century, as it passes, holds but few who merit that 
 designation. Talent is everywhere, and may be cultivated, 
 but that subtle, intangible gift we call genius is Heaven's 
 rarest boon, and nothing less than Heaven can bestow it. Of 
 no one is this distinction more true than of Mrs. Ellen Crosby, 
 the well-known and marvelous interpreter of Wagner. The 
 press abroad and in America has exhausted itself in trying 
 adequately to describe her work. 
 
 Eoyalty has welcomed her again and again, fascinated 
 by her presentations of what before seemed only mystery. So- 
 ciety in New York, Chicago and other large cities has deemed 
 it a privilege to add to the laurels already won by this gifted 
 American woman ; the savants of Boston have sat at her feet 
 enchanted, and everywhere she has had the homage of artist, 
 music-lover and culture. And yet, it has left undisturbed the 
 serenity of this home-loving woman ; she moves among it all, 
 appreciative, modest still a genius. 
 
 Ellen Conkey was born near Syracuse, in Onondaga Val- 
 ley, New York. She has no memory of a time when she could 
 not play the piano. When aboiit eight years old she had three 
 terms of lessons, two with E. C. Phelps, one with John Becker, 
 and this comprises the tuition received by one of the greatest 
 pianists in the world.
 
 160 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 
 Coming to Chicago when only a girl in her early teens, 
 she played for nearly three years the masses in St. Mary's 
 Cathedral. Mozart, Haydn and all the great masters were 
 thus familiarized to her, and once a month she played the ser- 
 vice with an orchestra with the most remarkable choir in the 
 city. Who can tell but that then, in that girlish heart, throb- 
 bing with delight as the grand strains rose at her touch, there 
 was the dawning of the wonderful inspiration which has made 
 her famous. From the first day that Prof. Swing preached 
 in Music Hall she played the great organ there, adding to 
 the dignity and influence of those services which have be- 
 come historic. 
 
 At one time, wishing the advantage of studying the two 
 Bach Fugues, she took nine organ lessons from Clarence 
 Eddy. She has played accompaniments for the greatest 
 artists in the world, herself their peer. 
 
 But it is as the interpreter of Wagner that Mrs. Crosby 
 has shown the wonderful genius which is her birthright. At 
 every appearance, she has met with the most favorable press 
 notices and opinions from the world's recognized critics. The 
 press notices represent such papers as the Boston Evening 
 Transcript, the New York Mail and Express, and the Elite, 
 and various Chicago papers. From the other side of the 
 water, the London Times, London Court Circular, and many 
 papers of Paris, and other Continental cities. 
 
 Mrs. Crosby has met the great Wagner conductor, Hans 
 Richter, and received his endorsement of her work. She was 
 the guests of Mme. Wagner, at Baireuth, where Siegfried 
 Wagner was most gracious in his encouragement. 
 
 Herself a worshipper of Wagner, she brings to her work
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 101 
 
 of interpretation not only intelligence but a real love for every 
 tlieuie which reveals itself in voice and touch. From the first 
 to the last word spoken by this distinguished woman, she holds 
 her audience entranced, and, giving the key-note of Wag- 
 ner's wondrous aim, mysticism vanishes, and a great human- 
 ity is revealed in works which may have seemed incompre- 
 hensible. Mrs. Crosby, while she plays Wagner, talks Wag- 
 ner, and her recitation simply gives words to the master's 
 chords. Mrs. Crosby plays and talks entirely without notes. 
 A most remarkable example of her phenomenal memory, show- 
 ing as well something of her repertoire, occurred at the home 
 of Mrs. Danisl Lord Lawrence, N. Y. Musical and fashion- 
 able New York had gone wild with enthusiasm over the Wag- 
 nerian recitals given by Mrs. Crosby. Mrs. Lord had before 
 opened her magnificent music-room to Mrs. Crosby, but she 
 determined to give a musical treat to a very few of New 
 York's most musical people, among them Havemeyer. 
 
 Her music-room is one of the most beautiful in America, 
 hung with priceless tapestries, lit by curious lanterns, with 
 every environment which exquisite taste can suggest. The 
 windo\vs look out, beyond the lovely grounds which surround 
 this palatial home, upon the salted meadows which stretch 
 to the sea. As Mrs. Crosby said" When I played, nothing 
 between me and the old world." It was late in the summer's 
 day, and the birds were singing their evening hymn. " What 
 music-drama shall I give?" Mrs. Crosby had asked. " May 
 the little audience select whether it shall be ' Rheingold,' 
 1 Siegfried,' ' Tristam,' ' Walkiire,' ' Gotterdamerung ' or 
 ' Parsifal ? ' " and Mrs. Crosby assented. Few artists would be 
 willing thus to meet an audience without one moment's prepa-
 
 162 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 ration. But with Mrs. Crosby her repertoire is a part of her- 
 self. As she came through the hall to take her place at the 
 piano, she asked" What shall it be?" " Parsifal," was the 
 reply. Not one of that little circle will ever forget that hour 
 when this charming artist, with her magnetic presence, sat 
 before them and opened to them a new world of poetry and of 
 music. 
 
 Mrs. Crosby possesses great personal charm and mag- 
 netism; a light, quick, but forceful, touch, a voice dramatic, 
 but so musical that the effect is often almost that of singing. 
 
 Her daughter, Grace Eunyon, now Mrs. J. W. Wassell, 
 is one o the most gifted composers of the day. Her songs 
 are being sung by the greatest artists, while her instrumental 
 compositions are being orchestrated and played by the best 
 orchestras of the \vorld. Competent critics, among whom 
 may be mentioned Bernard Ziehn, prophesy that she will be 
 one of the greatest women composers in America, if not in 
 the world.
 
 gtqpjjens.
 
 GEOHGE STEPHENS.
 
 Among men distinguished in the business world, no one 
 las enjoyed a more enviable reputation than George Stephens, 
 ate of Moliue, 111. 
 
 George Washington Stephens was born in Westmoreland 
 Dounty, Pa., February 22, 1819, and was so christened from 
 he fact that his birthday was the same as that of the " Father 
 >f his Country," but he early dropped the use of the name. 
 Se was the great-grandson of Capt. Alexander Stephens, a 
 'ollower of Prince Charles Edward, who fled from Wales to 
 America in 1746, served under George Washington, and, for 
 gallant service, was awarded a large tract; of land in West- 
 noreland County, Pa., which has been in the possession of the 
 Stephens family ever since. His father, Randall Stephens, 
 ierved in the war of 1812; his mother was Martha Boggs, of 
 English parentage. Mr. Stephens' education was limited to 
 ;hat received in the private schools near his home, but he was 
 i great reader, and investigated the latest scientific theories as 
 :hey were advanced. Thus he received a broad view of the 
 aractical world. Mr. Stephens came West in 1841, without 
 i dollar, having, with characteristic generosity, given -his 
 share of his father's estate -te a brother, who was married and 
 ivhose needs were greater than his own. 
 
 As he left his home to seek a fortune in the West, he stood 
 
 165
 
 166 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 on the mountain, and, looking back, pledged himself never 
 to return until he had earned a thousand dollars. He re- 
 turned before many years, and often related this incident in 
 his life as an illustration of what a man of determination 
 could do. 
 
 It was not, however, until 1843 that he came to Moline, 
 111., then in the beginning of things, now called " The Lowell 
 of the West." Several enterprises engaged his attention, but 
 it was in 1870 that the Moline Plow. Company, with which 
 his name is so identified, was incorporated with a capital of 
 $240,000, which has increased to $5,000,000. Mr. Stephens 
 was its first Vice-President, and held the position till 1885, 
 when he resigned and made a trip to Mexico. Later he was 
 elected President, a position he held till his .death. To his 
 energy and ability the factory owes the success which has 
 made it one of the largest in the world. 
 
 In 1846, Mr. Stephens was married to Mary A. Gardner, 
 a notable woman, of remarkable character. Pre-eminently a 
 lover of home and family, his domestic life was full of charm. 
 To them eight children were born, of whom six survive. 
 
 Mr. Stephens was a man of most noble character. Aim- 
 ing at success and achieving it, he scorned any ostentatious 
 display of wealth, and endeared himself to the laboring class, 
 who are quick to recognize true worth and manliness. This 
 was touchingly shown after his death, when, among the wealth 
 of flowers, was found an exquisite wreath, one of the pieces 
 sent by the workingmen of the factory, inscribed " Our 
 Friend." 
 
 For a year before Ms death his health had begun to fail, 
 and on July 12, 1892, he entered into rest.
 
 . George
 
 MKS. GEORGE STEPHENS.
 
 A woman of distinguished ancestry, noble character and 
 tender heart, Mrs. George Stephens was a worthy companion 
 for the man whose name is so deeply engraved on the history 
 of Moline, 111. 
 
 Mary A. Gardner was born near Utica, N. Y., March 14, 
 1830,. daughter of Ebenezer and Mary Wilkinson Gardner, her 
 mother being a member of the Wilkinson family, the founders 
 of Providence, R. I. She was also a descendant of Stephen 
 Hopkins, the signer of the Declaration of Independence, and 
 of Ezek Hopkins, the founder of the American Navy. Her 
 ancestry is given in " Browning's Americans of Royal De- 
 scent." The family came West when she was a young girl, 
 and settled in Rock Island County, 111., but very soon re- 
 moved to California. 
 
 When not quite seventeen years of age she was married, 
 November 4, 1846, to George Stephens, then a competent, in- 
 dustrious young millwright, in the beginning of his wonder- 
 ful career. Possibly this experience made them both so full 
 of sympathy for those who were toiling day after day, and 
 gave them the rare tact to endear themselves to those who had 
 been less fortunate than they in the amassing of wealth. 
 
 Mrs. Stephens was known as an ideal wife and 'mother, 
 giving to each member of her large family all the helpful eoun-
 
 170 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 sel and loving care which they needed. But her generous 
 nature could not be satisfied with simply meeting the demands 
 of those in the home circle. Throughout the community she 
 was recognized as an angel of mercy to those in need, those 
 in sorrow or suffering from any cause. She was a woman of 
 most sterling character, of a religious nature, yet with the 
 broadest and most tolerant views, and endeavored to imbue 
 the minds of her children with the loftiest ideals and the high- 
 est ambitions. From their earliest childhood she urged them 
 not to make money the standard of judgment, or to give to 
 its possession undue value, but, rather, to use it as a means 
 of self -education and benefaction to those about them. 
 
 Her sweet face and sunny smile, her rare judgment and 
 sincere sympathy, made her most beloved, the friend alike of 
 the rich and the poor, mourned universally when, February 4, 
 1888, her gentle spirit passed away. For a year and a half she 
 had been seriously ill, suffering greatly from heart trouble, 
 but she bore it all with a heroism and submission peculiarly 
 her own. 
 
 Although her loving presence is no longer the inspira- 
 tion of the home-life, still she lives in the hearts of her chil- 
 dren, who love her memory, in the thoughts of many to whom 
 she was a kind and valued friend, and in the gratitude of oth- 
 ers who more and more, as the years pass, " rise up to call her 
 blessed."
 
 tcpj)cns 
 
 It is a remarkable fact that in a single community are 
 settled the entire family, the six children, of so distinguished 
 citizens as the late Mr. and Mrs. George Stephens. These 
 sons and daughters are, without exception, living lives which 
 are not only creditable to themselves but an honor to the 
 parents who are so closely identified with the progress and up- 
 lift of Moline, 111. 
 
 A brief sketch of each life is all that is possible in the 
 scope of such an article as the present, but these histories are 
 such as should encourage parents to cherish the most lofty am- 
 bitions for their children, and incite children to emulate the 
 examples of parents whose lives have been full of achieve- 
 ment. 
 
 George Arthur Stephens, the oldest of the family, was 
 born, May 2, 1851, in Moline, as were they all. He was edu- 
 cated principally in eastern schools and academies. In ear- 
 lier life his ambition was to become an artist, and under in- 
 struction, he painted quite a little, but later this ambition 
 was relinquished, although he has always been an enthusiastic 
 lover of art and its liberal patron. When only twenty-two, he 
 was married to Miss Mary Frances Haynes, a girl beautiful in . 
 character and appearance, who died, leaving him with two 
 children. The daughter, Gertrude, was gifted with a fine
 
 172 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 voice, and became a favorite in social and musical circles. She 
 married John Hassock Porter, of Ottawa, 111., at present 
 stockholder and manager of the Buffalo Steel Co. Mr. Ste- 
 phens later married Miss Nancy Stewart, of Corine, 111., a de- 
 scendant of the North Carolina Stewarts, a woman of most 
 attractive personality and greatly beloved. Her hair is snowy 
 white, which, in contrast with her young face, gives her a most 
 charming appearance. Mrs. Stephens is exceedingly hospit- 
 able, and is never more happy than when entertaining her 
 friends. They are just completing a new and very hand- 
 some house. She belongs to many clubs, and has held offices 
 in them all. Not, however, contented with the distinction of 
 being a leader in social circles, Mrs. Stephens is most charit- 
 able, and is at present the President of the Associated Chari- 
 ties of Moline, a position she fills with great dignity and rare 
 tact. Mr. and Mrs. Stephens have one daughter, Dorothea. 
 
 After leaving school, Mr. Stephens came to Moline and 
 engaged with his father in work connected with the Moline 
 Plow Company, of which he is the President. He is inter- 
 ested in all that pertains to the business life of Moline, and 
 has holdings in various other undertakings. A man of great 
 nervous energy, quick to decide and act, he is also a man of 
 tender heart, hardly recognized at first by those who meet him. 
 He aided in the successful establishing of the free kindergar- 
 ten school, which is now merged into the public school system. 
 Possibly no passion of his life is more dominant than his love 
 for children. The little ones recognize him as their friend, 
 and have abundant reason to remember his generosity. One 
 after another, he has been called upon to give up three beauti- 
 ful boys, in whom his love and pride were centered, and in do- 
 
 .
 
 THE GEORGE STEPHENS FAMILY. 173 
 
 ing for other children he seems to find much happiness. He 
 is President of the Moline Hospital, has served as Alderman, 
 and in all business and literary, social and benevolent circles 
 occupies a position second to none, while his unbounded popu- 
 larity speaks for his kindly heart and generous impulses. 
 
 Mary Stephens Huntoon, the oldest daughter, is a hand- 
 some woman of distinguished appearance. She was edu- 
 cated at Mt. Carroll Seminary, and devoted not a little atten- 
 tion to the cultivation of an excellent voice. She married Mr. 
 George H. Huntoon, who belongs to the old New England fam- 
 ily of that name. He is one of the officers and stockholders 
 of the Moline Plow Company, First Vice-President of the 
 Henney Buggy Co., of Freeport, 111., and Second Vice-Presi- 
 dent of the Mandt Wagon Co., of Stoughton, Wis. Mrs. Hun- 
 toon is a most philanthropic woman ; it has been said of her 
 that the mantle of her sainted mother rests upon her. She is 
 deeply interested in the needs of the working classes, and 
 is most eloquent in pleading for the redress of wrongs, where- 
 ever they are found. She is President of the Fortnightly 
 Club and of the Woman's Club, which, although only a year 
 old, has grown wonderfully, and has achieved much good 
 through its varioiis departments. Mrs. Huntoon has three 
 children. Grace is very musical and has studied whistling 
 with Bain with such success that were she thrown upon her 
 own resources she could easily have a successful career. Her 
 son George was educated chiefly at the University of Illinois, 
 and has devoted much time to travel, while Helen is a sweet 
 school girl of fourteen. George is now at home and engaged 
 with the Moline Plow Company. 
 
 The second daughter, Minnie Stephens Allen, was edu-
 
 174 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 cated at Smith College. She belonged to the class of 1883, and 
 has devoted much attention to music, having studied with 
 some of the best teachers in America. Her love for music is 
 such that she keeps herself in practice, as is too rarely the case 
 with American girls after they assume the duties and respon- 
 sibilities of later life. Emil Liebling still directs her musi- 
 cal studies, and counts her one of his most advanced pupils. 
 She married Frank Gates Allen, son of Hon. E. R. Allen, of 
 Aurora, 111. Mr. Allen was educated for a lawyer, was grad- 
 uated from Ann Arbor, and enjoys the distinction of being 
 a Sigma Phi. He practiced law for five years of their mar- 
 ried life, when their home was in Ottawa, 111. He is now Vice- 
 President of the Moline Plow Company, President of the Mo- 
 line National Bank, President of the Mandt Wagon Co., and 
 also of the Henney Buggy Co. 
 
 While living in Ottawa, Mrs. Allen organized its first 
 musical society, which is still flourishing, and of which she 
 was the President while living there. An enthusiast in what- 
 ever she undertakes, endowed with rare executive ability and 
 blessed with superb health, it is not strange that she is called 
 upon to fill more positions than would seem possible for one 
 woman to fill. Tet she has no desire to be considered simply 
 a club woman, but finds her greatest happiness in her beauti- 
 ful home, while pride in her home, husband and love for their 
 only child predominate in her thought. This daughter, Mar- 
 jorie Stephens, is being educated at Smith College, the Alma 
 Mater of her mother. While Mrs. Allen's modesty has made 
 it difficult to obtain perhaps a complete record of her various 
 offices, the mention of a few will indicate her busy life. She is 
 Recording Secretary of the State Federation of Women's
 
 THE GEORGE STEPHENS FAMILY. 175 
 
 Clubs, Corresponding Secretary of the Moline Woman's Club, 
 was President of the Beethoven Club, of Moline, for ten years, 
 and is at present Vice-Regent of the Moline Chapter of D. A. 
 E. Through her efforts the Woman's Club was organized, 
 and she is deeply interested in all philanthropic, literary and 
 social enterprises, and has written not a little under various 
 noms de plume. 
 
 Charles Randall Stephens was named for one of his 
 grandfathers, and is a most enthusiastic and successful busi- 
 ness man. That his ability in this direction is marked is 
 shown by the fact that, although a comparatively young man, 
 he is Secretary and General Superintendent of the Moline 
 Plow Co., President of the Acme Steel Company, Vic-Presi- 
 dent of the Mandt Wagon Co., and connected with various 
 other business ventures. His life is still before him, but with 
 the indomitable perseverance, business instinct and general 
 ability which he inherits from his father, it is not too much 
 to predict for him a brilliant future as a financier and far-see- 
 ing business man. He is exceedingly fond of outdoor sports, 
 and is quite an athlete. He married Catherine Law Bayne, of 
 Anthony, Kan., although the family formerly lived in Illinois. 
 They have a beautiful home and two lovely children Mildred 
 and George Bayne. 
 
 Mrs. Stephens is greatly beloved by all circles of people. 
 Although not in robust health, she devotes much time to vis- 
 iting among the poor, and does very much good in a gracious, 
 gentle way. Their home is full of happiness, and that happi- 
 ness they delight to share with others. 
 
 Ada Stephens Jordan was a girl in her 'teens when her 
 mother was taken from the home where she seemed so much
 
 176 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 
 
 needed. Although so young, she at once assumed the care of 
 father and home, a care she never relinquished during her 
 father's lifetime. Self -forgetful, she lived her young life for 
 others, making the home still the place for all family re- 
 unions, her father's companion in his travels and in his home- 
 life, laying aside all plans for her own pleasure to minister 
 to him. Her life has been one of those, rarely seen, of cheer- 
 ful self-abnegation, of absolute unselfishness and devotion to 
 those she loved. Deprived of the wife who had been so many 
 years his companion and helper, Mr. Stephens was, in many 
 ways, peculiarly dependent upon this brave, sweet life, and it 
 was a dependence which never failed him. As a writer, she is 
 most successful, but has never had much opportunity to do 
 work along this line. In February, 1903, she maried Mr. Jor- 
 dan, a journalist of ability, who, for a time, owned and edited 
 one of the daily papers of Moline, and is now the principal 
 stockholder and manager of the Moline Printing Co. They 
 have recently returned from a winter in California, and are 
 living in the old home. 
 
 Nellie Stephens Lippincott, the youngest of the family, 
 was educated at the Northwestern University. She is exceed- 
 ingly fond of music, and is a fine pianist, having studied with 
 the best teachers, among whom perhaps Emil Lieblihg has 
 done as much for her as any. Some six or seven years ago 
 she married Charles Howard Lippincott, descended from the 
 well-known Lippincott family of Philadelphia. They have 
 two winsome little children, Mary Stephens and Gardner Pen- 
 nington. While Mrs. Lippincott is prominent in social and 
 literary circles, the demands of home occupy most largely her 
 heart and life.
 
 HENEY WADE BOGEHS.
 
 Rogers. 
 
 Few men, of his age, have achieved along educational 
 lines and in his professional career such success as has fol- 
 lowed the efforts of Henry Wade Rogers, jurist, author and 
 educator. 
 
 He was born in Holland Patent, N. Y., October 10, 1853, 
 md received all possible educational advantages. An earnest, 
 imbitious scholar, he so devoted himself to study that in 1874, 
 it the age of twenty-one, he was graduated from the Uni- 
 versity of Michigan, with the degree of A. B., and in 1877 re- 
 ceived that of A. M. In 1876, he was married to Emma, 
 laughter of John Ogden and Sarah Jane Winner, of Penning- 
 ;on, N. Y. 
 
 Meantime he was pursuing, with the same indomitable 
 jerseverence and enthusiasm which had characterized his 
 earlier efforts, the work which should fit him for his chosen 
 profession, the law, and was admitted to the bar in 1877. 
 From 1882 to 1885 he was professor of law in the University 
 )f Michigan. The years 1885-1890 found him professor of 
 aw, professor of Roman law, and Dean of the Law School 
 ;onnected with his Alma Mater. 
 
 At this time he received a most urgent invitation to be- 
 come the President of the Northwestern University, in Evans- 
 
 on, 111. It was a most flattering tribute to the reputation he 
 
 179
 
 180 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 had made his own, and yet he was deeply interested in the 
 work in which he had made such rapid strides. After careful 
 consideration, he accepted the position offered, and from 1890 
 to 1901 he was President of the Northwestern University. 
 While there he greatly endeared himself to the students, and 
 his helpful influence was appreciated by the community in 
 which he lived. His resignation, to become professor of law in 
 Yale University, in September, 1901, was accepted with great 
 regret, and many kind wishes followed him to his new field of 
 labor. 
 
 During the past few years he has occupied some of the 
 most important and prominent positions in the gatherings of 
 representative men in his profession. 
 
 The years 1893-94 he was chairman of the American Bar 
 Association, and in 1893 was chairman of the World's Con- 
 gress on Jurisprudence and Law Reform at the World's Co- 
 lumbian Exposition, in Chicago. In 1898, he was the general 
 chairman of the Saratoga Conference and the Foreign Policy 
 of the United States. Thus he was brought in touch with the 
 leading lights in his profession, not only of this country, but 
 from abroad, and gained a reputation as a fine presiding 
 officer and a man of executive ability. 
 
 The honorary degree of LL.D. was conferred upon him in 
 1890 by the Wesleyan University, Conn. Dr. Rogers has 
 added to his routine work quite a little literary work, and 
 is the author of " Expert Testimony," published in 1893, and 
 of many articles on law and other subjects which have ap- 
 peared in miscellaneous publications.
 
 OTeskg Heffifngtoell, 29.19.
 
 lUffingtocll, 
 
 A literary man engaged in important church and educa- 
 tional work, the life of Charles Wesley Leffingwell has been 
 replete with much good accomplished. He was born Decem- 
 ber 5, 1840, his father being Lyman Leffingwell, his mother 
 Sarah Chapman (Brown) Leffingwell. He is descended 
 from Lieut. Thomas Leffingwell, prominent in the Norwich, 
 Conn., Colony (1636), and a leader in the Indian wars. He 
 was married in 1862 to Miss Elizabeth Francis, a native of 
 England. He began early in life to give others the benefit cf 
 his literary research and the influence of his own aspira- 
 tions. 
 
 From 1859-1860 he was Principal of the Galveston 
 Academy, and Deputy-Surveyor of the city and county. In 
 1862 he was graduated from Knox College with the degree of 
 B. A., and in 1875 received the degree of D. D. From 1862-65 
 he was Vice-President of the Military Institute of Pough- 
 keepsie, N. Y. In 1867 he was graduated from the Washo- 
 tah Seminary, and the same year was ordained deacon and 
 priest, being assistant minister of St. James Church, Chicago. 
 
 In 1868 he founded St. Mary's School at Knoxville, 111., 
 and has conducted it ever since. 
 
 He became the editor and publisher of The Living 
 
 Church in Chicago in 1879, and retained this position for 
 
 183
 
 184 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 more than twenty years. Before the old Diocese of Illinois 
 was divided, he represented it in the General Convention 
 (1877), and has been elected a deputy from Quincy for every 
 subsequent convention. He has been President of the 
 standing committee of his Diocese most of the time from the 
 beginning, and has twice been elected Bishop by the Clergy. 
 His heart was still in the work of educational uplift for the 
 young, and in 1890 he founded the St. Alban's school for 
 boys in Knoxville, 111., a school over which he is still pre- 
 siding. Bringing to the work not only intellectual training, 
 but also a consecrated life, success was assured. 
 
 Dr. Leffingwell is the Rector of St. Mary's and St. Al- 
 bans' schools, and the prestige of this position is felt in the 
 school work to which he -is devoted. While school duties and 
 those connected with his parish work absorb to a great de- 
 gree time and thought, Dr. Leffingwell has still done some 
 important work with his pen. He is a scholarly man, an able 
 writer, and his contributions to the press are highly valued 
 by thoughtful readers. He has completed a " Beading Book 
 of English Classics," which has been published by Putman 
 Sons, of New York, and " Lyrics of the Living Church," 
 published by A. C. McClurg & Co., of Chicago. Useful days, 
 consecrated aims, devotion to his chosen work and a deep de- 
 sire for the uplifting of those about him, characterize the life 
 of this eminently earnest man, whose influence in the com- 
 munity in which he lives is felt as a benediction.
 
 Cecil Iara
 
 CECIL CLARA HARVEY.
 
 There are uncrowned -heroes in this world of ours living 
 lives so beautiful in their unselfishness, so full of sweet deeds, 
 yet so unobtrusive and so quiet that comparatively few know 
 their merit. Such a life was that of Cecil Clara Harvey, who 
 was born in Elgin, Illinois, July 1.2, 1845. Her father was 
 George P. Harvey, who, with her mother, M. L. (Burr) Har- 
 vey, was a pioneer in the city of her birth. 
 
 Miss Harvey was educated in the Elgin High School, and 
 for eighteen years was a successful teacher in the public 
 schools of that city, for four years Principal of one of them. 
 In 1881 she became Librarian of the Gail Borden Public 
 Library, which position she held until her death, a period of 
 twenty-two years. Every hour possible she spent in study, 
 and thus became familiar with the literature of the present 
 and the past. Always ready to place her knowledge at the 
 disposal of others, children perplexed over school tasks and 
 members of literary clubs availed themselves of her services. 
 She was an honorary member of the Elgin Woman's Club, 
 and an active member of the Every Wednesday Club, the 
 oldest literary club of the city. More than her conscientious 
 performance of the duties of her responsible position or her 
 
 rare literary attainments, it was her unselfish life, a life of 
 
 187
 
 188 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 self-abnegation and devotion to others, which impressed all 
 who knew her. 
 
 The story of her life presents no dramatic incidents or 
 startling events. Bather it is a history of what is far bet- 
 ter, a steady course over a narrow way, with many an ob- 
 stacle to overcome, many a test of patience and endurance, yet 
 pursued uncomplainingly to the end. For her the toil and 
 anxiety of many a weary day, but for her loved ones lives of 
 comfort and freedom from care. Her life of self -forgetful- 
 ness was lived cheerfully; her presence was one of sweet in- 
 fluence, and her devoted friends were myriad. She delighted 
 in encouraging high aspirations in those with whom she came 
 in daily contact, and although often weary, she was content 
 in her home, in the happiness she had provided for the dear 
 ones there. 
 
 As bravely and sweetly as she had met the problems of 
 life she met death. Her chief anxiety seemed to be to spare 
 those about her sorrow. It was characteristic of her un- 
 selfishness that she would not distress them by reference to 
 the end, but after she was at rest a little note found under her 
 pillow expressed her wishes. 
 
 Truly she was one of earth's uncrowned heroes, and of 
 no one could it be more emphatically said : 
 
 " None knew her but to love her. 
 None named her but to praise."
 
 . f. ftottjelman.
 
 (^JLAAfcaJ s(Qo-tASL*&<***3M*S .
 
 . OT. 
 
 One of the most prominent of the women of Pekin, 111., a 
 leader in social functions, identified with its musical effort, 
 foremost in church work, is Mrs. W. J. Conzelman. Bertha 
 Herget was born in Pekin, 111., December 19, 1870, and has 
 lived her life in her native city. Her father was John Her- 
 get, a well-known distiller, of that city, and her mother was 
 Ernestine (Schreck) Herget, both being natives of Germany. 
 Her education w*as received in the public schools of Pekin. 
 On October 21, 1891, she was married to Wm. J. Conzel- 
 man, who came to Pekin that year, established himself in busi- 
 ness and was soon elected Mayor. As wife of the Mayor of 
 the city, she was prominent in all social functions, and soon 
 became a leader in local society affairs. She became identi- 
 fied with the various musical and literary societies of the 
 city, and deeply interested in the work done by them. She is 
 a member of the Pekin and Peoria Woman's Club, of various 
 social clubs, and of the " Litta Society," a musical organiza- 
 tion, named for the gifted young artist whose early death was 
 so deeply mourned. 
 
 In many ways she has contributed to the growth and de- 
 velopment of musical and literary enterprises, and is ambi- 
 tious for Ihe attainment of the highest possible results. 
 
 Mrs. Conzelman has not, however, been allowed to remain 
 
 191
 
 192 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 simply known and beloved in the city of her birth. As the 
 wife of Col. Conzelman, for her husband is Colonel on Gov. 
 Yates' staff, she has been prominent in social life at the capi- 
 tal and throughout the State, and is well known for her charm- 
 ing presence and gentle grace. She is active in all church 
 work and a most generous donor to all worthy charities. 
 
 If, however, Mrs. Conzelman was questioned as to' where 
 she finds her greatest happiness, she would not speak of social 
 triumphs, of musical achievement, or even of her church work, 
 which she holds most sacred, but of her home and her life 
 there. 
 
 Mrs. Conzelman 's home, recently built by her husband, is 
 one of the most beautiful in the city. Into it has been placed 
 everything which wealth and taste could suggest for its adorn- 
 ment. The family consists of Mr. and Mrs. Conzelman and 
 their two sons, bright boys of nine and six years of age. In 
 this lovely home, with her husband and her children, Mrs. 
 Conzelman counts herself most happy, and enjoys the beauty 
 of her home and the companionship of her loved ones more 
 than anything else. Those who know her best have called her 
 home life idyllic, and she covets such distinction more than 
 any honor which can be conferred upon her. To create a beau- 
 tiful home-life is a true woman's most womanly work, and 
 its achievement is too often lightly considered. 
 
 While Mrs. Conzelman must prize the social distinction 
 which is hers, and enjoy the environment of the culture in 
 which her life is passed, above all she counts herself most blest 
 in her beautiful home-life, most happy in making others glad.
 
 William jf,
 
 '
 
 iBtlltam 
 
 In this age of materialism, it is with pleasure a life is re- 
 viewed which, while it is synonymous with material success, is 
 also identical with interest in art, literature, the best political 
 effort and church work. 
 
 Such a life is that of William J. Conzelman, of Pekin, 
 111. He was born in St. Louis, Mo., May 20, 1865. His father 
 was Dr. John Conzelman, a native of Germany, his mother 
 Louise (Graf) Conzelman, born in Switzerland. From them 
 he inherited the indomitable energy and untiring persever- 
 ance which have been such important factors in his success. In 
 1881, he began his business career, working first seven years 
 for the Simmons Hardware Co., of St. Louis, and later for 
 E. H. Linley, of the same city. He was ambitious and anxious 
 to work independently, and in 1891 moved to Pekin, 111., and 
 engaged himself with the Star Distilling Co. His success has 
 been constant. He has commanded the confidence and respect 
 of his business colleagues, and occupies many positions of re- 
 sponsibility. He is one of the managers of the Standard Dis- 
 tillery and Distributing Co.'s plants at Pekin, is President 
 of the Tazewell Hotel, President of the Peoria Oil and Mining 
 Co., Director in the American Truss Fence Co. and of the 
 Pekin Library. 
 
 Politically he is a staunch Republican, and has been ac- 
 
 195
 
 196 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 tive in campaign work, doing much to secure the nomination 
 of Gov. Yates, in Tazewell County. He is Colonel on Gov. 
 Yates' staff, and is interested in projects which are engag- 
 ing the attention of the Chief Executive of the State. While 
 positive in his convictions and loyal to his principles, Mr. Con- 
 zelman is a man of broad views and great liberality of thought. 
 Thus, while maintaining his own individuality in all that he 
 does, he does not antagonize those who differ from him in 
 opinion. As he has kept in touch with business and politi- 
 cal life, he has not ignored the claims of society, of art and 
 literature, of benevolence and religion. He is a member of 
 St. Paul's Evangelical Church, and of other religious and 
 charitable organizations. He has built for himself and fam- 
 ily one of the most elegant homes in and about Pekin, and 
 has no greater pride than its adornment, no greater happiness 
 than in the society of his beautiful and accomplished wife. 
 Such men as Mr. Conzelman are an honor to any community, 
 and certainly the people of Pekin have shown their appre- 
 ciation of his integrity, executive ability and sound judgment 
 in every possible way. 
 
 Too rare are the instances where a business man, a man 
 immersed in political affairs, recognizes higher claims and 
 makes opportunity in his crowded life for church work and 
 kindred demands. 
 
 Mr. Conzelman has been twice elected Mayor of Pekin, 
 the second time with the largest majority ever given a Mayor 
 in that city.
 
 Cfieotrore Cjjomas.
 
 THEODORE THOMAS.
 
 Cfjeotrore 
 
 Theodore Thomas the name means much to music in 
 America was born in Essen, Hanover, and came to America 
 when ten years of age. He is, therefore, in every real sense 
 of the word an American musician and, in the minds of a large 
 majority of American people, he is the foremost in his pro- 
 fession. His father, who was a violinist, gave him instruc- 
 tion when very young, and at the age of six he played the 
 nolin in public most creditably. When the Jenny Lind, Sonn- 
 tag, Grisi and Mario companies gave their concerts in this 
 country, Mr. Thomas was the first violinist, playing as well in 
 the Italian companies, with whom they sang, often conducting 
 the performances. An able critic writes: "It is due Mr. 
 Thomas to say that he has established a new ideal of orches- 
 ;ral work, and throughout his long career he has continued to 
 maintain the highest standard his musicians could achieve, 
 raising it as fast as the ability of the orchestra could follow." 
 
 It was in 1866 that he engaged himself for orchestral 
 tfork on a large scale. The orchestra organized for the sum- 
 ner concerts at Terrace Garden, and after two years removed 
 :o Central Park Garden, saw the beginning of a move- 
 nent destined to create a new epoch in American musical his- 
 tory. All lovers of high-class music will remember the first 
 
 199
 
 200 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 tour of the Thomas' Orchestra, in 1869. Neither this nor the 
 second, nor the third, tour paid expenses, but, in spite of all 
 discouragements, Mr. Thomas was determined to build up 
 among the American people a good and lasting taste for or- 
 chestral music. In him the public soon recognized a graceful 
 and masterful conductor, and felt the force of his person- 
 ality. Men and women of culture discussed the merits of the 
 new era in music, and sent the current of appreciation in ah 1 
 directions. During the following tours through all the lead- 
 ing cities, it became apparent that the orchestral innovation 
 had grown into a great educational power and an inspiration 
 in art. People traveled scores and hundreds of miles to its 
 concerts in the cities of the Eastern and Western States. 
 
 The present knowledge and appreciation of the great mas- 
 ters in the United States are certainly largely owing to his 
 work. It was he who taught the people to love Beethoven and 
 appreciate Wagner; and he was also the first to play the 
 works of Berlioz, Saint-Saens, Dvorak, Richard Strauss, 
 Tschaikowsky, and many others. He was among the first to 
 bring out the works of American composers, and has always 
 been a leading spirit in every progressive movement. Some 
 important questions were, in consequence, understood earlier 
 in this country than in Europe, owing to his catholic spirit, 
 which kept him abreast of the most modern European thought 
 and often in advance of its practice. He established in this 
 country the low pitch of the orchestra, and introduced uni- 
 form bowing. In 1891, he left New York City and moved to 
 Chicago, where he became the Musical Director of the World's 
 Columbian Exposition, and of the Chicago Orchestra, which 
 last he has developed till it is now universally ranked with
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 201 
 
 the best existing. Not the least of his labors has been the 
 conducting of great biennial musical festivals in Cincinnati 
 for a period of more than thirty consecutive years. 
 
 It is impossible in a brief history to give any real idea of 
 the immense work done by this wonderful leader and musi- 
 cian, but a partial list of enterprises with which he has been 
 connected will be a suggestion of what he has accomplished 
 since 1864, when he founded the Thomas Orchestra. That 
 same year he began a series of symphony soirees, which he 
 continued till 1867. He was the Musical Director of the Cin- 
 cinnati College of Music from 1878 to 1880, and of the Brook- 
 lyn Philharmonic Orchestra in 1863, 1866-67-68, and from 
 1873 to 1891, continuously. He was Musical Director of the 
 New York Philharmonic Orchestra from 1877 to 1891 ; of the 
 American Opera Company, 1885-87, and, as is well known, of 
 the Chicago Orchestra since 1891. He has been also, at vari- 
 ous times, Musical Director of the following choruses, New 
 York Mendelssohn Union, New York Chorus Society, New 
 York German Liederkranz and Brooklyn Philharmonic 
 Chorus. 
 
 In 1870, Mr. Thomas made a tour with his entire orches- 
 tra through the country, and since that time his name has been 
 familiar to every lover of music. 
 
 The innumerable May festivals throughout the country 
 may be legitimately counted among the fruits of Mr. Thomas' 
 labors, and, with the many other festivals given under his di- 
 rection, have attracted the attention of the musical world. It 
 is a notable fact, worthy of mention, that he has repeatedly 
 given works simultaneously with their first performance in 
 Euorpe, and often compositions have been played here before
 
 202 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 they had been publicly produced in their homes across the 
 water. 
 
 Mr. Thomas possesses in a marked degree those qualities 
 which would have made him a leader in any walk of life. 
 
 He is systematic, thorough, a strict disciplinarian, yet 
 courteous and gentle in manners. He never imposes condi- 
 tions on his men which he does not accept for himself, and he 
 shows the same consideration for their comfort as for his own. 
 As an educator and a musician he ranks among the greatest 
 men of the day. 
 
 Possibly few realize the tremendous financial difficulties 
 with which Mr. Thomas has had to contend in establishing and 
 maintaining the work of the Chicago Orchestra. In spite of 
 such discouragement Mr. Thomas has persevered, and Chi- 
 cago is justly proud of this institution and its famous leader.
 
 (ienebtebe Clark Wilson.
 
 One of the most pleasing concert and oratorio singers of 
 the West, a favorite wherever she is heard, is Mrs. Genevieve 
 Clark Wilson, of Chicago. She was born in Galesville, Wis., 
 into an artistic environment, for both her parents were musi- 
 cal. Her early training was under their supervision, and was 
 of the strictest kind, thus laying the best foundation possible 
 for future instruction. This home education was followed by 
 the best tuition which the location afforded. Her progress 
 and her talent seemed to warrant her making music her pro- 
 fession, and demanded the best equipment for such work. 
 The really serious preparation for her professional life was 
 begun in Boston, under J. C. D. Parker, for piano, and Frank 
 Morse, for the voice. While in Boston, she was also particu- 
 larly fitted for teaching, and later filled several prominent 
 positions with credit to herself. She was, for some time, head 
 of the vocal department of the Illinois State Blind Institu- 
 tion. In 1896, she studied oratorio, for which she is particu- 
 larly well adapted, with Henschel, in London, and returned 
 to America unusually well trained for this difficult line of 
 musical work. Since her return she has sung with most of 
 the prominent musical organizations of the country. Among 
 
 them may be named the Handel and Haydn Society, the Ce- 
 
 " 205
 
 206 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 cilia and Apollo Clubs and the Symphony Orchestra, all of 
 Boston. 
 
 In Chicago she has appeared many times as soloist with 
 the Thomas' Orchestra and Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 
 and with the Apollo and Mendelssohn Clubs. In addition to 
 these, she has sung in connection with nearly all the smaller 
 orchestras and musical clubs of Chicago and vicinity, and has 
 won the highest encomiums wherever she has appeared. Mrs. 
 Wilson has a most delightful voice. Clear, and of wide range, 
 with great volume, it is full of expression and the sympathetic 
 quality which brings the listener at once en rapport with the 
 singer. Her stage presence is charming; unaffected and 
 graceful, she wins her audience even before she begins to sing. 
 For years her church choir positions have been the most lucra- 
 tive of any soprano in the West. She is at present singing 
 at the Kenwood Evangelical Church. Her time has been so 
 fully occupied with her concert, choir and other public work 
 that her teaching has been of necessity limited. 
 
 She is, however, a rarely sucessful teacher, enthusiastic, 
 conscientious, painstaking and inspiring. She is greatly in- 
 terested in pupils who are ambitious to make a reputation for 
 themselves, and, in addition to the usual routine work of a 
 teacher, gladly gives them the benefit of her experience. As 
 a result many prominent young musicians have been and are 
 among her pupils.
 
 MKS. CAHHIB JACOBS-BOXD.
 
 Athough a native of Janesville, Wis., the musical achieve- 
 ments of Mrs. Carrie Jacobs-Bond have been so a part of her 
 life in Illinois that the music and poetry-loving public of Illi- 
 nois and Chicago claim her as their very own. 
 
 From earliest childhood Carrie Bond was devoted to 
 music, always writing and singing the little tunes that rang 
 in her baby-heart. When only four years old, with one tiny 
 finger she played many airs, and when seven, played any- 
 thing she heard, omitting the octaves which her little hand 
 could not grasp. When nine years of age she gave a re- 
 markable exhibition of her phenomenal musical ear. Blind 
 Tom was playing in Janesville, and giving his customary ex- 
 hibitions of his ready ear for music by playing after other 
 compositions he had never heard before. Ah old man rose in 
 the audience and said : " A little girl here can do that. " Blind 
 Tom smiled and said: " Send her here; she has never heard 
 this, for I composed it," and played the march which has since 
 become famous. 
 
 The child listened, and then, to the astonishment of the 
 audience, played it accurately, except the octaves, and has 
 never forgotten it. In her characteristic way, Mrs. Bond 
 
 says: " This is, I believe, the onlv remarkable thing I ever 
 
 209
 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 did," a statement which will hardly receive endorsement from 
 those who know best what she has accomplished. In 1888 she 
 was married to Dr. Prank Bond, and went to Northern Michi- 
 gan, where they had their home in the midst of a forest, Dr. 
 Bond being physician to the miners of that district. Their 
 life was ideal in its happiness, and out of her glad heart, to 
 please her lover-husband, she began to write songs. Impressed 
 with their merit, Dr. Bond urged her to come to Chicago, 
 bring her two best songs with her and submit them to the judg- 
 ment of competent critics. 
 
 She came and met "Amber," beloved and lamented by so 
 many thousands, and through her obtained entrance into the 
 most coveted circles. Of her ' ' Amber ' ' wrote, ' ' A dear tramp 
 who came in one day to leave a song, and stole my heart away. " 
 Greatly encouraged by this gifted woman, she offered her 
 songs to Brainerd Sons, who at once accepted them. After 
 three months in Chicago she returned home, and began in 
 earnest the work of composition. In about a year, 1895, Dr. 
 Bond, as the result of an accident, died suddenly. Dazed 
 with grief, the desolate wife turned to "Amber," and they 
 planned a home together ; but five weeks after Dr. Bond passed 
 away "Amber's " brave, sweet soul entered into rest. Doubly 
 bereft, Mrs. Bond tried to see through tears what might be 
 left for her in life. Feeling it would best please the husband 
 whose memory she idolizes, she gathered her slender resources 
 together and went to hear the music of the old world. While 
 there she received great encouragement from Frances Allitson 
 and others, and after six months returned to Chicago, where 
 seven years of constant endeavor have brought reward. 
 
 She has been her own promoter, giving recitals, and thus
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 211 
 
 introducing her songs and verses to the public, and for the 
 past two years her own publisher, carrying on this work in 
 her home. This business is conducted successfully, but in a 
 very feminine way ; but Mrs. Bond is a very feminine woman, 
 from whom success has stolen none of the charm of a sweet, 
 magnetic personality. She has published one hundred and 
 twenty-five musical compositions, most of them songs, and a 
 booklet, " Little Stories in Verse," of which the first edition 
 one thousand copies is exhausted. Her verses remind one 
 of James Whitcomb Riley, being pictures of heart -life told in 
 dainty dialect. Three books of ballads, one of seven, one of 
 eleven, the last of twelve songs, have been published by her, 
 and are being sung everywhere, receiving endorsement from 
 the finest musical critics and used by the best teachers in the 
 country. 
 
 Mrs. Bond has put herself into all she has done. Some- 
 one has said: " No one can sing well till the heart is broken;" 
 the sorrow of her life has been her inspiration, and from her 
 own heart she has sung to the heart of humanity and won it. 
 
 From Berlin David Ffrangeon Davies wrote: " I am 
 fond of violets * * * that 's way I like your little songs. * * * 
 There's work in the world for such as you. Many thousands 
 are awaiting your message. " From Nordica, David Bispham, 
 Genevra Johnstone Bishop, Amy Fay, Bogea Oumiroff, and 
 many others, she has received the most flattering letters and 
 the heartiest endorsement possible their use of her songs. 
 Among many distinguished patrons she counts none dearer 
 than Mrs. Gov. Yates, who has been her friend and helper in 
 the struggle of the years, for the road to fame is not flower- 
 strewn. While now she is laurel-wreathed, with the sunshine
 
 212 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 of success about her, there have been cloudy days, and days of 
 struggle for this brave heart. 
 
 When her first book of songs was issued there appeared 
 on the cover an artistic wreath of wild roses, enclosing the 
 words " Unpretentious as a wild rose," and this has come to 
 be the emblem of her work. Eejoicing in her success, feeling 
 it a tribute to the one so dearly loved, so early gone before, her 
 life is full of ministries to those in sorrow, and through verse 
 and ballad she is a daily inspiration to thousands who read her 
 earnest words or voice her sweet songs.
 
 Ir. George JF.
 
 DR. GKOKGK F. EOOT.
 
 . (George JF. Moot 
 
 Gifted composer, successful teacher, sweet singer, few 
 men have so interwoven themselves with the musical history 
 of this country as did the late Dr. George F. Eoot. 
 
 He was born in Sheffield, Mass., Aug. 20, 1820, and lived 
 there for the first six years of his life, when North Reading, 
 near Boston, became his home. 
 
 Always passionately fond of music, he learned to play 
 every instrument within his reach, and the dream of his life, 
 from childhood, was to be a musician. 
 
 In 1838, through the influence of friends, he began the 
 study of the piano at Harmony Hall, Boston, sweeping and 
 cleaning rooms, doing part janitor service to gain the coveted 
 instruction. 
 
 His teacher, Mr. Johnson, recognized very soon the talent 
 of his pupil, and also the fact that his best success would lie 
 in teaching and in his vocal work. Six weeks after he began 
 to study he had his first pupil, a fact which showed plainly the 
 estimate his teacher placed on his ability and progress. 
 
 About this time Lowell Mason advertised for new singers 
 for the Boston Academy Chorus, and Mr. Root joined that or- 
 ganization. Soon after, he became a member of the famous 
 Bowdoin St. Choir, and also a pupil of George James "Webb, 
 
 at that time the best vocal teacher in Boston. From 1840 to 
 
 215
 
 216 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 1844, he was associated with Mr. Johnson in musical work, di- 
 viding with him service as organist, teacher, and beginning 
 the teaching of music in public schools. In 1844, he was in- 
 vited to New York to sing at a musicale. with a view to becom- 
 ing associated with Mr. Abbott, the well-known educator, and 
 also to the obtaining of a position in the Mercer St. Church, 
 of that city. His appearance was a great success, and he at 
 once moved to New York. 
 
 From this time every hour was crowded with work. As a 
 result, in 1850, his health failed him, and his physician pre- 
 scribed change and rest as imperative. He went to Paris and, 
 later, to London, but during his absence of more than a year 
 he was not idle. He heard many celebrities, investigated vari- 
 ous methods, and returned in 1851, improved in health and with 
 new enthusiasm for his work. About this time he published 
 his first book for schools, entitled "Academy Vocalist," and 
 soon after, for choir use, " The Shawm," which had a large 
 circulation, and the cantata of " Daniel." The firm of Root & 
 Cady was established during this year in Chicago, Mr. E. T. 
 Root, brother of George F., being a member of the firm. In 
 1852 he published his first successful song, " Hazel Dell," and 
 soon after " The Shining Shore " (which has been sung in al- 
 most every known language), " Rosalie, the Prairie Flower," 
 and other sweet ballads. In 1858, he became one of the firm of 
 Root & Cady, of Chicago, and thus first identified himself with 
 the musical work of that city. 
 
 In 1859, he became associated with the Normal Institute 
 at North Reading, Mass., and from that time labored inde- 
 fatigably and successfully in Normal work all over the coun- 
 try. He delighted in this line of work, and seemed to have a 

 
 DR. GEORGE F. ROOT. 217 
 
 special genius for it. His genial presence and sweet voice be- 
 came most widely known, and his methods and ambitions ob- 
 tained cordial recognition from the best music teachers of the 
 land. From 1861 to 1870 he made Chicago his home, and 
 wrote the war songs which, alone, would have made him fam- 
 ous. Who has not felt the thrill of patriotism when ' ' Tramp, 
 Tramp, Tra^mp " has been sung or played"? " Just Before the 
 Battle, Mother," " The Battle-cry of Freedom," " The Vacant 
 Chair ' ' are a few of the very many songs he wrote which have 
 stirred the very hearts of the people. Always busy with Nor- 
 mal work, or at his desk composing, he again overtaxed his 
 strength, and his health failed. He was urged to go abroad, 
 but did not feel equal to the ocean trip. He began (his own 
 idea) a series of exercises on the principle of the " Health- 
 lift," and thus effected his own cure, and really started what 
 has since become a widely practiced treatment. 
 
 In 1876, he sailed for Glasgow, Scotland, and after a de- 
 lightful vacation returned to prosecute his beloved work with 
 renewed vigor. He and his daughter, Mrs. Clara Louise 
 Burnham, enjoyed working together, and wrote a well-known 
 Christmas cantata, " The Flower-Queen," etc. 
 
 Dr. Root was a very prolific writer, and much of his music 
 has gained a prominent place among the favorite songs, can- 
 tatas and hymns of this country. His was a generous nature, 
 and his delight was to help others. In 1859, a musical society 
 was greatly in debt. Dr. Root gave his cantata, " The Hay- 
 makers," twice and cleared off the debt. This society be- 
 came, in 1875, the Apollo Club, of Chicago, with Mr. Tomlins 
 as leader. 
 
 Mr. Moody felt that Dr. Root's hymns were of great value
 
 218 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 to him, and called his " Come to the Saviour " the " Rally 
 Round the Flag " among sacred songs. 
 
 Dr. Root's home was in Hyde Park, where most of his 
 family still live. The family was exceptionally musical, and 
 his pleasure in the music of his home circle was one of the 
 greatest and most sacred delights of his life. 
 
 He died in the midst of his usefulness, enshrined, as few 
 have ever been, in the hearts of music-lovers all over the coun- 
 try. 
 
 So long as patriotism, love of home and love of God shall 
 endure, so long will the hymns and the songs of Dr. George 
 F. Root have a place among the best musical publications of 
 America.
 
 Jfames
 
 JAMES GILL
 
 Among Chicago musicians who have been identified for 
 many years with the advancement of musical interests, per- 
 haps no one is more widely known than James Gill. 
 
 He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and derived his musi- 
 cal talent from his father, who was devoted to the violin. 
 When five years old, he lost his parents, and the rest of his 
 youth was a continuous struggle with relatives, who dis- 
 couraged his idea of making music his profession. He was 
 Scotch, however, and that means he persisted till he tri- 
 umphed over obstacles. Sent to Paisley, at the death of his 
 parents, to live with an aunt, he earned enough money play- 
 ing the organ for the Swedenborgian Church and drawing de- 
 signs for Paisley shawls to pay his first year in the Leipsic 
 Conservatory, which he entered in 1867. He made such rapid 
 progress there that friends came to his aid. In the third year 
 his name, with that of Charles Dodge, another musician who 
 has taught in Chicago, was put on the list of competitors for 
 the first prize. Both names were, however, excluded, in ac- 
 cordance with a decision that only Germans were eligible. 
 His first public appearance was in 1870, in the Gewand Haus, 
 the celebrated concert hall in Leipsic. He came to Chicago 
 the year after the fire, with Dr. Ziegfeld, who went to Ger- 
 many after him. Since that time Mr. Gill has been identified 
 
 221
 
 2-22 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 with the musical progress of Chicago. During the existence 
 of the Beethoven Society he sang many of the principal bari- 
 tone roles. He has been the teacher of singing at the North- 
 western University and chorister of the Grace M. E. Church, 
 Chicago. 
 
 Mr. Gill had the honor, in 1870, of singing at Weimar, un- 
 der the direction of Liszt. 
 
 For three years he conducted most successfully a large 
 chorus choir at the First Baptist Church, in Elgin, 111. In 
 connection with this work he gave several concerts in Elgin 
 and one in Rockf ord. After hearing him sing in one of these 
 concerts, a local paper wrote" Mr. Gill is built for a singer 
 of humorous songs, so jolly is his appearance. When he 
 laughs the audience cannot help doing the same." 
 
 The past year he has met with a great loss in the death 
 of his wife. Mrs. Gill was a charming woman, and played 
 accompaniments with rare tact and taste. 
 
 Mr. Gill is an enthusiast in his profession, loyal in his 
 friendships, personally interested in the success of his pupils 
 not only those under his present instruction but those who 
 were students with him in the past. 
 
 No one rejoices more than he in the advance which music 
 has made in the years since he first became identified with the 
 musical life of Chicago ; no one can be more sanguine for the 
 future.
 
 . Clara $. &cott
 
 MRS. CLARA H. SCOTT.
 
 ffiv*. (ffilara 
 
 The history of music in Illinois would be incomplete with- 
 out mention of Mrs. Clara H. Scott, who enjoyed the distinc- 
 tion of being the first woman to prepare and publish an an- 
 them book. She was born, December 3, 1841, in Elk Grove, 
 Cook County, 111., her father, Abel Fiske Jones, being an ex- 
 cellent teacher of rudimentary music, and her mother, Sarah 
 Rockwell, being also musical. From her maternal grand- 
 father, a clergyman, she inherited the clear faith which un- 
 derlies her religious compositions. Her childhood was lived 
 close to nature. With a dear brother, she sought the fields 
 and woods, and well they knew the lore of birds and flowers, 
 a fit curriculum from which to lay the foundation of a true 
 education. 
 
 At the age of eleven, she was placed in one of the pre- 
 paratory schools in Chicago, under the tuition of the founder 
 of the then only Normal School in this country. In this rare 
 atmosphere was greatly developed the deep determination of 
 character which has surmounted many obstacles, not only in 
 bringing her genius to the front, but in giving to the world 
 the vibrations of a true soul. 
 
 Her first introduction to the study of harmony and com- 
 position was in 1856, under the auspices of the first musical 
 institute ever organized in Chicago, conducted by C. M. Cady.
 
 2-26 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 A few years later, her first piano composition appeared. At 
 the age of eighteen she was called to the charge of the music 
 department of the Ladies' Seminary, at Lyons, Iowa. For 
 years she was before the public in concert work, and as the 
 conductor of cantatas, conventions and minor work. 
 
 In 1861, she married Henry Clay Scott, son of the late 
 Judge Scott, of Arkansas, who seconded his wife's efforts in 
 giving her musical gifts full sway. Soon after, she met Dr. 
 Palmer, now of New York, to whose books she became a 
 frequent contributor. A close student, the next few years she 
 had the best instruction within her reach, East and West. 
 The result was a large collection of songs and piano composi- 
 tion in sheet form. In 1882, her " Royal Anthem Book," al- 
 ready mentioned, appeared, and was a great musical success. 
 Her pen was never idle, and, although hampered by ill health, 
 she composed continuously. Her subjects were almost wholly 
 sacred, and she often wrote the most beautiful words to her 
 own compositions. Possibly her best known anthem is " Oh, 
 When Shall I be Free?" Her late song, " God is Love," and 
 her verses, " A Wanderer," will always prove her ability to 
 sing and write to the hearts of the people. 
 
 In the midst of the best work of her life, she was sud- 
 denly called to the great Divine school of harmony, but her 
 works do follow her.
 
 William
 
 William & &Jjertoootr. 
 
 One of the world's greatest musicians, admittedly the 
 greatest of American piano virtuosos, the history of William 
 H. Sherwood's life and work is so familiar as hardly to need 
 recapitulation to American readers. 
 
 He was born at Lyons, N. Y., and began the study of 
 music with his father, Rev. L. H. Sherwood, M. A., who 
 founded the Lyons Musical Academy. His father was his 
 principal instructor until, at the age of seventeen, he went 
 abroad. His European teachers were Theodore Kullak and 
 Deppe, in Berlin; Liszt, in Weimar, (piano) ; Scatson Clark, 
 in Stuttgart, (organ) ; Dr. Weitzmann, Carl Doppler, R. 
 Wuerst and E. V. Richter, (theory, counterpoint and composi- 
 tion). 
 
 He played at the Singakademie in Berlin, when eighteen 
 years old, and the Spenersche Zeitung said of him" The 
 greatest interest of all was awakened by a young man named 
 Sherwood, who played Chopin's F Minor Fantaisie with such 
 fine feeling, both in touch and conception, that even in one 
 satiated with music, as ourselves, it produced the deepest emo- 
 tions." He also played Beethoven's Emperor Concerto with 
 full orchestra, under the direction of Royal Capellmeister 
 Wuerst, before an audience of four thousand people, and pro- 
 duced so great an impression that he repeated the perform- 
 
 229
 
 230 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 ance five times in Berlin. He was the first pianist to play 
 Grieg 's Concerto in America, having studied it with the com- 
 poser and played it for its second production in Germany. 
 With the great Philharmonic Orchestra in Hamburg he re- 
 ceived an ovation, being encored many times and receiving a 
 fanfare from the orchestra. 
 
 He had various offers to play with the great orchestras 
 of Germany, but Mr. Sherwood is a true American, and re- 
 turned to his native land. He has played with unvarying suc- 
 cess in the large cities of the United States and Canada, and 
 has received unstinted praise from the public and press critics. 
 
 Mr. Sherwood is an untiring student, as is evinced by the 
 fact that during the past four or five years he has evolved 
 more and better results than during any corresponding period 
 of his career. 
 
 His book on " Music Study and Interpretative Tech- 
 nique " will unfold his best thought, and is different from any- 
 thing of the kind ever before attempted in print. Some of 
 America's most distinguished artists have "been Mr. Sher- 
 wood's pupils. That he believes in the just recognition and 
 remuneration of American talent is evidenced by articles from 
 his pen which have appeared in Chicago's daily papers. 
 
 Of a genial nature, Mr. Sherwood is never happier than 
 in the encouragement of real talent, and takes greatest pride 
 in the successes of young aspirants to musical fame. 
 
 His compositions and works revised by him occupy a 
 place among the best musical compositions of the day. As 
 artist, teacher, composer, he easily merits the prominence 
 given him not only as one of the best living pianists but as 
 " the shining light in the history of music in this country."
 
 . ffi. <. gerioecfe.
 
 A representative musician, a man who, by his strong indi- 
 viduality and thoroughly artistic nature, has done much in an 
 educational way for musical attainment in Chicago, W. C. E. 
 Seeboeck, pianist and composer, occupies a most important po- 
 sition among the musicians of that city. His mother, a pupil 
 of Marchesi, while in Vienna, was a most charming singer, and 
 from her, no doubt, Mr. Seeboeck inherits much of his musical 
 talent. He is a man of scholarly tastes and attainments, hav- 
 ing had the advantages of a college education. In every way 
 he had the best possible instruction, and improved his oppor- 
 tunities. Among his teachers were Hermann Gresendener, 
 Nettebolm and Leo Hill. To the study of music he brought 
 the same honesty of purpose and untiring perseverance which 
 characterized his college life. He came to Chicago in 1880, 
 after spending some eighteen months in St. Petersburg to 
 complete certain studies, and at once commanded a place 
 among the best musicians of the city. The Chicago of 1880 
 has made great strides to become the Chicago of 1903, but 
 Mr. Seeboeck has kept pace with its growth and ambitions in 
 his own work, has made himself a part of the advancement 
 in its musical standards. As a pianist, Mr. Seeboeck has been 
 most successful, giving many concerts not only in Chicago, but 
 
 throughout the country. His playing is remarkable for the 
 
 233
 
 234 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 delicacy of his touch and the exquisite shading which enters 
 into his interpretation of musical thought. In his composi- 
 tions he has displayed great versatility of talent, and his piano 
 solos and songs are widely known, and have been well received 
 through the country. A quintette, written by him, was given 
 by the Bendix Quartette and himself, and another of his com- 
 positions by the same Quartette and Mrs. Lapham, at concerts 
 given by the Amateur Club. 
 
 A concerto No. 2, D Minor, composed by him, he has 
 played with the Thomas' Orchestra, achieving unusual suc- 
 cess. As a teacher, Mr. Seeboeck is most thorough, present- 
 ing the intellectual side of music to his pupils in an attrac- 
 tive way, inspiring true scholarly ambition in every student. 
 In this work he has excelled, with gratifying results, and the 
 large classes constantly under his direction have been in- 
 structed not only in technique but in the very soul of musical 
 inspiration. 
 
 Mr. Seeboeck has given many recitals, always with the 
 educational feature in view, and has thus impressed his pupils 
 with the necessity of thoroughness in the veriest detail of their 
 work. That his pupils have caught something of his enthusi- 
 astic spirit of research is evidenced by the progress made by 
 many of them. No one can doubt but that Mr. Seeboeck 's un- 
 questioned influence on the musical life of Chicago has been al- 
 ways for its best achievement and the maintenance of the high- 
 est ideals.
 
 Eunice <&. ^ratrforlr iSutts, ffi.n.
 
 Eunice <& Evatrfortr Exitts, ffiM. 
 
 It is interesting to note how often a Puritan ancestry is 
 given in a review of the lives of the leading ir.en and women 
 in the American literary world. Possibly no historic name 
 appears more frequenth r in such connection than does the 
 name of William Bradford, Governor of Plymouth Colony, 
 and re-elected Governor of that colony frequently. Annice E. 
 Bradford Butts, the subject of this sketch, was named after 
 her grandmother, Annice Bradford, who was the wife of 
 Daniel Butts, of Canterbury, Conn., and the ninth direct de- 
 scendant of the distinguished Governor Wm. Bradford. Miss 
 Butts was born, September 22, 1844, in Rome, N. Y., and was 
 the daughter of David K. Butts and Emily Wilcox Butts. 
 She was educated at the Borne Academy, and was graduated 
 from Stanwix Seminary, Rome, a branch school of the Clin- 
 ton Liberal Institute. 
 
 Her whole life has been devoted to education and the ad- 
 vancement of educational interests, and she has achieved a 
 success in this direction accorded to but few women. 
 
 She early began her work as a teacher, and was, from 
 1867 to 1871, Principal of the West Division High School, 
 Joliet, 111.; from 1871 to 1877, a teacher in Dearborn Semi- 
 nary, Chicago; from 1881 to 1886, Principal of the Fifty- 
 fourth St. School, Chicago. Since that time, she has been the 
 
 237
 
 238 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Principal of Kenwood Institute, which became an affiliated 
 academy of the University of Chicago, in 1893. She has been 
 exceedingly ambitious that the highest standard of scholar- 
 ship should be the aim of her pupils, and her school has an en- 
 viable reputation not only in this country but abroad. Dur- 
 ing the past few years she has spent some months in Europe, 
 but she has gone not merely as a tourist but as a student. 
 She has spent much time in the art galleries of the old world, 
 familiarizing herself with theii treasures, and has been much 
 interested in the investigation of the methods of education 
 employed in other lands. 
 
 Art history is the subject which has deeply fascinated 
 and appealed to her, and to it she has devoted years of study 
 and research. 
 
 Her second trip to Paris was made in 1901, and at that 
 time a branch of the Kenwood Institute was opened as a school 
 for American girls. While there she succeeded in establish- 
 ing a co-operation with the Franco-English Guild, which has 
 been in existence in Paris for ten years. During the time she 
 has spent abroad, studying and storing her memory with much 
 which escapes the ordinary traveler, she has collected many 
 most valuable and interesting works of art. 
 
 She is to-day just as indefatigable and earnest a student 
 as ever, and is an inspiration to those fortunate enough to 
 come in touch with her busy life.
 
 Hr. JFrank
 
 2ir, Jfranfc g> OTfjitman. 
 
 In reviewing the lives of the prominent men and women 
 of Illinois, one is impressed by the fact that very few of 
 them are natives of that State. A notable exception is Dr. 
 Frank S. Whitman, Superintendent of the Illinois North- 
 ern Hospital for the Insane. 
 
 Dr. Whitman was born in Belvidere, Boone County, 111., 
 and has lived there most of his life. His father was Hiram 
 Whitman, of Fail-field, Vermont, and his mother Clarinda 
 Whitman, of Chatauqua, N. Y. 
 
 His early education was received in Belvidere and at 
 Chicago University, and preparation for his professional 
 career was made in Chicago. He may, therefore, be called, 
 without reservation, an Illinois man, and the record of his 
 life and its work may be reviewed with pride by his native 
 State. 
 
 He was graduated from Hahnemann Medical College, in 
 Chicago, in 1872, and from the Chicago Homoeopathic Col- 
 lege with the honorary degree ad eundem, in 1876. June 21. 
 1877, he was married in Belvidere. 
 
 His fellow-townsmen have accorded to him every honor 
 within their power to bestow. He served as Coroner for 
 Boone County, and in the city of Belvidere has been elected 
 Alderman, President of the Board of Education, and twice its 
 
 Mavor. For twenty years he has been a member from Boone 
 
 241
 
 242 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 County of the Congressional Committee, was once a delegate 
 to the National Republican Convention, and repeatedly to 
 the State Convention. Recognition of his business ability 
 is evinced by the fact that he is the Vice-President of the 
 People's Bank, of Belvidere. 
 
 While a busy man, Dr. Whitman keeps in touch with 
 whatever means advancement in his profession. He is a 
 member of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, of the 
 Illinois Homoeopathic Medical Association and of the Ameri- 
 can Medico-Psychological Association. June 12, 1899, Dr. 
 Whitman was appointed Superintendent of the Illinois 
 Northern Hospital for the Insane, a position of trust and 
 honor which he still holds, and in which he has shown him- 
 self a wise leader and competent advisor, not only profes- 
 sionally, but in the many matters presented to him for de- 
 cision. 
 
 It is by the daily performance of life's tasks, thoroughly, 
 conscientiously and persistently, year after year, that great- 
 ness is achieved. Such has been the history of Dr. Whit- 
 man's life. His integrity has been absolute, his devotion to 
 duty unfailing, and those who knew him felt their interests 
 safe in his hands. 
 
 Dr. Whitman is a man who thinks along broad lines, and 
 who is interested in all the vital questions of the day. With 
 strong convictions and decided principles, he has also the 
 kindest heart and tenderest sympathies. Although his life 
 has been eminently practical, he is a man of culture and is lit- 
 erary in his tastes. Music and art appeal to him strongly, and 
 he is keenly interested in all the higher educational ques- 
 tions of the day.
 
 >. Matson, ffi..
 
 9. ft. OTatson, 
 
 In hardly any walk of life does a man come so closely in 
 touch with every possible human experience, or have as great 
 an opportunity to achieve so many-sided an influence, as does 
 a physician. The practice of his profession places him 
 where the social, moral, intellectual, as well as the physical, 
 life is open to his inspection, a tuition which should be an 
 incentive for the best self-development. Dr. J. S. Watson, 
 of Aurora, 111., is one of those physicians who has made 
 good use of such wide and varied observation, and has 
 gained, not only in his profession but outside of it, a most 
 enviable reputation. He was born in Bealytown, New Jer- 
 sey, October 10, 1851, the son of Charles Watson and Char- 
 lotte (Trace) Watson. His parents moved to Kane County, 
 111., in 1852, a county in which he has resided ever since. 
 
 He worked on his father's farm, near Kaneville, 111., 
 till 1878, teaching school winters, till he was twenty years of 
 age. He received his education at the University of Michi- 
 gan, from which he was graduated as a surgeon and physi- 
 cian of the regular school of medicine in 1881. and began at 
 once to practice in his profession. In 1881-82 he took a 
 post-graduate course at the Royal College of Surgeons in 
 Edinburgh, Scotland, and on his return practiced for seven 
 
 years in Elburn, HI. In 1889 he moved to Aurora. 111., his 
 
 245
 
 246 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 present home. In 1900 he traveled through Europe, a trip 
 of professional profit as well as pleasure. 
 
 Dr. Watson is an earnest student, desirous of being in 
 the foremost ranks of a profession whose progress each year 
 is almost incredible. He is a great reader, a keen observer, 
 and embraces every opportunity for intelligent scientific 
 investigation within his grasp. Dr. Watson is fond of rare 
 and beautiful books, and in his library may be found some 
 of the most desirable and costly books of the day, embracing 
 works on music, art, and various branches of literature and 
 science. 
 
 In 1893-94 he went to New YorK and took another post- 
 graduate course at the College of Physicians and Surgeons 
 of that city. He is a man of wide literary tastes, fond of 
 music and interested in the development of the best in art, 
 as well as in literature and science. He is known most 
 favorably, not only in Aurora but throughout that part of 
 the State, as a successful physician and skilful surgeon. He 
 is one of the attending physicians and surgeons at the St. 
 Charles Hospital, Aurora, an institution which is recognized 
 by the best hospitals, and has a good standing among them. 
 Dr. Watson was married, May 8, 1884, to Miss Eliza Stewart, 
 and their pleasant home is the center of much that is at- 
 tractive in the best social life of Aurora. 
 
 Dr. Watson is just starting, October, 1903, on a tour 
 around the world, which he hopes to accomplish in six 
 months.

 
 . St. ft. TOatsmt. 
 
 
 
 Son.e time since, an eminent physician wrote a most tak- 
 ing little story, which he called " The Doctor's Wife." In 
 it he portrayed the many ways not usually recognized in 
 which a doctor's wife is helpful to her husband, the days 
 when she shares in loving sympathy his responsibilities, re- 
 joices in his successes, and sorrows when skill and science 
 are baffled. He spoke of the lonely hours of which every 
 physician's wife knows, and the daily tax upon her time, of 
 which few ever dream who have never thought of the pecu- 
 liar duties which enter into the life of the doctor's wife. It 
 is a glance into such a life which is here given. Eliza Stew- 
 art was born in Campton, Keene Co., Illinois. Her father 
 was John Stewart, of New Brunswick; her mother Martha 
 (Thomas) Stewart, of Pennsylvania. She was first grad- 
 uated from the High School of Geneva, 111.; later attended 
 Ferry Hall, which is a part of the Lake Forest University 
 regime. 
 
 She was married May 8, 1884, to Dr. J. S. Watson, a 
 widely known physician of Aurora, where they now reside. 
 Dr. and Mrs. Watson have four children, two daughters, 
 Helen and Margaret, and two sons, Stewart and Dean. The 
 home is always full of pleasure for these four children and 
 their companions, and its atmosphere is not only that of sun-
 
 250 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 shine, but is also filled with the spirit of culture and refine- 
 ment. 
 
 Mrs. Watson is of necessity brought in close touch with 
 those who need not only sympathy but practical aid. She is 
 a woman of discriminating judgment and intelligent de- 
 cisions, and is most valuable as one of the senior members 
 of the Aurora Board of Charities. With her husband she 
 is inspired by high literary ideals, and is conversant with the 
 best in literature and art. Their fine library is a source of 
 mutual pleasure to Dr. and Mrs. Watson, and their children 
 are being educated to read and to think for themselves, a 
 condition only possible as the result of access to the best the 
 world of literature can offer. 
 
 Mrs. Watson is ambitious for her Irasband's success, in- 
 terested in his scientific researches, anxious to aid in all that 
 will promote his influence. She is a member of the Aurora 
 Woman's Club, a literary association which is doing excel- 
 lent work. No one can be more interested than is Mrs. Wat- 
 son in all that is beautiful in art, charming in music, in- 
 structive and entertaining in the realm of literature. She 
 is greatly beloved by those who are perhaps the less favored, 
 so far as wealth is concerned, in the community, for no 
 worthy object ever appeals to her in vain, and her kind alle- 
 viation of need is well known and appreciated.
 
 
 f oj)tt Vmct
 
 
 
 MRS. JOHX VAXCE CHENEY.
 
 Fance 
 
 When, eight years ago, time and tide wafted to Chicago 
 Mrs. John Vance Cheney, had she been a princess of the most 
 ancient and proudest lineage she could not have been more 
 royally received. 
 
 Society, in the most restricted form of the word society 
 musical, literary and artistic did her homage. 
 
 For by her inherent qualities of mind and heart, coupled 
 with extraordinary outward charms of person, Mrs. Cheney 
 graces most royally any society. 
 
 Mrs. Cheney's fame had preceded her to her new home, 
 for in this day of the telegraph and rapid transit across the 
 Continent all knew of the high position held by her in the so- 
 ciety of the western metropolis (San Francisco), which had 
 been her home many years prior to her removal to Chicago. 
 
 In fact, Mrs. Cheney 's name is not unknown in any quar- 
 ter of the Union, nor in Europe, where many years were spent 
 in study in her youth, and many sojourns have since been 
 made ; for wherever Mrs. Cheney spends any time her name is 
 indissolubly connected with every movement tending to the 
 higher things in life, particularly where music and the phil- 
 osophy of right living are factors. 
 
 Pleasant as society is to one so eminently fitted to shine 
 
 in it as is Mrs. Cheney, she has been gradually drawn from it 
 
 253
 
 254 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 into the work now absorbing her, and her whole joy in life is 
 teaching mankind to solve the secrets of health, success and a 
 contented mind, and teaching students of the art of piano- 
 playing that all technique is in the mind. 
 
 The press and public have extended to Mrs. Cheney the 
 most cordial support in her efforts to help humanity, and she 
 is now a leader in the large field of public work on the lecture 
 platform. 
 
 Her investigations in psychology, in its relation to music 
 and health, have received the most respectful attention of edu- 
 cators throughout the country. The results of her work are 
 but little short of miraculous. 
 
 " Music," she says, " should be studied as a means of ser- 
 vice to humanity. To give joy must be the student's aim, not 
 selfish pleasure. One who sings, works or plays with no 
 thought of self is never ' nervous.' Touch is never dilated 
 upon, as that comes naturally, the result of perception. The 
 pupil is taught to observe, to think, to reason, recognizing the 
 soul as master and the body as purely the instrument of ' ex- 
 pression. ' 
 
 " Physical, mental and spiritual development," says Mrs. 
 Cheney, " are three equal factors of a perfect whole; the three 
 natures must be cultivated equally and harmoniously, with 
 a keen appreciation of each to all. The mind is the creative 
 power, the body the instrument of expression, and it can ex- 
 press only what the mind directs, be it health or disease, 
 beauty or ugliness." 
 
 And Mrs. Cheney is beautiful !

 
 The world has no more scholarly musician, no greater the- 
 orist, no more profound musical writer than Bernard Ziehn. 
 The works of the old masters, of more modern composers, such 
 as Liszt, Brahms, Bruckner and Wagner, are as familiar to 
 him as the most simple chord, and he has mastered some of the 
 greatest mysteries of the musical world. This is abundantly 
 evidenced by the fact that to him the world owes the solution 
 of two most baffling musical problems. One was the query 
 concerning the unfinished fugue in Bach's " Kunst der Fuge," 
 a problem which had remained unsolved for almost one hun- 
 dred and fifty years. Another was the answering of the ques- 
 tion, "Who is the composer of Luther's ' Ein Feste Burg?' " a 
 problem which had defied solution for almost three hundred 
 and fifty years. 
 
 He is a deep thinker, logical in his decisions and positive 
 in the expression of his theories. 
 
 Bernard Ziehn, whose father was a shoemaker, was born 
 in Erfurt, Germany, January 20, 1845. He received a com- 
 mon school education, and later took the course of study at a 
 Normal School. For three years he taught school at Miihl- 
 hausen, in Thuringia. He came to Chicago, November, 1868, 
 and has remained here since that time, the first two years as a 
 
 teacher, since then devoting himself to the musical profession. 
 
 257
 
 258 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 During these years lie has written several books and arti- 
 cles of very great importance, which have appeared in the 
 Allgemeine Musikzeitung, Berlin. His article on " The Ec- 
 clesiastical Modes " is published in Die Musik, Berlin. His 
 " System of Exercises for the Piano-forte " and "A New 
 Method of Instruction for Beginners," founded upon the 
 Contrarium reversum and the Symmetrical inversion, were 
 published in Hamburg, 1880. "Alte Klavierstiicke " (Joh. 
 Chr. Bach, Krebs, Graun), containing also explanations on 
 the correct execution of the ornaments in classical works, was 
 published in Hamburg, 1883. " Harmonie and Modulations 
 Chre, " founded upon a new principle, the works of the masters 
 in music, published in 1887, in Berlin. A Berlin critic recom- 
 mends this book in the warmest expressions " for every teach- 
 er or pupil, every master or disciple. ' ' A Leipzig critic says 
 " This work is unique in the musical didactic." Hans von 
 Biilon, in 1891 and 1893, declared" Bernard Ziehn is the 
 greatest theorist in the world. " As a musician Bernard Ziehn 
 is in advance of his time. The years will prove the truth of 
 his prophecies, the wisdom of his ideas. 
 
 Free from affectation, with the simplicity of bearing 
 which always characterizes true greatness, he has the respect 
 of the musical world. He is idolized by his pupils, some of 
 them artists of world-wide fame, to whom his commendation is 
 their brightest laurel. 
 
 Among his " advanced " pupils are Mrs. Bloomfield-Zeis- 
 ler, Mrs. W. S. Crosby, Mrs. Eleanor Everest Freer, Mrs. Re- 
 gina Watson, Mrs. Grace Wassail, Miss Helen Louise Birch, 
 Miss Helen Rudolph, Messrs. Frederic Lillebridge, Wilhelm 
 Middelschulte, Otto Wolf, Gustav and Albert Grube.
 
 fttarte Fon IBIsner.
 
 MAEIE VOX ELSNER.
 
 Von (JHsner. 
 
 Litta, Marie Von Eisner was born, June 1, 1856, in 
 Bloomington, 111., inheriting from her father, Hugo Von Eis- 
 ner, rare musical talent. 
 
 When only six years old, she sang in concerts, and four 
 years later, under her father's management, gave concerts 
 in Chicago, Cleveland, New York and other cities. 
 
 In 1869, she sang in the German Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio. 
 Prof. John Undermer, at this time, heard her wonderful voice 
 and offered to teach her, and, later, Mr. A. B. Huff, of Cleve- 
 land, claimed the privilege of sending her abroad for further 
 study. October 24, 1874, she sailed for Paris. Her first 
 teacher, in that city, was Mme. Viardot, and, later, Mme. La 
 Grange, who was so delighted with her voice that she gave her 
 tuition without charge. Under these teachers, she mastered 
 the operas "Aida," " Mignon," " Somnambula," " Hamlet," 
 " Figaro " and " Barber of Seville." 
 
 May 20, 1876, she made her debut at the Drury Lane The- 
 atre, under Mr. Mapleson, as Isabella in " Robert le Diable," 
 with Nilsson as Alice. 
 
 She next filled an engagement, as Marie Litta, at the 
 Grand Opera House, in Paris, in the title role of Lucia di 
 Lammermoor. Her fame spread rapidly over Europe. In 
 
 April and May, 1878, she filled a successful engagement at 
 
 261
 
 262 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Vienna, where Dr. Hauslich, the most critical of critics, show- 
 ered her with praise. 
 
 Eeturning to Paris, she accepted an offer from Max Stra- 
 kosch for an American tour, and, after four years' absence, re- 
 turned to her native land. Her first appearance in opera was 
 made November 16, 1878, in Chicago, at McVicker's Theatre, 
 in Lucia di Lammermoor, and created an almost unparalleled 
 furore. In 1880, Marie Litta signed a contract with Henry 
 L. Slayton, and gave three hundred and fifteen concerts in the 
 principal cities of the United States and Canada. Her last 
 appearance in Chicago was September 28, 1882, when she sang 
 in Central Music Hall to a most enthusiastic audience. 
 
 Before Litta could complete her last season with Mr. 
 Slayton she was taken ill with spinal meningitis, and, after 
 terrible suffering, passed to the other life, July 7, 1883, at her 
 home in Bloomington, 111. Her death was one of earth's sad 
 mysteries. Young, one of the most gifted singers the cen- 
 tury had known, she left the world of music and art to mourn 
 her loss. The people of her native city erected a magnificent 
 monument to her memory. 
 
 Marie was a blonde, of statuesque form, strongly-marked 
 countenance, and agreeable stage presence. Her voice was 
 remarkably pure in all registers and of extraordinary com- 
 pass. Its peculiar quality was its phenomenal flexibility, 
 coupled with purity of tone and dramatic power. She always 
 impressed her audiences with the thought that her ideals and 
 ambitions were the highest, and had not the sweet voice been 
 thus early silenced, without doubt her fondest dreams would 
 have found realization.
 
 EMIL L1EBLIXG.
 
 lEmil Ufefcling* 
 
 No one has been more closely in touch with the musical 
 life of Chicago for the past thirty years than has Emil Lie- 
 hling. A man of varied talents, he has been able to promote 
 along many lines the progress of the profession to which he 
 has devoted his life. Perhaps he is most widely known as 
 a teacher of the piano, for in this capacity he stands among 
 the foremost in America. He is a recognized authority as to 
 the best methods in teaching, and has been consulted by those 
 who have come long distances to talk with him. But, aside 
 from his important work as a teacher, Mr. Liebling has es- 
 tablished a most enviable reputation as composer, pianist and 
 lecturer. As concert pianist, he represents the best modern 
 type. His repertoire is very extensive, embracing some five 
 hundred compositions, any of which he can play at will, an 
 example of memorizing alone, which is almost phenomenal. 
 He has made of his recitals not only a delightful musical treat 
 in his brilliant rendition of the most difficult music, but has 
 excelled in the giving of musical lectures in connection with 
 his playing, making the entertainment thoroughly educa- 
 tional. He is a fluent speaker, familiar with the details of 
 every branch of his subject, with the history of composition, 
 \vith the lives of the great masters, and he delights in this line 
 of work, not usually attempted by eminent pianists. As a
 
 266 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 composer, Mr. Liebling has also achieved success. Possibly 
 best known among his compositions may be mentioned the 
 " Florence Concert Valse," a gavotte, " Moderne Opus 11," 
 the " Concert Romances," Opus 20 and 21, and a special edi- 
 tion, edited by him, of the Heller and Loeschorn etudes. In 
 1900, in connection with the concert of the Mendelssohn Club, 
 he played, for the first time then in this country, Moszkowski's 
 new concerto, and gained from both his audience and the press 
 the most unqualified endorsement of his masterly work. Mr. 
 Liebling has been so long identified with the best musical life 
 of Chicago that he has become part of the musical history of 
 that city. Genial, enthusiastic, ready to impart his knowl- 
 edge to others, always a student, his influence has been, and 
 is, far-reaching and uplifting. He has been heard in many 
 places throughout the country in his concert tours, and has 
 always delighted his audiences. From his studio have gone 
 out some of the most promising of the pianists of to-day, and 
 he is always ready to inspire them with renewed ambitions; 
 but the results of his influence as lecturer, writer and com- 
 poseser will never be known. 
 
 Chicago counts itself fortunate in being the home of this 
 courteous, scholarly and gifted artist, and recognizes the fact 
 that the musical ambitions of the city have been greatly stimu- 
 lated by his influence. 

 
 . Jftatfjetoa.
 
 W. S. B. MATHEWS.
 
 . ft. > ittatfietoa. 
 
 Probably no man is more widely known throughout this 
 country by his publications, which are most extensively used 
 by teachers everywhere, than is W. S. B. Mathews. Mr. 
 Mathews was born in London, New Hampshire, M#y 8, 1837. 
 From a very early childhood his fondness for music made it- 
 self apparent, and when but a boy he decided that his life- 
 work should be teaching music. It was not, however,- till he 
 was twelve years old that he began his musical studies. His 
 unusual progress may be inferred from the fact that the fol- 
 lowing year, when but thirteen years of age, he began to play 
 the organ in church. Before he was eighteen years old he was 
 a teacher in an academy at Mt. Vernon, N. H. At the same 
 time, he was pursuing his studies along both musical and lit- 
 erary lines, and was able to gratify his ambitions by study- 
 ing with Southard in Boston and, some time later, with Thai- 
 berg, then in the very midst of his famous career. Mr. Ma- 
 thews was always interested in literary research, particularly 
 as connected with his musical life. From 1859, as long as the 
 paper had existence, he was a frequent contributor to 
 Diviyht's Journal, and, in 1868, became the editor of the Musi- 
 cal Independent, a position he held for four years. For many 
 years he was the musical critic on various Chicago papers, and 
 
 is to-day recognized as unquestioned authority on musical 
 
 269
 
 270 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 matters. His musical text-books are widely known. Among 
 them are "Mathews' Graded Materials for the Piano," "Ma- 
 thews' Beginners in Phrasing," "A Primer in Music," in 
 which Dr. Wm. Mason was interested, and " The Pronounc- 
 ing Dictionary of Musical Terms." He also published in two 
 volumes " Graded Pieces," in which work he was assisted by 
 Emil Liebling, and has written other books of value to mu- 
 sicians. While Mr. Mathews is a critic, and sometimes se- 
 vere in criticism, he is always deeply interested in the success 
 of those who have real talent. Among his pupils are many 
 who have made for themselves most enviable reputations as 
 solo pianists. They find pleasure in attributing much of their 
 success to the thorough drill and encouragement they received 
 from Mr. Mathews while studying with him. Mr. Mathews 
 has been greatly interested in the musical advancement of Chi- 
 cago, and has done much to further it. Through his books, 
 which have a place among standard musical literature, he has 
 come in touch with thousands, and thus his influence in the 
 musical world has been widespread. More than this, his 
 strong personal influence has made itself felt in Chicago, so 
 long his home, for the maintenance of the highest possible 
 musical ideals. Whenever the history of the musical life of 
 Illinois and Chicago shall be written, the name of W. S. B. 
 Mathews will be found in a conspicuous place, and his efforts 
 for the creation of the best thought in music will end only 
 with his life.
 
 ffcra. fesste Bartlett
 
 1IKS. JESSIE BARTLETT DAVIS.
 
 . Bessie Eartlett IBabts, 
 
 
 Perhaps no singer of to-day is more enshrined in the 
 hearts of her audiences than is Mrs. Jessie Bartlett Davis. 
 
 From her parents she inherited a passionate love for 
 music and a voice which obtained recognition as one of the 
 finest contraltos in America. She was born near Chicago, 
 and, at the age of fourteen, moved to that city, where her musi- 
 cal education began. 
 
 Mr. Davis was organizing the Chicago Church Choir Com- 
 pany to give " Pinafore," then the craze of the day. She 
 was assigned the part of Buttercup, and at once captivated 
 all who heard her. At the close of the year's engagement she 
 married Mr. Davis. They went to New York, where she de- 
 voted herself to study, and, through the influence of Col. Ma- 
 pleson, sung many times with Patti. After a year's study in 
 Paris, she returned to New York and joined the American 
 Opera Company, but it proved an unsuccessful venture. 
 Later she joined the Bostonians, with whom she won many 
 laurels, becoming a great favorite with the public all over the 
 country. She has sung in more than forty operas, among 
 them " II Trovatore," " Carmen," " Faust," " Bohemian 
 Girl," " Pygmalion and Galatea," " Fatinitza," " Merry 
 Wives of Windsor," and afterwards in " Maid of Plymouth " 
 and " Robin Hood." 273
 
 274 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Jessie Bartlett Davis seems one of nature's favorites. 
 Added to her wonderful voice are rare beauty and great per- 
 sonal magnetism, which have made her a power wherever she 
 has sung. Her devotion to " the sweetest boy on earth " has 
 dominated her life to a great extent, and into her home life she 
 has carried the same winsomeness and enthusiasm which have 
 marked her professional career. During her vacations she 
 has been devoted to outdoor exercise, such as boating and 
 walking, which have given her the superb health so essential to 
 her work. 
 
 Wonderfully free from petty jealousy, she knows no 
 greater pleasure than to aid some deserving aspirant to recog- 
 nition in the musical world. As a ballad singer she is peer- 
 less. Who that has heard her sing of " Baby and I in Our 
 Eocking-Chair " would willingly lose that sweet picture from 
 memory's gallery? 
 
 " Five O'Clock in the Morning " and " Nothing Else 
 to Do " recall the lamented Parepa of years gone by, but lose 
 nothing of their witchery when sung by Mrs. Davis. As she 
 has sung so exquisitely " O Promise Me," it has been an in- 
 spiration to every heart, and so on through a long repertoire 
 of songs she has made her own. 
 
 The truest artist is the one who most deeply stirs the 
 heart, whether it be singer or poet or painter, and this has 
 been Mrs. Davis' power in song all the years. Long may she 
 be spared to delight audiences with the sweetness of her won- 
 derful voice and to be an inspiration to the best musical im- 
 pulses of the day.
 
 JTretrerick iirant Reason.
 
 FREDERICK GRANT GLEASOX.
 
 Reason. 
 
 A Chicago musician who has climbed to the top round of 
 the ladder of success is Frederick Grant Gleason, well known 
 as critic, instructor and composer. Dudley Buck was his first 
 instructor, at Hartford, Conn. Subsequently he pursued his 
 education at Leipzig, under Moscheles, Richter, J. C. Lobe 
 and Plaidy, and in Berlin under Carl Frederick Weitzmann, 
 Albert Loeschhorn and Oscar Reif. Other eminent teachers 
 in Berlin and London aided the ambitious young American in 
 his work. In Berlin he prepared his work on Gleason's Mo- 
 tet Collection. On his return to Hartford he became organist 
 in one of the city churches, but his zeal for composition was 
 unabated, and he did some excellent work. In 1878, he came 
 to Chicago, and, for a time, was musical critic on one of the 
 daily papers ; but such work had little charm for him, and he 
 soon abandoned it. Mr. Gleason has composed a three-act 
 opera, " Otto Viconti," another opera, " Montezuma " (se- 
 lections from which have been played by Theodore Thomas' 
 Orchestra), an Overture Triumphale, for the organ, two can- 
 tatas, the Auditorium Festival Ode, and a Praise Song to Har- 
 mony. His compositions show the real melodious instinct, 
 and merit high praise for their beauty of harmony. He is in- 
 disputably one of the most scholarly and accomplished 
 
 musicians in the country. Unlike manv composers, he has a 
 
 277
 
 278 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 practical side to his character, as well as an artistic. In 1884, 
 he was elected a member of the Board of Directors and an 
 examiner of the American College of Musicians, an office he 
 held for many years, and then resigned. He was chosen to 
 represent the American Music Teachers' National Associa- 
 tion at the meeting of the English Society of Professional 
 Musicians, at Cambridge, England, but could not accept the 
 honor. He feels great pride in a gold medal given to him 
 by the Associazione dei Benemeriti Italiana, of Palermo, 
 Sicily, " for distinguished services in the cause of art." 
 
 The public of New York, Washington, San Francisco, 
 and other cities, have heard portions of his two operas, which 
 have been performed for them by the Thomas and other or- 
 chestras. An organ transcription of the " Otho Visconti " is 
 much played, and was even heard in the Cathedral at Hono- 
 lulu at an organ recital. His symphonic poem, " Edris," has 
 added laurels to those already won by Mr. Gleason. 
 
 In this poem he has risen to great heights, and while this 
 symphony is rich in that sort of melody which pleases, it also 
 wins more favor with each hearing. His latest symphonic 
 poem, " The Song of Life," is a scholarly work, suggesting re- 
 ligious feeling, the " ever present sorrow " and " the remem- 
 brance of the love-episode," and many of the themes are of 
 great beauty. 
 
 December 6, 1903, Mr. Gleason entered into rest, leaving 
 to his colleagues and friends the memory of a courteous, schol- 
 arly man and a most thorough musician.
 
 BEETHOVEN.
 
 Carl <!UoIfsoIjn, 
 
 One of the best-known and most widely recognized musi- 
 cians of Chicago is Carl Wolfsohn. This celebrated musical 
 scholar and artist was born at Alzey, Reinhessen, Germany, 
 December 14, 1834. At an early age he began the study of 
 music, and for two years was a pupil of Aloys Schmidt, of 
 Frankfort, till interrupted by the revolution of 1848. That 
 year he made his debut, at Frankfort, in Beethoven's piano- 
 forte quartette. After studying with Vincent Lachner and 
 Mme. Heinfeiter, he made a very successful concert tour 
 through Bavaria, and, later, went to London, where he spent 
 two years. He came to America in 1854, and settled in Phila- 
 delphia, where he remained many years. While there he es- 
 tablished an enviable reputation as a pianist and a true 
 musician. He played frequently in public, introducing many 
 of the pianoforte concertos with orchestra, and giving every 
 year, for nearly twenty years, series of concerts of chamber 
 music. To this he added the work of an orchestral con- 
 ductor, and for two years gave symphony concerts. He first 
 attracted national attention as a singularly broad musical 
 scholar of the piano by his series of recitals of Beethoven's 
 Sonatas, in 1863. 
 
 These he gave two successive seasons in Philadelphia, and 
 repeated two seasons in New York Steinway Hall. Still later,
 
 282 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Mr. Wolfsohn played all the pianoforte compositions of Schu- 
 mann in recitals, and followed by the works of Chopin. 
 
 As an interpreter of Schumann, Mr. Wolfsohn excels, 
 his musical intelligence making clear what the ordinary vir- 
 tuoso passes over unconsciously. Mr. Wolfsohn came to Chi- 
 cago in 1873, and became conductor of the Beethoven Society. 
 This society produced Bruch's " Odysseus," Beethoven's 
 " Mass in C," Grade's " Crusaders " and Hof man's " Legend 
 of the Fair Melasina " for the first time. He repeated here 
 the Beethoven's Sonatas, as given in Philadelphia and New 
 York, affording some of the most advanced teachers their first 
 opportunity of hearing these beautiful compositions. Later 
 he projected a series of historical recitals covering the whole 
 range of musical literature, one hundred in number, but cir- 
 cumstances compelled him to abandon the project when he 
 was just reaching the most interesting part. He gave trio 
 concerts in Chicago for more than ten years, attended by the 
 best music-lovers of the city. As a teacher, he has accom- 
 plished most honorable work. Many artists, among them Mrs. 
 Fannie Bloomfield-Leissler and Miss Augusta Cottlon, are in- 
 debted to him for making them so thoroughly musicians that 
 other teachers developed virtuosos. He visits his relatives, 
 near Frankford-on-the-Main, often, and attends the Baireuth 
 festivals. He was one of the earliest workers in Wagner so- 
 cieties in this country, and gave Wagner selections in Phila- 
 delphia years ago. He is a musician of highest possible honor, 
 and his name deserves to be perpetuated among those of the 
 musical apostles and saints of America.
 
 . JFamtte #toomftettr leisler.
 
 MAD. FAXXIE BLOOMFIELD ZEISLER.
 
 . Jfannte Bloontftellr Setsler. 
 
 Few women have ever achieved such a recognized posi- 
 tion among the artists of the world as has Fannie Bloomfield 
 Zeisler, one of the world's greatest pianists. She was born at 
 Bielitz, iii Austrian Silesia, but when less than two years of 
 age came to America with her parents. They settled in Chi- 
 cago, which is still her home. When but a little child, her 
 musical talent showed itself, for when only about six years old, 
 without instruction, she picked out the tune of "Annie Lau- 
 rie " on the piano. She first received instruction from Ber- 
 nard Ziehn, and, later, from Carl Wolf sohu, both of whom are 
 still living in Chicago, and have witnessed the triumphs of 
 their famous pupil. When the great pianist, Mad. Essipoff, 
 came to this country, in 1877, she heard the gifted child play, 
 and, recognizing her talent, insisted that her parents send her 
 to Leschetizky, then, as since, known as one of the best piano 
 teachers in the world. In 1878, Fannie Bloomfield went to 
 Vienna, and for the next five years was the conscientious 
 pupil of this celebrated teacher. Before leaving Vienna, in 
 1883, she played several times with great success, and as soon 
 as she reached America, the autumn of that year, began her 
 career as a concert pianist in this country. For the next ten 
 years she played during every winter, and, as soloist, appeared 
 
 with the best orchestras of this country, such as the Chicago 
 
 285
 
 286 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York 
 Symphony and Philadelphia Harmonic Societies. In 1893, 
 she went abroad and played in Berlin, Leipsic, Vienna, Dres- 
 den and other cities. Everywhere she gained recognition as 
 one of the greatest pianists of the world, the greatest woman 
 pianist ever known. As a result she made a concert tour of 
 Europe in 1894-95, during which she played in the leading 
 cities of the Continent, the whole season being a succession of 
 the most wonderful triumphs. 
 
 In 1895, she returned to America, and since that time has 
 appeared every season with all the best orchestral organiza- 
 tions in the largest musical centers. In 1896, she made a tour 
 of the Pacific coast, where her reception was of the most grati- 
 fying sort. While in San Francisco she gave eight concerts, 
 in every one of which her audiences seemed always more and 
 more enthusiastic. England was the scene of her triumphs in 
 1898, when in London the musical public were most demon- 
 strative in their delight at her playing. She received, while 
 there, the honor of an invitation to be the piano soloist at the 
 annual Lower Rhine Music Festival, which occurred, May 
 29-31, 1898, at Cologne. Her audience there consisted of the 
 most renowned musicians and critics of the world, and her 
 success was absolutely complete. Quite recently she has be- 
 come identified with the Bush Temple Conservatory of Music, 
 where she receives advanced pupils between her concert sea-
 
 JL5aiatha,
 
 TIAXS BALATKA.
 
 It is scarcely necessary to tell the people of America 
 about the world-renowned Hans Balatka. Like many another 
 artist, he never fully enjoyed the fruits of his labors, but the 
 acknowledgment of his greatness by press and people, at his 
 death, enshrined him forever in the memory of the music- 
 loving American public. Hans Balatka was born in Hoff- 
 mengsthal, Austria. His fine voice secured for him the posi- 
 tion of alto soloist in the boy choir of the grand Cathedral 
 of Olmlitz, and he there received an excellent musical educa- 
 tion. At the University of Olmiitz and Vienna he was ap- 
 pointed conductor of the academical singing societies, studied 
 singing under Gentiluomo, and harmony and composition un- 
 der Proch and Sechter. The political revolution of 1848 in- 
 fluenced Mr. Balatka to come to America. Locating in Mil- 
 waukee, he founded the famous Milwaukee Musical Society, 
 introducing most of the standard symphonies, oratorios and 
 many operas with full vocal and orchestral forces. His fame 
 spread rapidly, and he was appointed conductor of a num- 
 ber of musical festivals at Cleveland, Cincinnati, Detroit, 
 Pittsburg, Milwaukee, Chicago and other places. In 1860, 
 Mr. Balatka was urged by prominent musical people to make 
 Chicago his home, and conduct the then new Philharmonic 
 Society. He came to Chicago, and also became conductor of 
 the Germania Mannerchor, the Musical Union and other musi- 
 cal organizations of high standing. 
 
 289
 
 290 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 The concerts, operas and oratorios, in which he introduced 
 Mad. Parepa-Rosa, Neilsson, Pappenheim, Carey, Whitney, 
 Remmertz and others, are among the prominent musical events 
 of Chicago. But his principal occupation was vocal teaching. 
 Many talented singers owe their introduction to the lyric 
 stage to his efforts, and a number of the first musicians and 
 teachers in Chicago have been his pupils. In 1868, he gave 
 the first orchestral concert in Library Hall, which, from a 
 musical standpoint, was a success. 
 
 In 1879, Mr. Balatka laid the foundation for the Balatka 
 Musical College by establishing the Balatka Academy of Musi- 
 cal Art. As a director, he was the head of the institution for 
 twenty years, and his cultured mind was the controlling in- 
 fluence in all its departments. 
 
 In 1895, Mr. Balatka celebrated his fiftieth anniversary 
 as a musical conductor. On this occasion the musical world 
 not only of America but of Europe as well gave enthusi- 
 astic acknowledgement of his genius. He received most flat- 
 tering recognition from European musical authorities, and 
 was favorably mentioned in the great Encyclopaedia of Dr. 
 Eiemann, an honor bestowed only on unquestioned merit. 
 
 He was not only great as a musician, but excelled in liter- 
 ary work. His pen, while sharp and witty, was just, and his 
 musical criticisms valuable. 
 
 Hans Balatka died in April, 1899, aged seventy-four 
 years, after more than fifty years of service in the field of 
 music. 
 
 His busy life and invaluable work will always occupy an 
 important place in the musical history of Chicago.
 
 Christian Balatfea.
 
 CHBISTIAN BALATKA.
 
 Christian 23alatfea, 
 
 Eemembering always with loving pride the achievements 
 of his illustrious father, Hans Balatka, Christian Balatka, 
 inspired by this memory, is rapidly making for himself a 
 widespread reputation as a true musician, a successful teacher 
 and fine conductor. Chicago was his birthplace, and, at a very 
 early age, he began studying music under his father. So re- 
 markable was his talent that at the age of thirteen he was able 
 to play dementis Gradus ad Parnassum, and to accompany 
 such difficult compositions as Beethoven's " Ninth Sym- 
 phony," Bruch's " Odysseus," etc. After studying a number 
 of years under local teachers, he went abroad and completed 
 his studies under the best instructors of the Royal Academy 
 of Music, at Berlin. So great was his success as a pianist in 
 Europe that he was honored by a command to appear before 
 royalty. His success as a concert pianist in this country is 
 well known wherever he has appeared, and has been such as 
 to warrant his making this his lifework. But his ambition 
 has been to finish the work which his father began, and on his 
 return to this country he assumed the directorship of the piano 
 department of the Balatka Musical College, and devotes his 
 time to teaching the piano. 
 
 Among the large number of brilliant students graduating 
 
 from this department many have won more than ordinary dis- 
 
 293
 
 294 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 tinction. Among them may be named Miss Bertha Stevens, 
 Alice Bennett, Abie Shymann and others. The last-named is 
 one of the greatest prodigies in the world to-day. At the age 
 of twelve he played with ease the " Hungarian Fantasie," by 
 Liszt, and Dr. Balatka feels that a wonderful career is open 
 before him. 
 
 Christian Balatka has received marked recognition from 
 the highest musical authorities in this country. In 1901-02 
 he was made Doctor of Music by the New York State Uni- 
 versity, and, in 1903, was elected Dean and Examiner for the 
 State of Illinois, for the same university. This is the only 
 music school in America empowered by Act of Legislature to 
 confer the regular university degrees. Under the skilful 
 management of Dr. Christian Balatka, the college which his 
 father founded has made great advance in numbers, in the ex- 
 cellence of its corps of teachers and in the grade of work ac- 
 complished. At the time of Hans Balatka 's death, the college 
 numbered possibly two hundred and fifty pupils, now it en- 
 rolls about a thousand. Dr. Balatka has exercised great care 
 in the selection of his faculty; many of them are well-known 
 soloists, ranking high in their profession. 
 
 He is devoted to his work, ambitious for his school, inter- 
 ested in the success of his pupils and constantly planning for 
 the achievement of the high ideals of which he never loses 
 sight.
 
 fjarles
 
 One of Chicago's best-known singers, greatly beloved for 
 his personal characteristics and admired by all musicians 
 everywhere for his splendid musical achievements, is Charles 
 W. Clark. A native of Northwestern Ohio, it was not till 
 1888 that he came to Chicago and began to really devote him- 
 self to the study of music. So thoroughly has he identified 
 himself with musical life here that he seems as much Chi- 
 cago's very own as if a native of this city. So great a result 
 has followed his devotion to musical study that he has won a 
 most enviable reputation in concert and oratorio work 
 throughout the country. 
 
 Mr. Clark's first engagement in Chicago was as one of 
 the Quartette Choir of the Centennial Baptist Church. After- 
 wards he sang in the choir of the First Presbyterian Church, 
 Evanston, of which church Dr. Hillis was then the pastor. 
 When Dr. Hillis succeeded the late Dr. Swing at the Central 
 Church, so greatly was he attached to Mr. Clark that he per- 
 suaded him to come with him, and for years he was soloist at 
 that church, except when absent from the city studying, or en- 
 gaged in concert work in London and other places. Mr. Clark 
 made his debut in London, with Mr. George Henschel con- 
 diacting, February 18, 1897, in a Wagner concert, and ten days 
 
 later made his second appearance in Bach's Passion music, 
 
 297
 
 298 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 " St. Matthew." Mr. Henschel was most enthusiastic in re- 
 gard to Mr. Clark's voice and the possibilities before him, and 
 offered him the finest concert engagements if he would only 
 consent to make the English metropolis his home. While in 
 England, he sang in the best concerts in London, Manches- 
 ter, Liverpool and other cities, with the most prominent so- 
 cieties, as soloist in cantatas and oratorios, also taking part in 
 many miscellaneous programs. Mr. Clark is, however, an 
 American at heart, and returned to this country about 1898, 
 where his services were at once in demand by the finest or- 
 ganizations East and West. Mr. Edward de Eeske used his 
 influence to have Mr. Clark engage in the work of the grand 
 opera, and Mr. Grau, of the Metropolitan Opera House, made 
 him flattering offers to sing in leading roles in his company. 
 His long list of engagements, however, prevented such a pos- 
 sibility, although both the great artist and the experienced 
 manager felt assured that success would be his. He has sung 
 with the best clubs and societies in the country, and has be- 
 come, everywhere, distinguished as a favorite in musical cir- 
 cles. He has appeared with the Handel and Haydn Society, 
 of Boston, and other oratorio societies ; in a Wagner concert 
 and Brahm's " Requiem;" with the Chicago Orchestra, under 
 Theodore Thomas, at the Auditorium, Chicago; with Chi- 
 cago's Apollo Club, and other organizations. His wonder- 
 ful voice, genial personality and scholarly work readily accord 
 him a leading place among the best singers of America.
 
 . Connor.
 
 E. Connor, 
 
 It is difficult to specify the influences which make the suc- 
 cessful musician. Lessons with the best masters and years 
 of persevering practice are absolute essentials, but to this must 
 be added the invaluable tuition of experience and environ- 
 ment. 
 
 Possibly few have had this sort of tutelage in greater de- 
 gree than has Miss Sara K. Connor. She was born in Indian- 
 apolis, Ind., in 1868, the daughter of the late Alexander H. 
 Connor, well known as an editor and a criminal lawyer. 
 
 In the seventies, the family moved to Nebraska, and the 
 ever changing conditions of the Middle- West had a marked 
 influence in the formation of the young daughter's ideals and 
 ambitions. 
 
 Books and music were her companions, and the years 
 spent in school, college and music study were years of char- 
 acter-building, of preparation for the duties of life. These 
 unstrained, quiet years of preparation and observation have 
 been widely instrumental in establishing that poise and broad 
 mental attitude which are her strongest characteristics. As a 
 teacher, Miss Connor was most successful in Nebraska, be- 
 coming widely and favorably known, and numbering among 
 her clientele pupils from all parts of the State. 
 
 She is by nature a teacher, having, in addition to a sensi- 
 
 301
 
 302 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 tive and discriminating mentality, a rare faculty of imparting 
 her knowledge to others, and of stimulating in them a desire 
 for the acquisition of knowledge. She has thought intelli- 
 gently on the facts relative to the results of musical study. 
 While not pessimistic, she is convinced that the too general 
 disappointment in this direction indicates a vital weakness in 
 educational methods. Too often she feels that the teacher 
 fails to be imbued with the spirit of sympathetic helpfulness, 
 and that without this great element the student nature re- 
 mains unknown and its powers undeveloped. 
 
 While she recognizes that there are common platforms on 
 which all artist effort must meet, she feels the supreme im- 
 portance of developing the individuality of her pupils, and 
 her success in her work along this line has been so great as to 
 be almost phenomenal. That supreme desire for achievement 
 is the only foundation for successful effort she fully believes, 
 and she gladly welcomes all methods of education which are 
 in harmony with this truth. She deems them the most ef- 
 ficient, the most enjoyable and the most permanent in result. 
 
 The success which has attended the venture in which, 
 with Miss Patten, Miss Connor is interested, is- a most sig- 
 nificant commentary upon the fact that a receptive mind reg- 
 isters with great sensitiveness the impressions gained from 
 early environment. It is a proof, too, of the truth that all 
 growth is the result of contact with the stern realities of life.
 
 fttartrm Sdjool of ffiusic antr Elocution. 
 
 The Harden School of Music and Elocution, organized in 
 1899, and incorporated in 1900, has achieved a most enviable 
 reputation, and has taken its place among the most prominent 
 art schools of Chicago. 
 
 Last year over two hundred scholars were enrolled. In 
 1902, seven pupils were graduated, representing five States, 
 and in 1903, five were graduated. At the commencement ex- 
 ercises each of the graduates gave a solo program, the selec- 
 tions being tests of their skill in interpretation as well as in 
 technique. The manner in which the pupils acquitted them- 
 selves was certainly the most flattering commendation both of 
 the methods employed and the skill of their teachers. The 
 history of this school is sufficiently exceptional to awaken in- 
 terest in its founders, Cora Mel Patten and Sara Katherine 
 Connor. After years of professional experience, Miss Patten 
 and Miss Connor united their efforts, in 1899, in the organiza- 
 tion of this school. 
 
 A modest catalogue was issued, and every effort was made 
 to enlist interest in their enterprise. Four months later, after 
 the school had safely passed the experimental stage, it was 
 named in honor of Orrin Swett Marden, known as a philan- 
 thropist and the editor of Success. It seemed as though these 
 
 two young artists were intended to work together, so aptly cjo 
 
 303
 
 304 THE HARDEN SCHOOL. 
 
 the characteristics of one supplement those of the other. Miss 
 Patten, gifted, of magnetic presence, fearless and ambitious, 
 came to Chicago seven years ago, a stranger, with no one to 
 aid her. She -soon, however, made a brilliant record as a stu- 
 dent and a reader, and became a well-known teacher of liter- 
 ary interpretation. At the same time, Miss Connor was con- 
 ducting a large class in Nebraska and becoming widely and 
 favorably known. While she was accomplishing much in 
 the line of musical culture, she was also gaining a practical 
 knowledge of the varied conditions of life, and thus develop- 
 ing the strong individuality which marks her teaching. A 
 fine personality, unusual repose of manner and rare discrim- 
 ination, have united to make Miss Connor invaluable in the 
 work to which she is devoting her energies. Through their 
 united labors Miss Patten and Miss Connor have accomplished 
 much. 
 
 The school has given a large number of recitals, thus af- 
 fording pupils the advantage of frequent appearance before 
 the public. 
 
 A series of readings by the greatest exponents of elo- 
 cutionary art have been successfully given, and these are only 
 indications of the spirit of activity which is a marked char- 
 acteristic of this school. Success has crowned their efforts 
 from the beginning, and it is safe to predict a brilliant future 
 for the school, whose beginning was so unobtrusive yet, after 
 all, the result of indomitable perseverance and unfaltering 
 ambition. 
 
 The school has now a well-selected faculty, and the efforts 
 of the principals are untiring to increase the usefulness of the 
 institution.
 
 Cora ffitl fatten*
 
 Cora ffid fatten. 
 
 The first glimpse we have of Miss Patten is of an eager, 
 pale-faced child, listening to stories from her mother's lips, 
 inventing marvelous tales of her own, while she resented, in 
 her childish heart, the suffering which debarred her from 
 the happy freedom of the playground. 
 
 She gained strength with the years, and was graduated, 
 in 1887, from the Newton, Iowa, High School, and later from 
 the Normal School of the same county. Miss Patten was born 
 in 1869, in Jasper County, Iowa. Her nature is emotional, 
 her imagination vivid, her ambitions high, her enthusiasm 
 most contagious, yet withal she is of a rarely sensitive nature. 
 She inherited a voice of unusual sympathy and power. As a 
 girl, she attained quite a reputation as an elocutionist, and 
 was foremost in all literary entertainments. She began her 
 professional career at the age of twenty, and has achieved Tin- 
 usual success. For three years she taught in the public schools 
 of her native town, but, dissatisfied with that work, she went 
 to Chicago, and took a short course in elocution. She then be- 
 came the teacher of this branch in the Iowa Wesleyan Uni- 
 versity, and, as the result of her influence and the interest thus 
 stimulated, a chair of oratory was established. After a year 
 devoted to travel, she returned to Chicago and completed her 
 course in elocution. In 1895, she graduated with the honors 
 
 307
 
 308 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 of the class, winning a diamond medal. The following year 
 was spent in post-graduate studies and professional reading, 
 after which she accepted a position with her Alma Mater for 
 two years. After resigning this position, she devoted a year 
 to study and teaching private classes. By this time she had 
 gathered about her so many and such devoted friends and 
 pupils that she was able to carry out what had been a cherished 
 hope, and established a school of her own. She is, we believe, 
 the youngest woman at the head of a professional school in 
 Chicago, and has now a reputation as one of the really strong 
 teachers in her line. She is energetic and untiring in her ef- 
 fort, broad in her thought, independent in her plans, fearless 
 in their execution. Believing that vocal interpretation should 
 be inspiring as well as entertaining, only such literature as she 
 feels embodies the spirit of truth finds recognition in her 
 school. Her chief ambition is to become a great teacher, and 
 with this career in mind she has steadily refused all plat- 
 form work which would take her away from Chicago. With 
 so single an aim, with such devotion to her chosen work, Miss 
 Patten will make for herself a place of rare achievement.
 
 $amlin.
 
 ^^^^xC^V^C^t^^ 
 
 & /
 
 The foremost tenor of Illinois by many regarded as 
 having no superior in this country George Hamlin is con- 
 stantly adding to his laurels and making himself a place in the 
 hearts of his audiences. He is a native of Illinois, and is a 
 most notable example of what can be achieved by an Amer- 
 ican in America, for his entire musical education has been re- 
 ceived in this country and from American teachers. For 
 about fifteen years he has sung in many of the leading 
 churches in Chicago, but it is only some seven or eight years 
 since he made his debut on the concert platform. 
 
 During the musical season of 1898-99, he gave, for the 
 first time in America, the most delightful Lieder of Richard 
 Strauss, and won highest praise from both the press and musi- 
 cal critics. Mr. Hamlin 's voice is sweet and clear, with great 
 carrying power, and he sings with an ease of manner which 
 puts him at once en rapport with his audience, and gives a 
 rare charm to whatever he does. He has appeared at various 
 times with all the best oratorio and other societies of the coun- 
 try. Among them may be named the Apollo Clubs of Chi- 
 cago, Cincinnati, Des Moines and Toledo, the Mozart Club of 
 Pittsburg, musical clubs of St. Paul and Louisville, Handel 
 and Haydn Society, of Boston, the Chicago Orchestra con- 
 certs under the direction of Theodore Thomas, the New York 
 
 311
 
 312 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Oratorio Society, the Cincinnati Sangerfest, and many others. 
 The musical critic of the New York Tribune, Mr. Krehbiel, 
 said of him" Mr. Hamlin has a voice of fine, manly timbre, 
 which he uses with great taste, and his musical instincts are 
 evidently of the best. One of the most delightful features of 
 his singing is the unvarying purity of his intonation." 
 Wherever he has sung, all over the country the press has been 
 unstinted in its praises both of his voice and his method. We 
 can quote but from a few" Mr. Hamlin has a tenor voice 
 of sweet and sympathetic quality, and is evidently a conscien- 
 tious student," said the Boston Herald. The Louisville Com- 
 mercial wrote" At the head of American tenors;" the Min- 
 neapolis Times" The most satisfactory tenor ever heard 
 here." At a recent concert given by the Mendelssohn Club, of 
 Chicago, in the season 1903-04, Mr. Hamlin was the soloist. 
 He gave four groups of songs French, German, Italian and 
 English ; his perfect pronunciation and enunciation in what- 
 ever language he sung were a most remarkable proof of his 
 achievements as a linguist, and his rendition of each number 
 showed the exquisite finish only attained by persistent study 
 and unceasing practice. 
 
 Mr. Hamlin, unlike many public singers, is most gener- 
 ous in his response to encores, a genial courtesy greatly appre- 
 ciated by those who hear him.
 
 JFauIfcner.
 
 JFaulkuer. 
 
 Miss Anne Shaw Faulkner, a native of Chicago, is a 
 young lady whose progress in her chosen line of musical work 
 is a source of congratulation and pleasure to all who know 
 her. She was born September 26, 1877, and her entire edu- 
 cation has been obtained in Chicago. She has worked mostly 
 with Miss Julia Lois Carruthers (now the Director of the 
 Carruthers' Normal School), also with Mr. Calvin Cady. It 
 was in the fall of 1897 that she began the Orchestra Concert 
 Study Classes which have become such an important factor 
 in the musical work of Chicago. Her object was to simplify 
 and explain the programs to young girls just beginning to at- 
 tend the orchestra concerts. She was so instructive that it 
 was suggested that she open classes for older pupils, and the 
 second season Miss Faulkner started six classes in private 
 houses. These proved so satisfactory that the third year she 
 started a small public class, and the next season she not only 
 had a large class, which held its meetings in Assembly Hall, 
 but also opened a studio in the Fine Arts Building. In 
 1902-03, in addition to the regular twenty-four morning talks 
 on the Chicago Orchestra programs, she gave three evening 
 concerts for the purpose of greater familiarity with the in- 
 struments of the orchestra. The first was a lecture on " The 
 
 Orchestra, its Instruments and their Music," illustrated by 
 
 315
 
 316 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 seventeen members of the Chicago Orchestra, and the other 
 two were programs of wood-wind music. 
 
 These concerts attracted much favorable comment, and 
 Miss Faulkner is arranging four similar programs for next 
 season. Miss Faulkner also has charge of the History of 
 Music in the Columbia Conservatory, and has supplemented 
 her regular work there with a program study class for music 
 pupils. 
 
 A course of six studies on " Music and its Relation to the 
 History of Art " has also been given by her for Carruthers' 
 Normal School, this season. " This comprises," Miss Faulk- 
 ner says, " my regular work." In additon to this, much out- 
 side work has been done in lecturing for clubs, arranging pri- 
 vate musicales and benefit concerts. 
 
 Miss Faulkner spent last summer abroad, as assistant 
 musical director, on a musical pilgrimage with a party under 
 the direction of the Bureau of University Travel, of Boston. 
 
 This is only a glance at this gifted girl's busy life. The 
 " Loves of Beethoven," which she has given with Miss Ste- 
 vens; " The Bayreuth and the Wagner Festival;" a stereop- 
 ticon lecture with music behind the scenes, and many another 
 musical novelty, attest the genius of this wonderful artist. 
 
 Miss Faulkner will supplement her history course this 
 season with six lectures on " History of Music as an Art," 
 which will be illustrated with stereopticon views, showing the 
 development of notation, instruments and composition by con- 
 trasting pictures. She is very sanguine as to the success of 
 this, her newest, musical venture.
 
 JFlormce
 
 JFtorence 
 
 One of Chicago's rising young vocalists is Miss Mary 
 Florence Stevens. 
 
 Possessing a rich, highly cultivated soprano voice and a 
 most pleasing personality, she becomes at once a favorite 
 wherever she is heard. She was born in Baltimore, Md., but 
 has spent most of her life in the West, and has identified herself 
 with the best music of Chicago and Evanston, where she lives. 
 She has been the soloist for the Evanston Musical Club a 
 club doing as artistic work as any in the West a recognition 
 of her talent rarely accorded to a local singer. For four 
 years she studied under Mrs. Sarah Eobinson Duff, and later 
 under the instruction of Mr. Sydney Lloyd Wrightson, the 
 noted teacher from London, one of Mr. Wm. Shakespeare's 
 representatives in this country. 
 
 More recently still she has studied with William L. Tom- 
 lins, who is unsurpassed in interpretation of oratorio, and 
 represents the most notable advances in modern musical edu- 
 cation. She expects to study with him this winter (1903-04). 
 
 Exceptionally well fitted for oratorio and song recital 
 work, she is also happy in her interpretations of smaller songs, 
 and whatever she sings it is done with the utmost ease and a 
 delightful absence of effort. It is the sentiment in what she 
 
 sings which appeals to her, not its technical difficulty, and so 
 
 319
 
 320 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 she sings not to display her voice, but that she may reach the 
 hearts of her hearers and express to them the beauty of the 
 song and the poetic idea which was in the mind of the com- 
 poser. 
 
 Young, attractive, with an easy, graceful presence, an 
 artistic temperament, and wonderful voice, she is destined to 
 become one of the leading artists of the country. She has 
 made a novel specialty of giving musical illustrations for 
 music lectures. In this work she has been associated with 
 Miss Anna Shaw Faulkner, who has made so great a success 
 of her Thomas' Orchestra classes. Her delightfully clear 
 enunciation and her voice, combining brilliancy and sweetness 
 with warmth of color and breadth, make her particularly 
 adapted to this work, in which she is winning many laurels. 
 
 One of this series is the " Loves of Beethoven " lecture, 
 which is illustrated with Beethoven songs. She has been 
 equally successful in her rendition of the music of the North 
 American Indians and primitive peoples, and has devoted 
 some time to research in the field of such music. 
 
 Miss Stevens is also a teacher of voice culture, and has her 
 studio in the Fine Arts Building, where, in spite of the many 
 demands upon her time, she is attaining success with her rap- 
 idly increasing class of pupils. 
 
 A favorite among clubs in Chicago and other cities, popu- 
 lar as a concert singer, sh'e is none the less conscientious and 
 devoted to her work as an instructor, and is an enthusiast in 
 whatever she undertakes.
 
 Carrie SMootrs Busfj.
 
 Carrie OTootrs Busfj. 
 
 This accomplished musician and able critic, now of Chi- 
 cago, received her early education in Erie, Pa., where her 
 father, James R. Wood, was a prosperous wholesale merchant, 
 and her mother a successful physician. From them, no doubt, 
 she inherited the energy, the industrious habits and the enthu- 
 siasm which have had very much to do with the success which 
 has followed everything she has attempted to accomplish. At 
 an early age Mrs. Bush played the piano well, and all her life 
 she has been a most devoted student of music, having received 
 instruction from some of the best teachers in Chicago. Every 
 possible advantage which could best fit her for the position she 
 now occupies has been given her, and she has made good use of 
 them all. Not only has she had a most thorough course in 
 instrumental music, but she has devoted years to the study of 
 the theory of music, and the various methods employed by the 
 foremost musical educators of the day. The duties devolving 
 upon her as a critic and correspondent are, of necessity, some- 
 what exacting, requiring a vast deal not only of musical knowl- 
 edge but of native tact as well. Until recently she has de- 
 voted much of her time to the teaching of the piano, pipe or- 
 gan and the theory of music. As a pianist and teacher she 
 acquired a most excellent reputation. She has given to 
 
 whatever she attempted a dauntless energy, which meant suc- 
 
 323
 
 324 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 cess. Some years since, she became identified with several 
 well-known musical publications, and this brought her promi- 
 nently before those engaged in a like line of work. 
 
 or the three years the Boston Musical Record was repre- 
 sented in Chicago, Mrs. Bush held the position of critic here, 
 a position she filled most acceptably. Her experience as a 
 teacher has given her a great advantage as a musical critic, 
 and her knowledge of the theory of music has been helpful in 
 the same direction. Through this experience she is often able 
 to look back of result, and recognize effort, and hence an ap- 
 preciative and intelligent criticism. The task of a critic is 
 often a thankless one, but Mrs. Bush brings to her work such 
 unusual preparation, such experience, such tact, that the suc- 
 cess she has achieved seems the only result possible. She is 
 now on the staff of the Chicago Musical Leader, and is thor- 
 oughly interesting herself in its aim and work. The publi- 
 cation has awakened an interest in the music of the West, and 
 is receiving more and more the consideration of those observ- 
 ing new lines of musical work. 
 
 Mrs. Bush is identifying herself with this magazine with 
 her characteristic energy, and in so doing is making herself 
 part of the musical history of the West.
 
 
 tturftlcg.
 
 HE LEX BUCKLEY.
 
 Budtlcg. 
 
 Gifted with a beautiful soprano voice, rare intelligence, 
 an artistic temperament, a magnetic personality and excep- 
 tionally fine stage presence, it is not surprising that Miss 
 Helen Buckley holds a distinguished position in the musical 
 world. Being an American, Miss Buckley received her first 
 musical education in this country under Frank Baird. Later 
 she went to England, where she became one of Randegger's 
 most brilliant and successful pupils. In London her ability 
 was widely recognized, and she received many congratulatory 
 letters from eminent musical critics, such as J. A. Fuller-Mait- 
 land, Esq. (music critic of the Times, London, England), and 
 Jacques Blumenthal, the well-known composer, London, Eng- 
 land. While in London, she sang for many prominent per- 
 sons, the Duke of Wellington, Duchess of Manchester, Mrs. 
 Ronalds, of the "American Colony," Jacques Blumenthal, 
 and very many others. She was honored by being the only 
 vocalist selected to appear before the Duke of Genoa and his 
 Italian fleet at Portsmouth. 
 
 She and Mark Hambourg made their London debut at St. 
 James Hall with the Joachim Quartette, and were received 
 with great enthusiasm. Returning to America, she sang first 
 in Chicago with the Chicago Apollo Club, in the " Messiah." 
 
 Since then her engagements have been many and successful, 
 
 327
 
 328 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 embracing New York, Chicago, Cincinnati, Minneapolis, St. 
 Louis, Milwaukee, in fact nearly all musical centers in the 
 United States. 
 
 In Chicago she took Gadski's place with the Apollo Club 
 in a performance of Massanet's " Mary Magdalen," learn- 
 ing the difficult music and singing it most effectively on ten 
 days ' notice. She filled an engagement at Mendelssohn Hall, 
 New York, after courageously singing for the manager 's ap- 
 proval over a long-distance telephone. She made a tour of a 
 hundred and two concerts, her associates being Mary Louise 
 Clary, William Rieger and Arthur Beresford. Miss Buck- 
 ley occupies the responsible and lucrative position of leading 
 soloist at the Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago. Her in- 
 terpretation of all sacred music has in it a most admirable 
 inspiration, which is a special characteristic of her oratorio 
 work. 
 
 She made her fifth appearance with the Chicago Apollo 
 Club in the " Damnation of Faust," and soon after sang at a 
 festival at Hutchinson, Kansas, which extended over a week. 
 She has sung with the Mendelssohn Club, of Chicago, and with 
 the Milwaukee Musical Society. 
 
 Newspapers in England and all over the United States 
 have teemed with the most enthusiastic notices of this dis- 
 tinguished and captivating singer. Whether she has sung 
 in oratorio, or rendered the most difficult songs by Grieg, 
 Goring-Thomas, Massanet and Salvator Rosa, or appeared in 
 opera, she has merited the same applause. It is difficult to 
 discriminate when a singer is so successful in everything she 
 undertakes. Miss Buckley has won her place among the best 
 artists, and is daily adding to the laurels so honestly hers.
 
 (iotrotosfcg.
 
 LEOPOLD GODOWSKY.
 
 There is to-day no artist, in the realm of tone, whose ca- 
 reer is followed with more attention and interest than that of 
 Leopold Godowsky, who was born at Wilna, Russian Poland, 
 February 13, 1870. Showing a remarkable talent at a very 
 early age, he was taken upon the road as a child-wonder, and 
 concertized all over Russia and parts of Germany until he was 
 twelve years old. He then entered the Hoch Schule at Ber- 
 lin, where he remained for two years. At this time he de- 
 termined to come to America, and he toured this country in 
 connection with Ovide Musin, the violinist, and his company. 
 But the young artist soon tired of the monotony of travel, and 
 made strong efforts to return to Europe for further study. 
 He realized that Saint Saens, the great French composer and 
 pianist, would best preserve his individuality, and he set about 
 to procure an audience with him. His first meeting with this 
 distinguished musician forms one of the most interesting 
 chapters in Godowsky 's life; suffice it to say that, after hear- 
 ing one of Godowsky 's own compositions, entitled " Das 
 Maerchen," he at once accepted him as his pupil. The pro- 
 tection and favor which Godowsky thus enjoyed were soon 
 known in Paris, and served to introduce him to the most ex- 
 clusive social and musical circles of the French capital. 
 
 From the salons of Paris to those of London was but a 
 
 331
 
 332 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 step, and in a short time Godowsky had become favorably 
 known in London. Ere long his matchless art was recognized 
 in the most aristocratic homes of that city, in the palaces of 
 the Duke of Westminster (recently deceased), the Duke of 
 Norfolk, at Grosvenor and Marlborough House. It was dur- 
 ing the many festivities in connection with the Queen's gol- 
 den jubilee, in 1887, that Godowsky was ordered to play at the 
 Marlborough House, where a most august assemblage formed 
 his audience. On that occasion the Princess of Wales, now 
 Queen Alexandra, was so much pleased with Godowsky 's 
 " Valse Scherzo " that she accepted the dedication of it by a 
 special court order. 
 
 In 1890, at twenty years of age, Godowsky returned to 
 America. On April 30, 1890, he married Miss Frieda Saxe, 
 of New York. He made his home in New York until 1895, 
 when a brilliant offer was made him to take charge of the 
 piano department of the Chicago Conservatory, which offer he 
 accepted. His success there is too well known and too recent 
 to call for comment. Godowsky has been heard repeatedly 
 with every important musical organization of the United 
 States and Canada, and is known as a concert pianist from the 
 Atlantic to the Pacific, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, 
 receiving everywhere the most flattering encomiums. 
 
 Godowsky has already made a strong impression upon 
 contemporary art. A work which will make his name a house- 
 hold word with every aspiring pianist is just receiving its fin- 
 ishing touches. 
 
 The extremely conservative firm of Schlesinger, of Ber- 
 lin, Germany, has just contracted for the publication of fifty 
 of his newly written studies on the etudes of Chopin. They
 
 LEOPOLD GODOWSKY. 333 
 
 have caused a stir in musical circles, such as has not been 
 known since Liszt and Brahms have ceased to write for the 
 piano. 
 
 Many critics stand in amazement before them, declaring 
 them absolutely impossible to perform, yet Godowsky plays 
 every one of them from memory. They have earned for Go- 
 dowsky the title " The Apostle of the Left Hand." Tech- 
 nically they are likely to revolutionize the art of piano-play- 
 ing, while harmonically they are as interesting and modern 
 as the tendencies of our time will permit, and doubtlessly 
 much in advance of our time. 
 
 Of Godowsky 's original compositions quite a number 
 have recently been published. They disclose the author's re- 
 markable melodic and polyphonic gift. It is the predominat- 
 ing polyphonic treatment which makes the execution of most 
 of Godowsky 's compositions quite difficult, even after solving 
 every technical problem successfully. Yet they are original 
 in melodic invention, and contain interesting harmonic pro- 
 gressions as well as refined workmanship. As a concert pian- 
 ist Godowsky stands in the very front rank of contemporary 
 artists. 
 
 As a technician, he is in advance of all, yet Godowsky has 
 little pride in this distinction, and takes special care not to be 
 identified with the mere mastery of technique. 
 
 The latter, it is true, is of the most astounding order, and 
 thus impresses the listener, but to Godowsky technique is only 
 a means and not an end, and he makes it subservient to the in- 
 tellectual and practical requirements of the work in hand. 
 There is no ostentation or frivolity in his playing, but rather 
 largeness and broadness of style, brilliancy, grace, fluency and
 
 334 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 poetic feeling. It is piano-playing at its very best, well-bal- 
 anced, noble work. His repertoire embraces practically the 
 entire piano literature. His special favorites are the larger 
 works of Schumann and Chopin. He has a warm admiration 
 for the more important Bach fugues, the last sonatas of Beet- 
 hoven, for Tschaikowsky, Brahms and Wagner. Though a 
 brilliant performer of Liszt's compositions, he admires the 
 original works, such as the concert studies, the gigantic B 
 minor sonata, more than the rhapsodies or operatic fantasies 
 and paraphrases. Of larger works, he commands the entire 
 literature of the concerts of Beethoven, Schumann, Chopin, 
 Liszt, Eubinstein, Brahms, Grieg, Tschaikowsky, Saint- 
 Saens, etc., as well as almost the entire chamber music lit- 
 erature. 
 
 The last two years have witnessed Godowsky's appear- 
 ance as composer and concert pianist in the capitals and prin- 
 cipal cities of France, England, Germany. Austria and Rus- 
 sia, and the sensational successes he achieved in Berlin, the 
 musical metropolis of the world, are of such recent date as not 
 to require special mention. 
 
 In February, 1903, he was decorated by the King and 
 Queen of Roumania with the order of the crown. His salons 
 in Berlin, where he resides at present, have become the ren- 
 dezvous of the most renowned artists of the day, not musicians 
 alone, but poets, painters, sculptors and scientists are all made 
 equally welcome at his hospitable board. 
 
 If Godowsky, as composer and concert pianist, has cre- 
 ated admirers wherever he has been heard, Godowsky, the 
 man, makes everyone his friend with whom he comes in con- 
 tact.
 
 . Jftaurice
 
 ffiv. jitaurttt *tnm&0n. 
 
 Among the younger artists of Chicago there is none that 
 has succeeded in creating for himself, within the last decade, 
 a position of such prominence in his profession as has Maurice 
 Aronson, the well-known pianist, instructor and critic. 
 Though a total stranger in Chicago seven years ago, he has 
 created for himself a following that taxes his time from sea- 
 son to season to the utmost limit. 
 
 The Maurice Aronson studios in the Auditorium are the 
 headquarters of a large number of talented pianists, and they 
 are reckoned among the most exclusive and most elegantly 
 equipped private studios in the entire West. 
 
 Maurice Aronson was born June 24, 1869, in Mitau, near 
 the Baltic coast. He showed, in early youth, a decided talent 
 for music. In connection with thorough musical instruction, 
 he received a comprehensive academical education at the Gym- 
 nasium, from which he graduated at the unusual age of six- 
 teen years. 
 
 Then the inborn love for music asserted itself, and 
 prompted Mr. Aronson to adopt it as a profession. For sev- 
 eral years he pursued his studies in St. Petersburg, Berlin and 
 other continental cities, appearing frequently in public with 
 the most unqualified success. In 1888, he came to America, 
 
 settling in the South, as pianist and organist. Within a short 
 
 337
 
 338 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 time he gathered large classes about him and became one of 
 the best-known and most successful musicians in the South. 
 
 The desire to continue his studies and search for a large 
 field of activity prompted Mr. Aronson to come to Chicago, 
 in the fall of 1896. He studied for some time with Leopold 
 Godowsky, the eminent pianist and composer, whose chief as- 
 sistant he became in the Chicago Conservatory. In that in- 
 stitution Mr. Aronson 's services proved so valuable that he 
 became one of the most prominent members of its famous 
 faculty. 
 
 Mr. Godowsky 's departure for Europe brought Mr. Aron- 
 son the most flattering testimonials from the pen of the distin- 
 guished Eussian. After refusing some very tempting offers 
 from prominent colleges and conservatories of music, Mr. 
 Aronson established his own studios. In January, 1903, Mr. 
 Godowsky invited Mr. Aronson to come to Berlin, Germany, 
 to become associated with him again in professional work. 
 This invitation was a great compliment to Mr. Aronson 's abil- 
 ity, and was accepted by him. He has been located in Berlin 
 since July of this year. As a pianist, Mr. Aronson possesses 
 most artistic qualities and has a large repertoire. He has been 
 heard repeatedly in individual recitals and with other artists 
 in Chicago and other cities. 
 
 Outside of his piano and theoretic studies, Mr. Aronson 
 has made extensive researches in musical history and litera- 
 ture, and has evinced ability as a writer. 
 
 The results of these studies frequently appear in musical 
 journals here and abroad.
 
 (Eftristmas Reminiscence. 
 
 BY MAURICE AKONSON. 
 
 One of the most precious reminiscences of my boyhood 
 is a piano recital by Anton Rubinstein, the great Russian com- 
 poser and pianist. The recital took place in Riga, and was 
 announced for the day preceding Christmas. The silent con- 
 sciousness that Santa Glaus had generousty remembered me, 
 that a prohibitive price of admission had been set, etc., caused 
 me to desist from persuasion and resign myself to the inevit- 
 able. But fate willed it otherwise. On the morning of De- 
 cember 23d, the mail brought me a handsomely written note, 
 the contents of which I translate freely from the French 
 
 " My dear young friend: Your playing of the Mozart 
 Rondo and the Mendelssohn Songs without Words on the oc- 
 casion of the ' soiree musicale, ' at the Baroness C. "s, gave me 
 much pleasure. If you learn to play Beethoven, Chopin and 
 Schumann as well as you played Mozart and Mendelssohn we 
 shall be proud of you in years to come. The enclosed cards 
 will enable you to hear Meister Rubinstein play Beethoven, 
 Chopin and Schumann to-night. Our carriage will call for 
 you at noon. A very merry Christmas ! 
 
 " Tour friend, 
 
 "PRINCESS W." 
 339
 
 340 A CHRISTMAS REMINISCENCE. 
 
 The children of the Princess were my friends. The 
 Princess, a beautiful and, cultured woman, an enthusiastic 
 musical amateur, had befriended me frequently ere this. At 
 the appointed hour I joined the party, consisting of the Prin- 
 cess, her children, two handsome lads, and their tutor. We 
 arrived at the brilliant concert hall, which was taxed beyond 
 its capacity with a most cultured audience, only a few mo- 
 ments before the great master of the keyboard would make his 
 appearance. The moment came. Anton Rubinstein was on 
 the stage ! Slowly, his head bent forward, he approached the 
 exquisite grand piano, and in bowing his thanks to the expec- 
 tant audience his long, raven black hair fell over his face. 
 
 Throwing it backward, without preluding at all, he at- 
 tacked with full force the first number of the program, his 
 own arrangement of Beethoven's overture to Egmont. Sud- 
 denly the master's vehement left hand landed upon a crashing 
 E, instead of the famous F of that overture. A pianist in- 
 ferior to Anton Eubinstein would have withdrawn after such 
 a mishap, but in Eubinstein the audience recognized a Titan 
 who played with boulder rocks. A stone might, perchance, 
 fall to the side, but his playing remained incomparable. The 
 heroic Beethoven was followed by the highly romantic Schu- 
 bert, whose works no pianist has interpreted more beautifully 
 than Rubinstein. What charming change of humorous jok- 
 ing, of mystic laughing, of sorrow, anger and innocent joy he 
 offered in the Impromptu in F Minor, in the B Minor Minuet, 
 and in the " Moment Musical." The master must have felt, 
 by this time, that his audience was under the full control of 
 his magic power, and he led his hypnotized listeners into the 
 fairyland which the wonderful Chopin has disclosed to the
 
 A CHRISTMAS REMINISCENCE. 341 
 
 world. After all the fantastic poetry of the F Minor Bal- 
 lade and the soulful, wistful yearnings of the A Flat Noc- 
 turne, he turned, in charming realism, to the joys of the world. 
 To the exciting rhythm of a mazurka and the caressing A Flat 
 valse, the dreamy Chopin steps into the ballroom and the 
 clumsy, Titanic Rubinstein becomes the most graceful dancer. 
 Rubinstein's interpretation of Schumann's " Etudes 
 Symphoniques " is my most cherished reminiscence of that 
 occasion. Whether it be due to the susceptibility of my en- 
 thusiastic nature or the impressibility of my youthful mind, 
 I remember the playing of those wonderful tone pictures as 
 if I heard them now, and I confess that, despite the beautiful 
 readings which, in after years, Sophie Menter, Timanoff , Essi- 
 poff, D 'Albert, Godowsky, Paderewski, Zeisler and many 
 other pianists have given them, I can never dissociate Rubin- 
 stein's reading from them. With Liszt's second " Hungarian 
 Rhapsodic" he proved his virtuosity. What we now hear from 
 time to time of those whimsical, rhapsodic improvisations is 
 but the echo of such glorious playing as characterized Rubin- 
 stein's treatment of them. As he executed the most intricate 
 cadenzas of his own creation in the closing number, his own 
 " Valse Caprice," the enthusiasm of his audience increased. 
 In the middle part, at those famous skips of the right hand, it 
 seemed as if he would tear the piano apart, and many a note 
 was struck near by. At the close there was the most over- 
 whelming ovation for the great, the only Rubinstein. The 
 audience was beyond control. Ladies tore the flowers from 
 their corsages and threw them to the artist, who seemed deep- 
 ly moved. Rubinstein had to appear again and again. Final- 
 ly the door was barricaded, and he found himself compelled to
 
 342 A CHRISTMAS REMINISCENCE. 
 
 respond to an encore. He returned once more to Schubert, 
 his Schubert, as he often said, to play with fairy-like charm 
 that incomparably beautiful " To Sing Upon the Waters." 
 
 He did not play it, he sang it, and as the melody was glid- 
 ing swan-like away the pearly water-drops could be heard fall- 
 ing from its wings. 
 
 With a shrill dissonance he began his program, with as 
 pure a harmony as the human hand ever struck he dismissed 
 his audience. 
 
 Such was Rubinstein's magnificent art. The occasion re- 
 ferred to was but one of the many triumphs of his genius. 
 
 We returned home the next day. My Christmas gifts 
 were many, but, of all the gifts, I prized most highly the con- 
 sciousness that I had heard Anton Rubinstein, one of the 
 world's greatest masters. Five years later I heard the mas- 
 ter's entire .series of seven historical recitals, which terminat- 
 ed his career as a concert pianist. It was a gigantic under- 
 taking, worthy of its illustrious promoter.
 
 Jttiltoarfc
 
 Jfttltoarlr 
 
 In a lecture on "Amusements," long ago, Henry Ward 
 Beecher presented that subject to his audience, following a 
 line of thought peculiarly his own, not usually recognized. 
 The fact that one man's amusement might he to another a 
 burden, and that the ability to devise avenues of amusement 
 worthy the name was a sort of genius, were among the ideas 
 suggested. Perhaps no man in Chicago has devoted more 
 thought to the place which amusement occupies in the daily 
 life than Milward Adams. His father was a surgeon in the 
 II. S. Army, living in Lexington, Ky., but about the early six- 
 ties moved to Ohio, where Milward was born. He inherited 
 the impulsiveness and enthusiasm characteristic of those from 
 the Sunny South, and everything he has undertaken has been 
 prosecuted in this whole-hearted way. In 1870, he came to 
 Chicago, and a year and a half later, impressed with the 
 dearth of proper amusement for the people, entered upon his 
 lifework. In those days concerts and lectures appealed most 
 strongly to the best class of people, and Mr. Adams, in his 
 work, was brought in touch with artists such as Charlotte 
 Cushman, Ole Bull, Rubinstein, Henry Ward Beecher, and 
 many others. 
 
 While thus engaged for others, he was constantly enlarg- 
 ing his own thought and developing within himself artistic 
 
 345
 
 346 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 impulses and ambitions which have, no doubt, influenced his 
 subsequent life. His aim for the choicest, particularly in 
 lines of musical endeavor, never wavered, and for the consum- 
 mation of his hopes he worked. When Central Music Hall 
 was built (a place dear to memory as the home, for years, of 
 Chicago's best music), and its projector, George Benedict 
 Carpenter, passed away, Mr. Adams, who had been the as- 
 sistant manager, had full control. This position he retained 
 from Jan., 1881, to December, 1887, when work connected with 
 the projected Auditorium, of which he was offered the man- 
 agement, occupied his entire time. To his efforts, his never 
 flagging attention to detail, probably more than to those of any 
 other, that magnificent structure owed its complete and satis- 
 factory realization. Few understand how tremendous are his 
 responsibilities to-day in his position as manager of the Audi- 
 torium Theatre. In 1882 and 1884 Mr. Adams had charge of 
 the May Musical Festivals in the old Exposition Building, 
 which were a delight to all who attended, and among the best 
 events in Chicago's musical history. He also arranged for the 
 Theodore Thomas summer night concerts to come to Chicago, 
 from which experiment the Chicago Orchestra resiilted. For 
 twenty-five years Mr. Adams has been connected with almost 
 every large musical achievement in Chicago, and has so en- 
 deared himself to both artists and the amusement-loving pub- 
 lic that his friends are legion.
 
 Jpranfc (tt.
 
 JFranfe 
 
 The career of this well-known artist and teacher of vocal 
 culture is deserving of particular attention in any review of 
 Chicago's past popular musicians. His proficiency in this 
 branch of musical art is so widely recognized that his time is 
 completely absorbed with pupils, many of whom come from a 
 long distance to Chicago for the express purpose of pursuing 
 their studies under his guidance. 
 
 Mr. Baird was born in Worcester, Mass., a town which 
 has had the honor of being the birthplace of quite a number 
 of well-known musicians. He began his musical career by 
 studying the organ with D. B. Allen. While yet a boy he 
 came to Chicago and continued the study of the organ, taking 
 up also composition with Dudley Buck. Later he revived 
 his organ studies with Clarence Eddy. He also devoted much 
 time to piano study, his most noted piano teachers being Al- 
 fred Pease and Emil Liebling. For twenty-three years Mr. 
 Baird was organist at the Third Presbyterian Church, during 
 which time he found opportunity to do not a little concert 
 work. He has appeared both as soloist and accompanist with 
 many artists, among them being Annie Louise Cary, Clara 
 Louise Kellogg, Muer Scalchi and Myron W. Whitney. 
 
 It was as the result of advice from Miss Cary that he 
 
 decided to take up the study of vocal music. For this pur- 
 
 349
 
 350 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 pose he went to Europe, and in Paris studied with Sbriglea, 
 in Dresden with Lamperti and in London with Shakespeare 
 and Henschel. Returning to America, he resumed the work 
 of teaching, in which he has been wonderfully successful. His 
 wide experience as an accompanist and the opportunity he has 
 had of studying the methods of celebrated artists have been 
 of very great value to him in his teaching. 
 
 During his career as a vocal teacher he has developed 
 some very popular and talented singers. 
 
 George J. Hamlin, one of America's greatest tenors, 
 studied with Mr. Baird for four years. Miss Helen Buckley 
 considers that she was very fortunate in having, at the be- 
 ginning of her career, an instructor who knew so thoroughly 
 the essentials of voice production and how to teach them. S. 
 Fisher Miller, the popular New York tenor, who is one of the 
 highest salaried choir singers in that city, also studied with 
 Mr. Baird. Besides these and other well-known artists, Mr. 
 Baird has a large number of pupils who occupy some of the 
 very best choir positions in and near Chicago, and sing most 
 acceptably in concerts and oratorios where strictly profes- 
 sional service is not required. Mr. Baird at one time organ- 
 ized and successfully directed choral societies, but the de- 
 mands upon his time by pupils became so great that he has 
 been compelled to abandon all work except teaching. 
 
 For the past fourteen years Mr. Baird has spent his sum- 
 mers abroad.
 
 (Stag*
 
 
 t 
 
 JOHN ROBERT GRAY.
 
 There are few duties more important than that which 
 honors and perpetuates, as far as possible, the memory of an 
 eminent citizen ; one who, by his blameless and honorable life 
 and distinguished career, reflects credit upon his city and 
 State. His example, in whatever field his work may have 
 been done, thus remains an object-lesson to those who come 
 after him, and, though dead, he still speaks. Long after his 
 personality shall have faded from the minds of men, the less 
 perishable record may tell the story of his life and commend 
 his example for imitation. A man worthy of such perpetuity 
 was John R. Gray, who was born in Belle Plain, Marshall 
 County, Illinois, February 13, 1860. His parents were Wil- 
 liam Henry and Wilhelmina Augusta Gray. He lived in 
 Lacon and Eureka, 111., and for six years prior to his death 
 in Bloomington, 111. He spent two years at the Illinois Wes- 
 leyan University, taking the collegiate course and studying 
 piano with Mrs. Flora Hunter, of Bloomington. 
 
 In 1881 he went abroad, and for five years studied music 
 in Leipzig, Germany, where he and his wife were both grad- 
 uated from the Leipzig Conservatory. While there he im- 
 proved to the utmost his opportunities under such masters 
 as Eibenschutz, Wiedenbach, Richter and Jadassohn. After 
 
 his return to this country he spent one year, 1886, as musical 
 
 353
 
 354 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 director in the Eureka College, Eureka, 111., and in 1887 be- 
 came musical instructor in the Wesleyan College of Music, 
 Bloomington, 111. He was a member of the Bloomington 
 Choral Society, and had held the position of Director of the 
 Eureka Choral Society. 
 
 With his gifted wife, he spent some time in concert work, 
 meeting with great success. As a musician Mr. Gray was en- 
 thusiastic, and devoted his life and energies to his profession, 
 being a most thorough and conscientious instructor. A work 
 on harmony, published a short time before his death, is an 
 exhaustive treatise, presenting the matter in a condensed and 
 concise manner, and may be considered one of the best text- 
 books on the subject ever written by an American musician. 
 
 Mr. Gray was a man who not only made himself felt in 
 his chosen profession, but was beloved and respected in the 
 community where he lived for his genial disposition, his in- 
 tegrity of character and his high moral standards. Free from 
 the petty jealousy too often found in a professional career, 
 recognizing talent and success wherever found, he was never 
 happier than when aiding some aspirant to fame in his strug- 
 gle for position and recognition. 
 
 He was one of nature's noblemen, respected and loved 
 by all who became intimately acquainted with him. His 
 character was above reproach, his ideals were high and noble, 
 and the world is certainly better for his having lived.
 
 ittrs; iplarg <&meline JHiff
 
 MRS. MARY EMELINE ILIFF GRAY.
 
 Jflrs, Jftarg lEmeltne Cliff 
 
 There are few musicians and teachers who have a more 
 enviable reputation throughout the Middle- West than has 
 Mrs. Mary Emeline Iliff Gray, possibly better known in musi- 
 cal circles as Mrs. John R. Gray. She was born November 
 25, 1860, in Marshall County, 111., the daughter of John M. 
 and Caroline E. Iliff. 
 
 Except when absent to pursue her studies, her life has 
 been passed in Illinois. She received her common school edu- 
 cation in the High School of Washburn, 111., and has lived in 
 Lacon and Eureka, and for the past sixteen years in Bloom- 
 ington. "* in Illinois. 
 
 With her husband, she spent five years in study in Leip- 
 zig, Germany, under the instruction of Eibenschuets, Wieden- 
 bach, Richter and Jadassohn. She has not, however, confined 
 her musical tuition to that received abroad. Although, with 
 her husband, she was graduated from the Leipzig Conserva- 
 tory of Music, she has also studied with Mr. E. D. Hale, Mr. 
 Capen and Miss Haney, all of Boston, and with Mr. Frederic 
 Grant Gleason, of Chicago. 
 
 With her husband, she spent some time in concert work, 
 meeting with most gratifying success. 
 
 They were, however, united in their decision to devote 
 themselves to the work of teaching, and Mrs. Gray has entered 
 
 with enthusiasm into the endeavor to prosecute this work 
 
 857
 
 358 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 along the best possible lines for the attainment of the most 
 satisfactory results. She has been identified in the pursu- 
 ance of her work with the Eureka Conservatory of Music, 
 and for the past fourteen years has been a Director of Music 
 in the Wesleyan College of Music, in Bloomington, 111. She 
 is an honored and valuable member of the Amaturian Musical 
 Society, of that city. As both a musician and a teacher, she 
 has been eminently successful. She unites a brilliant tech- 
 nique with a sympathetic interpretation, and possesses a re- 
 markable power to inspire her pupils with intense enthusiasm. 
 The brilliant concert success of so many of her pupils and 
 their established reputation as teachers are a tribute to her 
 ability. 
 
 Her method is one of directness and thoroughness, insur- 
 ing speedy and permanent improvement. Her success in 
 transforming a hard, defective touch and in developing the 
 technique is not only the result of knowledge and experi- 
 ence but of judgment, rare tact and inexhaustible patience. 
 
 Under her supervision, in Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, 
 Missouri and Minnesota, are large classes under the instruc- 
 tion of her pupils. By following a specific course and under- 
 going the test of yearly concerts the pupils are enabled to ac- 
 complish the preparatory work for Mrs. Gray's classes, and 
 on passing a successful examination receive a signet creden- 
 tial from Mrs. Gray. The normal class for teachers has been 
 largely attended, all classes under Mrs. Gray's direction being 
 larger than any previous year. 
 
 Mrs. Gray's widespread influence is a great musical up- 
 lift, so recognized and appreciated by those who thus come in 
 touch with her.
 
 . Jiunsfjee.
 
 (S^trna 13. 23unsTjee. 
 
 The story of the life of Edna B. Dunshee is the story of a 
 busy life filled with effort to make opportunity for self -culture 
 and to improve to its utmost every opportunity thus won. She 
 was born Oct. 3, 1871, and was educated at the Mount Carroll 
 Seminary and Conservatory of Music, at Mount Carroll, 111. 
 June, 1891, she graduated, having taken a course in voice cul- 
 ture, harmony, musical history, and a special literary course. 
 
 The following spring she became an assistant teacher in 
 voice culture in the same school. September, 1892, found her 
 teaching in the music department of Cotley College, Nevada, 
 Mo., having charge of the classes in vocal music, harmony and 
 the history of music. 
 
 This position she resigned in 1894, and, in spite of offers 
 of advanced salary, returned to her home for a year of rest. 
 In the spring of 1896, she was called to Wayland Academy, 
 Beaver Dam, Wis., to take charge of the department for voice 
 culture. Ambitious for further self-improvement, she re- 
 signed this position in 1897, and returned to her Alma Mater 
 to complete the college course. From Win. P. McKee, Dean 
 of the Frances Shimer Academy of the University of Chi- 
 cago, located at Mount Carroll, 111., she has the highest en- 
 dorsement. He classes her as an exceptional teacher, and 
 
 predicts that " whatever she undertakes she will do 
 
 361
 
 362 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 it thoroughly and enthusiastically." We quote from the 
 Musical Courier, of Mount Carroll, 111." Miss Dunshee 
 possesses a fine voice, and is an excellent concert and 
 choir artist. * * * She is universally popular with her 
 pupils. She is painstaking and forceful in her voice- 
 teaching, hence her success." In September, 1898, she opened 
 a private studio in Clinton, Iowa, where she has taught ever 
 since, and where she still resides. She has had more pupils 
 come to her than she could accept, and wherever she has taught 
 she has held the best choir positions most successfully. She 
 has become much interested in, and very enthusiastic over, 
 public school vocal work. She is now studying the Modern 
 Music Series for use along this line, with the thought of 
 adding this to her other teaching. 
 
 That she may keep in touch with the newest and the best 
 in her profession, for the past five summers she has studied 
 with Prof. J. Harry Wheeler, of New York City. In addi- 
 tion to this, last summer she coached with Mrs. Genevieve 
 Clark Wilson. Devoting her summers thus to earnest study 
 with the best instructors, she is able to come to her pupils in 
 the autumn with a new inspiration and fresh equipment for 
 her work. 
 
 Miss Dunshee will surely be enrolled among the best and 
 most successful teachers in this part of the country.
 
 'Fcrnon
 
 VEKNON D'ARXALLE.
 
 Fcrnon 
 
 Although educated in Germany, Vernon cl'Arnalle is an 
 American by birth, a Virginian, of an old colonial Huguenot 
 family. He was born in Richmond, Va., in 1873, and has re- 
 sided at various times in Raleigh, North Carolina; Leipzig, 
 Paris and Berlin. 
 
 His remarkable musical talent was shown at an early age, 
 and even as a child he was organist for a church and well 
 known as a concert player. His early efforts were devoted 
 to the piano, and his playing won enthusiastic praise from 
 European press and public. It was not till he was a full- 
 fledged piano virtuoso, with the standard piano literature at 
 his command, that he began to turn his attention to the art of 
 singing. But his really wonderful voice soon became his 
 chief study, and he was fortunate enough to be able to secure 
 for his master the celebrated Leopold Demuth, of the Im- 
 perial Opera, in Vienna. In addition to Leopold Demuth, Mr. 
 d'Arnalle has studied with Mrs. T. J. Simmons and Prof. 
 Martin Krause, of Leipzig. After finishing his studies with 
 Demuth, Mr. d'Arnalle made his first appearance in Leipzig 
 at the Kaufhaus, once the old Gewandhaus. Here he achieved 
 a brilliant success in the very cradle of German traditions and 
 classicism. Following this success came others in the princi- 
 pal cities of Germany, as well as in the salons of the nobility. 
 
 365
 
 306 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 His appearance in New York, Chicago and other cities has 
 always been welcomed by critics and audiences with enthu- 
 siasm and applause. Mr. d'Arnalle's beautiful voice, perfect 
 control and, above all, his splendid temperament, guided by 
 deep musicianly instincts, have all been the points which have 
 delighted audiences and critics. Especially happy is this 
 artist in German "Lieder," and his immense repertoire and 
 musicianly interpretations of this wonderful song-literature 
 place him in the front rank of singers to-day. 
 
 For the past three years he has made his home in Chicago, 
 where his studio is a coveted resort for musicians and music 
 lovers. 
 
 Perhaps few young singers have won more unqualified 
 commendation from the press, not only in America but abroad 
 as well, than has Mr. d'Arnalle, who has received the honors 
 showered upon him with a modesty which bespeaks the true 
 artist. 
 
 His voice is a wonderful baritone as one has not inaptly 
 expressed it, " he is a really God-given singer." His method 
 is above criticism, his interpretation broad and poetic, his 
 phrasing and shading beautiful, his enunciation and diction 
 of the most finished order. 
 
 The repertoire at the command of this gifted singer is 
 practically limitless, and interpretations of the classic Ger- 
 man Lieder are accepted as rare examples of excellence, al- 
 though he sings with equal ease in English, French, Italian 
 and German.
 
 . Uuella Clarfc
 
 JHvs. ludla Clarfc ISmerg. 
 
 Mrs. Luella Clark Emery was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, 
 and has a musical and cultured ancestry. When only two 
 years old, she sang many songs accurately, and when eight 
 years old, she played her first solo at a public concert. Still 
 her unyielding determination to master every difficulty and 
 her improvement of every opportunity for musical advance- 
 ment have, doubtless, been greater factors in her success than 
 her inherited talent. At the age of twelve, she was church 
 organist, and when sixteen, at Lock Haven, Pa., she had a large 
 class of pupils, and was church organist and pianist for the 
 Handel and Haydn Society. Soon after her marriage to Col. 
 J. M. Emery, they moved to Lemars, Iowa, where they resided 
 many years. During these years Mrs. Emery spent much 
 time in the East, pursuing her studies in piano, pipe-organ 
 and voice, with the best teachers in the country. At Le- 
 mars she had a class of over fifty pupils ; was church organist 
 and director of music until her removal to Chicago, in 1895 ; 
 was President of the Mendelssohn Club, and arranged pro- 
 grams for public and private rehearsals. The study of the 
 different composers and their works, as planned by Mrs. Em- 
 ery and consummated under her directions, did much to ele- 
 vate the standard of music in that city. She was teacher of 
 piano, pipe-organ and voice in the Northwestern Normal
 
 370 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 School, and also in the Lemars School of Art. She has the 
 rare gift of being a fine accompanist, and for nine years was 
 accompanist at the Spirit Lake (Iowa) Chautauqua, six years 
 at the Marinette (Wis.) Assembly, and at other Chautauquas. 
 In assembly and convention work she is simply invaluable, 
 not only for the artistic excellence of her work but for her at- 
 tention to every detail, her zeal and her enthusiasm. Pew 
 appreciate what it really means to be a fine accompanist; it 
 is a gift born with one, rather than acquired, and this gift 
 Mrs. Emery has in a rare degree. Since living in Chicago 
 Mrs. Emery T s success has been gratifying and deserved. Her 
 concert engagements have been numerous, and her work com- 
 mended by both city and out-of-town critics. As an accom- 
 panist, she has been in frequent demand by visiting artists. 
 For seven consecutive years she has been the accompanist for 
 the May Festival concerts in the Auditorium, and has always 
 given the most complete satisfaction.. She was also accom- 
 panist at the Auditorium meeting of the Thanksgiving ser- 
 vices of the National Peace Jubilee, and on other important 
 occasions. Mrs. Emery's organ work in Chicago has shown 
 the same high grade of artistic excellence which has charac- 
 terized her other lines of work. She is pianist for the Men- 
 delssohn Trio, which has received flattering mention on all oc- 
 casions. Her classes in piano and organ pupils have in- 
 creased rapidly in numbers and in interest. Her tact, pleas- 
 ing personality and gift for imparting knowledge, with an ab- 
 sorbing love for her work, have placed her among the most 
 successful instructors in Chicago.
 
 Jftax
 
 Of the distinguished artists who have made Chicago their 
 home no one has wielded a more elevating influence upon the 
 musical life of the city than has Max Heinrich an accom- 
 plished singer, a successful teacher and enthusiastic lecturer. 
 
 He was born in 1853, and from an early age showed a 
 decided taste for music. His first musical education was re- 
 ceived in the city of Zwickau, Saxony, where he studied the 
 piano with the famous composer of church music, Emanuel 
 Kronoch (Dr. Klitsch). Later he studied piano, composi- 
 tion and singing in the conservatory of music in Dresden. In 
 1870 he made his first professional engagement, accepting the 
 position of " corepetitor " of an opera company in the Grand 
 Duchy of Neustrelitz. In 1873, Mr. Heinrich came to Amer- 
 ica, and for several years devoted himself largely to teaching, 
 principally in Philadelphia, at the same time conscientiously 
 preparing for the work which made his reputation. He made 
 his debut in New York, in the oratorio of " Elijah," under the 
 leadership of Dr. Leopold Damrosch. His singing on this oc- 
 casion aroused the greatest enthusiasm, and he received many 
 honors and attentions. His interpretation of this great 
 oratorio has been adopted by many of our most celebrated ora- 
 torio singers. From this time he became widely and favor- 
 ably known both in this country and in Europe as one of the 
 
 373
 
 374 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 most distinguished interpreters of oratorio, German Lieder 
 and English ballad singing. 
 
 To quote from a recent musical journal, he is celebrated 
 for " the rare beauty of his voice, his magnificent dramatic 
 ability, and the correctness of his interpretation." 
 
 In 1888, Mr. Heinrich went to London, where he accepted 
 a professorship in the Royal Academy of Music, in London, 
 and remained four years. Each year, during this time, he 
 made a trip to America for a brief season of public work. 
 
 From 1892 till he came to Chicago he resided in Boston, 
 devoting himself very largely to oratorio work and classical 
 song recitals. Someone has said of him, "As an interpreter 
 of classical songs Mr. Heinrich is without a peer, and his re- 
 citals are masterpieces of scholarly, artistic singing." His 
 recitals given in Chicago have been notable musical events 
 to lovers of high-class vocal music. For a time he held a posi- 
 tion as professor of vocal culture with the Chicago Conserva- 
 tory. 
 
 His clientelle became so large that he established himself 
 in a studio in the Fine Arts Building, where he is at present. 
 
 Every hour of the day is occupied in the work of teach- 
 ing, and yet he finds time to keep in touch with the best musi- 
 cal life of the city he has made his home. He is exceedingly 
 modest in regard to his achievements, and ambitious for the 
 best results. 
 
 His songs are widely sung, and his two melodramas, 
 " Magdalen " and " The Raven," have met with distinguished
 
 Jttarg
 
 Jftarg lElt^afcetfj Hincit. 
 
 One of America's greatest dramatic artists, Mary Eliza- 
 beth Linck, was born in Evansville, Ind. Her ancestry were 
 Scottish nobility, English, German and Virginian Quaker 
 ministers. The best qualities of these various peoples seem to 
 have been concentrated in this wonderful singer, with her dra- 
 matic instincts and her beautiful mezzo-soprano-contralto 
 voice. 
 
 At an early age she showed the independence, persever- 
 ance and energy of the Scotch, the elegance and refinement of 
 the English, the sincerity and gentleness of the Quaker, and 
 the artistic and musical temperament of the German. Her 
 father, Charles E. Linck, died six months before her birth, 
 leaving her mother widowed for the second time, with three 
 children, Mary making the fourth. Horatio C. Cooper and 
 Laura V. Cooper are her half brother and sister, and Maria 
 Louise Linck was her own sister. 
 
 She began at the age of ten years the study of the piano. 
 It was not, however, until her seventeenth year that either she 
 or her friends discovered that she had a wonderful voice. A 
 local amateur production of the " Grand Duchess " was given, 
 in which she was assigned a short solo. Her rendition of it 
 was a surprise to her audience and a revelation to herself. She 
 
 at once began voice study, and spent two years at the College 
 
 377
 
 378 - BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 of Music, in Cincinnati, and two years at the Chicago Con- 
 servatory. At both of these institutions she was awarded a 
 free scholarship on account of her unusual talent and wonder- 
 ful voice. After another year's study in Milan, Italy, and in 
 London, she made her operatic debut in Liverpool, England, 
 at the Eoyal Court Theatre, in February, 1893, with the Royal 
 Carl Eosa Company, the opera being " Faust." She re- 
 mained the prima donna of this company till 1895, when she 
 <;ame to America. She made her debut at Daly's Theatre, 
 New York, with Sir Augustus Harris' London Opera Com- 
 pany, in Humperdinck's great German opera " Hansel and 
 Gretel." She at once became a favorite, and since that time 
 she has sung in every city of importance from New York to 
 San Francisco, and her career has been a succession of tri- 
 umphs such as few singers have known. Among her reper- 
 toire of thirty-five operas, her greatest successes have been 
 the characters of Fidelis, Azucena, Santuzza, Amneris, Car- 
 men, Mignon and Ortrud. 
 
 The experiences of stage life have not spoiled her sweet 
 nature, for she has had the companionship of her beloved 
 mother and sister Laura. 
 
 Her voice is remarkable for its great range, power and 
 sympathetic quality. She is also a great actress, completely 
 merging her own individuality into that of the character por- 
 trayed. She stands in the first rank of American Grand Eng- 
 lish opera prima donnas.
 
 Victor
 
 Victor Heinze, the head and founder of the Heinze School 
 of Artistic Piano-Playing, in Chicago, is known here and in 
 the old country as one of the first pianists, while as instruc- 
 tor he ranks with the best in the world. 
 
 The attainments of his class have created surprise in this 
 country and in the musical centers of Europe, from which flat- 
 tering offers have been extended to him. 
 
 From his father, Leopold Heinze, the author of theoreti- 
 cal and didactical works in use in Germany, England, France, 
 Austria, Italy and Russia, he has inherited a powerful men- 
 tality, a tireless perseverance, thoroughness and acute percep- 
 tion, which characterize the real student. 
 
 In early manhood, the German Government appointed 
 him director of the Musical Department of the Royal School 
 at Schweidnitz, in recognition of his eminent capabilities as a 
 musician and his rare faculty as an instructor. 
 
 His collegiate and musical education was acquired in 
 Breslau, Berlin and Vienna, where he placed himself under 
 the tuition of Leschetizky, and became an enthusiastic ad- 
 mirer of his principles of piano-playing. Having thoroughly 
 mastered this simple, but definite, method of instruction, he 
 now makes teaching his principal work. 
 
 The training of finished pianists and capable teachers is 
 
 381
 
 382 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 his chief ambition, and for this work his undeniable efficiency 
 as an eminently competent educator peculiarly fits him. As 
 a pianist, his versatile style demonstrates a rare brilliancy and 
 breadth, evincing warmth and passion without undue senti- 
 mentality, being the scholarly work of a thinker as well as an 
 artist. 
 
 Mr. Heinze is probably the most successful exponent of 
 Prof. Leschetizky's incomparable system of piano-playing in 
 America. The annual recitals (from eight to ten in number), 
 given by students of his class, both young and adult, have 
 attracted large musical audiences, and the artistic perform- 
 ances of the most exacting programs have seldom been equaled 
 here. As one of America's best-known musical critics and 
 writers, Mr. Mathews, says: " They are the most remarkable 
 series of piano-recitals ever given in Chicago. The most dif- 
 ficult and largest piano works were performed, and the ren- 
 dition was marked by the high degree of finish which alone 
 will gratify and satisfy the artist." As a consequence, Mr. 
 Heinze has gathered about him appreciative and ambitious 
 artists and students, from near and far, who avail themselves 
 of his instructions, many of them holding high positions in 
 musical schools and educational institutions. 
 
 He has, in addition to his arduous work as a teacher, pub- 
 lished a most valuable booklet, "An interesting, instructive 
 and honest word to parents, students of music and especially 
 piano pupils and teachers and all friends of musical art," 
 which should be read carefully by all who take an interest in 
 music and its advancement.
 
 , Jftarie OTfjtte
 
 Ittrs. jttavit TOfjitc Hongman. 
 
 Although now so closely identified with the musical life 
 of Illinois, and particularly of Chicago, Mrs. Marie White 
 Longman is a native of Michigan, in which State she began 
 her career as a musician. She came from a musical family, 
 and very early developed not only a love but a decided talent 
 for that highest of arts. She began her musical studies when 
 only eight years of age, first on the piano and soon after on the 
 pipe-organ. At fourteen she was appointed organist of a 
 prominent church, and for three years played a large three- 
 manual organ. In her seventeenth year, while pursuing lit- 
 erary studies in a Michigan college, she was repeatedly urged 
 by the vocal instructor of the institution to devote herself to 
 the cultivation of her voice. From the beginning she made 
 rapid progress, and was soon sought for as a soloist by 
 churches and musical societies throughout Michigan and other 
 States. In the year 1897, she was graduated from both the 
 instrumental and vocal departments of the Conservatory. 
 
 Desiring to place herself under the tuition of the best 
 teachers, and wishing for opportunity to enter more extensive- 
 ly into the professional field as soloist and teacher, Mrs. Long- 
 man came to Chicago, where she has since lived. 
 
 The excellence of her work was soon recognized by lead- 
 ing musicians, and by such organizations as the Apollo Club, 
 
 385
 
 386 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 by whom she was selected as soloist on several occasions. She 
 has always acquitted herself most admirably to the satisfac- 
 tion of the club and her audiences. For six years she has 
 been the contralto soloist of the St. James Methodist Church. 
 While Mrs. Longman is, perhaps, best known on the concert 
 platform, she is no less successful as a teacher, and devotes 
 much of her time to a large class of pupils. 
 
 Earnest application and careful attention to details 
 requisites of musical success have been marked character- 
 istics of her work, from the first simple exercises to the later 
 finer and more elaborate work which make the finished artist. 
 She is ambitious for her pupils, and is faithful in her effort 
 to exact from them work as conscientious and as painstaking 
 as was that of her own student life. Her voice is of the true 
 contralto quality, rare as sweet, and seems especially adapted 
 for oratorio work. At the same time she has great versatility 
 of talent, and gives the most delicate vocalization necessary 
 for concert or recital with a charm peculiarly her own. Her 
 presence before an audience is most dignified and pleasing. 
 At ease herself, she brings to her audience a sense of delight, 
 even before it is thrilled with the beauty of her voice. She 
 has won for herself the just praise and respect both of critics 
 and the general public. . f
 
 Jftax Hramm,
 
 Eramm. 
 
 Few musicians have attained so marked a recognition of 
 their abilities at so early an age as has Max Kramm, the 
 pianist. He was born in Soldin, Germany, in 1872, and when 
 but seven years old was placed in the Kullak's Acadenry, in 
 Berlin, where he remained fourteen years. His conscientious 
 endeavor and marked talent attracted the attention of the 
 director, and he had the great advantage of receiving tuition 
 for four years from Kullak himself. 
 
 In 1892, he came to New York with letters of introduction 
 from Philip Scharwenka, the composer, to a number of promi- 
 nent musicians and managers, among whom was the pianist, 
 Max Liebling, brother of the Chicago pianist. After remain- 
 ing a .short time in that city as the guest of Mr. Liebling, he 
 accepted an engagement with a concert company as solo pian- 
 ist, and made an extended tour through the South and West. 
 While on this trip he came to Chicago, and was so attracted 
 to the city that he decided to remain there and establish him- 
 self as a teacher. 
 
 It was at first a venture fraught with disappointment 
 and, to a degree, with hardship. His absolute lack of famil- 
 iarity with American methods, and his feeling that it was un- 
 professional for him to introduce himself by advertising, pre- 
 vented his receiving the immediate recognition which his 
 genius as an artist and his ability as a teacher deserved.
 
 390 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 He became, however, connected with the Chicago College 
 of Music as director of the piano department, and as he be- 
 came known the public began to realize the fact that in Mr. 
 Kramm Chicago had an artist of unusual talent. He re- 
 mained in the college for a year, and then opened a studio of 
 his own. It is now about ten years since he came to Chicago, 
 and he has established himself in the foremost ranks of 
 musicians here. 
 
 With each year his possibilities as a teacher and pianist 
 have revealed themselves to a greater degree, for his diligence 
 in study is unceasing, and his devotion to his chosen art is ab- 
 solute. 
 
 In 1897, Mr. Henry Meeker wrote of Mr. Kramm-" Of 
 a modest and retiring disposition in general life, at the piano 
 he grows to gigantic height. The most complicated technical 
 difficulties are to him but child's play; his tone-building dis- 
 plays an active perception, his expression is full of ani- 
 mation, and betrays a deep, sunny spirit. From a musician 
 so gifted by God's grace great things may be expected. We 
 hope and believe Mr. Kramm will soon receive the recognition 
 which he deserves." 
 
 Mr. Kramm 's studio, in Kimball Hall, is a favorite place 
 with true music-lovers, and every hour of his time is taxed to 
 the utmost to accommodate those who desire to place them- 
 selves under his instruction, and he feels that his success is all 
 he could possibly desire.
 
 ffimt. jFranasca (iutfjw
 
 . Jfranceaca 
 
 To Mme. Francesca Guthrie Moyer belongs the honor of 
 being one of the principal dramatic sopranos produced by this 
 country. She occupied a prominent place on the lyric stage 
 of America from 1880 to 1892, after which she devoted her- 
 self to oratorio and concert work. She was born in San Fran- 
 cisco, Cal., where her father occupied important public posi- 
 tions, having come to California from the Empire State. 
 Mme. Giithrie Moyer inherited rare musical gifts from her 
 mother, nee Emma Gosson, of Dublin, Ireland, an artist of 
 prominence and a friend of Delsarte, Garcia, Panofka, and 
 others. To her talented mother she is much indebted for her 
 careful early vocal training and for the inspiration of that 
 enthusiasm which led her to pursue her studies in Paris, Ber- 
 lin and Milan. She speaks fluently French, German and Ital- 
 ian. Her repertoire is most extensive, including sixty grand 
 operas, many oratorios and an unlimited number of concert 
 arias from great composers. Her fine soprano voice ranges 
 from lower G to high E, and has remarkable volume and 
 power, yet is flexible, smooth and deeply sympathetic. She 
 sings equally well the florid music of the French and Italian 
 masters and that of Wagner's music-drama, Valentine in 
 " Les Huguenots," Violetta in " Traviata," Nornia, Mar- 
 guerite in " Faust," Elizabeth in " Tanneha-n^er, " Santa in 
 
 393
 
 394 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 " Flying Dutchman," and others. Her versatility is demon- 
 strated by the success which attended her appearance as Zer- 
 lina in " Fra Diavolo " and other works. In oratorio and 
 concert work in the Worcester Music Festival, in 1894, and 
 the Wagnerian Festival, in Indianapolis, the same year; at 
 Madison Square Garden concerts, under Seidl, Damrosch, 
 Sousa, and others, Mme. Guthrie achieved great success. In 
 oratorio she reminded one of the lamented Parepa Rosa, in 
 opera one was inclined to class her with Albani. In opera she 
 sang with Theodor Reichmann, Sig. Ravelli, Anton Schatt, 
 and other eminent artists. As a church singer she occupied 
 the most prominent position in Chicago for some years in 
 connection with concerts, oratorios and Catholic church music. 
 The newspapers, from Maine to California, have vied with 
 each other in highest praise of her singing. Personally she 
 is a handsome, graceful woman, possessed of a magnetic pres- 
 ence. Those who have enjoyed hearing her will ever bear 
 her in pleasant memory, and those who know her best as the 
 great, true artist, the loving wife and mother, realize that her 
 beautiful voice mirrors a grand nature and a true woman. 
 
 In 1890 Francesca Guthrie married Charles Daniel 
 Moyer, and as the presiding genius of an elegant home in 
 Chicago, the mother of two lovely children and the center of a 
 truly musical circle, she still finds much pleasure in devo- 
 tion to her much-loved and beautiful art. Mme. Guthrie- 
 Moyer is the sister of William D. Guthrie, the eminent law 
 yer of New York City.
 
 Human
 
 Human 
 
 Luman A. Phelps is a native of Burlington, Vermont, 
 where he was born, January 12, 1854. From his childhood 
 there was something in the tones of his voice which betokened 
 a musical destiny, for his gift of song attracted attention 
 while he was passing through the grades of a common school 
 education. 
 
 In 1870, he came to Chicago, and took his first course of 
 instruction in the Chicago Musical College. The first prize 
 ever awarded to any pupil in that institution was won by him, 
 in 1873. The year following he went to Europe, and for six 
 years studied in Leipsic under Dr. Powell for the piano, and 
 with Adolph Ichimin for the voice. From Leipsic he went 
 to Italy, where, under the tutorship of Lamperti and Van- 
 nuccini, he made progress, winning recognition from these 
 " grand old masters " for his brilliant and elaborate playing. 
 In spite of his prospects as a pianist, he decided to make voice 
 culture his permanent aim. After completing his course with 
 these masters, he sang and acted the role of Faust at Savig- 
 liano, Italy, with such success that he received a flattering 
 offer from Carlotta Patti, then in the zenith of her fame, to 
 accompany her as tenor in an American tour. Under these 
 then brilliant auspices he returned to his native land and 
 
 made an extensive tour through the East and West. Coming 
 
 397
 
 398 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 to Chicago in 1880, he decided to abandon the operatic and 
 concert stage and devote his energies to his cherished ideas of 
 vocal culture. 
 
 Mr. Phelps' specialty is " the placing of the voice prop- 
 erly," and his wonderful success may be seen in the brilliant 
 line of pupils who have studied with him. He is a firm be- 
 liever in the Italian method, and since success is measured 6y 
 results, the popular acceptance of singers trained under this 
 regime would seem to mean public endorsement. Mr. Phelps 
 may well feel pride in naming among his pupils August Liver- 
 man, who has been acclaimed as the best basso profundo 
 America has ever produced, at present at the Royal Opera 
 House, in Munich; George lott, who has found responsive 
 listeners through the West; Clarence E. Whitehill, a young 
 singer of rare promise ; Frank Ormsby, a tenor of great abil- 
 ity, and others already known to fame. His passion for com- 
 plete musical expression through the human voice has become 
 a kind of religion. 
 
 Entering Mr. Phelps' studio one feels at once enveloped 
 in the atmosphere of art. The choicest rugs, rare bits of 
 claisonne, portraits of masters, gems of art which invite at- 
 tention, make a room characteristic of the man. 
 
 From all parts of America Mr. Phelps has constantly ap- 
 plicants anxious to place themselves under his valuable tute- 
 lage.
 
 jftme. oltato Zimmerman,
 
 <y
 
 ffinu. gtoltato Zimmerman* 
 
 In the very foremost rank among America's great sing- 
 ers and successful teachers is Mme. Ooliato Zimmerman. She 
 possesses a contralto voice which is magnificent in quality, 
 sympathetic to a rare degree and perfectly cultivated. Her 
 singing at once reveals her complete mastery of her chosen 
 art. Few artists are endowed with such an exquisitely musi- 
 cal nature, and this, added to the intellectual interpretation 
 she gives to the songs of the great masters, places her high 
 in her profession. Mme. Zimmerman was for several years 
 associated with the leading singers of Europe, and, after a 
 most successful tour through its leading cities, has returned 
 to her own country. Wherever she appeared in those cities 
 she achieved the most pronounced success, both in song re- 
 citals and the most exacting oratorio work. 
 
 She has received the most flattering encomiums, both on 
 her excellence as a teacher and her skill as an artist, from the 
 best professional critics of the day. We quote from a few of 
 them. Of her singing Edouard De Reske said" You are an 
 artist; some are musicians, so few are artists." George 
 Henschel, after hearing her sing, said " You have great con- 
 ception." Mme. Mathilde Marches! said to her" I meet 
 very few Americans who are as good a teacher as you." M. 
 
 Delle Sadie, in enthusiastic way, exclaimed" You sing good; 
 
 401
 
 402 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 you must teach great," and Mme. Marie Roze added this testi- 
 mony" It is a pleasure to meet so great a teacher." These 
 are only a few of the many flattering comments which artists 
 have made upon the work of this great singer and teacher. 
 
 Many have wondered that, with her magical voice, her 
 charming personality which wins her friends wherever she 
 goes, she has not devoted her life entirely to the career for 
 which she seems so well fitted on the concert or operatic stage. 
 But the work of teaching, for which she is peculiarly well en- 
 dowed, appeals to her most strongly, and her success has been 
 so great in this direction that she feels she must not give it up. 
 Her studio is perhaps one of the brightest spots in all Chicago. 
 One recognizes there her rare charm of manner and fascinat- 
 ing way of presenting even the work which must be done. The 
 devotion shown her by her pupils is really a beautiful tribute 
 to this teacher. They seem to look forward with pleasure to 
 their lessons, instead of regarding them, as is too often the case, 
 as a dreaded task. And yet Mme. Zimmerman is an energetic 
 teacher, impressing upon her pupils the thought that there is 
 no royal road to success, that only by work, systematic and 
 untiring, achievement is obtained. 
 
 For the past two years Mme. Zimmerman has been asso- 
 ciated with the Chicago Auditorium Conservatory.
 
 WILHELM MIDDLESCHULTE.
 
 There is no question but that Wilhelm Middleschulte 
 stands in the very foremost rank of the organists of to-day. 
 His early education was the best, and he has been, all his life, 
 an indefatigable student. When little more than a child he 
 entered the Royal Academy of Church Music, in Berlin, and 
 for three years was a student of August Haupt in organ and 
 theory, of Albert Loeschorn in piano study and of Dr. Julius 
 Alsleben for conducting. His progress so enlisted the inter- 
 est of these great masters that Haupt made him his assistant 
 organist at the Royal Academy. 
 
 In 1868, he accepted a position as organist and choir- 
 leader in one of the largest churches in Berlin. In 1891, Mr. 
 Middleschulte came to Chicago to enter upon the duties of 
 musical director and organist of the Holy Name Cathedral. 
 In America he was at once accorded a place among leading 
 musicians, and as the years have passed he has added to his 
 laurels, and in the modest, unassuming way which is one of 
 his characteristics, has steadily advanced in his profession. 
 He was invited, before he left Berlin, to play at the memorial 
 service for Emperor Frederick III., at the church in Born- 
 stedt, near Potsdam, a church which the Emperor frequently 
 attended. The day before he left for America the funeral of 
 his beloved teacher, August Haupt, took place. In compli- 
 
 405
 
 406 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 ance with the request of the family, he played on Haupt's own 
 organ Bach's " C Minor Fantasie," which was a great 
 favorite with the deceased organist. At this funeral Joachim 
 and many distinguished musicians were present. 
 
 At the time of the Columbian Exposition, Mr. Middle- 
 schulte, by special invitation, gave three recitals before those 
 wonderful audiences of artists from all parts of the world. 
 
 A year later, he played at the Auditorium with the Chi- 
 cago Orchestra the solo of Alexander Guilmant's first con- 
 certo. His success was such that he immediately received the 
 appointment as organist for that organization, a position he 
 has filled to the great delight of the orchestra and its audi- 
 ences. Those who are best fitted to judge prophesy his suc- 
 cess as a composer, for what he has already written shows most 
 unusual merit. He has studied both the classic and modern 
 schools of music, and plays all his programs from memory, 
 which is very exceptional with organists. Bernard Ziehn, the 
 highest authority in the realm of musical composition, said 
 of Wilhelm Middleschulte 's " Passacoglia " " Since the 
 ' Passacoglia ' of Bach, no work of that kind has come to 
 light which deserved comparison with Middleschulte 's ' Pas- 
 sacoglia.' " Clarence Eddy showed his estimate of his ability 
 as a teacher by leaving his pupils in Mr. Middleschulte 's 
 charge while on a trip abroad. 
 
 For the past seven years he has been at the head of the 
 organ department of the American Conservatory, Chicago, and 
 is putting the impress of his own scholarly musical interpre- 
 tation upon some of the best organ pupils in that city.
 
 JLutilt &tebenson fteto&stfwrg.
 
 Huctle ^tcbenson Cetofcsfcurg* 
 
 Miss Lucile Stevenson Tewksbury was born October 1, 
 1873, in Evans, Colorado. In 1878, the family moved to St. 
 Louis, and there she began the study of the piano, while a lit- 
 tle child, and continued it till she was nineteen years of age. 
 
 In 1882, she moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where she still 
 pursued her piano study with Delia Winders Bonbright. In 
 1893, she began the work of voice culture with Prof. Lieb, of 
 Kansas City. The following year she cair.e to Chicago and 
 studied for a short time with Clement Tetedoux and A. D. 
 Dunvier. 
 
 It is, however, to Charles W. Clark, now residing in 
 Paris, whose pupil she was for five years, that she gives high- 
 est praise, and whom she credits largely with her success. 
 Recognizing her ability, he gave her special work and taught 
 her to know and to use her musical resources. She has held 
 some of the most coveted church choir positions in Chicago. 
 Among them are the New England Congregational Church, 
 Forty-first St. Presbyterian, Hyde Park Presbyterian, Ply- 
 mouth Congregational and, for the past four years, with the 
 Second Presbyterian Church. She has a very large class of 
 pupils, which she teaches in her home, many of whom fill prom- 
 inent church positions in Chicago and neighboring cities. Her 
 
 voice is a true soprano, whose tone production is excellent, and 
 
 409
 
 410 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 she sings with much taste and expression. Her interpreta- 
 tion of themes is intelligent, her tones pure and sympathetic, 
 while her vocalization shows the splendid musical education 
 she has had. She has also a dramatic quality of voice which 
 is most effective, and wherever she has sung she has at once 
 become a favorite with her audiences. She is peculiarly fitted 
 for oratorio work, and this she regards as her greatest accom- 
 plishment. 
 
 The facility with which she interprets even difficult 
 themes, her dramatic rendering of many passages and the 
 sweet, sympathetic tone which is never lacking, make a tout 
 ensemble which should win for her a place among the very 
 best singers of oratorio. 
 
 Her class work and her church work have been so absorb- 
 ing as to leave little time for the concert work in which she 
 delights and for which she is so pre-eminently fitted. She 
 is, however, exceedingly ambitious, and past successes will not 
 allow her to rest on her laurels, but will stimulate her to still 
 greater achievement. Those who know Miss Tewksbury best 
 recognize her versatility of talent, and predict for her a bril- 
 liant future, not only as a concert singer but in the more dif- 
 ficult and, to her, most fascinating work in oratorio. With 
 her pupils she lays special stress on the right interpretation 
 of every theme, recognizing the truth, so often ignored, that 
 without intelligent interpretation the most brilliant vocaliza- 
 tion fails to charm.
 
 Filtm.
 
 JOSEPH YILIM.
 
 'Filtm. 
 
 Joseph Vilim was born in Chicago, January 18, 1861, of 
 Bohemian parentage. His father was a musician, and the 
 child, whose youth was spent in Chicago, early imbibed the 
 love for the music which was his home environment. He be- 
 gan the study of the violin with his older brother, Frank, but 
 made such rapid progress that he continued his studies, first 
 with Prof. Prosinger, afterward with "Wm. Fehl. He evinced 
 very soon a rare ability as a musician and a peculiar deftness 
 and delicacy of touch on his chosen instrument. His first ap- 
 pearance of any note was in the old Matteson House, now the 
 Wellington Hotel. At this time he won many laurels, and in 
 musical circles a brilliant career was predicted for him. In 
 1880 he went to Prague, where he passed the examination and 
 entered the fifth year of the famous Conservatory of Music. 
 
 He graduated from this Conservatory in 1882, and the 
 following year he returned to Chicago. Very soon after his 
 return he became a teacher of the violin in the Chicago Musi- 
 cal College, and remained in this position for three years. He 
 then accepted the directorship of the violin department of the 
 American Conservatory of Music, which position he held for 
 more than twelve years. An ardent lover of music, devoted 
 to the violin, and with the faculty of imparting his knowledge 
 
 to others so as to be a real inspiration to the best effort, his 
 
 413
 
 414 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 success as a teacher has been most pronounced. During this 
 time he made a visit of nine months to Euorpe, in 1886-7. Re- 
 turning to Chicago, he became identified with the Theodore 
 Thomas Orchestra, and for two years, the seasons of 1894-5 
 and 1895-6, he held the position of first violinist in that or- 
 ganization. He also founded the Vilim Trio. In 1899, his 
 ambition was realized in the founding of his own school, a 
 hope he had cherished for some years. This school was incor- 
 porated as the American Violin School, and immediately ob- 
 tained recognition as an important factor in musical circles in 
 Chicago. From this school have gone out violinists who have 
 been in demand for the first and most important places in 
 leading orchestras, and also some who are known as fine solo- 
 ists. Mr. Vilim is now at the head of the Vilim Trio and 
 Vilim Orchestral Club. The programs given by Mr. Vilim 
 have received flattering comment both in Chicago and in 
 Europe. Among his friends abroad are numbered many 
 known to fame, as the entire family of Bedrich Smetana, of 
 Bohemia; Dr. Antoine Dvorak, of Prague; Prant. Ondrieek, 
 now abroad; Prof. Hlavac, of St. Petersburg; Jan Kubelik, 
 Jaroslav Kocian, Bogea Umiroff, and others; while in Chi- 
 cago he has the friendship and heartiest good will of all his col- 
 leagues, who recognize in him not only a rare teacher but an 
 artist as well.
 
 . fflelilai) IPattg
 
 tf <=
 
 , IBelilaJ) Watts 
 
 Mrs. Delilah Patty Wesener is a native of the State of In- 
 diana. She is the great-granddaughter of a Huguenot and 
 the second daughter of Nathan Patty, who served in the Mex- 
 ican War. From such ancestry one looks for talent, enthu- 
 siastic devotion to whatever is undertaken and for early ma- 
 turity of thought. Expectation was not disappointed in De- 
 lilah Patty. She was endowed with a wonderful contralto 
 voice, dramatic, yet sympathetic in quality, and of extra- 
 ordinary range and power. Realizing, at least to some extent, 
 the possibilities before her, she very early decided to devote 
 herself to grand opera. To this end she labored conscientious- 
 ly and successfully. Before she was twenty years of age she 
 had devoted two years to mastering a dramatic reputation, 
 and her achievements awakened the most flattering hopes in 
 the hearts of her friends and stimulated her own ambitions. 
 At this time she came to Chicago to continue her musical 
 studies, and at the same time educate herself along general 
 lines. Here she met and subsequently married Dr. J. A. Wese- 
 ner. Many a time has matrimony taken one of brilliant prom- 
 ise from an expectant public to be the center of a home, and 
 such was the case with Mrs. Wesener. She abandoned all 
 thought of the operatic career which till then had meant so 
 
 much to her. The talented nature could not, however, lie dor- 
 
 417
 
 418 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 mant, and her time since her marriage has been devoted to 
 the study of the languages, philosophy, and the literature of 
 song. 
 
 In this way her artistic impulses have been gratified, and 
 from her pen has come much of interest and value. We are 
 glad to give place to some of her thoughts on the oft-recur- 
 ring question, " Why many singers fail to become artists." 
 Mrs. Wesener has no repining over the giving up of public 
 life, for which she was so eminently fitted, and to which she 
 had dedicated herself. She is happy in the quiet of her home 
 life, and her music, pictures and books are her delight. She 
 is deeply in sympathy with every student, with every art-lov- 
 ing soul, and her experience, wide reading and intelligent ob- 
 servation make her a wise counsellor for those who are per- 
 haps beginning with trembling steps to tread the path which 
 may lead to fame. The article from her pen is stamped with 
 the individuality of thought which is a characteristic of this 
 gifted woman. 
 
 Music and musical archievements are as dear to her as in 
 the olden time. The literary treasures of many lands have 
 been made possible to her by her mastery of languages, and 
 she delights to delve beneath the surface with a spirit of true 
 philosophy in her quest after the real inspiration of result.
 
 Becomes oC tfte Plan]) ^tutrents 
 in Ringing; " 
 
 If it is not generally known that our large cities yearly 
 receive and contain many hundreds of students, who cherish 
 the hope of becoming great artists, at least almost every per- 
 son has had, or still has, a relative, friend or acquaintance for 
 whom the ambition was cherished that they might prove to 
 be the " coming singer." Possibly few questions with musi- 
 cal life suggest themselves with greater frequency than this, 
 " What becomes of the many students of singing; why do they 
 not rise to prove themselves real artists'?" 
 
 Commencement day came, applause was rapturous, a gold 
 medal was awarded, and hope beat high in the hearts of the 
 ambitious pupil and admiring friends, while even those indif- 
 ferent remarked, " What a beautiful voice ! That pupil should 
 have a great future. " But what has been the result 1 Fora 
 time perhaps two years, possibly a little longer this " com- 
 ing singer " is much spoken of, and then a long silence fol- 
 lows; for the " coming singer " seldom, or never, materializes, 
 and those of comparatively ordinary merit must still hold the 
 positions in our churches, our concert-rooms and our theatres. 
 
 A rich, beautiful voice is a most glorious thing, a divine 
 gift, but were a voice never so grand the possessor of it who 
 
 does not conceive and clearly portray the text of his song, and 
 
 419
 
 420 WHY MANY S1NGEES FAIL. 
 
 make it the central feature is, and must ever be, rated an 
 " ordinary singer." 
 
 From a clear, true conception of the text evolves the right 
 distribution of voice power, the right quality of tone, refine- 
 ment of feeling, and everything belonging to artistic singing. 
 Now there are many students who know well enough a voice 
 alone, however beautiful, will not make a great singer, but, 
 with this knowledge, they usually swing to the other extreme. 
 
 They indulge in extravagant emotional outbursts and ex- 
 haust their energies in vain attempts toward instantaneous 
 achievement. 
 
 A right attitude of mind is as necessary to artistic sing- 
 ing as a beautiful voice; there are many who even give it 
 precedence. 
 
 All thoughts of self, " genius " and " fame " should be 
 avoided by the young student. Unfortunately, however, his 
 studies properly begin after that unconscious state of mind 
 belonging to childhood has passed away and before the devel- 
 opment of that indifferent state which is the result of experi- 
 ence. As a result, he is overconcerned about himself, and the 
 outcome of his work and self-consciousness ruins the most con- 
 scientious effort. Knowing that the life of the voice is short, 
 he forgets that " He who would build surely must build slow- 
 ly." A gentle, reposeful, meditative state of mind, which pa- 
 tiently examines everything submitted to it, a disposition to 
 compromise with circumstances if necessary, and a cheerful 
 courage to accept failure, is a better conductor to artistic ex- 
 cellence than ambitious striving, laborious effort and lasting 
 vows to become " great or nothing." 
 
 MRS. DELILAH PATTY- WESEXER.
 
 Young.
 
 JStdutdl Young. 
 
 A profound student himself and able to effect wonderful 
 results in the way of voice culture, Bicknell Young is that rare 
 exception, a professional singer who really enjoys the work 
 of teaching. Mr. Young is an American, and believes most 
 thoroughly in American teachers, feeling not only that they 
 are the most conscientious teachers, but that they have, some- 
 how, a peculiar aptitude for imparting knowledge, which gives 
 them advantage over other teachers. Mr. Young received his 
 musical education in London, his instructor being Visetti, a 
 widely known Italian teacher. His tuition, however, em- 
 braced French and German songs quite as much as Italian 
 and English, an experience of great value to him in his career" 
 as a teacher. In all of these languages he sings with perfect 
 accent and a most delightful clearness of pronunciation. 
 Oratorios and their interpretation especially attracted Mr. 
 Young, and to this line of study he has devoted much time. 
 For several years before his return to America he sang in or- 
 atorio concerts as well as in miscellaneous programs in London 
 and vicinity. He has, for some years, however, become so 
 wholly absorbed in the work of teaching that he has practically 
 abandoned the concert platform, for which he was so admira- 
 bly fitted. He has made a special study of the human voice 
 
 from viewpoints not usually particularly recognized by those 
 
 423
 
 424 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 engaged in voice culture, and has thus been enabled to ascer- 
 tain defects in a voice, and remedy them, with marked success. 
 
 He has so widely established a reputation for skill in this 
 branch of his work that he is often consulted not only by sing- 
 ers but by teachers as well. 
 
 Mr. Young's ambition for his pupils is very high, and in 
 this he has found an able coadjutor in his gifted wife. Mrs. 
 Young was born in Italy, and is a very highly-educated wo- 
 man and well known as a composer, though her compositions 
 are rarely published. She excels as a teacher of harmony and 
 composition, and in the beautiful studio where she and her 
 husband work for a common end she teaches sight reading 
 and harmony. Here Mr. and Mrs. Young give recitals, with 
 programs selected from their extensive repertoire. Thus their 
 pupils have not only the advantage of the best instruction, but 
 are enabled to hear what they are studying rendered in the 
 most artistic way. The pupils graduated under these teach- 
 ers are most completely fitted for any line of musical work 
 they may desire to undertake as singers or as teachers, and 
 among them are some well known artists. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Young are becoming more and more recognized factors in the 
 musical advancement of Chicago.
 
 . Puttie iHcJTaxiantr
 
 MRS. ANNIE McFAKLAND SIIARPK.
 
 . Puttie JfltjFarlantr 
 
 There are few women who have been educated along so 
 many lines as has Mrs. Annie McFaiiand Sharpe, of Jack- 
 sonville, 111. 
 
 She was born, October 10, 1867, in Lexington, Ky., her 
 father being Dr. George McFarland, her grandfather Dr. An- 
 drew McFarland and her mother Mary E. (Bush) McFar- 
 land. At the age of twelve she went with her parents to live 
 with her grandfather, at Oak Lawn, Jacksonville, 111. After 
 a four years' course she was graduated from the Jackson- 
 ville Academy, in 1887, with the degree of B. A.; and followed 
 this by a business course at the Kentucky University, where 
 she became a skilled bookkeeper and stenographer. Dr. Mc- 
 Farland felt that his granddaughter possessed the character- 
 istics from which his theory of the fitness of women for the 
 care of the female insane could be tested, and, in 1888, she 
 entered the Woman's Medical College, Northwestern Univer- 
 sity, Chicago, from which she was graduated with honors 
 March 30, 1891, receiving the degree of M. D. Since receiving 
 this degree, Mrs. Sharpe has become Medical Superintendent 
 of Oak Lawn Sanitarium. She is a member of the Morgan 
 County Medical Society and Illinois State Medical Society, 
 and was for some years associate editor of the Woman's Medi- 
 cal Journal, the only woman's medical journal in the world. 
 
 427
 
 428 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 In 1896, she was married to Vincent C. Cromwell, by whom she 
 has a daughter six years of age. Mr. Cromwell died in 1899. 
 In 1901, she was married to J. Thompson Sharpe, who has be- 
 come the efficient business manager of Oak Lawn. 
 
 Mrs. Sharpe 's success in her responsible position has 
 been such as to furnish the most emphatic endorsement possi- 
 ble of her grandfather's theories, and has surpassed his ex- 
 pectations. It is a position requiring rare tact, quick de- 
 cision and a vast deal of determination, since the constant ap- 
 peal to the sympathies has the tendency to unsettle judgment, 
 however positive. While she is really devoting her life to this 
 great work, the magnitude and difficulies of which it is impos- 
 sible for an outsider to grasp, Mrs. Sharpe has found time to 
 educate herself along other lines and enlist in other enter- 
 prises. Fond of music, she studied the piano with Mrs. Kate 
 Murdock-Smith, and voice culture with Mrs. Burdon Tiffany 
 at the Illinois 'Conservatory of Music. She is a member of the 
 Wednesday Musical Club, of Janesville, of the Janesville Wo- 
 man 's Club and the Janesville Country Club, and is President 
 of the Woman's Guild of Trinity Episcopal Church. Mrs. 
 Sharpe is a member of the Society of Daughters of the Amer- 
 ican Revolution, and is also a Colonial Dame. Nothing in 
 the line of humanitarian work, in the literary world, or in the 
 realms of music and art, fails to enlist Mrs. Sharpe 's interest 
 and patronage. Her life, devoted to the care of those most 
 sadly afflicted, is a daily example of life's possibilites most 
 helpful to those about her.
 
 Hinne.
 
 Ot^z^j^-z^^
 
 Kacjna Hinne, 
 
 Mme. Ragna Linne, who, on her father's side, is a de- 
 scendant of Carl von Linne (Charles Linuseus), the eminent 
 scientist, was born in Christiania, Norway. 
 
 Besides a voice which attracted the attention of musical 
 connoisseurs, she possessed, even in her earliest childhood, a 
 tenacity of purpose and a devotion to whatever she under- 
 took to do that, during her musical career, have been im- 
 portant factors in her success as one of the most captivating 
 singers of the day. 
 
 Mme. Linne loves her art, and she has loved it with the 
 devotion and the passion which outwit all difficulties and sur- 
 mount all obstacles to reach the pinnacle of true greatness. 
 She began her musical career by appearing as soloist, when 
 twelve years old, in the Catholic Cathedral of her native city. 
 When sixteen years of age she had an offer to sing in 
 " Faust " the part of Margareta in Swedish opera. 
 
 She soon became restless, and sighed for greater oppor- 
 tunities to improve herself in her beloved art, longed for 
 scenes beyond the snowy mountain tips of her native land. 
 
 Her ambitions were gratified; she went to Paris and 
 became a favorite pupil of the famoiis Mme. Marchesi. This 
 master teacher of Apollonic art predicted a great future for 
 
 her gifted pupil from the " land of the midnight sxin," and 
 
 431
 
 432 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 her prophecy found fulfilment. In all the numerous operas 
 and concerts in which Mme. Linne has appeared in the princi- 
 pal cities of Europe and America, she has at once become a 
 favorite with all lovers of true music. Her last concert tour 
 to the Pacific coast was a series of ovations from her many 
 friends and admirers. 
 
 Among the many organizations with which she has sung 
 a few may be mentioned : The Metropolitan Grand Opera Co. ; 
 Chicago Orchestra, (Theodore Thomas) ; Chicago Symphony 
 Orchestra, ( Adolph Eosenbecker) ; Schubert Club, St. Paul ; 
 Ladies' Thursday Musicale, Minneapolis; Beethoven Club, 
 Memphis; Apollo Club, Kansas City; United Scandinavian 
 Singers' Festival, Omaha; United Swedish Singers, Kock- 
 f ord, 111. ; A. Capella Club, Milwaukee ; Castle Square Opera 
 Company. Besides singing with these and other organiza- 
 tions, she has sung in numerous miscellaneous concerts all 
 over the country. 
 
 Nature has been lavish in the gifts she has bestowed upon 
 Mme. Linne, for, in addition to her wonderful voice, she pos- 
 sesses beauty of a high order, an effective stage presence and 
 most charming personality. She has that sympathy and 
 pathos of voice which are nature's own gift, which cannot be 
 acquired and which win the hearts of an audience. Her fault- 
 less technique shows the faithful, untiring artist, and into all 
 her singing she carries a daintiness of finish and inspiration 
 which are entirely her own. 
 
 Thus endowed, and having added to natural gifts the re- 
 sult of earnest study with eminent artists, it is not too much to 
 say that Mme. Ragna Linne stands in the very foremost ranks 
 of her profession.
 
 . &oot.
 
 JTvetrertck . Moot 
 
 Frederick W. Root is descended from a musical ancestry. 
 His grandfather, Captain Frederick Ferdinand Root, was a 
 singer, and his grandmother, Sarah Flint, was a solo singer 
 who could accompany herself on the instruments of the day. 
 Her oldest child was George W., the father of Frederick W. 
 In his family were eight children, all of whom were musical, 
 being singers and teachers of piano and voice. 
 
 Frederick W. began the study of music with his father 
 when six years of age, and for the next ten years studied 
 with different relatives, who were music teachers. He lived 
 always in an atmosphere of music. He was, later, put under 
 the instruction of B. C. Blodgett, then just graduated from 
 Leipsic Conservatory, now in charge of the Musical Depart- 
 ment of Smith College. From him the boy acquired early 
 familiarity with Bach's fugues and Beethoven's sonatas. At 
 the age of sixteen he became a pupil of Dr. William Mason, 
 in New York. While in that city he received organ lessons 
 from J. Flint, organist of Madison Square Church. 
 
 The winter of 1864-65 he lived in St. Paul, Minn. There 
 he spent hours every day in piano practice, endeavoring to les- 
 sen the gap between his quick conception and his slow execu- 
 tion of music. Coming to Chicago, he took a position in the 
 
 store of Root & Cady. 
 
 435
 
 436 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 At this time William Lewis, then the popular violinist of 
 Chicago, used frequently to take Mr. Root with him as a solo 
 pianist. In 1869, he went to Europe for a year and a half 
 of study and travel, doing some piano work in Berlin, and 
 taking voice lessons, in Florence, of the celebrated Vannuccini. 
 He never lived long in one place, so he never had opportunity 
 to complete any regular course of study. He made up for 
 this lack, however, by persistent reading of the best essayists 
 and philosophers. He has been prominently connected with 
 the Music Teachers' National Association, declining the nomi- 
 nation for President in 1892, as he was again going abroad. 
 
 In 1873, he published works for use in vocal and instru- 
 mental instruction, and later made occasional additions to 
 them. It was not, however, until 1896 that he produced a 
 work which proved widely influential. This was a volume en- 
 titled " The Polychrome Lessons " in voice culture, followed 
 since by " Analytical Studies Op. 20," and a series of works 
 issued under the general title of " Technic and Art of Sing- 
 ing." Among prominent singers who have been Mr. Root's 
 pupils are Hope Glenn, Jessie Bartlett Davis, W. H. Clark, 
 McKenzie Gordon, Chas. W. Clark, and many others. 
 
 Mr. Root has also taught some of the best gospel singers, 
 among them Messrs. McGranahan, Case, Excell, Towner and 
 Billhorn. 
 
 Mr. Root has been identified with summer classes and nor- 
 mal institutes, most successfully. 
 
 He has also achieved enviable reputation as adjudicator 
 of musical contests both in and out of Chicago. 
 
 This is but a glimpse into the successful life of one of the 
 best known and most beloved musicians of Chicago.
 
 , HiUtan JFrettcfj
 
 MRS. LILLIAN FRENCH HEAD.
 
 . Htlitan JFwtcf) Heatr. 
 
 Mrs. Lillian French Read was born in Wakeman, Ohio, 
 October 6, 1875. At the age of seventeen she was sent to 
 Oberlin, Ohio, where she remained for three years studying 
 singing and piano in the Conservatory and languages in the 
 College. During her last year there she held the position of 
 soprano soloist in the First Congregational Church choir, with 
 a chorus of one hundred and twenty students. After leaving 
 school she came to Illinois, and at the age of twenty was given 
 charge of the vocal department of the college at Lincoln, 111. 
 She remained there for one year, and the following year held 
 a similar position at Onarga, 111. While teaching there she 
 secured the position at the Englewood Baptist Church, which 
 she filled to the delight of her audiences till she resigned, Jan- 
 uary 1, 1903, and accepted the position as soprano soloist in 
 the double quartette of Sinai Temple (Dr. Hirsh's church). 
 This position is indicative of the success she has achieved, for 
 Chicago offers nothing finer in this line of musical work. 
 
 Since coming to Chicago she has been teaching and study- 
 ing most of the time. She obtained leave of absence from her 
 church engagement and spent one summer abroad. She de- 
 voted the time to hard work with Henschel, in London. Since 
 then she has filled many good engagements through all this 
 
 part of the country, both in song recitals and oratorio work. 
 
 439
 
 440 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 She made her first appearance with the Chicago Apollo Club 
 five years ago, and won, at that time, many laurels for the ex- 
 cellence of her work. Her charming personality wins for 
 her friends wherever she goes, and since her appearance with 
 the Apollo Club she has sung with many good oratorio clubs, 
 all the way from Ohio to South Dakota, and from Michigan 
 to Missouri. 
 
 In this way she has become widely known, and has more 
 opportunities than she can improve to do work with the best 
 musical societies. She has done some work at various Chau- 
 tauqua assemblies, and went this year for the second time 
 to Bay View, Mich., for two weeks' work. 
 
 Her wonderfully strong, yet sweet and sympathetic, voice, 
 her quick interpretation of a theme and her enthusiasm, make 
 her invaluable in the work of assembly, convention and club. 
 She is particularly adapted for oratorio work, and we predict 
 for her a bright future along this line of musical achievement, 
 a line she enjoys. In June, 1900, she married John Threlkeld 
 Read, also a professional singer. They have a new home on 
 "West Sixty-second street, where they have a large music room. 
 In this room their pupils give recitals, and here also they en- 
 tertain their many friends in most delightful, hospitable 
 fashion.
 
 iSertrulre ffi. M
 
 UKUTltUDE M. RADLE.
 
 (Sertrutre ffi. Matrle. 
 
 With a sensitive nature, keen intuition and graceful ease 
 of manner, inherited from her mother, and marked musical 
 ability, inherited from her father, Gertrude M. Radle, from 
 the earliest childhood, had the highest musical aims and a 
 definite ambition to make a reputation as a teacher of music. 
 Until eleven years of age, her only piano was the windowsill, 
 and as the childish fingers thrummed the song that filled the 
 childish heart, dreams of possibilites to be fulfilled flitted 
 through the busy little brain. So, beginning life's work with 
 serious thought and earnest longing, the work of life has been 
 prosecuted with a sweet seriousness which has wrought suc- 
 cess. When thirteen years old she became a pupil of Edward 
 E. Holt, who had studied with Albert Ross Parsons. Im- 
 pressed with the remarkable ability of his young pupil, he 
 urged her to go to New York and see Parsons. He said of 
 her" Even now she is far in advance of me in many points, 
 farther than I myself can ever hope to get." Through his 
 unselfish, enthusiastic effort he arranged for her going, and 
 engaged an hour for her to play before the great teacher. 
 After submitting her to a severe test, Dr. Parsons expressed 
 his suprise at her achievements at her age, fifteen years, and 
 for the next three years she was his pupil. At that time she 
 
 went to Warren, Pa., and soon gathered a large class, but re- 
 
 443
 
 444 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 turned to New York, and studied a year with Dr. Parsons, a 
 year with Dudley Buck, two years with Harry Rowe Shelley. 
 While still a student in New York, her parents moved to Chi- 
 cago, believing it would afford to their daughter better oppor- 
 tunities to teach. She opened her studio in Englewood with 
 one pupil, but rapidly became favorably known, and in her 
 more recent studio, in the Fine Arts Building, has had many 
 pupils whose success is her proudest laurel. Gertrude Radle 
 was born Sept. 23, 1871, at Kane City, Pa., the only child of 
 John Nelson Radle and Julia Guy Radle. Her method of 
 teaching is in harmony with the laws of life, and evolves most 
 wonderful results in developing not only the musical nature 
 but the entire personality. Instead of urging a pupil on with 
 the idea that musical excellence can only be attained by 
 stretching every nerve to its utmost tension, the student is en- 
 couraged to relax every nerve and let the real self dominate 
 mind and body. With less of self -consciousness comes a de- 
 light in effort which before seemed unattainable. Miss Radle 
 says" For a sensitive child to practice with the thought 
 ever present that a critical teacher is to be met is self -destruc- 
 tive, for fear of displeasure makes success impossible. ' ' 
 
 Miss Radle has a charming personality and a sympathetic 
 presence which win the confidence of her pupils and inspire 
 each one to the best effort.
 
 c &pimng.
 
 Surrounded with the atmosphere of music and culture, 
 Theodore Spiering (well known throughout the country as 
 leader of the celebrated Spiering Quartet) spent his child- 
 hood and youth. He was born in St. Louis, Mo., September 
 5, 1871, of a distinctly musical and literary family, who came 
 to America in the middle of the nineteenth century. 
 
 Chas. L. Bernays, his grandfather, living in the same 
 house, was one of the first American proclaimers of Schafen- 
 hauer and Richard Wagner, and was widely known as a writer 
 and musical critic for the St. Louis and foreign German 
 press. His father was the well-schooled violinist, Ernest 
 Spiering, leader of the Philharmonic Quintet Club, of St. 
 Louis, which for several seasons had a prosperous existence. 
 After careful instruction from his father, Theodore Spiering 
 made his first public appearance in connection with the work 
 of this organization in the early eighties. 
 
 In his home he met not only the musicians of St. Louis 
 but the visiting celebrities of the musical world. 
 
 In 1886, his father took him to Cincinnati and placed him 
 under the instruction of the eminent violinist and teacher, 
 Henry Schrodieck. The father died in 1887, but the son re- 
 mained under the instruction of Schrodieck another year, and 
 
 then went to Berlin. Here he entered the Hoch Schule, where 
 
 447
 
 448 BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 he remained four years as a pupil of Andreas Moser and Dr. 
 Joseph Joachim, training as a violin virtuoso, but practicing 
 diligently ensemble playing. During the last years at school, 
 he was concertmeister of the school orchestra. He also had 
 the honor of assisting Barth, Hausinover and others, while 
 such musicians as Brahms, Max Busch and George Vierling 
 von Herzogenberg gave the young artist many proofs of their 
 friendliness. In 1892, Spiering returned to Chicago, bring- 
 ing a highly eulogistic letter from Joachim to Theodore 
 Thomas. For four years he was one of the leading violinists 
 in the Chicago Orchestra, appearing with great success, Feb- 
 ruary, 1893, as soloist in the most difficult Schumann Phan- 
 tasia. 
 
 In the summer of 1893, the Spiering Quartet was organ- 
 ized, and has given over four hundred concerts throughout the 
 United States, often playing where chamber music was en- 
 tirely unknown. It has reached a perfection of ensemble of 
 finish and true musical interpretation which are the marvel 
 of public and critic alike. 
 
 Theodore Spiering has devoted some attention to com- 
 position. He has written a group of piano pieces, some songs, 
 and three concert studies for the violin, all of which are still 
 in manuscript. The songs have obtained public hearing and 
 recognition. As an orchestral conductor, he has won many 
 laurels, and has shown that he is greatly gifted in that branch 
 of his profession. 
 
 There is no question but that he is now one of the most 
 promising of the younger generation of conductors in the 
 world.
 
 Sybil Sammis was born in Foreston, 111., and when little 
 more than a baby evinced a marvelous ear for music, humming 
 any tune she heard. She is a descendant of John Quincy 
 Adams, and inherits marked musical and literary ability. 
 When four years old, her parents moved to Deadwood, South 
 Dakota, later to Pierre. 
 
 After coming to Chicago, Miss Sammis first studied un- 
 der Mad. Ragna Linne, who, recognizing her unusual ability 
 and ambition, became interested in her. After a few lessons, 
 she secured for her a position in the Sinai Temple choir. 
 Later she became the leading soprano of the Grand Boulevard 
 Presbyterian Church choir, and afterwards soloist in the 
 Fifth Presbyterian Church. Giving up her church work, she 
 became the soloist with the Chicago Marine Band, a posi- 
 tion successful artistically and financially, and renewed for 
 several seasons. Before she had entered her 'teens, Miss 
 Sammis cherished the highest ambitions. For their achieve- 
 ment she hoarded her resources and went abroad, where she 
 studied in Paris with Mme. Lurig, who rendered her valuable 
 assistance. 
 
 Returning to New York, Miss Sammis accepted engage- 
 ments in concert and oratorio work, and at the Maine festival 
 appeared with Schumann-Heink and Campanari in concerts, 
 
 and sang " Elijah " with Ffrangeon-Davies. At the Ver,- 
 
 451
 
 452 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 mont festivals she sang " Elijah " with Gwlynn Miles. She 
 possesses a wonderful dramatic soprano voice, of three full 
 octaves, ranging from E below middle C to E above high C. 
 She has the low tones of a contralto, the full medium of a 
 mezzo, and the pure, clear, upper tones of a lyric soprano. 
 Born with a genius for interpretation, the themes of difficult 
 arias are easily mastered by her. Following her Festival 
 work, she appeared with the " Three great star combination," 
 the -trio being Evan Williams, Gwylm Miles and Miss Sam- 
 mis. 
 
 This summer (1903) Miss Sammis sang with the Metro- 
 politan Opera House Orchestra, at Madison Square Garden, 
 New York. During the season she gave a phenomenal exam- 
 ple of her ability and the repertoire at her command. It was 
 Wagner night, and the soloist of the week who, until six 
 o'clock, expected to sing, found herself unable to do so. 
 Speaking of it the New York Herald wrote: " The bandmas- 
 ter was at his wits' end till about seven o'clock, when he 
 learned that Miss Sammis was in New York. He found her, 
 and, without rehearsal, she took Miss Gumming 's place, and 
 sang with marked success the selections already chosen. " The 
 first was " Dich Theure Halle," from Tannhauser. She was 
 called back twice, and sang "After the Ball," by Gillet. For 
 the second number she sang Wagner's " Traiime," and re- 
 ceived much applause, her encore being " My Old Kentucky 
 Home." This wonderful success has greatly encouraged her, 
 has stimulated ambition and quickened hope. 
 
 Miss Sammis has a bright, sunny disposition, a very 
 sweet and winning f ^CP ; her enunciation is distinct, and of her 
 audiences she makes friends.
 
 Jgenrg
 
 (paries 
 
 The legal profession has made great strides in America 
 during the last decade. Many things have combined to bring 
 about this result. Meetings of national bar associations, at 
 which some of the most distinguished lawyers of this country 
 and England have spoken on questions of international inter- 
 est, and engaged in discussions on matters of grave import, 
 have quickened thought and stimulated a generous rivalry 
 among the eminent legal lights of the country. 
 
 Comparatively few realize the opportunities for advance- 
 ment offered by the legal profession, from the time of grad- 
 uation from the Law School till possibly a seat is gained on 
 the Supreme Bench of the United States. Chicago is not sec- 
 ond to any city in the Union in the ability, sound judgment 
 and brilliant successes of the representatives of the various 
 courts of the city. Some of the most important cases known 
 in this country have had their trial here. 
 
 Among the representative men of Chicago, in this profes- 
 sion, no one has achieved a more enviable reputation than 
 Charles Henry Aldrich. Mr. Aldrich was born, August 26, 
 1850, and was educated first in the public schools of his native 
 city, and later in the Northeastern Indiana Academy. In 
 1871, he was graduated from the High School at Ann Arbor, 
 
 Mich., and in 1875 from the classical course of the Michigan 
 
 455
 
 456 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 University with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. For distin- 
 guished services the University' conferred upon him the de- 
 gree of Master of Arts in 1893. He practiced law at Fort 
 Wayne, Indiana, until 1886, when he moved to Chicago. He 
 was appointed Solicitor General of the United States in 1891, 
 in which capacity he served until 1893. 
 
 He has been prominently identified with much important 
 litigation in the various courts, particularly the Federal 
 Courts. Among some of the most important cases may be 
 mentioned the one involving the constitutionality of the Chi- 
 nese Exclusion Act (Geary Act), and the " Fourteen Diamond 
 Ring " case, involving constitutional questions growing out of 
 the late Spanish War. 
 
 Mr. Aldrich, while a close student along his own line of 
 work, has read extensively in other directions, and is a man 
 of decided literary tastes. He has a large library, in which 
 he takes much pride, and is very fond of fine engravings. In 
 this way he has been, and is, a patron of the best in the world 
 of literature and art, and in his home there is the atmosphere 
 of culture. He was married, Oct. 13, 1875, and has three chil- 
 dren, one son and two daughters. Mr. Aldrich is of a retir- 
 ing nature, and has devoted his life almost exclusively to pro- 
 fessional achievement. That he has won the success at which 
 he aimed, those who know him best will most readily attest. 
 He cares little for social functions, and is rarely seen ex- 
 cept in the courts, at his office or in his home.
 
 &ignor }|asqua!e Capone.
 
 $)asqualc 
 
 The word Italy ssems to surround us at once with an at- 
 mosphere of music and of art. We think of the long line of 
 illustrious Italian composers who have given us some of the 
 most beautiful music the world has ever known, and of the 
 artists whose pictures and statues are immortal. And so a 
 name which reminds us of that land of beauty seems to bring 
 us in touch with an artist life. Signor Pasquale Capone was 
 born in Salerno, Italy, and from childhood evinced a love for 
 music. At an early age he began the study of the violin, har- 
 mony and countersign with well-known masters of that city. 
 He soon proved that he had exceptional talent and indefatiga- 
 ble perseverance. After studying for some years in his na- 
 tive city, he made such remarkable progress that his parents 
 were advised to send him to Milan to continue his study in 
 that rarely musical atmosphere, and avail himself of the many 
 unexcelled advantages offered there. He entered the Regio 
 Conservatory, of Milan, and at once received special attention 
 on account of his exceptional talent. 
 
 After the most thorough course possible, he was at length 
 graduated from that institution with the highest honors, be- 
 ing presented with a gold medal, the first award for musical 
 progress and exceptional ability. "While in Milan, Signor Ca- 
 pone became well known in the musical world, and filled 
 
 459
 
 460 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 numerous concert engagements and gave many recitals with 
 marked success. He was also patronized by the most dis- 
 tinguished families of that cultured center. One result of 
 his life in Milan was to create the highest ideals in the mind 
 of this young artist, and he has never been satisfied with any- 
 thing less than the best in the music-world. He has gained a 
 very excellent reputation as a soloist, his playing being 
 marked by smoothness and ease of execution, yet great dis- 
 tinctness and purity of tone, and his interpretation of the 
 most difficult themes being intelligent and delightful. He was 
 engaged to play at the famous theatre " La Scala " as first 
 violin, under the conductor Com. Bassi, and subsequently was 
 secured as concertmaster at the opening of the theatre " Cac- 
 cia," of Piemonte, where Verdi's " Otello " was given under 
 the direction of Tascanini. 
 
 On coming to America, Signor Capone received imme- 
 diate recognition among musicians, and has appeared as violin 
 soloist and conductor in this country as well as in Italy. 
 
 He has been engaged for five years as the head of the 
 violin department of the Chicago Conservatory, and has un- 
 der his direction the symphony orchestra and chamber music 
 of the conservatory. Among his pupils are some who are 
 making themselves well known in the best musical world.
 
 s. Ifafjn garrison JFrands.
 

 
 Jiflrs. Sofiit garrison JFrancfo. 
 
 The history of music, not only in Illinois but in America, 
 reveals the fact that, as a country, we have as yet produced no 
 really great music. 
 
 Possibly the many reasons for this suggest themselves 
 readily to the observer of American life. We are still a young 
 nation, and the best music is the outgrowth of years of na- 
 tional history. We are a busy nation, living a strenuous life, 
 and have not cultivated the arts as have the European coun- 
 tries. Yet that America will gain recognition in the fore- 
 most ranks of the musical compositions of the world one can- 
 not doubt. 
 
 There are everywhere musical men and women, ambi- 
 tious, conscientious in endeavor, and a musical atmosphere is 
 being created from which, in time, will be evolved great com- 
 posers and great artists, worthy of place with the most hon- 
 ored masters of other countries. 
 
 Among those who are thus a musical inspiration may be 
 named Mrs. John Harrison Francis, who has long been one of 
 the most progressive, intelligent and enthusiastic of Peoria's 
 musical patrons. While her own gifts in that direction 
 which were of no mean order have never been given especial 
 cultivation, she possesses a fine natural taste which a long resi- 
 dence in Paris and Dresden (during which she directed the 
 
 463
 
 464 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 studies of her daughter, Miss Maude Francis) has generously 
 ripened. Since her return from Europe, some years ago, 
 Mrs. Francis ' handsome home has been the center of much of 
 the musical life of Peoria. No worthy enterprise has been de- 
 nied her substantial assistance and support. No youthful as- 
 pirant for the meager and uncertain rewards of a musical ca- 
 reer has failed to receive from her the encouragement, sym- 
 pathy and advice her wide experience so amply fitted her to 
 give. 
 
 No one with real ability and talent has come to her with- 
 out obtaining not only recognition, but introduction to the best 
 musical people, hints as to the best musical methods and help- 
 ful suggestion, which have been an inspiration to many now 
 achieving excellent reputation for themselves. 
 
 Such a woman, who uses her exceptional opportunities 
 rather for others than herself, aids far more in the develop- 
 ment of a true musical taste in the community than does the 
 professional artist, whose ambitions and interests are neces- 
 sarily self-centered. There is an absolute freedom from the 
 jealousy which is too often apparent where there is the least 
 possible opportunity for rivalry, and to such generous large- 
 heartedness the most timid feel a certain assurance in ap- 
 proach. The community blest with such a spirit should count 
 itself most fortunate, for it is the greatest incentive to public- 
 spirited musical effort. 
 
 The influence of Mrs. Francis on the musical history of 
 Peoria can scarcely be estimated, but it has been such that no 
 record of the progress made in that art in the last few years 
 would be complete without the mention of her name.
 
 Jmjjlc Jprancis.
 
 MISS MAUDE INGLE FRANCIS.
 
 fftmtft Uncjle JFraucis. 
 
 Early in the nineties, a young girl sang for the first time 
 >efore a select gathering of Peoria's musicians. She was 
 r ery young her age, indeed, scarcely reaching sixteen years 
 -yet there was about her performance a strange lack of crude- 
 less common to " first efforts." She sang as the birds sing, 
 mturally and easily, with all of the birds' roundness, fresh- 
 icss and sweetness of tone. The musicians listening were 
 jreatly surprised. Eeally expecting nothing at all, they had 
 isked the young girl to sing with the good-natured tolerance 
 >ften felt by musicians towards young people who are cherish- 
 ng musical ambitions. In the few moments of her song, the 
 elative positions of the company had undergone a curious 
 :hange. 
 
 A new star had risen in that little circle, a star that prom- 
 sed to eclipse them all, and the congratulations that followed 
 vere not of the perfunctory sort which commonly reward be- 
 ginners. 
 
 A few months later the young singer, Maude Ingle Fran- 
 jis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Francis, went to 
 Europe. Three years of study followed study under the 
 jest masters in the world. Lamperti, Marches! (names for- 
 ever interwoven with the history of the greatest triumphs in 
 
 :he realm of song) were her teachers, and they found in her 
 
 467
 
 468 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 an apt and gifted pupil. Then came her return to this coun- 
 try, and two years' study under the late Charles Adams, of 
 Boston, followed by a year's coaching with Victor Harris, in 
 New York. 
 
 When next Miss Francis appeared before an audience in 
 Peoria, it was as a finished artist in a higher sense than the 
 usual hackneyed acceptation of the term. Musicians and the 
 general public alike surrendered themselves delightedly to the 
 charm of her singing. 
 
 It was this young singer's fortune to be placed beyond 
 the necessity of earning a livelihood by her voice. Her in- 
 herent love of singing was never made secondary to hopes of a 
 " career." The exquisite quality of her tones was never sacri- 
 ficed to the ordinary greed for quantity. Their pure round- 
 ness never was lost and drowned in the volume of sound 
 requisite to the filling of a vast auditorium. Her voice has 
 always retained, therefore, to a remarkable degree, its first 
 girlish freshness and charm. 
 
 In addition to her wonderful voice, she was endowed with 
 a handsome face, beautiful figure and rare grace of manner 
 and bearing. 
 
 As a singer of French chansons, Miss Francis has had 
 scarcely an equal in this country. Her success in this field at 
 private musicales, both in New York and Chicago, was instan- 
 taneous and complete. 
 
 In 1902, however, Miss Francis was married to Mr. 
 Thomas Colston Kinney, of New York, an event which ab- 
 ruptly terminated her semi-public career. Since her mar- 
 riage Mrs. Kinney has lived abroad, where she expects to re- 
 side permanently.
 
 Horatro
 
 Caft. 
 
 Although still a comparatively young man, Lcrado Taft 
 stands in the foremost ranks in his profession, not only in Chi- 
 cago and Illinois but in this country. An unceasing student, 
 with genius of touch and vivid imagination, the results he has 
 achieved have been such as to win for him a reputation which 
 the years will enhance. 
 
 He is a native of Illinois, having been born in Ehnwood, 
 Peoria County, in 1860. His father, Don Carlos Taft, was a 
 professor in the State University at Champaign, 111., and here 
 Mr. Taft was graduated in 1879. The following year he went 
 abroad, and for three years was a student in 1'Ecole des Beaux 
 Arts. At the expiration of this time he came back to America 
 for a visit, but returned to Paris for two years more of study. 
 In 1886, he established himself in Chicago, and very soon 
 took charge of the classes in modeling at the Art Institute. 
 This position he has held ever since, and has made the stan- 
 dard of scholarship in this department very high, requiring 
 from his pupils the same lofty aim which has inspired his own 
 life. Besides his work as a teacher, he has given many courses 
 of public lectures, both at the Institute and in connection with 
 the extension department of the University of Chicago. He 
 is a busy man in his own studio, with his classes and doing 
 
 the various kinds of literary work which claims his attention. 
 
 471
 
 472 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Among his pupils he is a great favorite, for while they know 
 that nothing less than their best effort will satisfy him, they 
 realize that he recognizes merit and honest endeavor, and 
 never withholds the word of deserved commendation. Mr. 
 Taft is most conscientious in his work, painstaking in every 
 detail, striving for perfection in the finish of all he under- 
 takes, and yet there is the greatest freedom in every curve, and 
 almost the touch of vitality in every poise. 
 
 His professional work has been largely in portraiture and 
 military monuments, and by his success in these efforts he has 
 established a most enviable national reputation. 
 
 Those who attended the Columbian Exposition will recall, 
 with great pleasure, the groups which he contributed" The 
 Sleep of the Flowers " and " The Awakening of the Flow- 
 ers," on the Horticultural Building. 
 
 Among his most recent works are " Despair," done in 
 1898; " The Solitude of the Soul," 1900; " Knowledge," 1902, 
 and " The Fountain of Lakes, " 1903. A military group called 
 " The Defense of the Flag," which was designed and executed 
 for Jackson, Michigan, was also done in 1903. While ambi- 
 tious and zealous in his efforts for the highest degree of at- 
 tainment, Mr. Taft is a man of modest bearing, free from the 
 arrogance which mars so many successful artists. 
 
 That his will be an enduring and world-wide reputation is 
 conceded by those whose judgment is unquestioned.
 
 William Fernim.
 
 Itonon. 
 
 The art-life of the Middle- West is becoming more and 
 more recognized as each year makes history, and those asso- 
 ciated with its advancement are also becoming known as men 
 of artistic taste and literary and art research. 
 
 Possibly the Columbian Exhibit gave an impetus to art 
 and developed connoisseurs and critics along art lines to an 
 extent not admitted then, perhaps not fully realized even now. 
 
 Few men have been more closely associated for the past 
 twenty years with this art-life of the Middle- West, particu- 
 larly as existing in Chicago, than Mr. Wm. Vernon, who, dur- 
 ing the greater part of that time, has been the manager of the 
 art department of A. H. Abbott & Co. 
 
 During the "World's Fair period of Chicago Art," Mr. 
 Vernon was Secretary of the Chicago Society of Artists. 
 
 Those who were in Chicago at that time will recall the 
 vast number of distinguished people who, in various ways, 
 were entertained by the city. The local Artists' Club, during 
 the fair and for many months before, was the " rendezvous " 
 of some of the world's most famous artists. Well-known 
 painters from Holland, France, Spain, Italy, England and 
 the Scandinavian Peninsula, and practically all of the best- 
 known American artists, were guests of this club. Upon Mr. 
 
 Vernon devolved the entertainment of these men of many 
 
 475
 
 470 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 climes and many tastes. That he discharged this duty to the 
 delight of those who were fortunate enough to be recipients 
 of this hospitality was attested many a time most eagerly and 
 enthusiastically during that eventful time. 
 
 At about this time, Mr. Vernon secured for the club the 
 Yerkes' prizes of $500 for the best collection of paintings by 
 Chicago artists at the annual exhibition of the society. Chas. 
 T.Yerkes, the donor of the prizes, gave them not only that year 
 but annually for five years, or until the disruption of the so- 
 ciety, in 1896. 
 
 Since the organization of the Vernon Gallery, Mr. Ver- 
 non has made yearly pilgrimages to the various shrines of art 
 in Europe. He has been a student of art as well as an ardent 
 admirer, and has achieved a wide reputation for rare dis- 
 cernment in the selection of works of art, particularly of the 
 Barbizon and modern Dutch schools. 
 
 Mr. Vernon is well known as a most potent friend of as- 
 piring artists who possess real talent. While he is, of neces- 
 sity, a critic whom nothing escapes, no one more quickly recog- 
 nizes real genius under the errors of inexperience, and thus he 
 has earned the distinction of " bringing out " some of the 
 most successful western painters. Mr. Vernon is a man of 
 wide literary research, and wields a ready pen. He writes 
 frequently on various subjects connected with art, and for a 
 number of years was art critic for the Chicago American.
 
 Jprancts 33rotonc. 
 
 One of the artists in Chicago, who has won for himself a 
 reputation which places him, without question, in the very 
 front rank of the best in his profession, is Charles Francis 
 Browne. We speak of the vastness of the West, its wonder- 
 ful resources, its varied scenery, and this and more is very 
 true. After all, however, in the comparatively small confines 
 of New England, we find the picturesque, the grand and the 
 beautiful so combined, and so close the environment of the 
 people, that we cannot wonder that many an artist has found 
 development there. 
 
 Mr. Browne was born in Natick, Massachusetts, May 21, 
 1859, but the family soon moved to Waltham, where he re- 
 ceived his early education. He began his art studies at the 
 Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and prosecuted them later at 
 Pennsylvania Academy. 
 
 In both of these art schools his work gave abundant 
 promise of what the later years have accomplished. He was 
 not only an enthusiastic and earnest student, but had that de- 
 cided originality of conception and skill in execution which 
 have characterized his more mature work. In 1883, he went 
 abroad, and studied for several years with Gerome in L'ficole- 
 des Beaux Arts. In 1892, he came to Chicago, and soon be- 
 came connected with the Art Institute, where he has taught 
 
 477
 
 478 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 for the past eight years, and, as artist and teacher, has 
 achieved a most gratifying success. 
 
 Oregon, 111., where so many artists have their summer 
 homes, has afforded Mr. Browne subjects for many pictures 
 which have been exhibted at the Art Institute or found a place 
 among the treasures of some art-lover. He is a landscape 
 painter, and most exquisitely does he reproduce nature 's most 
 glorious coloring and her daintiest tints. It seems almost 
 impossible to select from so many a few of his pictures for 
 mention. In 1900, he exhibted at the Art Institute the fol- 
 lowing" Summer Sky," " River Road," "A Hillside " and 
 " The Yellow Pond;" in 1902, "Afternoon on Rock River," 
 at Grand Detour, 111., and " Harvesting Wheat," Oregon, 111. 
 
 There is never a meaningless stroke of the brush in Mr. 
 Browne's pictures. Every detail is most carefully given, and 
 the results have made his pictures great favorites and widely 
 known. He is a true lover of nature, and paints con amore, 
 an important element in success. His wife is the sister of 
 Lorado Taft, the sculptor, and the artist atmosphere is most 
 delightfully felt in their home. He is at present (1903) 
 abroad, and is planning to remain there the greater part of a 
 year. This experience will be of value to him, for he is as in- 
 defatigable a student as in the days when he had reputation 
 and success in his profession still to achieve. He will, no 
 doubt, on his return, add many to the laurels already won.
 
 Cfjnstta ffi. l&calrc.
 
 ftttss CJjnstta JE. Meatre. 
 
 A most talented and versatile artist is Miss Christia M. 
 Eeade, a Chicago girl, who owes much of her artistic training 
 to the Chicago Art Institute. Some years ago, she entered the 
 institute life and color class, with no thought of attempting 
 the work of an artistic designer. Some wonderfully clever 
 designs, submitted quite casually to a designing and decor- 
 ating firm in Chicago, decided the question. Miss Reade was 
 importuned, and consented to become one of the staff of de- 
 signers employed by this firm, devoting herself almost ex- 
 clusively to designs for stained glass execution. She remained 
 with this firm for some years, carrying her work through 
 every stage from the initial sketch to the installed window, 
 following this training by two and a half years of European 
 study. 
 
 Returning to Chicago, she established a studio, and finds 
 a ready market for the exquisite work which is designed and 
 executed by her. It is her ambition some day to have a 
 " shop " of her own, in which all sorts of beautiful things 
 shall be made, and where she can devote herself even more 
 than now to the stained glass work, so interesting and un- 
 usual. Among the better known examples of her extensive 
 work along this line is the memorial window dedicated to 
 
 Judge Drummond, recently placed in the Episcopal Church 
 
 481
 
 482 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 at Wheaton. " The Worship of the Wise Men " has been 
 pronounced by competent critics as wonderfully artistic in 
 design and creation. Conventionalized lilies and the half -un- 
 folding scroll of another memorial window, designed in lov- 
 ing commemoration of a young girl, are exceedingly lovely and 
 delicate in form and basic idea. 
 
 In the way of medals, brooches, buckles, fobs, clasps, 
 chains, and all manner of artistic feminine belungings, Miss 
 Reade has produced some most unique and effective results, 
 especially in old silver and copper with semi-precious stones. 
 In iron she also does excellent and original work, fashioning 
 hinges, decorations, shields, crests and other finishing touches 
 for the wood and furniture designs made by herself. In 
 working both copper and brass, Miss Reade finds great pleas- 
 ure and most satisfactory artistic expression. The original- 
 ity and beauty of the thoughts she has wrought into metal 
 place her in the highest rank among the comparatively few 
 workers in this realm of art. Water colors and book plates 
 also appeal to this gifted, artistic nature most strongly, and 
 specimens of her book-plate art are in demand all over the 
 country. 
 
 It is the wide scope of research and artistic delving, as 
 well as the genius of originality and beauty-worship, which 
 render Miss Christia M. Reade 's wonderful achievements pe- 
 culiarly her own.
 
 Ctarfesmt.
 
 Clarfcswt. 
 
 In that beautiful building, the home of some of Chicago's 
 best artists, Mr. Clarkson, widely recognized in the world of 
 art, has his studio. New England has furnished a large pro- 
 portion not only of the scholars, authors and orators of the 
 day, but its artists as well. Among them no one has achieved 
 more in his profession than has Ralph Clarkson. He was 
 born in 1861, at Amesbury, Essex County, Mass., a near neigh- 
 bor of the beloved Whittier, who was a friend of the family, 
 and whom Mr. Clarkson knew and loved as a boy and until the 
 death of the famous poet. 
 
 He first studied art in the Boston Art Museum, and later 
 in the Julien Academy, in Paris, where he obtained the honor 
 of being an exhibitor in the Salon. 
 
 For six years he lived abroad, traveling extensively in 
 Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands. These 
 years were wonderful years to him in the opportunity they af- 
 forded to study the works of the great masters of various 
 schools, and familiarize himself with what lay back of results 
 attained, and, in a degree, with the secret of inspiration. That 
 this experience is still of value to him is evidenced by his 
 work, into which he has put the multifold and valuable glean- 
 ings of these years. Mr. Clarkson 's special line of work is 
 painting portraits, a work in which he has won a most en- 
 viable reputation. 
 
 486
 
 486 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 There is no realm of art in which it is so difficult to 
 achieve success as in that which portrays the human face and 
 form in marble or on canvas. Mr. Clarkson's portraits are 
 instinct with life itself, a speaking likeness, a bright eye, an 
 almost mobile lip, being among their chief characteristics. 
 Among the portraits he has painted may be named Judge 
 Palmer and Miss Peck, of Milwaukee, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. 
 W. J. Bryan, of national fame; Carter Harrison, Mayor of 
 Chicago ; the late Governor Altgeld, and many members of the 
 Studebaker family, of South Bend, Ind. 
 
 Mr. Clarkson is a member of the New York Color Club, 
 President of the Art Commission, Chicago; Vice-President 
 of the Municipal Art League (in which he has been very ac- 
 tive) ; Treasurer Chicago Society of Artists, and member of 
 the " Little Room." He was a member of the American Art 
 Jury, Paris Exposition, 1900, and is a member of the Art 
 Jury, St. Louis Exposition, 1904. Mr. Clarkson is an en- 
 thusiast in his profession, with high appreciation of its pecu- 
 liar demands and a conscientious endeavor to meet his own 
 lofty ideals. Comparatively a young man, his success is un- 
 questioned, and his position assured in the foremost ranks of 
 his profession.
 
 JFretrertck Warner JFmr, &.N.
 
 FREDERICK WARNER FREER, A. N. A.
 
 JTrctrcvtdt gHarno: Jfmr, 8LN.S. 
 
 Frederick Warner Freer, A. N. A., was born in Chicago, 
 111., in 1849, and has lived there most of his life, except when 
 absent studying. He is a portrait and genre painter, who has 
 achieved for himself a more than excellent reputation, and is 
 a teacher of painting in the Art Institute, of Chicago. Among 
 his most important and best known works may be mentioned 
 "A Lady in Black," owned by the Boston Art Club; " Jean- 
 nette," owned by the National Academy of Design; " Conso- 
 lation," " The Young Mother," owned by F. S. Coffin, of Bos- 
 ton; " The Old Letter," owned by the Detroit Club; 
 " Thoughts of the Future," " In Ambush," etc., etc. 
 
 As a portrait painter, he has won a wide fame. His por- 
 traits are most satisfying in that they preserve the individu- 
 ality of the person. Those who have been bitterly disap- 
 pointed, as is often the case, in the picture from which they 
 hoped much will appreciate this rare gift. The work is most 
 exquisitely done, every detail is carefully given, the coloring, 
 is natural, the finish is perfect, and yet the pictured face is 
 eloquent with the expression and the character of the original. 
 That this fact is recognized is easily seen by a partial list of 
 important works in this line which have been committed to 
 him, and which he has done most admirably: The late Dr. 
 
 E. L. Holmes, President of Rush Medical College, the prop- 
 
 489
 
 490 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 erty of the college ; the late Dr. Oliver Marcy, property of the 
 Northwestern University ; Dr. Angell, President of Michigan 
 University, owned by the University ; the late, Charles W. Ful- 
 lerton, owned by the Art Institute, of Chicago; Judge GL S. 
 Robinson, owned by the Supreme Court of Iowa, and others. 
 He has had many honors given him in recognition of the ex- 
 cellence of his work. He received a medal at the World's Co- 
 lumbian Exposition, Chicago, 1893 ; a bronze medal at the Pan- 
 American Exposition, Buffalo, 1901; a silver medal at the 
 South Carolina Inter-State and West Indian Exhibit, 1901-02, 
 and the Marten B. Cahn prize, from the Art Institute, Chi- 
 cago, 1901. He has the title A. N. A. (Associate Member Na- 
 tional Academy of Design) , and is a member of the American 
 Water Color Society, also of the Society of American Artists, 
 of the Salmagundi, etc. 
 
 As a teacher Prof. Freer is enthusiastic, conscientious 
 and inspiring. Ambitious and successful himself, he expects 
 his pupils to have the highest aims and be willing to work 
 for their realization. As an artist, his has been a rarely suc- 
 cessful life, and he has made for himself a name in which he 
 may well feel a pride. Many of the pictures which have been 
 named have a national fame, and Chicago and the Art Insti- 
 tute congratulate themselves that Prof. Freer has identified 
 himself with the art ambitions and interests of this city.
 
 ffi. Hne| Ice.
 
 ILec. 
 
 " The art of fencing, in this century, is learned and 
 taught as an elegant accomplishment, developing gracefulness 
 and activity, while it imparts suppleness to the limbs, strength 
 to the muscles and quickness to the eye." 
 
 It is an art which has been improved and perfected dur- 
 ing the past centuries, until of the two recognized schools 
 French and Italian the French is considered by far the more 
 scientific, embracing a more beautiful foil-play. For women 
 fencing is rarely adapted, and from maid to matron only sheer 
 love of the art induces its practice. In one of the large, hand- 
 some studios in the Fine Arts Building, Chicago, is an en- 
 thusiastic teacher of the art, and the keynote of her success 
 has been careful, painstaking thoroughness. 
 
 In a pleasant country home, near Plainfield, Iowa, was 
 born, March 4, 1874, M. Inez Lee. Of good old New England 
 stock, by nature buoyant and hopeful, her childhood and youth 
 were spent amid the flowers and the birds until she grew up a 
 strong, self-reliant, superbly-developed young woman, pas- 
 sionately fond of outdoor sports and enthusiastic in her love 
 of animals. Almost from babyhood she has ridden, and, at an 
 early age, was an expert horsewoman. Out of doors from 
 morning till night, now with her brothers, now out for a long 
 ride alone, except for her horse and dog, she passed her child- 
 hood. 493
 
 494 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 The best music teachers available were secured for her 
 at an early age, and when sixteen years old, at the earnest so- 
 licitation of the neighbors, she commenced to give music les- 
 sons to their children. Tiring of this, at the end of two years, 
 she went to college to prepare herself for teaching in the pub- 
 lic schools, but before completing her course was teaching in 
 a country school, studying nights to keep up with her class- 
 mates. 
 
 Later she went to Des Moines for further study, and from 
 there to Chicago, where she has spent the greater part of the 
 time since. 
 
 During all this time she has been an enthusiastic devotee 
 of all kinds of athletics, and soon after reaching Chicago she 
 took a thorough course in foil and" broadsword work, including 
 the regular United States Army cavalry practice, with Capt. 
 F. E. Yates, fencingmaster of the Chicago Athletic Associa- 
 tion. After teaching a year, she further perfected herself for 
 her vocation by studying with the best instructors to be had in 
 New York and Boston. She also spent some time at West 
 Point studying the manoeuvres and tactics as employed there. 
 
 Tall, with a wealth of red-gold hair, an erect and grace- 
 ful carriage, she is a familiar figure on Michigan Ave., and 
 her hosts of friends predict for her a brilliant success in her 
 chosen work.
 
 Uunlrfcerg.
 
 Mutrotyfj ILunlrforg. 
 
 An artist, devoting years to careful preparation for his 
 lifework, a delightful singer, a conscientious teacher and a 
 well-known nmsical conductor, Rudolph Lundborg has 
 achieved a merited success. 
 
 He was born July 25, 1870, in Trollhatten, Sweden, 
 where he spent his early childhood. "When twelve years of 
 age, he was sent to the College in Gothenburg, Sweden, 
 where he remained five years. In 1887 he entered the Royal 
 Musical Academy in Stockholm, from which he was- gradu- 
 ated in 1892 in voice culture, piano, organ and harmony. 
 The following two years were devoted to study under the 
 private tuition of Prof. Ivar Hallstrom. For three con- 
 secutive years, 1894-97, he was elected organist and choir- 
 leader at Lindesberg, Sweden. But Rudolph Lundborg was 
 not satisfied with what presented itself to him for achieve- 
 ment in his native country. He longed for larger fields of 
 usefulness, and, in 1897, came to America. He very soon 
 came in touch with musical effort in the middle-west, and was 
 appointed the Musical Director at Burlington Institute Col- 
 lege, in Burlington, Iowa. 
 
 Here he remained for two years, achieving a marked de- 
 gree of success. At the end of that time he received a call 
 which he accepted to become the Musical Director at Lombard
 
 498 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 College, Galesburg, Illinois, where he has remained for nearly 
 five years. In Galesburg he had opportunity for other than 
 the routine work of his school position. He became most 
 favorably known, not only as a teacher and conductor, but 
 as a singer. He gave many recitals and concerts in Gales- 
 burg and vicinity, which were successful to a most gratifying 
 extent, and was also the choir-leader in the First Lutheran 
 Church of Galesburg. As a teacher, Mr. Lundborg has 
 given to those under his care the same excellence of method 
 and careful training which were his own during the years he 
 devoted to study. Painstaking and persevering himself, he 
 exacts a like attention to detail from his pupils, and the re- 
 sults he attains are most satisfactory. His whole life has 
 been spent in the atmosphere of study, and he is devoted to 
 the profession for which he is so well equipped, and in 
 which (although comparatively a newcomer in this country) 
 he has made an enviable reputation. Feeling the need of 
 rest, wishing to revisit the scenes of his childhood and spend 
 some time with members of his family, Mr. Lundborg is at 
 present in Sweden. He does not, however, expect to remain 
 there permanently. His heart is in his work in America, 
 and, although the months of vacation have passed most 
 pleasantly, he is planning to return to America in the near 
 future.
 
 
 Eatfjartuc U. Stdunson,
 
 KATHARINE V. DICKINSON.
 
 HatTjartni 'F. Htdnnscw, 
 
 Among the music lovers and music teachers who are do- 
 ing extensive work along the most approved lines, none de- 
 serves more cordial recognition than does Miss Katharine V. 
 Dickinson, whose home for the past eleven years has been in 
 Alton, 111. Her native city was Penn Yan, Yates County, 
 New York, her parents being Charles F. and Martha Cole 
 Dickinson. 
 
 Her education was obtained in New York City and in 
 Boston, Mass. She received preparation for her special work 
 at the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, Mass., 
 and from such eminent teachers as Mr. J. Harry Wheeler and 
 Mme. Lena Doria Devine, of New York, both of whom were 
 pupils and certified exponents of the principles of the old 
 Italian school of singing as taught by the great Maestro Fran- 
 cesco Lamperti. Miss Dickinson is, therefore, thoroughly im- 
 bued with these principles, and in her teaching adheres strict- 
 ly to them. Her piano study was under the direction of Prof. 
 Otto Bendix, Florence Keer and, later, Mr. Carl Lachmund, 
 now of New York. Theory and harmony were studied under 
 Prof. Louis Elson, the eminent author, critic and lecturer, and 
 the late Stephen A. Emery, author of standard text-books. 
 Such preparation has been supplemented by further study 
 
 and years of experience in teaching. 
 
 501
 
 502 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 In 1891, she became director of the Voice School of 
 Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, 111., and, in 1893, was con- 
 nected with the Alton Conservatory, which position she held 
 until September, 1899, when she opened her own studio, where 
 she is beginning her fourth season, having achieved unusual 
 success. She was the founder, and is the director, of the 
 Camerata Chorus, a chorus of fifty ladies, and for five years 
 has been director of the choir of the First Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 The work undertaken by Miss Dickinson in her present 
 location is laid upon lines of broad musical culture. To that 
 end she supplements her personal individual work not only 
 with studies, in classes, directly essential to musical under- 
 standing and feeling, but with those broadening studies in lit- 
 erature and history necessary to a fine culture. Her abundant 
 success in this method lies not only in the knowledge of her 
 subject, but in that special gift of sympathy, rarer than 
 knowledge, which marks the ideal teacher. 
 
 Miss Dickinson's influence in the field of public school 
 music has been particularly felt. She has not only labored 
 assiduously to place music in the required course of studies 
 of every public school, but has carefully and earnestly trained 
 many of the teachers, fitting them for the regular school work 
 of that study. Numbers of her pupils are occupying lucra- 
 tive positions as Supervisors of Music. Miss Dickinson's 
 work has been so largely among teachers that she may fitly 
 be called a teacher of teachers.
 
 Iaton.
 
 HEXKY LAKE SLAYTOX.
 
 ILake 
 
 The name of Henry Lake Slayton is known all over this 
 country as the name of the founder of the Slayton Lyceum 
 Bureau, one of the oldest and largest entertainment bureaus in 
 America. He was born in Woodstock, Vermont, May 29, 
 1841, the son of Stephen D. and Lucy Maria (Kendall) Slay- 
 ton. The family in America is descended from Capt. Thomas 
 Slayton, a native of Scotland, who came to Massachusetts in 
 1690. A large number of his descendants took part in the 
 Eevolutionary and Civil Wars. 
 
 Mr. Slayton 's boyhood was passed on his father's farm, 
 and after attending the district and High School in Lebanon, 
 N. H., he took a three years' course at Kimball Union Acad- 
 emy and a special military course at Norwich University, Ver- 
 mont. His father was a staunch Abolitionist, and the son, at 
 an early age, became imbued with a like spirit. In 1861, at 
 the beginning of the Civil War, a meeting was held in his 
 native town, and an earnest call was made for volunteers, 
 and various young men in the audience were invited to speak. 
 Henry L. Slayton responded in words which, in the light of 
 subsequent events, proved to have been almost prophecy. 
 He promised to aid in every way at home by drilling com- 
 panies and speaking, but he felt the time for him to enlist 
 
 had not yet come, and said, in substance: " Success will not 
 
 505
 
 506 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 be ours till the colored people are armed. ' ' Declining offers to 
 go into the field as an officer, he waited till September, 1863, 
 when he was commissioned First Lieut, in the Second U. S. 
 Colored Infantry, the first colored regiment armed by the U. 
 S. Government. He served during the next two years, prin- 
 cipally in the Gulf States and Florida, where no quarter was 
 shown officers of colored regiments and where hardship and 
 peril daily confronted him. He was repeatedly appointed on 
 court-martials, and was a member of the Military Commission 
 for Florida. 
 
 When mustered out of service, in 1866, he was com- 
 manding officer of company " K ". The following autumn 
 he began the study of law, graduating from the Albany Law 
 School in 1867. He began practice in Chicago, 111., and was 
 at once very successful, particularly as a criminal lawyer, 
 and remained there until the great fire of 1871. By that 
 calamity he lost his library, and barely escaped with his life. 
 Those who were in Chicago at that time will remember the at- 
 tempts made to burn the city, and the excitement prevalent as 
 a result. Every or anyone unfortunate enough for any reason 
 to attract attention was at once branded a " fire-burner," and 
 with difficulty escaped the fury of the mob. Walking on South 
 State St. one day, Mr. Slayton, by some peculiarity of dress, 
 thus excited the attention of those in the streets, and it was 
 only after a most perilous experience that he was rescued from 
 the furious crowd. At one time six revolvers were leveled at 
 him, and it was only the fear of shooting others which saved 
 him from the bullet. Almost immediately after the fire he ac- 
 cepted the position of Superintendent of Public Schools in 
 Texas, and entered with enthusiasm upon his work.
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 507 
 
 His efforts in behalf of colored schools occasioned much 
 ill-feeling, and as a result several schools were destroyed and 
 his life was threatened. He remained in Texas two and a half 
 years, managing and editing a newspaper in addition to his 
 other duties. Ill health compelled his resignation, and after a 
 brief visit to New Hampshire he returned to Chicago. 
 
 March 19, 1873, he was married to Mina E., daughter of 
 John Gregory, a Universalist clergyman, of Northfield, Ver- 
 mont. Mrs. Slayton was a talented elocutionist, and the de- 
 sire to give her the coveted opportunity to appear in the right 
 way before the best people led to the establishment, in 1873, of 
 the Slayton Lyceum Bureau. From the beginning it was a 
 success in furnishing and directing lecturers, readers, singers, 
 dramatic and concert troupes in all parts of the country. 
 
 During a period of thirty years ending May 1, 1903, the 
 Bureau negotiated over 65,000 lecture and concert engage- 
 ments. Many noted representatives of artistic professions 
 have received their first start under its auspices. This Bureau 
 has branches in most of the large cities, while its agents are 
 everywhere all over the country, busy with preparations for 
 the coming season. 
 
 Mr. Slayton has a keen personal interest in the success 
 particularly of those who have begun their public career with 
 him, and is an inspiration to those too easily discouraged. As 
 a manager, Mr. Slayton is enterprising, yet sufficiently con- 
 servative to avoid the mistakes and dangers so often incurred 
 in the management of public entertainments. He is a ready 
 and fluent speaker, and has written many newspaper articles. 
 He is a man of strong convictions, and has the courage of 
 these convictions. At the time of the Presidential campaigns
 
 508 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 he has taken an active part in politics, often at the risk of per- 
 sonal harm, but he has been fearless, and sometimes it has 
 seemed as if his was a charmed life. 
 
 Mr. Slayton is planning to go, with his wife, to California 
 to live, at least during the winter months, and enjoy compara- 
 tive rest. Wherever he goes he will still be in touch with the 
 work with which he is so wholly identified, and may himself 
 enjoy what he has provided for the pleasure of others.
 
 JFrattklut
 
 JFrankltn 
 
 John Franklin Stacey was born, March 16, 1859, in Bidde- 
 ford, Maine. He first studied art in the State Normal School, 
 Boston, Mass., graduating in 1881. The autumn of the same 
 year he secured appointment as supervisor of drawing in the 
 public schools in the towns of Pittsfield and North Adams, 
 Mass. At the end of two years he resigned and went to Paris, 
 there to further pursue his studies in art. For three years he 
 was in the Julian Academy, under the direction of Boulanger 
 and Le Febvre. Returning to America, he went West and 
 became Director of the Kansas City Art School, which posi- 
 tion he held for three years. At present he is the art in- 
 structor in the R. T. Crane Manual Training School, Chicago. 
 For the past ten years he has been a constant exhibitor in 
 all local exhibits and in numerous other exhibits, both East 
 and West. 
 
 He paints landscapes exclusively, and has received most 
 complimentary press notices. In 1900, he visited the Paris 
 Exposition, and painted in the village of Anvers-sur-Oise dur- 
 ing the summer. Another summer he spent in Mystic, Conn., 
 where, out of the meadows and rolling hills of that New Eng- 
 land country, he evolved pictures of which an art critic has 
 written" They are good, strong, clear pictures." In fact, 
 some of his very best pictures have their origin in the " hilly 
 
 511
 
 512 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 highways, stone fences, Yankee farmhouses and neglected 
 meadows of New England." Several clubs are the fortunate 
 possessors of some of Mr. Stacey's paintings. " Overlooking 
 the Valley of the Mystic " was bought by the Union League 
 Club, of Chicago, at the February exhibition of 1902, and is 
 recognized as one of the very best of his pictures. Mr. Stacey 
 is at present the Vice-President of the Arts Club, of Chicago. 
 Possibly one of the most marked characteristics of Mr. Sta- 
 cey's work is its pronounced individuality. Others have 
 painted like meadows and streams, but no one has presented 
 them just as he has done. He has his own way of doing 
 things, he sees from his own standpoint, and after looking at 
 some landscape from his brush there comes an appeal to the 
 heart which says none have done better. An enthusiast in his 
 art, happy in almost an ideal way with his talented wife, suc- 
 cess is his already. His untiring perseverance and his origin- 
 ality, his bold, strong touch and delicate comprehension of 
 his subject, are winning him public notice and commendation 
 which will enroll his name among the Chicago artists of the 
 twentieth century. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Stacey both maintain studios in the Studio 
 Building, a favorite retreat for beauty-loving souls, for the 
 charm of home life, as well as artist life, is there.
 
 fttrs. 
 
 H.
 
 XX 7 - 
 
 6^*t^, ^*,
 
 JHrs. 
 
 Mrs. Anna L. Stacey was born in Glasgow, Mo., and edu- 
 cated in the Pritchard School Institute, of that State. As a 
 child she enjoyed drawing, and received a few lessons from a 
 teacher who observed her ability. After some years she 
 availed herself of the opportunity to enter the Art School in 
 Kansas City. One of the teachers in this school was a young 
 man, John Stacey. He, too, noticed the ability of the fair- 
 haired student, and persuaded her to move " her easel to his 
 studio, and become his life-pupil." This was ten years ago. 
 The young couple came to Chicago, and Mrs. Stacey entered 
 the Art Institute and became a pupil of Leonard Ochtman, in 
 the fall of 1893. While still a pupil, she received a prize for 
 the best water-color at the West End Woman's Club Salon, of 
 February, 1896. From that time she has exhibited at all local 
 exhibitions, and, in the February exhibition of 1900, received 
 honorable mention from Young Fortnightly on "A Gray Day 
 on the Mystic River," Conn. In the February exhibition of 
 1902, she received the prize for the best picture exhibited. The 
 picture was the head of a little red-haired girl, painted out-of- 
 doors, and entitled " Florence." Of it an art critic wrote the 
 following" ' Florence ' portrays a child's head against a 
 shadowy background of green foliage. The face is partly 
 turned; long, reddish, golden-brown curls fall on the shoul- 
 
 515
 
 
 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 ders, and eyes and complexion are painted in rich tones usual- 
 ly seen with that peculiar shade of hair. The brush work is 
 exquisitely done; there is something subtle and indefinable 
 which gives a charm to the beautiful creature. She seems 
 alive behind the glass, and to be elfin in her nature. This pic- 
 ture has been purchased by the Klio, and a picture of a young 
 woman meditating, ' When all the World Seems Pair,' was 
 bought by the Woman's Aid. Other pictures are owned by 
 the Nike, Union League and Arche Clubs. Mrs. Stacey paints 
 both figures and landscapes, intending to combine the two. 
 She attributes her success to perseverence and hard work, 
 rather than to any unusual ability." 
 
 Her friends, however, are not prepared to ignore the fact 
 that she has wonderful talent. 
 
 She has become a leading painter among Chicago artists, 
 and bears her honors lightly, though proudly, always modestly 
 unassuming, happy in her life with her artist-husband. In 
 November, 1902, she won the Martin B. Cahn prize for a pic- 
 ture called " Village at Twilight." While Mr. Stacey was 
 painting meadows and farmhouses at Mystic, Conn., she wan- 
 dered to the wharves and boats, which gave her opportunity 
 to draw picturesque forms and use color freely. Besides these 
 are life-sized heads and two-thirds length figures, drawn out 
 of doors, in an old-fashioned garden. 
 
 They are pretentious, but well done, and quaint enough to 
 win her an enviable reputation. 
 
 Mrs. Stacey certainly has before her a brilliant career in 
 her chosen profession.
 
 Ittr. 
 
 M,
 
 iWr. Suies &, flflcrafcttrm 
 
 Mr. Jules R. Mersfelder was born in Western California, 
 a fitting birthplace for the artist nature. One not conversant 
 with the bewildering beauty of the California landscape, with 
 the Italian softness of her skies, the loveliness of her waters 
 and the grandeur of her seacoast, cannot possibly estimate the 
 influence which these have upon a poetic nature. The influ- 
 ences of climate, of all this mystery of nature in her glory, 
 this fullness of beauty, is potent in the development of the 
 artistic impulse and in stirring ambitious inspirations. 
 
 So it proved in the case of Jules R. Mersfelder. He be- 
 came an art student at the age of nine years, and until he went 
 abroad Inners and Wyant were his preceptors. While a 
 student in France, the Barbizon painters were of the most in- 
 timate interest to him, and to them he devoted many, many 
 hours. This attraction was a strong proof of the impression 
 made upon him, during his childhood and earlier years, by 
 the California forests and their atmosphere. 
 
 Mr. Mersfelder has painted in many climes, striving to 
 capture the beauties of each, no matter how elusive, and im- 
 prison them on canvas. 
 
 His is a restless spirit and, much as they may wish he 
 would be contented to remain, even for a comparatively lim- 
 ited time, in one place, his friends have long ceased to be sur-
 
 520 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 prised at his erratic movements. One may see him painting 
 quietly in San Francisco, chatting with his many friends in 
 the Bohemian Club, with apparently no thought other than re- 
 maining around such pleasant surroundings, and in less than 
 a fortnight find him as snugly ensconced in a studio in New 
 York as if he had never known any other environment. He 
 paints with great nervous energy, his restless spirit showing 
 itself in every stroke of his brush, and he frequently finishes 
 a picture at one sitting. 
 
 Yet this rapidity of achievement is not in any way sug- 
 gestive of careless work. Rather, it is the impulse of genius, 
 which will not permit rest till result is accomplished. What- 
 ever he does, wherever his restless impulses lead him, they 
 have never marred the work which has won for him honorable 
 fame. His touch has ever a sort of forceful strength, and into 
 all his work is woven an indefinable, luring grace of poetic 
 charm and artistic mystery, which is entirely his own. His 
 pictures have great variety of subject, but on each he has left 
 the impress of his beauty-loving nature. 
 
 Although a native of California, Mr. Mersfelder has ex- 
 hibited for the past twenty years in New York city, in the So- 
 ciety American and the Academy, and, much of the time, has 
 had a studio in that city. His pictures have been favorably 
 received at some of the most exclusive exhibits in this coun- 
 try, and connoisseurs everywhere find them full of rare charm.
 
 . fuks
 
 pp 
 
 
 >te M^ 
 
 MRS. JULES K. MERSFELDER.
 
 ffiis. fules H. 
 
 Among the earnest students and most promising young 
 artists at the Chicago Art Institute, probably no one is better 
 or more favorably known than is Mrs. Jules K. Mersfelder. 
 However honorable a pride Mr. Mersfelder may feel in his 
 own attainments, none who know him but will say that his 
 greatest pride and delight are in the achievements and possi- 
 bilities of his girlish wife. Louise Wilcox was born in Chicago, 
 and has received her education here. She is by nature a thor- 
 ough student, and whatever interests her receives the most 
 systematic investigation from her. This habit, which is one 
 of her dominant characteristics, has made her well and widely 
 informed on many and differing subjects. Her art studies 
 have been pursued at the Art Institute under the direction of 
 Ralph Clarkson and Mr. Vanderpool, both of whom predict a 
 brilliant future for the persevering and talented student. She 
 is particularly fond of painting children among the most at- 
 tractive out-of-door environment, but she also paints general 
 portraits and landscapes most effectively. One of the young- 
 est exhibitors at the Art Institute, she has been represented 
 by her work in some of the most prominent local exhibits, and 
 has received very complimentary notices from some of the 
 best art critics. Very ambitious, with lofty ideals and con- 
 ceptions of possibilities, Mrs. Mersfelder is modest and un- 
 affected to a remarkable degree, 
 
 O-iO
 
 524 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 While her beauty wins admiration wherever she goes, 
 she seems absolutely unconscious of it, indifferent absorbed 
 in one thought, to achieve success in the work to which she is 
 devoting her life. The atmosphere of earnest endeavor which 
 is ever about her, the absence of anything like affectation, have 
 won her many friends among artists of more established repu- 
 tation, who rejoice in her successes as if they were their own. 
 Her work, somehow, has the stamp of her own individuality, 
 and there is a sweetness in the thought of the artist which 
 reveals itself in a daintiness of coloring and a grace in execu- 
 tion which appeal to the heart. She has been to California 
 with her gifted husband, and anticipates, with keen pleasure, 
 other trips to the land of sunshine and flowers. Their studio 
 (which has in it but little of their work, for their pictures 
 find ready sale) is artistic and eloquent of the taste of its oc- 
 cupants. Rare hangings, curios of many a sort, cover the 
 walls and lie about the room. If their plans materialize, and 
 they should remove to New York, where Mr. Mersfelder has 
 spent many years, Chicago will lose much. Wherever they 
 may be, the progress of the young artist will be followed with 
 keen interest, while Mr. Mersfelder adds to the laurels already 
 his.
 
 Harriet Uglria Warner.
 
 uUV 
 
 IIARKIET LYDIA WAKXER.
 
 iet Ugtrta Warner. 
 
 It is interesting to observe how a true artist will impress 
 a community and obtain recognition as such. This is singu- 
 larly true of Miss Harriet Lydia Warner. 
 
 She was born in Wilmington, September 4, 1875. Her 
 father was Asa Pomeroy Warner and her mother Eliza Gould 
 Warner. She was always exceedingly fond of music, but it 
 was not until 1894 that the opportunity to begin her vocal 
 studies presented itself. 
 
 Coming to Chicago in 1895, she accepted a position as 
 stenographer, but pursued her studies evenings, graduating 
 with high honors from the Chicago Musical College. Her in- 
 structors have been Ortengren and Barabini. Her voice is a 
 soprano, of rich quality, clear tone and wide range. 
 
 To her work as a student she brought a vast deal of de- 
 termination to win success, perseverance which knew no flag- 
 ging, real love for music of the highest excellence, and the 
 beautiful voice which reveled in giving utterance to the choic- 
 est gems of the song-world. Thus equipped, it was only to be 
 expected that success woiild crown her efforts. She obtained 
 a position as soprano in the Union Park Congregational 
 Church choir, one of the most desirable choir positions in Chi- 
 cago. Later she connected herself with a company which 
 was giving the opera " II Trovatore," and gained much popu- 
 larity bv her rendering of the soprano part. 
 
 527
 
 528 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Although the company was amateur, yet competent critics 
 from St. Louis and Chicago gave Miss Warner credit for hav- 
 ing taken the difficult role of Leonora with a cleverness and 
 finish Worthy of the best among high-class professionals. 
 Everywhere, when this company appeared, the papers were 
 most enthusiastic in their praise of Miss Warner, and many 
 have predicted for her most brilliant success as a prima donna 
 within the next few years. 
 
 Her home has been for some time past, and is now, in 
 Joliet, 111., and there she has done much towards inspiring 
 and preserving interest in music and musical enterprises. 
 She is the leader of a church choir in Joliet, and has proved 
 herself not only a fine teacher but a most successful leader as 
 well. Those know best who have had experience how many 
 and apparently insurmountable are the difficulties which pre- 
 sent themselves to the leader of a church choir. Not only is a 
 knowledge of music necessary but a vast deal of tact, the in- 
 born gift of leadership and a magnetic presence, are quite as 
 essential to insure success. That Miss Warner holds this 
 position to the delight of her audiences is a most compli- 
 mentary tribute to her ability as a musician and her genius 
 as a leader. As a singer, as a teacher and in her connection 
 with this choir she has proved herself both talented and gen- 
 erally capable.
 
 , Hatoson Armstrong.
 
 WM. DAWSOX ARMSTRONG.
 
 Militant IB. Armstrong. 
 
 William Dawson Armstrong, possibly best known to the 
 Dublic as a musical composer, was born February 11, 1868, in 
 
 lAlton, 111., where he still resides. He received his education 
 in the schools of his native city, but early began the study of 
 
 [music, which he prosecuted zealously under many teachers. 
 Among them may be mentioned Mr. Charles Kunkel ; E. R. 
 
 I Kroeger, of St. Louis, Mo. ; Clarence Eddy, of Chicago ; the 
 late Dr. G. M. Garrett, of Cambridge, England. His has been 
 a busy life. He was instructor in the Forest Park University, 
 St. Louis, Mo., 1891-1892, and at present is Musical Director 
 of Shurtleff College, Upper Alton, 111., and Professor in 
 charge of the music of the Western Military Academy, of the 
 same place, 1892-1903. 
 
 He was organist of the Church of the Reedemer, St. 
 Louis, Mo., 1894-1898, and also organist of the Church of the 
 Unity, St. Louis, Mo. From 1900-1902 he was President of 
 the Illinois State Music Teachers' Association; from 1901- 
 1903 President of the musical section of the Illinois Teachers' 
 Association, at the same time State Vice-President for Illinois 
 of the National Music Teachers' Association. He has ap- 
 peared with success both as concert organist and pianist, and 
 has made a specialty of teaching. 
 
 While he is widely known as a musical composer, he has 
 
 531
 
 532 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 also contributed literary articles to the leading musical maga- 
 zines. He has written in nearly all the smaller and larger 
 forms of composition, for orchestra, piano, organ and the 
 voice. Most of the larger works are in manuscript, includ- 
 ing " The Spectre Bridegroom,'' an opera first presented in 
 St. Louis, Mo., with Grace StiTddiford in the title role, an 
 overture for orchestra, " From the Old World," also string 
 quartettes, trios, etc. 
 
 His works have been published by every leading music 
 house in the United States, by Breitkopf & Hartel, Leipsig, 
 Germany, and Novello, Ewer & Co., London, England; but 
 only a very incomplete list of them can be given here. 
 
 Among his sacred compositions we find "A Choral Even- 
 ing Service in A," " I Will Not Leave You Comfortless " and 
 " Resurrection." For the organ, "A Pastoral Prelude," 
 " Contemplation," " Slumber Song," and many others. He 
 has also written for the piano and violin, piano duetts, quar- 
 tettes for mixed voices, and, in fact, every variety of musical 
 composition. From a long list of piano solos which have re- 
 ceived flattering notice from eminent authors, we mention 
 "A Night in Venice," " To the Spring," "Elegy," " Souvenir 
 of Verona," " Gavotte in B flat," "An Evening Song," 
 " Polonaise " and " Nocturne." His songs are of infinite 
 variety, gay and sad, dramatic and descriptive, with many of 
 the sweetest ballads ever written. We give the names of a 
 few " Waiting," "A Life's Lesson," "Tell Me, Dearest 
 Maiden," " The Return," etc. 
 
 Mr. Armstrong's compositions are sure to find recog- 
 nition everywhere among the lovers of true music.
 
 EDWARD BAKKTC.
 
 Bafcer, 
 
 Brierly Hill, England, was the birthplace of Edward 
 Baker, but when he was quite young he came to America, and 
 has spent so much of his time on this continent that he can 
 be really accounted an American. 
 
 Very early in life he showed decided talent for musical 
 achievement, and received his first training on the piano and 
 organ from teachers in Joliet and Chicago. 
 
 In his playing, even in the beginning of his life as a 
 student of music, were found the same delicacy of coloring 
 and wonderful comprehension of theme which characterize 
 his later work. This is intuitive. The teacher's realm, how- 
 ever well equipped that teacher may be, is to a certain ex- 
 tent circumscribed. He can impart knowledge and technique, 
 he can direct musical tastes, but this peculiar artist-touch 
 is born, not taught. 
 
 This Mr. Baker possesses in a pre-eminent degree, and it 
 is the potent charm of his work as a pianist. For several years 
 he was the organist of Christ Church, Joliet, which position 
 he filled to the delight of his audiences. He enjoyed organ 
 playing, but feeling that to achieve the success he coveted he 
 must make a choice of instruments, he has for years devoted 
 himself to the perfecting of his piano work. 
 
 Recently he returned from an extended trip in Europe, 
 
 535
 
 536 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 where he studied under most eminent teachers. Among them 
 may be mentioned Pauey, the renowned pianist, and L. Emil 
 Bach, who was a favorite pupil of the immortal Liszt, and 
 Kullac, and was on terms of close friendship with Luigi Ar- 
 detti, the eminent conductor and composer, and Joseph Holl- 
 man, the well-known 'cellist. After devoting some time to 
 study, the most rigorous and exacting, Mr. Baker began a con- 
 cert career. His first success as a pianist in England, the 
 land of his birth, was in London. Among other concerts at 
 which he played with most gratifying result was one in Wind- 
 sor, which was patronized by royalty. Wherever Mr. Baker 
 has played he has obtained most pronounced recognition as a 
 pianist of rare promise. 
 
 As before intimated, the great charm of his playing lies 
 in the peculiar coloring of tone, the beautiful effects of light 
 and shade, the sympathetic touch, which bring him at once en 
 rapport with his audience, however critical. Possibly as 
 marked a characteristic of Mr. Baker is his absolute ease of 
 manner at the piano. No matter how difficult a number he 
 plays, it is played with a freedom from mannerism and an ease 
 of manner which have their own charm for any audience. Mr. 
 Baker has a most excellent testimonial from Mr. Bach, whose 
 requirements of his pupils are most .severe. Mr. Bach char- 
 acterizes him as an earnest pupil, a brilliant pianist and a 
 most conscientious teacher.
 
 33.
 
 JOHN B. BAKXABY.
 
 For some years past Springfield, 111., has been the home 
 of John B. Barnaby, an accomplished musician, a fine singer 
 and a most successful teacher. 
 
 Mr. Barnaby was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in 1863. 
 His education was received in Nova Scotia, although he lived 
 for some time in Philadelphia, Pa., and in Annapolis, Nova 
 Scotia. Music had always great charm for him, and he de- 
 termined not to be satisfied until he had had the advantages of 
 study not only with the best masters at home but with those 
 abroad. 
 
 His voice is a baritone, of great richness and sweetness of 
 tone, and he has conscientiously improved the rare oppor- 
 tunities he has had of cultivating and developing it. He sings 
 so exceedingly well that he might have made a great success in 
 the concert-room. This, however, was not his aim in devoting 
 years to musical study. 
 
 Realizing how many voices are ruined by lack of proper 
 treatment, he was ambitious to excel as a teacher, and devoted 
 himself with enthusiasm to gleaning the best ideas from va- 
 rious methods for his own use. 
 
 He began his musical studies in his native city, and 
 then went to Philadelphia, Pa.; afterward to Italy; later to 
 
 London, and last to Paris, Wherever he was, he was never 
 
 539
 
 540 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 satisfied with anything but the best instruction, and the years 
 devoted to study with the great teachers of the day are among 
 the most cherished memories of his life. Among his vocal 
 teachers may be named the following Lacey Baker, of Phila- 
 delphia, Pa.; William Shakspeare and Signer Alberto Ran- 
 degger, London, England; Signor Cortesi, Florence, Italy, 
 and Mons. Jacques Bonby, Paris, France. About ten years 
 ago he went to Springfield, 111., where he still resides. He is 
 a teacher of voice culture and the art of singing, and has been 
 eminently successful in his work. He has started in their ca- 
 reer and encouraged in their ambitions several well-known 
 public singers, and has as great pride in their successes as if 
 they were his own. 
 
 In addition to his work as a teacher, he is organist of 
 Christ Episcopal Church, of Springfield, and has always a 
 most excellent choir of mixed voices, which he leads, feeling 
 great satisfaction in the work which they do. He has gath- 
 ered about him a large class of students, not only from Spring- 
 field but adjacent towns as well. The enthusiasm of his 
 pupils is a most eloquent testimonial to his popularity as a 
 teacher. 
 
 He usually spends his summers abroad, sometimes devot- 
 ing the months to study, for he is still an earnest student and 
 anxious to take advantage of everything new in his chosen 
 profession. Often, however, he finds needed rest and great 
 pleasure in spending the months in travel, always returning 
 with added zeal to his work.
 
 JFrancis
 
 F1UXCIS CAMPBELL.
 
 Jfratws 
 
 Francis Campbell, basso cantante, conductor and teacher 
 of singing, received his first musical education in his native 
 city, Detroit, Mich. From Detroit he went to London, Eng- 
 land, entering there the Royal Academy of Music, and be- 
 coming a pupil of Duvivier and Holland. He also studied 
 harmony and counterpoint with the late Sir George MacFar- 
 ren. Ambitious for further opportunity for musical culture, 
 he next became a pupil of Yannuccini, in Florence, Italy, and 
 spent the following year in Bologna, devoting his time to voice 
 culture with Briganti-Mobile, and composition with Busi. 
 While in Italy Mr. Campbell sang with success in many con- 
 certs and recitals. After returning to America he settled in 
 Grand Rapids, Mich., where he has been a most successful 
 singer, teacher and conductor. Throughout the Middle- 
 West, both in concert work and oratorio, he has become 
 very favorably known, and has been continuously engaged 
 in church choirs. His pupils are the most eloquent tes- 
 timonials to his success as a teacher, many of them being 
 professional singers, and several of them on the operatic 
 stage. As a conductor he has proved his marked efficiency. 
 The Schubert Club, a male chorus of sixty voices, has become, 
 under his direction, one of the finest mannerchors in the West. 
 
 At its semi-annual concerts some of the finest artists on the 
 
 543
 
 544 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 concert stage have appeared. Mr. Campbell has written some 
 beautiful songs, and has also composed work in larger forms, 
 notably two cantatas, " Saint Brandan," for baritone solo 
 and male chorus, the words being the striking poem of Mat- 
 thew Arnold, and Kipling's " The Bell Buoy " for men's 
 voices. 
 
 The autumn of 1902 found Mr. Campbell located in Chi- 
 cago, where he is rapidly gaining for himself a place in 
 the foremost rank as both singer and. teacher. His studio 
 work has obtained recognition as honest and of the very high- 
 est endeavor. The results of this effort are being daily ex- 
 emplified in the healthy progress made by his large and con- 
 stantly increasing class in vocal culture. 
 
 Mr. Campbell may be called a many-sided artist, since 
 in few are united a fine conductor, a delightful singer and an 
 able composer. As a teacher he wins the confidence of his 
 pupils, as a conductor he is an inspiration to his chorus, as a 
 singer he charms his audience, and as a composer he is win- 
 ning his way to fame. While ambitious in his own special 
 lines of work, laudable public musical enterprises and work 
 interest and appeal to him. 
 
 Already, though his residence in Chicago is compara- 
 tively brief, he has become identified with them to some ex- 
 tent. This will be shown by the fact that Mr. Campbell is one 
 of the faculty of the Bush Temple Conservatory.
 
 Jfirs. Hastorll & Bonftdtr,
 
 MHS. HASWELL T. BOXFIELD.
 
 This is an age when women are making history as never 
 before. Identifying themselves enthusiastically with uplift- 
 ing effort in every direction, music and art are receiving an 
 impetus never before felt, and that the results will be far- 
 reaching and satisfactory none can doubt. 
 
 Kankakee has been for the past twelve years intermit- 
 tently the residence of Mrs. Haswell T. Bonfield, and to her in- 
 fluence owes much of the progress made in that time in its 
 musical status. Mrs. Bonfield was the daughter of Mr. and 
 Mrs. A. M. Brobst, and was born in Knoxville, Iowa. 
 
 Her early education was recived at the Knox Conserva- 
 tory of Music, in Galesburg, 111., from which she was grad- 
 uated under Prof. Wm. F. Bentley, Director. She has also 
 had the advantage of being under the tutelage of William H. 
 Sherwood and Eleanor Sherwood, of Chicago, and further 
 studied under Hambourg, the father of Mark Hambourg, in 
 London, England. Teaching, organ-playing and co-opera- 
 tion with musical clubs and various musical enterprises have 
 absorbed the time and energies of this talented and cultivated 
 musician. 
 
 She lived in Kewanee, 111., where for two years she played 
 the pipe organ in the Congregational Church, and for a time 
 
 lived in Cambridge, 111. In both Kewanee and Cambridge, in 
 
 547
 
 548 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 additon to her other work, she was supervisor of music in pub- 
 lic schools. 
 
 For three years she resided in Burlington, Iowa, where 
 she played the pipe organ in the Congregational and Baptist 
 churches, and was prominent in the Woman's Musical Club. 
 The years 1899 to 1902 found her Director of the Burling- 
 ton School of Music, and her departure was recognized as a 
 great loss in musical circles. Since her residence in Kankakee 
 Mrs. Bonfield has not only devoted herself to her special work 
 as a teacher and to local musical enterprises, but has taken a 
 keen interest in State and national musical affairs. She is a 
 member of the National Music Teachers' Association as well 
 as of the State Association in Illinois. 
 
 During the years 1896-97 she taught in the Kankakee 
 Conservatory of Music, and at the same time was organist for 
 the First M. E. Church. In 1897, as Vice-President for Kan- 
 kakee County, she secured for Kankakee the meeting of the 
 Illinois State Music Teachers' Convention. She is a member 
 of the Euterpean Club and the Woman's Club, taking an ac- 
 tive interest in the work done by both of these clubs. In the 
 Euterpean Club she holds the office of Grand Matron. In the 
 Woman's Club she is chairman of its Musical Department, 
 and, bringing to this work the results of her experience, culti- 
 vation and the advantages accruing to her from residence 
 abroad, she is stimulating this department to work with high- 
 est ambitions and advanced ideals.
 
 Jfames
 
 JAMES COUKTLAND COOPER.
 
 Ifanws 
 
 James Courtland Cooper was born in Antioch, 111., in 
 1855, the gifted son of Wm. and Julia Farnsworth Cooper. 
 He early began the study of music under the old Italian 
 master, Leo Kofler, who was a pupil of Charles Otto. After 
 seven years of study with Kofler he began teaching in New 
 York. He was eminently successful as a teacher, and his 
 wonderful voice soon gained him a most enviable reputation 
 as a singer. Mr. Cooper has that most rare of gifts, a pure 
 robusto tenor voice. His voice has remarkable power, and at 
 the same time most enchanting sweetness of tone, and the 
 range of his voice is extraordinary. Three octaves are within 
 very easy compass for him. With this wonderful voice he 
 felt that he had much to expect when he should decide to ap- 
 pear in opera, a life which appealed to him most strongly. 
 After teaching a few years he had partially completed a con- 
 tract for the grand opera when his throat began to trouble 
 him. On examination a tumor was discovered on the right 
 vocal chord, being the fourth case of the kind mentioned in 
 medical history and the first ever known in the throat of a 
 singer. Thwarted thus in the beginning of what promised to 
 be a most brilliant career, he was in the hands of the most 
 eminent scientists of the day the wonderful voice was si- 
 lenced and cure seemed the impossible.
 
 552 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 After many operations and all these years of suffering 
 his voice was completely restored, and to-day is as great a 
 marvel and delight to those who hear him sing as ever. These 
 years, however, had been years of study and research, and the 
 ambitions of life were changed as the result of this experi- 
 ence. Sympathizing with those who from any cause might 
 find their voices leaving them, knowing from his own experi- 
 ence how overwhelming was such a calamity, he decided to 
 devote his life in connection with teaching to the restoring and 
 building of voices, and in this he has had a wonderful success. 
 He came in 1901 to Chicago, and has remained there, being 
 at present located in Steinway Hall, in that city. 
 
 Enthusiastic in his profession, full of sympathy and pos- 
 sessed of most magnetic presence, Mr. Cooper is making him- 
 self a power in the musical circles of Chicago. He has been 
 very successful as a teacher, having prepared for light opera 
 several singers of note. He uses the old Italian method, and 
 he has achieved wonders in the treatment of those whose voices 
 seemed utterly to have left them.
 
 MISS MAUD CHAPPELLE.
 
 Of a musical family, endowed with a beautiful voice and 
 charming personality, Miss Maud Chappelle has made for 
 herself a place among the very first young musicians of Chi- 
 cago. 
 
 She was born in Wisconsin, and received her education 
 at the Seminary of the Sacred Heart, in Chicago, afterwards 
 studying with the best vocal instructors in New York and 
 Boston. Miss Chappelle has traveled extensively, and is 
 well known as a most delightful contralto soloist in the lead- 
 ing cities of the United States, especially in New York, 
 Chicago and San Francisco. In the latter city she occupied, 
 for some years, the position of .soloist in the Temple Eman- 
 uel and in St. Paul's Episcopal Church. After leaving San 
 Francisco, she was engaged in concert work in New York 
 and various cities in the East. Chicago became her choice 
 as her field for teaching, and she has attained great suc- 
 cess. Her graduate pupils are in demand among operatic 
 managers, by whom her method of inculcation is highly com- 
 mended. In addition to her work as an instructor, she is 
 largely engaged in church solo work and concert tours. Her 
 Alma Mater claims a portion of her time as a vocal teacher. 
 From the press, wherever she has sung, she has received the 
 
 most flattering notices, from a few of which we quote. The 
 
 555
 
 556 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Musical Courier, of New York, said: " Miss Chappelle has a 
 voice of excellent quality, of true contralto character, vibrant 
 and powerful, with great carrying capacity. It is trained 
 with the utmost care, showing in its effect thorough schooling 
 and a method that produces gratifying results. She sings 
 with intelligent comprehension of the subject, giving poetic 
 interpretations, aided by a clear enunciation, and having tem- 
 perament, she gives an interesting account of herself in songs 
 of the highest standard. Singers of that calibre are rare, and 
 there is a great chance for Miss Chappelle." The New York 
 Herald said: " Miss Chappelle is gifted with a marvelous con- 
 tralto voice, pure in tone and wide in range." The New York 
 Journal gave this notice: " The solo work of Miss Chappelle 
 won the warmest applause. She possesses a phenomenal con- 
 tralto voice and a charming personality." The San Fran- 
 cisco Town Talk wrote of the " immense popularity of Miss 
 Chappelle " and " her sweet and silvery voice." An Oak- 
 land (Cal.) paper, The Times, said: " Miss Chappelle's sing- 
 ing was a splendid ensample of sustained dramatic work, de- 
 livered in a broad style, with an organ of great power, well 
 phrased and with perfect enunciation. Her reception was a 
 genuine ovation." This endorsement from the two coasts is 
 supplemented by that of every audience before which she has 
 appeared, and she is daily adding to her laurels in her studio 
 and her varied work before the public.
 
 (grace Clifott
 
 GRACE ELLIOTT DUDLEY.
 
 (ftrace (Elliott Dutrleg. 
 
 A Chicago girl, who is slowly but steadily winning her 
 way to recognition in the best musical circles and work of 
 Illinois, is Miss Grace Elliott Dudley, who was born in Chi- 
 cago, February 7, 1879, and has made this city her home most 
 of her life. She received her education and musical training 
 in her native city, and is an example of the fact that real 
 talent need not go away from Chicago to find development. 
 Her first teacher was Noyes B. Minor, of the American Con- 
 servatory, in Kimball Hall, in which school she has received 
 her entire musical education. 
 
 On account of his failing health, she continued her work 
 with Karleton S. Hackett, with whom she studied from 1896- 
 1900. She also studied the piano with Mrs. Gertrude H. 
 Murdough, and harmony with Mr. Adolph Weidig. In 1896 
 she won the second medal in the Academic Department of the 
 Conservatory, and in 1898 the highest gold medal in the Col- 
 legiate Department. Since 1897 she has sung in choirs and 
 given recitals in Chicago and other cities. In 1901 she went 
 to Jacksonville, 111., to take charge of the Vocal Department 
 in the Illinois Conservatory of Music in connection with the 
 Jacksonville Female Academy, the oldest women's school in 
 the West. 
 
 For two years she has held this position, and this fall, as 
 
 559
 
 560 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 the Conservatory and Academy have been merged into the Illi- 
 nois College, in Jacksonville an affiliated school of the Uni- 
 versity of Chicago she returns to take charge of the music in 
 the college, a great compliment to one of her years. She has 
 been the soprano in the Presbyterian church during her resi- 
 dence in Jacksonville, and returns to take a similar position 
 in the Congregational church the coming year. Her hope is 
 that in the early future she may be able to discontinue teach- 
 ing and devote herself entirely to oratorio work, for which 
 she is peculiarly well fitted. "We cull a few lines at random 
 from the many flattering press notices which she has received 
 whenever she has sung: " Miss Dudley's voice is a soprano 
 of wide range and beautiful quality, brilliant, but not at the 
 expense of sympathy;" " The more frequently Jacksonville 
 people hear Miss Dudley's voice the more are they wedded 
 to it in admiration. Power, sympathy and exquisiteness of 
 tone characterize her voice." 
 
 Miss Dudley seems to have music in her soul, and when 
 she sings there are beauty and grace in every note. She sings 
 with the confidence and ease born of thorough ability. At 
 recitals given at Lake Forest, Champaign, Springfield and 
 Decatur, 111., she made herself at once a favorite. Perhaps 
 Miss Dudley has no greater charm than the modesty with 
 which she accepts the honors showered upon her in her short 
 musical career. This bespeaks the true artist, in its way, as 
 much as do the beautiful voice and musical taste.
 
 Jfratws
 
 FRANCIS J. HAYXES.
 
 Jfrands 
 
 Francis J. Haynes is a musician of unusually wide cul- 
 ture, and is distinguished not only as a vocal teacher of merit 
 but as a fine conductor, and the composer of some most excel- 
 lent music. He was born in Hudson, Michigan, October 26, 
 1867. His parents were Orlando W. and Ursula A. Haynes. 
 
 Most of his life has been passed in his native State, where 
 he obtained his education. Hillsdale College, in Hillsdale, 
 Mich., is his Alma Mater, and M. W. Chase, of Hillsdale, one 
 of his earliest teachers in music, to which he was devoted from 
 an early age. He also studied music with John Murray Mer- 
 rill, of Lansing, Mich., and later with Signer A. Marescalchi, 
 of Chicago, 111. Besides his native town, he has lived at vari- 
 ous times in Morris, 111., and in Warren and Youngstown, 
 Ohio. For the past three years his home has been in Streator, 
 111., where he has most thoroughly and satisfactorily identified 
 himself with the best musical life and effort of the city. 
 
 Mr. Haynes has charge of the vocal department in the 
 Streator Conservatory of Music, giving his attention not only 
 to voice culture but to the teaching of the theory of music 
 and composition. His success as a teacher has been most de- 
 cided, and his services as conductor have also been in requisi- 
 tion. 
 
 The Ladies' Lyric Club, of Streator, is a musical society 
 
 563
 
 564 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 of twenty-four solo voices, which is doing artistic work in a 
 creditable manner. They count themselves fortunate to have 
 been able to secure the services of Mr. Haynes as their director. 
 In his method of teaching Mr. Haynes is in many ways orig- 
 inal. He does not believe in being imitative, but rather in en- 
 couraging pupils to think for themselves and gain knowledge 
 by hard work and persistent effort. His own career is an 
 example of the possibilites which such work can achieve, as 
 he has always been not only an enthusiastic but an earnest and 
 thoughtful student. 
 
 As a composer Mr. Haynes has made a success, of which 
 he is justly proud. He has written a number of compositions, 
 nearly all vocal. They are songs, part-songs, quartettes for 
 male and female voices and chorus anthems. 
 
 Although still a comparatively young man, Mr. Haynes 
 has always influenced the best musical circles wherever he has 
 lived. He has given not a little time and attention to con- 
 ducting choruses, a line of work for which he has great apti- . 
 tude. The fact that Mr. Haynes' education has been entirely 
 received in this country proves that it is possible for an 
 American who is devoted to his art to attain success in the 
 highest degree by embracing the opportunities which his own 
 land affords for a musical education.
 
 JFvcfrcnc
 
 FREDERIC IIK.XKK.
 
 JFrtlrmc 
 
 One of Aurora's best-known musicians is Mr. Frederic 
 Henke, who, while still in his early twenties, gained for him- 
 self an enviable reputation as a violinist. He inherits his 
 musical talents from his father, Mr. William Henke, who, in 
 his younger days, was an organist and violinist of more than 
 ordinary ability. 
 
 Mr. Frederic Henke was born in Aurora, 111., in 1878, and 
 has always lived in that city lying so picturesquely by the Fox 
 River. 
 
 He was educated in the public schools of Aurora. Al- 
 ways passionately fond of music, he determined to perfect 
 himself, as far as possible, as a violinist. Early he felt the 
 necessity for instruction such as he could not receive in Au- 
 rora. He sought the best methods, the most thorough disci- 
 pline ; he wanted to listen to artists and have the inspiration 
 of their presence and tuition. He studied with Earl Drake, 
 T. Spiering and with Max Bendix, who will accept no one as 
 a pupil unless he possesses exceptional talent and ability. 
 After his work with Max Bendix, Mr. Henke 's musical friends 
 noted great improvement in his work, and felt he was truly 
 proving himself an artist. His playing is a delight to all who 
 hear him. His tone is broad as well as delicate and musical. 
 
 His bowing is smooth, strong and graceful; his fingering 
 
 507
 
 508 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 steady, yet free and flexible. In additon to his strength and 
 smoothness of execution there is a masterly conception and in- 
 terpretation of whatever theme he renders, which assure his 
 success as a musician. 
 
 He began to teach when only eighteen years of age, and 
 his ambition was to found, in his native city, a musical school 
 which should win for itself a reputable place among like 
 schools in the State. At length the opportune time came, and 
 he had the coveted pleasure of aiding in the founding of the 
 Aurora School of Music. For four years he was its principal 
 instructor for violin pupils, and made for himself, not only 
 in that connection but among many pupils outside of the 
 school, a most enviable reputation for his excellence as a 
 teacher. 
 
 While his playing indicates under what artist he has 
 studied, he still preserves his own individuality in the inter- 
 pretation of themes. This characteristic he endeavors to 
 maintain in his pupils, believing it an absolute necessity to 
 produce the best results. 
 
 Mr. Henke is a valued member of the Dorthick Club, of 
 the Alice L. Doty Trio, the Symphony Club and the Chicago 
 Musical Club, and is gaining favorable comment in both con- 
 cert -and recital work. 
 
 Those who know Mr. Henke best in his work, both as an 
 artist and as a teacher, predict large things for him in the line 
 of his chosen profession.
 
 Eatfjcrme
 
 CATHERINE HOWAED.
 
 Hatljerinc jO|otoarlr. 
 
 Nothing marks more definitely the progress of music and 
 art in America than the fact that in the ranks of those who 
 have had no educational advantages, except those obtained in 
 their native land, are found some of our best artists. Talent, 
 which is not the gift of any one country, developed by Amer- 
 ican teachers who are not surpassed anywhere, and aided by 
 indomitable American perseverance, is achieving results 
 which obtain recognition for American musicians, painters 
 and sculptors everywhere. 
 
 Katherine Howard, who was born in Aurora, 111., and 
 who has received her education along all lines entirely in her 
 native State, is a very notable example of such success. Her 
 early training was received in the schools of West Aurora, 
 where she graduated from the High School. Fond of music, 
 she began the study of both the piano and organ, and has had 
 the advantage of tuition from the best teachers in Illinois. 
 With Clarence Eddy, she devoted four years to the study of 
 the organ, taking subsequent lessons and doing some coach- 
 ing with Harrison M. Wild. Mme. Fannie Bloomfield-Ziess- 
 ler was her piano teacher, and, under the direction of this 
 wonderful pianist, she made excellent progress. The late 
 Frederick Grant OHeason, a scholarly musician and composer, 
 
 opened to her the mysteries of harmony and fugue, so that 
 
 571
 
 572 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 her musical education has beeen conducted on the most thor- 
 ough and comprehensive basis. 
 
 Miss Howard has had flattering offers to go on the road 
 with various companies, but she has preferred to remain in 
 her native State, and all her work, as organist and accom- 
 panist, has been done in and near Chicago. For the past two 
 years her home has been in this city or vicinity, and she has 
 become well known to its musical public. Before the Chicago 
 Woman's Club she has frequently appeared, both as soloist 
 and accompanist, and usually accompanies Mrs. Jennie Os- 
 borne Hannah, Frances Cantdell and other favorite vocal- 
 ists. While her reputation as an excellent accompanist is 
 established, possibly her greatest success is as an organist. 
 Wherever she has played she has taken rank with the best 
 organists, and has gained reputation as one of the world's 
 most accomplished women organists. She has assisted at the 
 dedication of several organs, for nine and a half years was 
 organist for the People's Church, in Aurora, later of the 
 Unity Church, Chicago, and is at present organist of the 
 First M. E. Church, Evanston, 111. As a teacher she has 
 been popular and successful, having large classes. and main- 
 taining the highest standard of excellence in all their work. 
 Her studio has been located in Kimball Hall, and her classes 
 have averaged at least twenty-five pupils. 
 
 With definite ambitions and constant, conscientious en- 
 deavor for their attainment, Miss Howard has obtained cov- 
 eted recognition in the best musical circles.
 
 8Haltcr
 
 WAITER HOWE JOXKS.
 
 Matter 
 
 It is a fact which claims recognition that the West is 
 giving to this country more and more men and women of cul- 
 ture and of talent. We used to speak of Eastern culture and 
 Western enterprise, Init while the West has lost none of its en- 
 terprise, it is also giving to the world some of its best and 
 most successful artists. 
 
 Walter Howe Jones was born October 8, 1862, in Hast- 
 ings, Minn., where his parents, Roys and Hannah S. Jones, 
 had their home. His general, as well as his musical, educa- 
 tion was received for the most part in Chicago, 111., and Ber- 
 lin, Germany. 
 
 When he began the study of music he aimed to have none 
 but the very best teachers in this country and abroad, and the 
 result is shown in the excellence of his work. He has studied 
 with Clarence Eddy, in Paris ; Amy Fay, in New York City ; 
 Luclwig, Deppe, H. von Herzogenberg and Teresa Carreno, in 
 Berlin, Germany. Since his return to this country he has 
 lived in Clinton, Iowa ; Chicago, 111. ; Champaign, 111. ; Green- 
 castle, Ind., and for the past two years in Jacksonville, 111. 
 
 Wherever he has lived he has been connected with the best 
 musical enterprises of the place. He has been engaged as a 
 teacher in the conservatories of music connected with the De 
 Pauw University, Greencastle, Ind.; the University of Illi- 
 nois, at Champaign, 111 and in the Conservatory of Music 
 
 at Jacksonville, 111. 
 
 575
 
 576 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 He is connected with the Wednesday Musical Club, at 
 Jacksonville; is director of the Jacksonville Choral Society 
 and Opera Club. He had the honor of being elected the first 
 President of the Choral Society of the University of Illinois 
 and County Vice-President of the Illinois Music Teachers' 
 Association. 
 
 He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a 
 successful teacher, fine director and an intelligent musical 
 critic. 
 
 His superior educational advantages compel him to be 
 satisfied with nothing less than the best, and his connection 
 with the various musical organizations of Jacksonville has 
 given them an impetus and ambition which has been greatly 
 to their advantage. He leaves Jacksonville for New York 
 City to accept a position with Hinds & Noble as editor and 
 chief critic for their musical publication department. It is a 
 position for which he is well qualified, and from which he can 
 wield a coveted influence over the musical affairs of the coun- 
 try. 
 
 He will be greatly missed in Jacksonville, and the pros- 
 pect of his departure is the occasion of deep regret. The 
 position to which he goes is one in which he will, no doubt, 
 win deserved reputation among the best musical critics of the 
 day. 
 
 His practical experience as teacher, director and leader 
 will give him insight into the real merits of musical effort and 
 realization of result hardly possible to one who has never had 
 the benefit of like tuition. 
 
 Mr. Jones is to be congratulated upon this new departure, 
 an honor richly deserved,
 
 Hrdtrtr*
 
 PHEBE JEFFKRSOX KTCETDETC.
 
 Erettrer, 
 
 Miss Phebe Jefferson Kreider was born in Jacksonville, 
 111., her father being Ed. C. Kreider and her mother Mary 
 W. Kreider, of that city. Most of her life has been spent 
 there, except when absent pursuing her musical studies. She 
 has had exceptional opportunities to study with the best teach- 
 ers not only in this country but abroad, remaining so long 
 in both Dresden and New York that she counts those cities 
 as places of residence. She has done a great deal of most ex- 
 cellent concert work, and has achieved an enviable reputation 
 not only in that work but as a soloist in church choirs. She 
 has been an ardent student in both vocal and instrumental 
 music, beginning her studies in her native city. Among the 
 vocal teachers with whom she has studied may be named the 
 following Melita Otto-Alvsleben, at Dresden; Albert Ge- 
 rard- Thiers and J. Harry Wheeler, in New York. Her piano 
 teachers have been Henri Johannesson, Wallace P. Day, of 
 Jacksonville, 111., Gustav Ehrlich, Frau Ballard-Dittmarsch 
 and Theador Mueller-Reuter, in Dresden. She has the gift, 
 which is a sort of genius, of accompanying well, and in connec- 
 tion with her work as a teacher and a member of musical clubs 
 she has given most genuine satisfaction as an accompanist. 
 
 While enjoying the success which her appearance in pub- 
 lic ever brought her, she felt that her rare training under so 
 
 579
 
 580 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 many masters gave her peculiar fitness for the vocation of a 
 teacher, and to this work she is mainly devoting herself. She 
 is a vocal teacher at the Illinois Woman's College and College 
 of Music, located at Jacksonville, 111. This school has a fine 
 reputation even in that educational center, and Miss Kreider 
 has made for herself a reputation second to none in her profes- 
 sion as an enthusiastic, able and conscientious teacher. An 
 artist herself in both vocal and instrumental music, she gives 
 to her pupils most thorough instruction from the best methods, 
 and the benefit of illustration, that most potent of teachers. 
 
 She does not, however, permit her work in connection 
 with the school to engross all her time or attention. She is a 
 most valuable member of the Wednesday Musical Club, of 
 Jacksonville, and has been very efficient in stimulating the 
 work of that club to the highest possible standard. She has 
 been a member of its Executive Board and also one of the 
 Program Committee. Her long residence abroad and the 
 many opportunities she has had to meet great artists and to 
 come in touch with many musical organizations make her val- 
 uable in both her club and school work, and she is happy in the 
 appreciation shown her efforts.
 
 J/vclrcndt ILockc Haurcnce,
 
 FREDERICK LOCKE LAUEEXCE.
 
 Jfrctrenck Uocfce 
 
 Frederick Locke Lawrence was born January 19, 1869, 
 in Springfield, Vermont, the son of Merrill L. and Kate 
 Locke Lawrence. 
 
 As a boy he was exceedingly fond of music, playing at his 
 first church service when only twelve years of age. He was 
 given rare opportunities to develop his wonderful talent, 
 studying with some of the best masters in America and 
 Europe. 
 
 In 1887 he was graduated from the Northwestern Uni- 
 versity Conservatory of Music in Evanston, and afterwards 
 studied the piano in Boston with B. J. Lang before going 
 abroad. In Leipsig his teachers were Carl Wendling, Julius 
 Klengel, Gustav Schreck and Carl Reinecke. 
 
 Under Clarence Eddy he prosecuted his organ study, and 
 with his various masters he proved himself a conscientious 
 and talented pupil. It was his ambition to become a pianist, 
 and his playing while but a youth was considered phenomenal. 
 
 A severe attack of rheumatic fever so ruined his tech- 
 nique that he was compelled to abandon this hope, and has de- 
 voted his time to teaching and composing. He has gone deep 
 into the theory of piano technique, and prides himself on being 
 an expert in that line. 
 
 His home for the past two years has been in Urbana, 
 
 583
 
 584 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 111., but he has lived in Claverack, N. Y., Northfield, Minn., 
 and in Evanston, 111. As an instructor in piano he taught in 
 Evanston for three years, was for five years director of the 
 Claverack Conservatory of Music, Director of the Carleton 
 College School of Music for three years, and of the University 
 of Illinois School of Music for three years. 
 
 For many years he has been engaged as conductor of vari- 
 ous musical societies and orchestras, and in this work has 
 achieved an excellent reputation. As a publisher, he has met 
 with gratifying success, writing some songs and quite a lit- 
 tle for orchestras. One of his songs, " Go, Lovely Rose," is 
 in its third edition, and others have been quite successful. He 
 has just completed a book, " The Rationale of Piano Tech- 
 nic," which he expects to publish within a year,* (and is 
 composing a set of studies preparatory to the Bach Little 
 Preludes and Fugues which will soon be given to the public) 
 and which will be used in the regular course in the musical 
 school in Urbana. 
 
 While disappointed in his choice of a career which he 
 hoped to make brilliant, Mr. Lawrence has accomplished much 
 in the world of music both as a teacher and a composer, for he 
 has given to his work enthusiasm and the results of true cul- 
 ture. 
 
 Although obliged to a great extent to abandon piano- 
 playing, he has played the organ all his life since his first 
 public appearance as a boy in the church service. 
 
 He plays it not only with skill but con amore, and his gift 
 for improvising is a source of delight to those who are for- 
 tunate enough to hear him. 
 
 *"Bach Preparatory Studies" are just out. Published by the Geo. B, Jennings 
 Co., Cincinnati, O,
 
 Bureau, 
 
 Among the products of the present age probably none is 
 more potent in result or more far-reaching in beneficence to 
 the world than is the Lyceum Bureau. 
 
 Some forty years ago a few great orators, such as Edward 
 Everett and Wendell Phillips, began to illuminate our public 
 lyceum and commencement rostrums with their perfectly- 
 wrought, powerful and glowing orations and lectures. The 
 idea was in time developed that men and women of genius 
 would do well to devote themselves to this lofty effort for the 
 platform of the lyceum, and at the same time the thought took 
 form under an organizing head, or Lyceum Bureau. The 
 amount of good accomplished by these institutions is hard to 
 estimate. They supply the people with an inexhaustible store- 
 house of knowledge, art, literature and music where other 
 sources of learning are circumscribed. 
 
 The most noted lecturers, readers and musicians place 
 their services at the command of some bureau. "Not only 
 celebrities, but men and women heretofore unknown, have be- 
 come famous under this direction. There are three or four 
 lecture and concert bureaus that do four-fifths of the lyceum 
 business of the country, which amounts to not less than a mil- 
 lion of dollars annually. Among them may be mentioned the 
 
 Redpath Bureau, of Boston; the Lyceum, in Rochester, N". Y.; 
 
 585
 
 586 THE LYCEUM BUREAU. 
 
 the Brockway Bureau, of Pittsburgh, which is associated with 
 the Slayton Bureau, and the Slayton Lyceum Bureau, of Chi- 
 cago, besides smaller like organizations. 
 
 Twenty years ago nine-tenths of the bookings were made 
 by correspondence, but since then the advance agent has taken 
 the field, under the direction of the bureau, thereby greatly in- 
 creasing this special field of education and entertainment. 
 This is all conducted in such a quiet and unpretentious way 
 that the general public, even the metropolitan press, know 
 little of its magnitude. While difficulties and financial em- 
 barrassments have often beset both the bureau and local com- 
 mittees, hope for better days has appeared with the establish- 
 ment here and there of an endowed lecture course. No man 
 can put his money to better use. The lecture course is the 
 most potent educator of the people; it is their school, their 
 recreation, their college. 
 
 It is simply impossible in any ordinary review to give 
 any idea of the wonderful work done by these bureaus. Suf- 
 fice it to say that most of the greatest lecturers of our land, its 
 most delightful entertainers of various lines, magicians, char- 
 acterists, etc., its musicians, soloists, both vocal and instru- 
 mental, and musical attractions, such as bands, concert and 
 opera companies, orchestras, quartettes and musical clubs, are 
 all under the management of some Lyceum Bureau. 
 
 In spite of many obstacles, difficulties and, at times, dis- 
 couragments, the Lyceum Bureau has become a permanent 
 institution, inseparable from an advanced civilization and col- 
 leges of learning.
 
 . Utiltan Jftorgan-Jftillcr.
 
 MRS. LTLLTAN MOBGAX MTLLEE.
 
 . Milan 
 
 Among the most ambitious and successful of Illinois' 
 younger pianists few give greater promise than Mrs. Lillian 
 Morgan-Miller. She is the daughter of Henry B. and Jean- 
 nette W. Morgan, of Peoria, and was born in that city Jan- 
 uary 12, 1882. Except when absent for the purpose of ob- 
 taining the best musical instruction, she has lived all her life 
 in her native city. She began the study of music with Mrs. 
 E. D. McCullough, of Peoria, and later came to Chicago. She 
 studied harmony and the theory of music with Adolph Weidg 
 and Frederick Grant Gleason, and the piano with Fannie 
 Bloomfield Zeisler, all of Chicago. The talent which she dis- 
 played called forth such hearty commendation from her in- 
 structors, and her enthusiasm and application as a student 
 were such, that it seemed as if she merited not only the best 
 which this country could offer but that she should have the ad- 
 vantages of travel and study abroad. She therefore went to 
 Germany, that home of music, where she received instruction 
 from some of the best professors of music in Berlin. 
 
 Leopold Godowsky, whose reputation places him among 
 the finest living pianists, and Xavier Scharwenka, a pianist 
 and composer of world-wide fame, were among her teachers. 
 Miss Morgan proved herself equal to the demands even of such 
 
 exacting teachers, for it is well known that they accept as 
 
 589
 
 590 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 pupils only those who evince remarkable talent. Since her 
 return to her home she has proved the benefit received from 
 their tuition. 
 
 She was much interested in the success of the twentieth 
 Sangerfest, of the Northwest Sangerbund, of 1902, and won 
 high encomiums from those whose good fortune it was to hear 
 her play at that time. Anxious still to keep in touch with a 
 musical center, she is a member of the Lake View Musical 
 Club, of Chicago. 
 
 Mrs. Miller is of most pleasing personality, ambitious, 
 thoroughly imbued with the spirit of musical endeavor. 
 
 At a concert given in Peoria she played most delightfully, 
 winning from a musical critic, through the press, the following 
 notice: " Miss Lillian Bruce Morgan, who had a double num- 
 ber on the programme, was by no means the least of the solo- 
 ists. Much has been heard by Miss Morgan's friends in re- 
 gard to her playing, and yesterday the young lady's perform- 
 ance proved that half had not been told. Miss Morgan 's play- 
 ing would make friends for her anywhere. Her technique is 
 remarkable for so young a player, her touch is charmingly 
 graceful, and the tone produced clear and singing. Her in- 
 terpretation of the Chopin Nocturne showed real musical feel- 
 ing, and her playing of the Moskowski waltz was a brilliant 
 achievement. The ' Music Box,' given as an encore, was de- 
 lightfully done. Peoria has reason to be proud of Miss Mor- 
 gan, whose future is full of golden promise."
 
 , Uilltan Miles
 
 MRS. LILLIAN" WILEY OBEBATTGH.
 
 
 Jttrs. Utlltan OTtlcg 
 
 Among the younger native pianists who are daily demon- 
 strating the ability of American musicians to hold their own 
 with any of the foreign teachers and artists, none have 
 achieved a more substantial success or gained a more enviable 
 position in the music circles of Illinois than Mrs. Lillian 
 Wiley Orebaugh, of Watseka. 
 
 Mrs. Orebaugh is of pure American stock, tracing her 
 lineage from Revolutionary ancestors and having lived her en- 
 tire life in Illinois. Her father, now deceased, was John S. 
 Wiley, a member of one of the prominent families of Mc- 
 Lean County, and veteran of the Civil War. Her mother was 
 Missouri Arnold, whose family has long occupied an honor- 
 able place in the annals of McLean County, where the subject 
 of this sketch was born, and who lived in and near the city of 
 Bloomington until her marriage to David A. Orebaugh, a 
 leading lawyer of Watseka. 
 
 At an early age Mrs. Orebaiigh displayed remarkable tal- 
 ent and great enthusiasm for music. Her first systematic in- 
 struction was from Albert Beuter, of Bloomington, whose 
 death in the morning of his career deprived music of one of 
 its most brilliant votaries. Later she entered the Illinois 
 Wesleyan College of Music, and finished the course of that in- 
 stitution with the class of 1894. Since her graduation she has 
 
 593
 
 594 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 taken post-graduate instruction from some of Chicago's most 
 famous teachers, being at present a pupil of Emil Liebling. 
 
 Mrs. Orebaugh has been actively engaged in concert work 
 and teaching for a number of years. 
 
 In the fall of 1895 she was elected director of the Watseka 
 Conservatory of Music, which position she has since held un- 
 interruptedly to the entire satisfaction of management and 
 patrons. 
 
 The high standard of musical attainments achieved by 
 her pupils, who are scattered over Central and Eastern Illi- 
 nois, attests the splendid success which Mrs. Orebaugh has 
 enjoyed in her work. 
 
 Mrs. Orebaugh 's attainments are not by any means con- 
 fined to the realm of music. She is a lady of rare literary cul- 
 ture and a writer of more than ordinary ability. At the 1902 
 convention of the Illinois Music Teachers' Association she de- 
 livered an address of characteristic strength and vigor of 
 thought, which stirred the interest of the profession at large 
 and attracted the attention of the leading daily papers and 
 music journals throughout the country. In this address Mrs. 
 Orebaugh vigorously advocated the competitive examination 
 and licensing, under State supervision, of music teachers. 
 
 Following up her idea with characteristic energy, she pro- 
 cured the introduction in the Legislature of a bill embodying 
 the suggestions made by her before the convention, which, not- 
 withstanding its novelty, narrowly escaped being enacted into 
 a law. 
 
 As a progressive, modern, wide-awake musician, with an 
 assured future, Mrs. Orebaugh ranks well among her con- 
 freres in Illinois.
 
 KATHE1UXE SCHUSTER.
 
 Ifatfjertne $dju&ter. 
 
 Musical environment, many excellent instructors and her 
 own persistent effort have combined to give Katherine Schus- 
 ter a most desirable position among Chicago 's musical artists. 
 She was born in Chicago, April 30, 1864, and lived in that city 
 till 1891, when she removed to Oak Park, where her home has 
 been ever since. She was educated at St. Patrick's Academy, 
 a convent school, where her love for music was stimulated by 
 the beautiful music she heard sung at the masses and festivals. 
 While a schoolgirl she studied the piano for a few months 
 with Pauline Weishaar, and later with Rose Dugan. It was 
 not, however, till she was twenty years old that she pursued 
 her musical studies at all seriously. She then began voice 
 culture, sight singing and the study of harmony with Mrs. 
 Sara Hershey Eddy, director of the Hershey School of Music, 
 and remained under her tuition for about two years. She has 
 always felt that Mrs. Eddy laid an excellent foundation for 
 future work. 
 
 She resumed her piano study at the Chicago Musical Col- 
 lege under Mrs. Clara Osborne Reed, and at the end of three 
 years obtained a teacher's certificate, and was awarded a dia- 
 mond medal for her excellence in harmony. In 1894-5 she 
 studied vocal music with Miss Eleanor Smith, 1899 with Miss 
 
 Fannie Root and in 1901 with Mr. Frank Baird. She studied 
 
 597
 
 598 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 technique with A. K. Virgil and Miss Alma Rose. The study 
 of harmony seemed to possess a wonderful fascination for her, 
 for later she studied it with Mrs. Jessie Gaynor and Thos. 
 Tapper, of Boston, and others. She has since herself evolved 
 a method for teaching harmony which her pupils find very 
 practical and easy of comprehension. 
 
 Besides obtaining a teacher's certificate from the Chicago 
 Musical College, she has devoted time to the system of teach- 
 ing music in the Chicago public school (Mr. Tomlins') and to 
 Parsons' Kindergarten Method- For years she has attended 
 regularly the Thomas' Orchestra Concerts, and feels that this 
 has been a great factor in her musical education. 
 
 As will be seen by this hasty review of her student life, 
 she has been and is a most earnest, conscientious and thor- 
 ough scholar. Since 1890 she has had under her instruc- 
 tion classes in vocal culture and piano study, and for the past 
 few years has been connected with the Columbia School of 
 Music, of which a former teacher, Mrs. Clara Osborne Reed, is 
 the Director. In this school she is teaching ear-training, 
 sight-singing, elementary harmony and harmonic analysis. 
 She has been a member of the Chicago Apollo Club for years, 
 and is also a member of the Schumann Club. A busy woman, 
 bent on self -improvement, enthusiastic in her profession, Miss 
 Schuster is a most conscientious teacher of the art of music in 
 its three branches, hearing it, reading it, and interpreting 
 it either through the voice or piano with equal understanding.
 
 JTranfeim H.
 
 FRANKLIN L. STEAD.
 
 JFraufcltn 1L tealr. 
 
 One hardly realizes, unless circumstances suggest re- 
 search, how many earnest students and how many real artists 
 there are who, devoting themselves to the teacher's work, are 
 pursuing their chosen vocation in every part of our country. 
 
 Ambition, stimulated by talent, has made opportunity; 
 and opportunity improved has been followed by results which 
 justify pride. Possibly in no State are there more men and 
 women who, after achieving real success in the concert-room, 
 have given themselves to the teacher's work than can be found 
 in Illinois, and a recognition of their success is always a pleas- 
 ure. 
 
 Franklin L. Stead, whose home for the past four years 
 has been in Jacksonville, 111., was born September 29, 1864, 
 at Marseilles, 111. His general education was received at Ot- 
 tawa, 111., and Boston, Mass. Early, however, his love for 
 music asserted itself, and he began to devote himself especially 
 to preparation for his lifework. 
 
 He was a pupil in the New England Conservatory of 
 Music and in the Boston College of Music, in Boston, Mass., 
 and both in Boston and Chicago studied with some of the best 
 teachers this country has known. Among them may be men- 
 tioned Henry Dunham, George Whiting, Otto Bendix, George 
 
 601
 
 602 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Chadwick, Louis Elsen, Carl Faeleten and Frank Hale, of 
 Boston ; Harrison Wild and Emil Liebling, of Chicago. 
 
 He has held several fine positions as church organist, and 
 and has done with success a large amount of concert work. 
 
 For ten years he was the director in the Conservatory of 
 Music in Yankton, South Dakota, and for six years Profes- 
 sor of Music in the Yankton College, teaching harmony and 
 counterpoint as an elective in the regular college course. 
 
 For the past four years he has held the position of di- 
 rector in the College of Music in Jacksonville, 111., a position 
 of responsibility which he fills with great credit to himself, 
 and where he has endeared himself to the many pupils who 
 have had the advantage of his training. 
 
 As a student, ambitious, painstaking and conscientious, 
 the same characteristics have marked his career as a teacher 
 and made him eminently successful. 
 
 Having studied only with the best teachers this country 
 knows, he has had only the best to offer to his pupils, and he 
 has the tact and skill in imparting knowledge which are the 
 birthright of but few. 
 
 While his work in the concert room won for him many 
 laurels, and Ms success was a source of pride to him, yet he 
 realized that to achieve the reputation as a teacher which 
 could satisfy his ambition he must make that his lifework, 
 devoting to it all his energies. 
 
 Eesults have proved the wisdom of this decision, and he 
 occupies a foremost place among the music teachers of Illi- 
 nois. He is a member of the State Music Teachers' Associa- 
 tion, and keeps in touch with the best musical effort of the day.
 
 fttarg Broton Banner,
 
 MAEY B. TANNEE.
 
 arjj J3roton Cantm*. 
 
 Situated in the heart of Illinois is Jacksonville, one of the 
 oldest towns in the State, and for many years a center of liter- 
 ary, musical and art activity. The seat of colleges and acade- 
 mies of high standard, it possesses that subtle intellectual at- 
 mosphere so characteristic of college towns. 
 
 In this city, and into an environment conducive to best ef- 
 fort, Mary Brown Tanner was born. In her home she was 
 peculiarly fortunate. Both father and mother were deeply 
 interested in all things educational and literary, her father, 
 Edward Allen Tanner, being, until his death, President of 
 Illinois College. 
 
 Her musical education, begun in Jacksonville under the 
 tutelage of Mrs. Adelaide Freeman, was contimied later in 
 Boston, New York, Munich, Dresden, Paris and London, un- 
 der the able leadership of such teachers as Madam Hall, of 
 Boston; Madame Anna de la Grange and M. Leon Jancey, 
 de 1'Odeon, of Paris, and Frederick Walker, of the Royal 
 Academy of Music, in London. Not only has she come in 
 contact with great masters, but she has heard great artists and 
 known the broadening influence of residence in musical and 
 art centers. 
 
 For eight years Miss Tanner has been teaching in her 
 native city. She has given much time to organizing choral 
 
 societies for the presentation of cantatas and oratorios; has 
 
 C05
 
 606 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 done excellent service in church choirs, and has appeared with 
 marked success in concert work. Realizing, as tin.e passed, 
 that a successful teacher cannot give herself to the public and, 
 at the same time, call forth the highest development from her 
 pupils, she has for the past five years devoted herself almost 
 exclusively to what may be considered teacher's work. Hav- 
 ing made the highest ideals her own, she endeavors io inspire 
 like ambitions in the minds of those under her care, insisting 
 always that the best general education is absolutely neces- 
 sary for the fullest musical growth. Into her work she car- 
 ries a conscientious desire for her pupils' advancement; that 
 enthusiasm which made her own work while a student so suc- 
 cessful ; the power of adapting herself to individual needs ; a 
 knowledge of many methods gained from various teachers, 
 and, above all, that indefatigable energy so essential to suc- 
 cess. As the inevitable result of such training, many of those 
 who have gone out from her tuition are occupying with great 
 credit responsible positions as teachers and singers in this 
 and other States.
 
 KOI3EKT WALTEK.
 
 liotot flatter. 
 
 In a little village in Thuringia, near Erfurt, Saxony, 
 which gave to the world the famous Bach family and other 
 famous musicians, Robert Walter was born, May 22, 1859. 
 The first music which reached his ears, aside from his mother's 
 lullaby, was the chorus of anvils from his father's blacksmith 
 shop. He was endowed with an intense love for music, and 
 recognizing the fact that he possessed real talent, at an early 
 age his father placed him in the hands of a private instructor, 
 and he began the study of the violin. 
 
 Soon the boy eclipsed his master, and was sent to the city 
 by his father, where he received more advanced instruction, 
 and where he later took up the clarinet in connection with the 
 violin. 
 
 Mr. Walter came to America in 1877, and spent two years 
 in Wisconsin, after which he accepted an offer from a dra- 
 matic company to play the clarinet in the band and orchestra. 
 After three years he became the leader of the band and or- 
 chestra, and remained with them some time in this capacity. 
 
 In the summer of 1886 he was solicited to direct the Good- 
 man Band at Decatur, 111., but he had already signed a con- 
 tract with his old manager. At the close of the season, how- 
 ever, he accepted the invitation, which was still open to htm, 
 
 609
 
 filO BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 and has made Decatur his home ever since. The band has 
 made wonderful progress under his leadership. 
 
 When Mr. Walter became its director the reed section con- 
 sisted of one clarinet player, and he a beginner. Now the sec- 
 tion has ten B flat clarinets, a quartette of saxophones and a 
 bassoon. The band has acquired a reputation, not only in Illi- 
 nois but several adjoining States, as a concert band. Their 
 repertoire has become extensive and varied, including many 
 standard overtures and operas, which are rendered in a man- 
 ner to reflect great credit on the organization and its director. 
 Mr. Walter's ability as a soloist has been a great advantage 
 to him, for it has enabled him to be not only a director but an 
 instructor as well. 
 
 He has become very enthusiastic in his work, and has in- 
 spired those associated with him with the laudable desire for 
 the best achievement. Mr. Walter has made a special study 
 of the arranging of programs, and in this } as well as in his 
 work as a director, he has made a great success. Few people 
 realize that it is an art to be able to arrange a successful pro- 
 gram that there shall be suitable variety even where all is of 
 the best grade of music. 
 
 Mr. Walter may congratulate himself on the reputation 
 he has as a thorough musician, a fine director and for his skill 
 in arranging programs. Two diamond medals, which he 
 wears, are expressions of the appreciation and regard felt for 
 him by the people of Decatur.
 
 JFrclrmdt Bcntlcg.
 
 WILLIAM FREDERICK BEXTLEY.
 
 Militant jFretrertcfc 
 
 This country of ours, in which we feel so just a pride, is 
 making itself felt in the world of music, art and literature, 
 as well as in matters of finance and questions of international 
 interest. Our schools of learning are everywhere, and our con- 
 servatories of music take rank with the best of other lands. 
 These conservatories not only offer advantages to those who 
 desire to study, but also afford opportunity for those who are 
 ambitious to make for themselves a place and a reputation in 
 the musical world. 
 
 Enterprise, advancement, are America's watchwords, and 
 are as marked characteristics of musical effort as of all other. 
 Among aspirants for such musical fame is William Fred- 
 erick Bentley, of Galesburg, 111. He was born in Lenox, 
 Ohio, September 12, 1859. His father was Cyrus Augustus 
 Bentley, his mother Harriet (Prentice) Bentley. His musi- 
 cal education has been thorough and from the best instructors 
 he could command. He is a man of executive ability, and 
 enjoys the work of a conductor a work in which he excels. 
 
 His father was one of the early musicians of North- 
 eastern Ohio, a singer and a choral conductor, and the son in- 
 herits this ability of leadership. 
 
 In 1883 he was married to Miss Julia A. Webster, of Ge- 
 neva, Ohio. In 1885 he moved to Galesburg, 111., and became 
 
 G13
 
 614 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 the director of the Knox Conservatory of Music, in that city, 
 an office he still holds. As a teacher, Mr. Bentley has met with 
 very great success. His standard is high, he never admits dis- 
 couragement, and he has won the confidence of his pupils to a 
 degree so remarkable that it has been helpful in result. The 
 fact that he has retained his position in connection with the 
 conservatory so many years furnishes abundant proof of his 
 success, and he has now become so identified with the work there 
 that he counts the interests of the conservatory his own. The 
 work which is achieved by this college of music is well known, 
 its graduates commanding fine positions as soloists and teach- 
 ers. Perhaps comparatively few recognize the quiet, untir- 
 ing, masterly work of the director in the satisfactory results 
 attained. In addition to his work as director of the Knox 
 Conservatory of Music and a teacher of singing, Mr. Bentley 
 is also the conductor of the Galesburg Musical Union, a choral 
 society of over 100 voices, which is attempting difficult work 
 with excellent results. It is a source of encouragement to 
 those who are really interested in the musical progress of this 
 country that scholarly, musical men are willing to devote time 
 and talent to the tuition of the youth in our colleges and 
 schools. 
 
 Musical standards are thus being raised, and that such 
 faithful artists play a leading part in what is of vital im- 
 portance to the musical futiire of this land is beyond doubt.
 
 Mosenficltr. 
 
 The business men of any city or State are its hope and 
 strength in many important ways. Their success makes 
 possible the cultivation of what is most beautiful in art, the 
 most enjoyable in music, the most elevating in the realm of 
 literature. Sometimes this influence is underestimated, and 
 the maxim " honor to whom honor is due " passes quite out 
 of life's daily practice, if not wholly out of thought. 
 
 No man has left his imprint more indelibly on the busi- 
 ness history of Mcline, 111., than Morris K. senfield, who, as a 
 shrewd financier and intelligent manufacturer, and prom- 
 inently identified with political affairs, made his influence 
 felt in all directions. He was born in Germany, December 
 18, 1841, his parents, Jacob and Ellen Rosenfield, being na- 
 tives of Germany. He came to America when young, and in 
 the early sixties became interested in a farm wagon manu- 
 facturing company located in Moline, 111. As a result of 
 his influence, the business was organized into a corporation, 
 which was known as the Moline Wagon Co. He was elected 
 the first President, and held this position without interrup- 
 tion until his death in Germany in 1899. Under his wise 
 administration, the business developed rapidly into one of 
 the largest institutions of the kind in America. It is practi- 
 cally the most important factory in this country devoted 
 
 exclusively to the manufacture of farm wagons. 
 
 61G
 
 616 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 He was a very firm Republican, and actively interested 
 not only in State, but in national political issues. For six 
 years he held the position of Chairman of the Rock Island Re- 
 publican County Committe. He was delegate to the National 
 Conventions which nominated Elaine and Logan, Harrison 
 and Reid. 
 
 His calm judgment and keen insight into matters of 
 finance made him a most valued advisor, and he was always 
 ready to give to others the benefit of his experience. He 
 was, until his death, Director of the First National Bank, 
 and Vice-President and Director of the People's Savings 
 Bank of Moline, 111. 
 
 Nothing which was indentical with the business or so- 
 cial advancement of the city in which he lived was unnoticed 
 by him. He was a man of broad sympathy and generous 
 impulses, interested in literary enterprises and the develop- 
 ment of the best intellectually, morally as well as financially, 
 that lay within the possibilities of those about him. 
 
 He was married in 1874 to Julia Ottenheimer, of Cin- 
 cinnati, Ohio. Into his domestic life he carried the same 
 integrity, the same lofty purpose, which marked his career 
 in other directions. In his death Moline and Illinois lost 
 an honored citizen, a valuable counsellor, a man of unerring 
 business instinct, and one who was second to none in his 
 achievements for manufacturing interests which had come 
 under his control. Mr. Rosenfield was a man who enjoyed 
 the social side of life and affiliation with men of affairs. He 
 was a member of the Union League Club, of Chicago, and 
 also of Masonic and other fraternal societies.
 
 . fcttcfjartr $. Yates.
 
 MKS. IUCHAHD P. YATE8.
 
 rs. Eitfjartr ates. 
 
 One of Illinois' daughters now occupies the position of 
 first lady of the State, and the grace and dignity with which 
 she is filling that place, so full of varied and often perplexing 
 demands, have made her a most enviable reputation among 
 those with whom she has been brought in contact. Illinois' 
 daughters are making their impress on all the higher walks of 
 life, and, as artists and singers, composers and writers, as well 
 as in positions of honor and trust, are proving themselves 
 equal to every sort of attainment. 
 
 Helen Wadsworth was born, September, 1865, in Jack- 
 sonville, 111. Her father is Archibald C. Wadsworth, her 
 mother Delia A. (Witherbee) Wadsworth. The history of 
 her ancestry links itself with that of the Revolution, as is evi- 
 denced by the fact that she is a member of the Daughters of 
 the American Revolution. 
 
 In October, 1888, she manned Richard Yates, an am- 
 bitious, talented young lawyer, and during almost sixteen 
 years has been his helper in every possible way a womanly 
 woman, a home-lover, a devoted mother, yet discharging, in 
 gracious manner, the many public duties which have devolved 
 upon her. She was educated at the Illinois Woman's College, 
 at Jacksonville, 111., and is an earnest, devoted patron of music 
 
 and art. In a very quiet, unassuming way, she helps those 
 
 619
 
 620 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 who are struggling for recognition in the world of fame to 
 help themselves, and in the success of their achievements finds 
 her compensation. One well-known composer, in speaking of 
 those who had encouraged and aided her, said" But, first of 
 all, I must always mention my dear Mrs. Yates, who has given 
 me the opportunity to make possible what seemed the impos- 
 sible." 
 
 So manifold have been the duties connected with life at 
 the Executive Mansion, that Mrs. Yates has not been able to 
 identify herself with the work of the various clubs in Spring- 
 field, as she would have been glad to do under other circum- 
 stances. Not contented with being a nominal member, the 
 many social obligations resting upon her have made anything 
 else impracticable. Eight hundred calls paid during the past 
 three years is an item which indicates her busy life, and surely 
 furnishes abundant reason for her not attempting what she 
 knows she could not accomplish. 
 
 Governor and Mrs. Yates have two lovely, bright little 
 daughters, Catherine and Dorothy, aged twelve and eight 
 years. Mrs. Yates is a member of the M. E. Church, and 
 anxious for success in all lines of church work. Although, 
 to a great degree, unable to actively participate in the work 
 done by literary, social and philanthropic clubs, her interest 
 in their achievements is very great, and she has a keen and in- 
 telligent appreciation of what is being accomplished by the 
 women of our own and other lands. 
 
 Of most charming presence, full of genuine hospitality, 
 genial and courteous, sympathetic and helpful, Mrs. Yates 
 will always be remembered most lovingly by those who have 
 best known her life in the position she is filling so well.
 
 Jftag Jf. Carpenter*
 
 MISS MAY F. CAKPEXTEB.
 
 JHtes Jftaj) JF, 
 
 While claiming the sunny South as her birthplace, Oak 
 Park, 111., for the past ten years, has been the home of the 
 rarely talented young artist, Miss May F. Carpenter. She was 
 born in Kentucky, March 21, 1878, but obtained her education 
 in Indianapolis and Chicago. Both vocal study and the study 
 of the piano have received from her most unflagging atten- 
 tion, and in both she is making a fine reputation, a circum- 
 stance so rare as to merit special comment. She has studied 
 the piano with Militzer, of the American Conservatory of 
 Music, and with F. Bush. For eight years she has been a 
 pupil of W. C. E. Seeboeck, whose reptuation as a pianist is 
 national, and under his tuition achieved such success that 
 for years she has been his assistant teacher of piano. No 
 greater endorsement could possibly be given her than this as- 
 sociation with Mr. Seeboeck, and he does not hesitate to voice 
 his opinion of her talent and success in very emphatic terms. 
 He said of her" Miss Carpenter has, for a number of years, 
 been a most earnest worker with me, and is now a thorough 
 and enthusiastic musician and teacher." In vocal music, she 
 has studied with Jessie L. Gaynor, Nelson Burritt, Edward 
 Nell, of Indianapolis, and Mrs. C. Trimble. With these 
 teachers, she has also made an exceptionally fine record, and 
 
 when she has appeared in many recitals she has won laurels 
 
 623
 
 624 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 both as a pianist and vocalist. Besides the work she does in 
 assisting Mr. Seeboeck, she has met with great success in her 
 own class, which she teaches in her studio in the Fine Arts 
 Building. Concert work also engrosses much of her time, her 
 most recent appearance being with Prof. Seeboeck, at Oak 
 Park. This concert was a great success, and received the 
 most flattering notices, not only from local papers but from 
 the Chicago press as well. While she delights in her work 
 both as a vocalist and pianist, it is safe to predict that she will 
 eventually concentrate her efforts in one direction, and pres- 
 ent indications are that it is her greatest ambition to excel as 
 a pianist. Possibly recognizing this fact, a Chicago paper 
 wrote " Miss Carpenter's musicale last night brought to the 
 front a pianist of unusual merit. She scored a great tri- 
 umph, and it is predicted she will make a brilliant career as a 
 pianist." 
 
 While busy in her studio, in her work as a teacher else- 
 where, and with her concert work, Miss Carpenter still finds 
 time to identify herself with some of the leading clubs of Chi- 
 cago and vicinity. She is a member of the Schumann Club, 
 of Chicago, and the Beethoven Club, of Oak Park. Miss Car- 
 penter is a notable example of what real talent, supplemented 
 by enthusiasm and perseverance and stimulated by ambition, 
 can accomplish. Such success should inspire to like effort 
 every ambitious young artist, in spite of many discourage- 
 ments, which possibly seem almost insurmountable.
 
 . Jflorence &, jittagnug.
 
 MRS. FLORENCE R. MAGNUS.
 
 , JfUvmtt 
 
 Chicago is becoming each year more and more a center to 
 which ambitious, earnest men and women come, and where 
 they do most creditable work. The Fine Arts Building is a 
 wonderfully busy hive, where sculptors and painters, singers 
 and pianists, writers and artists, flock, and from which goes 
 out an influence, refining, uplifting and educational, through 
 the whole community. Among those who have a home in this 
 pleasant building is Mrs. Florence E. Magnus, a conscientious 
 and successful teacher, as she was an enthusiastic and earnest 
 pupil. Mrs. Magnus was born in New York City, February 
 24, 1856, the daughter of Phoebe and Edwin Eeynolds. Aside 
 from New York, she has lived in St. Louis, Hamburg, Ger- 
 many, and, for the past twenty years, has had her home in 
 Chicago, identifying herself with its musical growth and in- 
 terested in all its musical effort. She was educated at first 
 in her native city, and began singing in concerts there at the 
 very early age of five years, and from that time till she was 
 thirteen appeared many times and became a great favorite. 
 Her ambition was to educate herself for the grand opera, for 
 which her beautiful voice and charming presence seemed pre- 
 eminently to fit her. Signer Severini, of New York, was her 
 instructor in singing, and she studied the piano with Henry 
 
 Maylath, of the same city. Under these teachers, she made 
 
 627
 
 628 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 progress which seemed almost phenomenal. Her friends 
 cherished for her the highest ambitions, and she looked for- 
 ward to a distinguished career. Ill health, which has doomed 
 many a young aspirant for fame to disappointment, compelled 
 her to abandon a career which was so full of promise, but she 
 still desired to pursue her studies, so she decided to go to Ger- 
 many to study piano. She made Hamburg her home, and 
 strove, in her devotion to art, to forget in a measure that 
 w r hich had so changed all the plans of her life. Her earlier 
 tuition and the habits of study formed almost in babyhood, 
 aided by her talents, made her a most apt and satisfactory 
 pupil, and her advancement was quite beyond the usual. Her 
 teacher was Prof. Degenhardt, and she remembers the time 
 she spent as his pupil with the greatest pleasure. Some time 
 after her return to America she came to Chicago, and, in 1893, 
 began teaching in this city, a vocation she still follows most 
 successfully. She is not, however, so entirely occupied with 
 duties within her own studio that she ignores the claims of 
 others. She is a valued member of the Amateur Musical 
 Club, of Chicago, and there are few musicians so full of sym- 
 pathy for students trying to fit themselves for a professional 
 career as is Mrs. Magnus. Her methods are the best, and 
 from her own experience she is able to give to her pupils much 
 of value to them which cannot be found in any text-book, the 
 result of a life in which ambitions have had to be surrendered, 
 and yet the years all laden with usefulness and real achieve- 
 ment.
 
 limits
 
 LOUIS LEHMAXN.
 
 Uouis Hefjmann* 
 
 Louis Lehmann was born in Muehl am Neckar, King- 
 dom of Wurtemberg, Germany, May 1, 1851. 
 
 His father, Joel Lehmann, was a school-teacher. Early 
 he began the study of music under the most able tutelage. He 
 was educated at Esslingen, Kingdom of Wurtemberg, Ger- 
 many, and, later, in this country. He first studied the piano, 
 organ and harmony under the direction of Prof. Christian 
 Fink, of Royal Seminary, Wurtemberg. After coming to 
 America he still pursued these branches of musical study with 
 Prof. Louis Ritter, of Vassar College. His vocal teachers 
 have been M. S. Downs and C. G. Buck, of Poughkeepsie, N". 
 Y., and J. B. Barnaby, of Springfield, 111. He has been not 
 only an indefatigable student, but has also been ambitious and 
 successful in his achievements. 
 
 Springfield, 111., has been Mr. Lehmann 's home for the 
 past twenty-three years, and he has thoroughly identified him- 
 self with all the musical enterprises of that city. Since living 
 there, he has twice given the " Creation "once with an or- 
 chestra and once without the Farmer's Mass in B flat in con- 
 cert, " Belshazzer's Feast " (Butterfield) in costume, Men- 
 delssohn's " Hymn of Praise," and Sullivan's " Prodigal 
 Son " twice. 
 
 All his life he has been to some extent before the public 
 
 631
 
 632 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 wherever lie lias lived. While in Cooperstown, N. Y., he was 
 organist of the Presbyterian church. In Poughkeepsie, N. 
 Y., he was director of the Twenty-first Kegiment Band and 
 also of Morning Musicales, on Saturdays, at Eastman's Na- 
 tional Business College. 
 
 For four years he was organist of the Baptist Church, and 
 of St. Paul's Episcopal Church for one year. Since residing 
 in Springfield, 111., he has conducted several societies, among 
 them the former Mendelssohn Society, the Oratorio Society, 
 Choral Union, and, for twelve years, was the director of music 
 at the Chatterton Opera House. 
 
 For six years Mr. Lehmann was organist of St. Paul's 
 Pro-Cathedral, for one year at the Congregational Church, and 
 for the past fifteen years has held, and still holds, the position 
 of organist in the First Presbyterian Church. 
 
 For twenty-three years he has been the director of the 
 Illinois Watch Company Band, an organization in which he 
 takes the deepest interest. From this little sketch of his busy 
 life, his versatility of talent and enthusiastic devotion to his 
 profession are easily recognized. For years he has especially 
 interested himself in the best success of band and orchestral 
 music, particularly as represented by the band of which he so 
 long has been the director. 
 
 Mr. Lehmann has contributed the greater part of his en- 
 tire income to keeping this band in the very foremost rank, 
 and his unselfish devotion has been rewarded by the success 
 attained. It is such self-sacrificing artists who are an uplift 
 and inspiration to all musical effort. The name of Louis 
 Lehmann will always be inwrought into the musical history 
 of the city which he so long has called his home.
 
 SUilfjelntma Jftarte
 
 ELEANOR SCHEIB.
 
 lEleanor OTiljjelmtna fftarte 
 
 Eleanor Scheib, although a young artist, has had so bril- 
 liant a career that she is well known to the music-loving public 
 of Chicago. Born in Chicago, October 15, 1878, and educated 
 almost entirely in the city of her birth, those who are inter- 
 ested in noting the progress of young American artists feel 
 peculiarly gratified at her success. Her parents, John Adam 
 and Antonie Amalie Scheib, recognized the talent of their lit- 
 tle daughter, and she began to receive instruction on the piano 
 when not quite six years of age. Her first public appearance 
 was made in Brooklyn, N. Y., where she played before an 
 audience of two thousand. Her teachers in Chicago have 
 been Wm. A. Fuhring, Miss May Lucine Potvin and Mrs. 
 Regina Watson in piano study, and A. J. Goodrich, now of 
 New York City, Herbert Wrightson and Adolph Weidig,the 
 latter of the American Conservatory, in harmony. 
 
 She made her professional debut in Chicago, at Music 
 Hall, Fine Arts Building, in recital, February 13, 1900, al- 
 though she had done a great deal of excellent work for three 
 or four years previous to that time. She is a member of the 
 Amateur Musical Club, of Chicago, and is very enthusiastic 
 in all musical work. Miss Scheib has been recognized for 
 years as one of the leading pianists in Chicago. She has ap- 
 peared in concerts in Brooklyn, Boston and other Eastern 
 
 635
 
 630 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 cities, and has made extensive tours through the West. 
 Through her artistic work at the George Hamlin concerts, 
 during the past two seasons, she has received most compli- 
 mentary notices from the daily papers and various musical 
 publications. The Strauss music accompanying the recita- 
 tion of " Enoch Arden " has been rendered repeatedly by 
 Miss Scheib with most notable success. 
 
 As every pianist knows, this music requires an artist, and 
 an accomplished artist, at the piano, or the beauty of the com- 
 position is absolutely lost. Miss Scheib 's rendition has com- 
 bined technical accuracy with most intelligent interpretation, 
 the dramatic, poetic and sympathetic requirements of this dif- 
 ficult composition being so admirably met that she stands 
 without a peer in the execution of this exceedingly difficult 
 music. Her technique is excellent, and she plays with a deli- 
 cacy of expression and an intelligence which make her a 
 favorite with those who appreciate the true artist. 
 
 Miss Scheib has most charming presence, freedom from 
 affectation, a genuine musical temperament, and merits the 
 place she has made for herself among the best pianists of the 
 day. More and more the fact that the pupils of our Ameri- 
 can teachers may achieve success second to none is obtain- 
 ing recognition, and their career is a source of pride to those 
 interested in the progress of music and artists in Chicago and 
 Illinois.
 
 
 Nellie
 
 NELLIE HOBBS SMYTHE
 
 Few have attained as enviable a reputation along so many 
 lines of musical work as has Mrs. Nellie Hobbs Smythe, who 
 was born in Terre Haute, Ind., November 12, 1865. Early 
 her musical tastes were decidedly developed, and when but fif- 
 teen she was playing an organ in church. 
 
 In 1884, she was granted a diploma from the Mt. Car- 
 roll, 111., Female Seminary for proficiency in piano, organ, 
 harmony and composition, history and vocal music. The 
 following year she received an especial medal for a post- 
 graduate course, and remained in the school for three years 
 as one of the instructors in music. During this time she came 
 regularly to Chicago, receiving instruction from the best 
 teachers, and also devoted some time to concert work. Her 
 parents removed to Benton Harbor, Mich., and in 1888 Mrs. 
 Smythe established the music department of the " College " 
 of that city. The season of 1889-90 was spent in Europe vis- 
 iting the conservatories of Leipsic and Dresden, and study- 
 ing with the best masters in Berlin. Among Mrs. Smythe 's 
 teachers may be named Wm. H. Sherwood, of Chicago ; Prof. 
 Karl Klindworth, Berlin ; Frau Melvina Bree, Theodore Les- 
 chetizks and Prof. Edward Gartner, both of Vienna. 
 
 Upon her return to America, the work of teaching in the 
 
 " College " was continued, with some concert work, until her 
 
 639
 
 640 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 marriage in 1892. After this time, for four years, her home 
 was in Wichita, Kan., where she acquired a State reputation 
 as a musician. 
 
 In the summer of 1896, Mrs. Smythe with her husband 
 (also a musician a tenor singer), went abroad, where, for 
 three years, they both devoted themselves to the study of 
 music, with headquarters at Vienna, Austria. 
 
 Returning to America, after a short concert tour in the 
 West, they located in Chicago. Here Mrs. Smythe at once 
 engaged in teaching, accompanying and concert work, and 
 was secured as the soprano in the quartette in the People's 
 Church (Dr. H. W. Thomas'), at McVicker's Theatre. 
 
 During the seasons of 1900, 1901 and 1902, Mrs. Smythe 
 traveled as soprano with the Madrigal Club, the last season 
 under the management of the Central Lyceum Bureau. In 
 the fall of 1902, she again assumed charge of the Music De- 
 partment of the " College " at Benton Harbor, Mich. In 
 addition to this, she maintains a studio in the Fine Arts 
 Building, Chicago, and prosecutes her special line of work 
 in the illustrated musical lecture field, which has developed 
 rapidly the past few seasons and calls her to all parts of the 
 country. 
 
 The press everywhere is unanimous in its commendation 
 of this special line of work as done by Mrs. Smythe. 
 
 Her stage presence is magnetic, her repertoire varied 
 and large, her accompaniments translate and emphasize the 
 very soul of song, and a most brilliant future is predicted for 
 this versatile artist.
 
 . Jiabts.
 
 MKS. ESTELLE B. DAVIS.
 
 fttvs. <stcllc B, Habts. 
 
 Litchfield, 111., was the birthplace, June 11, 1867, of Miss 
 Estelle Beach, and has been her home all her life. 
 
 Her father was a prominent manufacturer and business 
 man of that city, having been connected with the Litchfield 
 Car and Machine Co., with Beach, Davis & Co., bankers, with 
 the gas and electric plants, and otuer enterprises. She was 
 graduated, in 188-1, from the public schools of the town, and 
 spent a year at the Academy of Jacksonville, 111. Her musi- 
 cal education was begun at the age of nine years, with local 
 teachers, but, owing to ill health, her studies were much in- 
 terrupted. At the Academy she began violin lessons and 
 commenced her piano study. In 1885, she went, with he* 1 pa- 
 rents, to California and Colorado, continuing her violin work 
 while in Colorado. She made her first appearance at a Sun- 
 day concert at the penitentiary at Canon City, it being the 
 custom to invite all visitors to the city who were musical to 
 sing or play at the Sunday service. Her health being now 
 fully restored, she resumed her musical studies, on her return 
 home, by going to Jacksonville once a week. Miss Alice 
 Rhoades was her violin teacher and Mrs. Freeman her vocal 
 instructor. The next two years she studied the violin with 
 Prof. Lehmann, of Springfield, 111. 
 
 Subsequently Prof. Waldauer, of the Beethoven Con- 
 
 643
 
 644 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 servatory, in St. Louis, Mo., was her teacher, and she was 
 graduated from this conservatory in 1895. Since then she 
 has studied the violin with Wm. Elterich, of New York, and 
 for the past two years piano with Mrs. J. A. Gerhard, who is a 
 resident of Litchfield. 
 
 On February 16, 1893, Miss Beach was married to Mr. 
 David Davis, who was captain in the Fourth Illinois during 
 the Spanish- American War. During 1892-93-94, she was 
 leader and first violin in a small orchestra, which was organ- 
 ized for study and pleasure. She is a charter member of 
 the Woman's Club, which was organized in 1890, and was its 
 President for three years 1897 to 1900. Through her efforts 
 a musical department was added to the club, and they took up 
 the study of musical history, using a text-book by Fillmore. 
 The programs were from American composers. In 1900-02, 
 they studied a few of the early composers and discussed vari- 
 ous musical forms, using Apthorp's " Opera, Past and 
 Present," as a text-book, and giving musical illustrations 
 from the operas. In 1902-03, Mrs. Davis was elected chair- 
 man of this department, an office she still holds. Under her 
 direction they have continued their study of opera, and used 
 Folk songs and national music of various countries in their 
 programs. 
 
 Last winter, a ladies' chorus was organized, with Mrs. J. 
 A. Gerhard as director, and the hope is to make the organiza- 
 tion permanent. 
 
 A most gifted musician, with rare executive ability, Mrs. 
 Davis is a wonderful help and a constant inspiration to those 
 about her, and that she is appreciated is shown by the posi- 
 tions which she so ablv fills.
 
 MKS. AXXA GROFF-BRY'ANT.
 
 With the spirit of perseverance which distinguishes the 
 worker of the West, Mrs. Anna Groft'-Bryant has made a 
 place for herself among American teachers, which shows how 
 true merit can command success. 
 
 Born, thirty-six years ago, on a Wisconsin farm, she 
 spent her childhood years in a wholesome, out-of-door life, 
 storing up the energy which has made it possible for her to 
 endure the strain of her later work, under which a less rugged 
 nature must have broken. 
 
 The father, Michael Groff, was a sturdy German ; in fact 
 both mother and father came of German stock, and up to the 
 child's twelfth year English was unknown to her. At this age 
 she was sent to the Milwaukee Female Seminary, where her 
 first study in English branches began. After two years at 
 Milwaukee, she entered the academic course at Northwestern 
 University. The several years following found her deeply 
 engrossed in college work. Sciences and subjects involving 
 research appealed most strongly to her. 
 
 It was during her work at Evanston that her musical 
 study began. From the completion of her academic work 
 her whole energy was devoted to the study of music, particu- 
 larly to the voice, with a singer's career in view. 
 
 Later the study of the voice from the deeper, the scien- 
 
 047
 
 648 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 tific standpoint, interested her. She saw in every human be- 
 ing the possibility of vocal development. She made a thor- 
 ough investigation among musical authorities in a search for 
 the truth. She studied with various teachers, analyzing, com- 
 paring and contrasting vocal methods. 
 
 Beginning her own work as a teacher, results demon- 
 strated her theories from the first. The work became so en- 
 grossing that it demanded the sacrifice of her own public ca- 
 reer. In less than ten years she has attained a success which, 
 though it may seem remarkable, is purely legitimate, and 
 traces back to natural causes. 
 
 A day spent in her studios in the Fine Arts Building 
 finds her dealing with every variety of condition, from the 
 crudest tone to the most advanced. 
 
 She studies each student from the individual standpoint, 
 bringing to each the remedy for his special condition. Of as 
 great interest to her as the musical side of her art is the study 
 of the human voice as an instrument. All the crudities and 
 defects of tone are dealt with, as well as diseases of the throat, 
 even loss of voice being successfully treated. 
 
 Mrs. Bryant believes that every voice has range and com- 
 pass and volume as truly as any other instrument. If a 
 voice is of limited range it is the fault of the trainer. 
 
 Mrs. Anna Groff-Bryant is an untiring student, an ar- 
 dent worker in the cause of voice development and artistic 
 singing, and her success is the natural result of earnest effort.
 
 Eatfjeruw #car Cornell.
 
 KATHERINE SPEAK COILXELL.
 
 Hatfjmnc &PNU* Cornell. 
 
 Mrs. Katherine Spear Cornell, known in musical circles 
 for her beautiful voice and her thorough musical education, 
 is the daughter of Mary E. and Wm. H. Spear, and was born 
 in Hinsdale, 111., October 28, 1872. Except when away for 
 the purpose of studying, she has always lived in or near Chi- 
 cago, and for the past fourteen years has made this city her 
 home. Early in life she had a keen desire to devote herself to 
 the study of music, of which she was passionately fond. Most 
 gratefully does she remember Mrs. Ellen S. Crosby's helpful 
 influence at this time in directing her towards the study of the 
 best music and the reading of choice literature. Those who 
 know Mrs. Crosby's enthusiastic devotion to the study and in- 
 terpretation of the choicest in the realm of music can imagine 
 how great an inspiration she could be to this gifted young 
 girl, on the threshold of life, hardly knowing how to attempt 
 the achievement she thought possible. She began her musi- 
 cal studies in Chicago, and prosecuted them later in Boston 
 end London. While in Boston, she studied with Signer Au- 
 gusta Rotoli, and became imbued by him with the ambition to 
 fit herself for work in grand opera. With this in view, she 
 studied most unremittingly under excellent teachers, and her 
 wonderful voice, as it matured, gave promise of magnificent 
 
 results. In Chicago her teachers were Frederick W. and Miss 
 
 651
 
 652 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 Fanny Root, Varasi, Wm. Nelson Burritt and Max Heinrich. 
 These teachers all encouraged her to persistent effort, for na- 
 ture had endowed her with a voice of fine range, great sweet- 
 ness and remarkable power, and she felt its cultivation might 
 mean much to her in many ways. After the year of study in 
 Boston, of which mention has been made, she went abroad 
 and studied under Wm. Shakspeare and George Henschel. 
 Her concert work has been most successful, and she has sung 
 in some of the best churches in Chicago. For two years she 
 sang in Dr. Thomas' church (while the services were held at 
 McVicker's Theatre), at Trinity M. E. Church, and through 
 Philip Hale 's influence secured a position in Dr. De Norman- 
 die 's church, in Boston. After leaving Boston, Philip Hale 
 wrote repeatedly to her, urging her to return to that city and 
 make her debut there with the Boston Symphony Club. About 
 this time her sister, Edna, died. This young girl was, like her 
 sister, very fond of music, and when but sixteen was an ac- 
 complished violinist. This sad event exerted a great influence 
 upon the older sister. She gave up her plans to become a 
 singer of grand opera, and, although no less a lover of music, 
 has enjoyed it in her home, and has sung only in churches, 
 sometimes in concerts or in private social circles. In June, 
 1892, she married John Evans Cornell, of Hyde Park. Al- 
 though as much interested as ever in music, Mrs. Cornell is 
 most happy at home with her three little ones, and, unless 
 some entirely unforeseen emergency should render it neces- 
 sary, the public will probably only hear this gifted singer in 
 the most limited way. Mrs. Cornell is a most devoted mother, 
 and feels no regrets that earlier ambitions were relinquished.
 
 Jpvank Cro.xton. 
 
 There is no career where the results of good, early train- 
 ing are more evident, or in which the right foundation is more 
 essential to success, than in that of the professional musician. 
 The fallacy of the old belief that almost any sort of a teacher 
 will do for a beginner has been so often proved, that wise 
 parents and those having charge of pupils who desire to study 
 music realize how gross an error it is to permit any care- 
 less teaching or imperfect method to enter into the commence- 
 ment of a musical education. 
 
 Frank Croxton, one of the most promising young musi- 
 cians of the day, does not fail to acknowledge the fact that to 
 his splendid early training he owes much of his unusual suc- 
 cess. He was born in Paris, Kentucky, October 7, 1877, the 
 son of Chester and Mary Henderson Croxton. His father 
 was not only a fine singer but a thorough and accomplished 
 musician as well, and was his son's first instructor. Thus the 
 boy had ever about him the influence of a true artist, and it 
 stirred his ambition and stimulated effort. After studying 
 with his father, he was placed successively under the tuition 
 of Prank Herbert Tubbs and Oscar Saenger, of New York 
 City, and Frank Barton Webster, of Chicago. His voice, 
 which is a rare basso, has thus had the advantage of the best 
 culture, and this has often won for him positions over older 
 
 and more experienced singers. 
 
 653
 
 054 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 He is a versatile artist, having had some experience as a 
 conductor, and following the vocation of a teacher in addi- 
 tion to his choir and concert work. He is the basso soloist at 
 the Kenwood Evangelical Church and in the Jewish Temple, 
 Chicago. 
 
 To him has also been accorded the honor of being soloist 
 with the Thomas' Orchestra on Festival trips for two seasons. 
 
 He has a large repertoire of operas and oratorios, and 
 spent three years singing operas in the very best companies. 
 
 For the past three years Mr. Croxton has been a resident 
 of Chicago, and teaches in connection with the Chicago Con- 
 servatory of Music, where the success of his pupils is a source 
 of great pride and gratification to him. In this work he 
 shows the excellence of his early training, and aims to give to 
 those under his instruction the advantages which have been of 
 such value to him. 
 
 Mr. Croxton 's voice and stage presence adapt him par- 
 ticularly for the most difficult oratorio work, a work he great- 
 ly enjoys. Such has been his success, that to-day he is con 
 sidered one of the best oratorio bassos now singing in America. 
 This is a distinction rarely accorded to one of his age, and 
 the future should hold no limit to the musical possibilities be- 
 fore this ambitious musician.
 
 fftafcclle 
 
 Possessed of a rich and beautiful contralto voice, with a 
 charming personality and sunny disposition, Mabelle Craw- 
 ford is a favorite in musical and social circles. Perhaps it 
 is her own freedom from the little jealousies too often ap- 
 parent among singers that has won her the friendship even 
 of those who, like herself, are striving to win the favor of the 
 public. It is about twelve years since she made her debut in 
 Chicago, and since that time she has sung almost constantly in 
 Chicago churches, as well as in other musical work. For 
 years she was the contralto soloist at St. Paul's Church, and 
 also at tho Kchilath An-'hc Mayno Synagogue. She has sung 
 in the most important cities throughout the United States in 
 opera, concert and oratorio work. Her magnificent voice par- 
 ticularly adapts her for the work in the larger roles of operas 
 and oratoric, and she has grown steadily in favor since her 
 first appearances. She is remarkably conscientious in her 
 work, and shows in every branch of it the intellectuality which 
 is one of her dominating characteristics. As a student, she 
 has always evinced the most artistic tastes and genuine refine- 
 ment in all her thought, and her singing shows the results at- 
 tained by this sort of devotion in the acquiring of knowl- 
 edge. Her stage presence is not only pleasing, but at once 
 impresses her audience with the feeling that an ambitious and 
 
 refined artist is before them. 
 
 655
 
 O-lf) BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 
 
 The excellence of her achievements has found endorse- 
 ment from those with whom she has appeared, representing 
 the best in musical circles. Among them may be named Win. 
 H. Sherwood and Max Bendix, who stand in the foremost 
 ranks of Chicago's artists. Twice she sang at the Interna- 
 tional Exposition, and won from those immense audiences the 
 greatest applause, and added many to the laurels already hers. 
 At the great New York Chautauqua, for some years she was 
 the contralto soloist. There she not only delighted the pub- 
 lic, but won the highest encomiums from members of the 
 faculty. From their expressions of satisfaction we quote 
 " No singer has ever achieved greater success upon the Chau- 
 tauqua platform or given better satisfaction than has Miss 
 Mabelle Crawford." 
 
 Miss Crawford's voice is not only a large voice and of 
 wide range, but it is a voice of the most exquisitely sym- 
 pathetic quality. Whether interpreting the themes of ora- 
 torios or the arias from operas or singing sacred anthems, 
 which she greatly enjoys, the same intelligence is apparent 
 in her rendition, and her voice most wonderfully answers to 
 each shade of thought. Her ballad singing is a delight, for 
 every variety of song finds pleasing interpretation by this 
 young artist's rich, sweet voice. Miss Crawford's career is 
 so full of promise that her future is fraught with interest not 
 only to the Chicago public but to music-lovers all over the 
 country.