USA > Indiana > Grant County > Centennial history of Grant County, Indiana, 1812 to 1912 : compiled from records of the Grant county historical society, archives of the county, data of personal interviews, and other authentic sources of local information > Part 62
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95
129
HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
Marinus Paulsen, who adds greatly to the enjoyment of the service by his violin solos given with dignity and reverence. I have heard this sentiment expressed by the older church members and consider it a high tribute to Mr. Paulsen's work. Mrs. Paulsen is the present organist. Others who have presided at this pipe organ are: Mrs. Grace Swadener Dinins, Mrs. J. W. Nesmith, Miss Gertrude Jones, and Miss Elsie MeGregor. I asked Mrs. Paulsen with whom she had studied pipe organ. She said, "I am practically self-taught, but have studied with Erie Delamater and with Hans von Schiller." She is giving her best effort to the study of the pipe organ. The Methodist congregation brought to Marion the first church organ, it must have been near 1861 or 1862. Mrs. Terrie Johnson tells me of the music on the first Sunday after it arrived. It must have been a gala day for the church. Emma Ward (St. John), Lonise Swayze ( Harrington), and Terrie Shively Johnson must all try the new organ, although Emma Ward, I think, was the regular organist. So they took turns, one playing in the morning, one in the afternoon (Sunday school) and one at the night service. This same little organ stands unused in one of the class rooms of the First Methodist church, if memory can be depended upon. Until some years ago it was used by Mrs. C. C. Hiatt in the primary music of the Sunday school. Mrs. Hiatt has been organist and led the music of the Primary department ever since she was fourteen years old. "Sunny Songs, No. 2," a song book composed by Tom C. and Charles E. Neal, is still used in this department.
The names of the church singers of the early days are very hard to procure. About the first choir, so far as I can learn, in the Presbyterian church was composed of few members. Among them Mrs. J. M. Wal- lace (wife of Judge J. M. Wallace), Miss Eliza MeClure and John W. Dodd, a bass singer, for a time the only man in the choir. Mr. Hay- ford was chorister in this church, and Mrs. Hayford was organist, I was about to say, but she played upon a melodeon, kindly loaned by Mrs. Weeks, grandmother of J. M. Wallace, Sr. Before 1861, there was no instrument in any of the Marion churches except the melodeon above mentioned. Some time later the Methodist organ was bought. A little later Miss Nam Sanford secured by subscription and from the proceeds of a concert given by her mansie pupils a Mason and Handin organ, with three sets of reeds. This instrument, it is said, seemed almost equal 10 a pipe organ to those who were so proud of it. Professor Kelsey fol- lowed Mrs. Hayford as organist and Miss Sanford came after him, con- tinning as organist until she left Marion. At this time Maggie Brown- lee was a sweet singer in the choir. Sometime after this, Mr. and Mrs. Starrett had charge of the choir. In later years their daughter, Josie, who afterward married Mr. Robert A. Spencer, Sr., was closely con- neeted with the music of the church. George Webster, Jr., was organist at one time. It is impossible to trace the choir history consecutively for want of space as well as for lack of data. Mrs. Quint Sweetser will be remembered as church organist for quite a length of time. Miss Lottie Case also was organist. During the time of the building of the courthouse, from 1880 to 1882, the music of the Presbyterian church was especially good, speaking from the standpoint of chorus-choir work. At this time Mr. R. L. Squires was chorister, and some of The gentlemen engaged in the building of the courthouse, who had good voices, helped in the music of the church. The regular choir members were: Mrs. James V. Sweetser, Mrs. Nettie Bowman Eyestone, Miss Miriam Brown- lee, Mrs. N. L. Higbee, Mrs. Hattie Dudley, Mr. Philip Diels and Mr. Cary Lombro. Mrs. E. L. Goldthwaite was organist. So far as I can learn, the first paid choir in Marion and perhaps the first quartet choir,
430
HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
was during the pastorate of Rev. John Thomas and extended into the pastorate of the Rev. Freely Rohrer. Its members were: Mrs. Robert J. Spencer, soprano; Mrs. John T. Strange, alto; Mr. Philip Diels, tenor; and Mr. Charles Craumer, bass. After the retirement of Mrs. Strange, Mrs. Kent Wigger took her place; and after Philip Diels dropped out Mr. Len Hulley took his place. They received one dollar each per Sunday and the organist, Mrs. Raymond, one dollar and a half. Mrs. Strange in telling me of this quartet, said: "Yes, we per- tainly did earn that dollar and it seemed to go farther than any other dollar I ever spent. In getting up Sunday evening concerts, then so popular; in practicing for funerals ; in helping with the nickel concerts and what not, we often practiced three and four nights a week. Well do I remember Mr. Jewell, our church janitor, who was somewhat crotchety. He had a certain time to turn out the lights. Nine o'clock was keeping late hours, and half past was the limit of endurance, so we often practiced in fear and trembling, expecting to hear him grumbling or actually beginning to close the church.
Some years ago, after her parents moved from Jonesboro to Marion, Miss Blanche MeKhmey, who had studied music in Detroit, took charge of the Presbyterian choir. This was after the occupancy of the new church. A quartet of well known singers, with the following members, furnished the music at one time. Miss Ethel Simons, Miss Ada Wright, Mr. Frank Johnson and Mr. George Roehm. Mr. Pearl Schofield was the tenor in this quartet for a time. The Misses Anna Louise and Bess Book Brownlee sung there together several years.
The splendid Esty pipe organ was a gift to this church, presented by Mr. and Mrs. James V. Sweetser in memory of their daughter. I will speak here of the great benefit and pleasure that has come from the fund set aside by the late James V. Sweetser for a continous series of concerts to be arranged for by the music committee of the church. It brings to our city the best artists procurable, often of national prominence. At times it calls upon special home talent to give a recital or to assist in one. These concerts are a pleasure to our people free- of cost. Grant county musicians who have taken part in these concerts are Mrs. Nellie Turpin Lohmeyer, Miss Elizabeth Hogan, Miss Ada Wright, Miss Elizabeth Lewis of Gas City, Prof. Owen Davies of Gas City, Miss Ethel Simons, Mr. Frank Johnson, Mr. Kent Gage, The Sol- diers' Home Concert Quartet, Mr. P. Marinus Paulsen, Mr. Fred Noble, Mr. Edward Clarke, Mr. Marion Green, Mrs. Ida Hess, Mr. S. H. Nuss- baum, Mr. P. L. Nussbaum, Miss Alice Goldthwaite, Miss Georgia Paulus, The Larrimer Mandolin Club, Mr. Carlisle Tucker, Mr. Percival Owen,
Mrs. Albert Davis, Miss Alice MeFarland, Mrs. J. R. Hadley, Mrs. Lois Osborn Spencer, Miss Mamie MeRae, Miss Florence Case, Miss Carrie Kirchenbauer, Mr. George Steffens, Miss Madge Ward, Mr. George Roehm, Mr. Pearl Schofield, Mr. Len Tukey, Mrs. Minnie Murdoff Kim- ball, Miss Elsie MeGregor, Mrs. May Hamilton Helm, and Mr. Donald Beach. The thirty-seventh free memorial concert on the Sweetser font- dation was given by Miss Elsie MeGregor ( with assisting artists). Mr. Robert Lohmeyer was the first organist to hold a position in connection with the new pipe organ. Mrs. Lolbeyer was soprano soloist for a time. Others who have held the position of organist are: Miss Alice .MeFarland, Mrs. Paulson, Mr. Tucker as both conductor and organist, and Miss MeGregor, the present organist. Miss Ada Wright is at present vocal soloist. The chime of bells presented to the Presbyterian church by Mr. d. Wood Wilson in September, 1910, is a gift to the whole city as well. They call all the people of Marion to the Sunday services, and take the place of the several church bells of past days,
431
IHISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
which when our city was "little Marion" rang out from the respective belfries, and were easily distinguishable one from the other. As rach congregation wended its separate way, it was with no little pride in the secret heart of the most devout to be able to recognize "our" bell as the loudest in sound, and "our sexton" as most prompt and long winded.
Hear the ringing of the bells-far distant
(langing, blending, high and low-persistent,
Out upon the quiet air in olden times. The bells from many steeples rang their chimes And the tap-tap-tap of the tolling bell, Walted each soul a passing knoll,
Each separate bell of the chime of bells bears an inscription. The first bell (tenor) beside the announcement of presentation and date has this little verse :
For the joy of the community, For the uplift of mankind, For the honor of religion.
This chime was manufactured by Meneely & Company, whose fame as builders of chimes is world-wide. Ernest Mencely, a grandson of the founder of the company, stayed in Marion for a few days, assist- ing in the concert given at the time of the installing of the bells which were a series of events lasting from Thursday evening until Sunday. Ile instructed Mr. George Doll, who was the first chimer in the handling of the bells. Mr. Doll instructed Mr. Earl Riley, the present chimer. Leslie Miller also learned of Mr. Doll to play the chimes and has sub- stituted at times.
The old First Methodist church bell is still ringing. The last one connected with any of the centrally located churches to peal out an invitation and reminder of church time.
Through the kindness of Rev. Charles E. Hiatt, pastor of the First Friends church, I have in my possession an attractive little book giv- ing a history of their choir. On the back of the book are these words: "A Quaker Choir." I will quote a few lines from an inside page. "In former times it was the belief of the Society of Friends that singing was an irreverent and intolerable thing, consequently the history of the Quaker choir is rather battered. Singing was first commenced by members of the church in various homes about twenty-six years ago." It seems that a few years later an organ was purchased for the use of the Sunday school only, and a few of the young people led the church service of song withont an instrument. But later the organ was allowed to be used for special occasions, and finally its use became regular. Mr. W. H. Wright was first choir leader. In 1910, Miss Julia Kelsey assumed the direction of the choir and great praise is given her for what she accomplished. Anthems were sung cach Sunday and the choir grew in numbers and efficiency. Mr. W. O. Carroll is the present leader. They have a strong organization and have given several special programs. Their slogan is "'On to Rich- mond." The First Friends Bible school orchestra was organized at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank Harmon in 1907. Mr. Wilber Bond is a leading spirit, having composed and arranged seventy-nine pieces of music for the orchestra.
The choir of the United Brethren church has been under the leader- ship of J. Virgil Weisman for some years, until his recent removal from the city. Miss Eva Shannon has charge of the instrument, this church at present using a piano for their services. In addition to the
432
HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
chorus choir (and as a part of it), there is a quartette of the following young ladies: Miss Orpha Haines, Miss Nina Elkins, Miss Jessie Shannon and Miss Pearl Dester. This quartet is a great source of pleasure to the church and Sunday school. They have sung for the W. C. T. U. Gold Medal Contests.
The First Baptist church will rebuild their pipe organ when it is installed in their beautiful new church. Their organist is Miss Bernice MeNair; the director of the choir, Mr. Andrew Jackson. To go back to 18SS, Mr. R. L. Squires was the leader of the choir. lle being the first chorister I am told. After this Mrs. M. C. Mead had charge of the music. At this time the voices available for choir work were comparatively few, and Mr. Mead for some years assisted in lead- ing, and as we might say added to the volume of harmony by the playing of his horn. His faithful service is remembered with pleas- ure, as also the tireless interest of Mrs. Mead in the welfare of the choir. The next chorister was Mr. J. W. Mock, followed by Mr. John Lawless. Mr. Andrew Jackson has served as leader for about twelve years. During the residence of Mrs. J. D. Brunner in our city, the musie of the Baptist church was largely led by her inthuience. She was organist and a worker in other lines. For the benefit of some church fund, she drilled the singers in two sacred cantatas: "David, the Shepherd Boy" and "Queen Esther." These entertainments were given at the church and were very much of a success in every way.
Musically, the Episcopal church occupies a distinguished place. Com- positions for their church service have contributed to the best music of the world. Gethsemane Episcopal church has lately installed a new organ. The music of the church is now directed by Miss Minnie May Hodges. Miss Ella Shrader, of Jonesboro, a pupil of Hanson, the blind organist of Indianapolis, is in charge of the organ. She has filled this position for about fourteen years. Members of the present choir are: Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Mossop, Miss Margaret Genung, Miss Louise Wiggier, Miss Alna Merkert, Mr. Hayle and Mr. Harris of Gas City. Both of these young men are Welsh singers. Lewis Cole is cross-bearer and a member of the choir, having taken up this duty when a boy of eight years. Selections such as Gounod's St. Cecelia, and Sacred Heart, masses by Ayers, Custance and Woodward are sung by this choir.
The chorus choir of the First Christian church is under the leader- ship of Mr. Cal Marvin. Mrs. Grace Swadener Dinnis is the pipe organist. It is said that this choir is of the good old-fashioned type in this respect, being composed almost altogether of church members, devoted and enthusiastic in their service of song; they are a real help to the congregation and pastor. The Sunday school orchestra is under the direction of Mr. Nussbaum.
The innsie of the First Church of Christ, Scientist is in the form of congregational singing, with also a special soloist and pianist. At present Mr. Arthur Curran is soloist, and Mrs. Frank Robbins, pianist. Others who have had charge of the piano are: Miss Lillian Geither, Mrs. Charles Morris, Mrs. Maude Diels Hackett, Mrs. Meta Steel Owen, Miss Nellie Feighner, Mrs. Ethel Case Wilson, Miss Lucile Friermood and Mrs. Kent Wigger. Filling the place of soloists in the past have been Mrs. J. W. Brimacombe, Mrs. Lois Osborn Spencer, Miss Eliza- beth Ilogin, Mr. Morgan Dillon and Miss Ada Wright.
The music of St. Paul's Catholic church is under the direction of Mr. George Orr. The present organist is Miss Agnes Bletzacker. Others playing the pipe organ for this church have been; Mrs. C. (. Gordon, Mrs. Ira Shildmyer and Mr. Harry Shildmyer. Besides the
433
HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
singing of the service in Latin there is singing of hymns and special music. Mr. Harry Shildmyer takes solo parts. A children's chorus sings each week-day morning for eight o'clock mass, and also for the Sunday morning service. The Easter music in the Catholic church at the Soldiers' Home is especially beautiful said a lady who has attended many of these services. The chapel is decorated tastefully with flow- ers. High mass is sung, accompanied by an orchestra composed of members from the home band and other musicians. Mrs. John Pitt Stack presides at the organ, and Captain Stack is director of the music, The quartet singing for this service is composed of the following mem- bers: Mrs. Lois Osborn Spencer, Miss Carrie Kirchenbower, Mr. George Rochi and Mrs. Frank Grinstead.
The Soldiers' Home Concert Quartet has been an organization for about thirteen years. It is also known as the Philharmonie Quartet. When first organized the members were: Mrs. 1. W. Brimacombe, Mrs. S. B. Beshore, Mr. Bert Gardner and Mr. Edward Genung. Some years ago there was a change of members as follows: Mrs. Ida less, soprano; Mrs. Beshore, contralto; Mr. George Roessler, tenor; and Mr. Charles Wuersten, bass. This quartet is well known, for in addition to their regular singing at the Protestant chapel at the Soldiers' Home, they assist in many musical events held in our city. The music of the Protestant church at the Home is under the supervision of Mr. Wuer- sten, and the pipe organist is Mr. V. H. Nulle of Anderson.
Some years ago the Jewish congregation of Marion held services in the auditorium of the old Presbyterian church, and at the time of their New Year's observance in September was the occasion for especially fine music. The quartet singing for these services was by the follow- ing persons: Mrs. Georgia Paulus Templin, Miss Carrie Kirchenbower, Mr. George Rochm and Mr. Wuersten.
Roy Marshall, captain of the Salvation Army, has kindly given me some items regarding their music. They may well be proud of the saying that the Salvation Army has sung itself around the world. They started out here in Marion with but few musicians in their ranks; per- haps only the drum and one other instrument. Captain Marshall said if we could have but one instrument it would be a drum, and the tambourine is also typical of their work. They now have about eight musicians in their band, and when they go into the barracks for indoor meetings, piano music is added to that of the other instruments. In England, the army manufactures its own instruments. But they do not get into this country, only their music (often popular airs adapted to saered words) is published in New York city. A pipe organ has lately been installed in the Methodist Episcopal church of Upland. In the Fairmount Methodist church also, there is a pipe organ.
Although I could not gather all the information I should have liked about the music of the colored people, I have been able to obtain a few facts. The war time songs so intensely full of meaning were written under the inspiration of moments when for these people, and to make possible their future happiness, the rich and poor alike gave all they had to give of human sacrifice. We do not hear as much in these days of the typical negro music. By no means do we want them i stand still while we progress. But there is a music peculiarly suited to their voices and temperament, that has made them famous as singers. J' this were not so, how could they in other days have so charmed every- Ne with their singing. Many times the old plantation songs were sung with those mellow voices absolutely devoid of training, and with feel- ing and power that re-echoed in the hearts of all who heard them. We regret the loss of the picturesque. We want to hear " Roll, Jordan Vol. 1-25
434
HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
Roll" or "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," perhaps a bit more correctly sung than in olden days, but naturally, nevertheless. Rev. Long, of the African M. E. church, was very kind in giving me information, and said in answer to a question: "Yes, we are singing some of the old tunes in our revival now in progress. The Bethel choir is the senior choir of Bethel A. M. E. church on Fifth street. Mrs. Katherine Wins- low is leader; Miss Mamie Long, director; and Miss Stodie Harris is organist. They have about eighteen members. They use in their serv- ice the song book "Waters of Life," and the Venite anthems. They have both an organ and piano. The Junior choir, numbering about fifteen members, and led by Miss Leona Nickles, sings every other Sun- day night. Mrs. Winslow and Miss Niekles take soprano solo parts. Mrs. Cora Julius Spires was considered a fine contralto singer, but she has moved from the city. Mr. Frank Weaver is conductor of their orchestra, having in it about five players, Mr. Horatio Clavis is a violin player taking lessons at the Marion Conservatory. Until lately the colored people had a band organization. Mr. Matt Knox was leader. It has now been given np.
It is noticeable that I have more fully described the music of the three oldest churches of our city. It is for this reason; they had to do with the beginning of church music, also that the names of singers of other days might be preserved. At best it is only a partial history, and I am aware of omitting the music of the churches of North, South and West Marion and of other towns, all having good mmsie in keep- ing with the standard set by the central churches. During the Torrey meetings held in our city in 1911, the Torrey chorus was organized and led by Mr. William MeEwan, the singer of the Torrey party. The pianist, Miss Anderson, was especially fine in this line of work. Mr. Pearl Schofield was made president of this organization, which became permanent. For a time Henry Fields was conductor. In January, 1912, Mr. E. F. Ferree became president and in May or June of that year, under the direction of Mr. Paulsen, a concert was given, when the cantata "Emanuel" was presented at the First Methodist church, and later repeated at the First Christian church. In September, 1912, the name was changed to the "Marion Choral (Inb," with Mr. Paulsen still conducting. In September, 1913, at the First Friends' church, "The Erl-King's Daughter," a cantata, was given. In August, 1913, when the Philharmonic orchestra, Mr. Paulsen's pupils and the Marion Choral Club united, forming the Marion Philharmonie Choral Society, the Marion Choral Club kept its own separate organization, which the officers say they intend to enlarge and make more permanent in the future.
I am supposed not to step over into 1914, but for fear it may be over- looked by the next historian, Y must mention the chorus that sang for the Lyon meetings. It was composed of members of the Marion Choral Club and other singers, led by Mr. R. E. Mitchell of the Lyon party. The musie throughout the meetings was enjoyed to the fullest. A good orchestra furnished an accompaniment in addition to the piano played by Mr. Robert Matthews. The singing of Mrs. Grace Powell of the Lyon party was much appreciated. E. O. Excell, the famous song writer and singer, visited Marion in June, 1906, at the time of the Indiana Sunday School Association. He directed a splendid chorus furnishing music for the occasion, which was held at the Presbyterian church. He vis- ited Marion again at the time of the Lyon meetings and sang at the Sunday services.
Miss Leora Bogue, of Fairmount, studied musie at Earlhamn College, afterward studying evangelistie singing at the Moody Bible Institute
135
HISTORY OF GRANT COUNTY
in Chicago. She has been successfully assisting in revival music for some years. Some one has said that when sin entered the workl the minor note crept into music. We have the minor note in nature everywhere --- storms and leaden skies. Is sin responsible? We enjoy the change to minor strains. It was Mrs. James V. Sweetser who first introduced the nickel concerts to a Marion public. They were a source of revenue to the First Presbyterian church and a great pleasure to the young folks, especially. For who could not obtain by fair means of foul a five cent piece? They were given by the best of home talent, and consisted of a miscellaneous program, mostly musi- eal, well rendered and well received. On April 5. 1887. an Old Folks Concert was given by the musicians of the Presbyterian church. Pictures of the performers in their old fashioned costumes are preserved. The programs said-"'Ye door shall be open before carlie candle lighting." This is a well remembered event.
The musical life of Jonesboro for perhaps more than twenty years was closely associated with that of Mrs. Addie Weed Barnard, who came there in about 1872, and opened a private studio of music at her home, teaching several kinds of instruments and greatly interested in church music. It is said that if a singer was lacking, either soprano, alto, tenor or bass, she could fill in at a moment's notice. A pupil of hers, Miss Rose Johnson, became a successful teacher throughout the country and now has a music school in Fort Wayne. Miss Flo League at about this time was a well known music teacher of Jonesboro and vicinity. Way back in the old days a little girl living in New Cumberland was asked by her father which she would rather have, a Jews harp or a piano. She answered. "Oh, I would much rather have a dows harp. " In those days a piano was often called a pian. A country fellow named Leonidas Nipp came into the store of James Sweetser, Sr., one day, and picked up George Sweetser's violin, which was lying on the counter. He com- menced playing one of those tunes without end, perhaps the Arkansas Traveler. George, then a young fellow full of fun, could stand his sawing no longer so he said. "My father and Mr. Doan are upstairs; they are both very fond of music ; go up and play them a tune." George waited below for the explosion which soon came, and Leonidas appeared crestfallen, indeed.
Feeling sure that the sound of the first church bell was sweetest music to the cars of the residents of Marion I had a fancy to date its coming. I found without much trouble that it was the proud posses- sion of the Presbyterian congregation and first secured the date of 1847 as the probable time of its appearance. Happening later to find a bit of Presbyterian church history, saying among other things that the first little frame church was not built until 1853. I saw that my dates conflicted. Old members had told me that the bell was not hung until some time after the erection of the church, so I began a new line of investigation, typical of many a hard fought battle for facts, and finally gave up in despair, getting no closer to a date than that some one recol- leeted that some boys of Dr. Sawyer's school (the college) phe night before the war, tied a sheep to the bell, which in its efforts to get loose kept up a jangling until Reverend Sawyer came to its resene, muttering : "Those boys did this." He might have said " plaguey" boys but noth- ing worse. Of course they were hidden close by. Was it not a love of music that prompted Vina Cobb, colored, to take about with her in a basket her accordion as she went from place to place to do washings. She would play for the children of the family, what they thought to be charming tunes. Ohl residents have told me that James Brownlee's piano was taken to White's Hall on different musical occasions. Mr.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.