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 66
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Baldisern in Florence, Italy. Miss Ahna Patton, who belongs to this list have I mentioned in another place. Miss Mamie MeRae studied piano in Berlin with Howard G. Wells. Mrs. Mabel Patton MeKay studied with Frank La Forge in Berlin, afterwards in Vienna with Marguerite Mel- ville and with Leschetizky. Miss Lillian Baldwin studied voice in Berlin with Frank King Clark. She had before this studied in Cincinnati with D. F. Foley. She is now teacher of voice at " Harcourt Place." Gambier, Ohio. Miss Seha Nussbaum studied at a private school in Lusanne, Switzerland, both voice and piano, afterward in Paris with Sibrilgia. She is now at the Conservatory of Music in Boston. Miss Helen Nussbaum studied violin in Lusanne, Switzerland. Miss Mary Mozingo is now in Berlin studying with Miss Porter. Miss Blanche Shultz, who recently died, was a student of the Marion Conservatory, later in Cincinnati, then in Berlin, Germany, with Hermann. Miss Mildred Dilling studied the harp in Indianapolis with Louise Schello schmidt, later in New York with Charles Schulz, afterward going abroad. Miss Charline Dilling studied violin with Hugh MeGibney in Indianapolis and in New York with Visanski. She is preparing to go abroad. Miss Dorothy Nussbaum is now abroad studying with Leonid Kreutzer in Berlin. She studied with her father, Mr. A. Hamilton Nuss- baum, while they resided in Marion, pursuing her studies after moving to Chicago before going abroad. Those studying with teachers of our own country are : Miss Alice Goldthwaite, who studied voice in Cincinnati and in New York under Mr. Oscar Saenger. Miss Goldthwaite is well known as a moving spirit in all musical projects. Miss Ada Wright is also closely in touch with the musical life of Marion. Miss Wright and Miss Goldthwaite are both interested in advancing mmisical club life in our city. Miss Wright has studied voice in Cincinnati with D. F. Foley and at the New England Conservatory. Also later in Louisville, Kentucky. Mrs. Ida Indley puts life and energy to the songs that she sings and into any thing that she does for the betterment of Marion musically. She has studied with Alexander Ernestinoff and with Mrs. Fox of Chicago Mrs. Elen MeGrew Bury is a pianist who was a student of Oberlin Conservatory. Miss Elsie MeGregor is an enthusiastic musical student. She was a piano pupil of S. Hamilton Nussbaum, Jater taking pipe organ lessons of Wilhelm Middelschulte, of Chicago. Miss Florence Case studied voice with Mr. Tucker, and later in New York City with Madam De Vine, also studying piano with Mr. Salmon, a private teacher of that city. Mrs. Frank Robbins, a pianist who has lately herout a resident of Marion, was a pupil for four years of doseffy in New York City. She was afterward a teacher of music in Dennison University at Granville, Ohio. Mrs. J. W. Brimacombe, who is well known as a singer. studied voice with Mrs. O. L. Fox. of Chicago and with Edward Clark at the Marion Conservatory. Miss Olive Kilgore studied music while at De Pauw, and at the College of Music in Cincinnati for four years. She has had classes in Rigdon and Converse, also having taught music in Marion. Miss Elizabeth Hogan studied with Mattiole in the College of Cincinnati, and in Chicago with Frank Webster. Miss Lucile Frierwood studied piano at the Marion Conservatory and is now in Maryland Col- lege, near Baltimore, studying both piano and pipe organ. Mrs. Alice Koontz Deutler, Mrs. Mande Diels Hockett, Mrs. Bertha Buchanan battle and Mrs. Mande Bark Williams studied at the New England Conserva- fory in Boston. Mrs. Georgia Paulus Templin studied voire while at school in Cincinnati, later at St. Mary's school in South Bend, and with Mr. Tucker. Miss Louise Mather is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music in the vocal department, and closely comected with musical events as a singer. Mrs. Grace Dum Matter begun taking
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violin lessons when a little girl seven years old, her home being then in Chicago. bater, while attending Vassar College, she had instruction from a New York professor: afterward studying at the American Con- servatory in Chicago. She now has a class, teaching both piano and voice in Chicago.
The Dunning system for beginners in musical study is taught by Miss Gretchen Thomas in connection with the Marion Conservatory. It has something of the kindergarten idea about it, and is said to be a great Success. The children are made familiar with composers and taught rythm, notation, hand training, and ear training. One young lady, Miss Johanna Jane Hully, "of near seven years of age, " a student of the Dunning system, on hearing the older members of the family talking about the coming symphony concert, said, " lum, I know what symphony means, guess I'll go." We older ones who are a bit rusty in our music will do well to go to Johanna dane and small Roger Burg, and others for information. The work takes up sight reading and other lines with older children.
Glen O. Friermood was born at Sweetser, but after his family moved to Marion he studied musie. Then he studied piano in Indianapolis; after this he went to Cincinnati, where he graduated in music, going afterward to Berlin and studying with Hugo Kahu. He now has a private studio in Indianapolis and charge of the choral so at Karl ham College. Converse is partly in Grant county, so we can claim a musician who was born there, Mr. Isaac Edward Norris, who spent most of his school days in Marion after his parents moved here. He made a study of music and finally went abroad, becoming a pupil of Leschetizky. On his return he was for some time head of the department of piano, pipe organ and theory at De Pauw. He then opened the Asbury Cou- servatory of Music at Green Castle.
Since so many Grant county musicians bave studied with Leschetizky, it may be of interest to know more about him. Comparatively few people, out of the many who should have forged to the Front in this (hustle or die) old world are well enough known that just speaking their last name only is sufficiently definite. Theodore Leschetizky is his full name, and before he consults to take you as a pupil at twelve dol- lars per hall hour lesson, you must be prepared by teachers of his own choosing, who are connected with his studio. At his home there is a concert hall where he keeps two pianos, one for the students and one for his own use, and here he gives his lessons. Pupils of his staying in Vienna have the privilege of being present during lesson hours that they may get the benefit of his instructions to others. A kind of a musical elinie, I should call it. In this recital hall at his home he also gives entertainments. One day he was giving a young lady a lesson as a final preparation for her appearance at a recital. She did not play to suit him; he walked over to her piano, picked up her music and threw it on the floor. She at once arose, went across to his piano, took an expensive piece of music and tore it in two. also throwing it down. Ile was astonished and perhaps admired her display of temper as a reproof to his own, for with a profound bow, and a wave of the hand, he said : "Now we will proceed with our lesson." He is very striet, caring little what he says to spurr his pupils to greater effort. One time at a publie recital, just after the Titanic was lost at sea, he became so exasperated at some mistakes being made that he exclaimed: "Oh I have only one regret, that when the Titanic went down, she was not filled with poor piano players." Leschetizky is now getting old and they say almost blind. It is a subject of comment in Berlin -- the great friendship existing between Leonid Kreutzer and Onsip Gabrilowitsch,
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who is the husband of one of Mark Twain's daughters. Both are pianists and conductors. They exchange work, giving in combination the most delightful concerts.
The old Brownlee home is a landmark musically. As the home of the late Judge John Brownlee, the young people of Marion gathered there in an early day to be with his older children. Later, during the girlhood of his daughter Miriam ( Minnie), it was a place of musical activity. As the home of Miriam Brownlee Gray it saw the organiza- tion of the Lyric Club, and now, as the home of Mrs. Kent Wigger, it welcomes as of yore those who are interested in good music. Mrs. Wigger is an accompanist of ability, and helpful whenever she can be in the progress of Marion, musically. In Marion's early days I can remember hearing that Judge MeDowell's home was such a meeting place for the young folks who sang and played and daneed so much that the nap was soon worn off of a heavy Brussels carpet.
Mr. and Mrs. Lew Tukey conducted a private vocal studio in Green- field, Ohio. about two years ago. Mr. Tukey has since had a class in Elwood. Mr. Paul R. Martin is a Marion boy who is now musical eritie on the Indianapolis Star. Mr. Edward Walker, a tenor singer who was a pupil of Tucker, was singing in a Chicago church and also doing concert work after leaving Marion. Mr. Frank JJohnson, well remembered as a bass singer, is making music a feature in Chicago, having a position as singer in the La Salle hotel. While in Marion he was a pupil of Mr. Tucker. Mr. Edward Genung left Marion to enter the field as a singer of light opera. Miss Hazel Robinson was the first Marion singer to take a position singing with local vaudeville shows. Miss Sadie Sherman is a Marion girl who always has a good position. ller specialty is singing and monologue selections, combined in enter- taiment features. Mrs. Grace Renbarger Stephens condnets novel and pleasant recitals, in the shape of all day events at Comors Mill and other places, with out-door programs. She is a teacher of music. Ingh Porter is so tireless a worker that he will surely succeed as a musician. Although young, he is playing the pipe organ for the First Presby- terian church of Hartford City. He studied with Miss Elsie MeGregor and with Mr. Percival Owen at the Marion Conservatory, both piano and pipe organ. Mr. Will Gessler is a piano player whose specialty is the best of dance music. He has told me that he never took but a few lessons, and one wonders then where he gets his music. le cor- tainly has a natural talent. Mr. Fred Trueblood also plays splendid dance music. While a student at Indianapolis University he coined considerable money as a pianist. These young men keep the music going at the fraternity house, and give much pleasure to the young people. Hugh Pope is devoting his attention to popular music and making a success.
Mrs. Harry Lazure of Jonesboro has used her voice where sorrow has invaded homes, and people all think of her-ask Mrs. Lazure to sing a special mmuber at funerals. While she belongs to the Methodist church choir, she sings in all of the Jonesboro churches.
The Lines Trio of Washington township-Miss Helen Lines, violin ; Miss Ruth Lines, piano, and Larkin Lines, thuite --- has appeared on many programs both in town and in the country. Miss Helen Lines frequently plays in Marion orchestras.
Marion music stores have caught the musical spirit of the county and kept pace with the times. The Wallace Music Company and the Butler Music Company do not interest themselves alone in the seHing of instruments, but are in sympathy with the musical life of our city, often having given recitals in connection with different departments of
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their work. Yon ean step into no more pleasant places of business in Marion than these music stores. The Chute and Butler piano was originated by two Marion men. The Mitchell music store and Boyd music store are recollected by Marion people.
Miss Hazel Williams was a whistling girl who proved False the old adage concerning a "whistling girl and a crowing hen." A boy was ashamed to whistle "along side of her." So musically did she whistle that she was in great demand on concert programs. It was an odd and charming feature. She afterward became Mrs. Don Kleder. In speaking of Mrs. Susannah Leas Campbell. I said to her mother (Mrs. F. (. Leas) : "I suppose of course having been a music teacher, you taught Susannah from the earliest moment to play the piano. " " No, indeed," said she, "if I tried to show her she did not like it. She wanted to figure it out herself, " and this she certainly did. for she is a line accompanist. Miss Hazel billard also often plays accompani- ments for different musical events. Miss Edith Miley accompanies the pupils of Mr. Bouillet in recitals.
There are many of our musicians who in connection with our club life play accompaniments skilfully. One must understand that not all splendid musicians have the "trick" of accompanying. Mr. William Mitchell plays accompaniments in elub work.
Some of our musicians have been composers as well. The cantata : "Love Triumphant, " composed by Mr. Paulsen, has been given and enjoyed by a large audience at the First Methodist church. He has composed a number of songs. "Die Verschmate" ("Rejected') is a favorite. "Piece De Salon" is a violin mumber among many. A series of Oriental sketches for orchestra is being prodneed at concerts and receiving much praise. Mr. U. 11. Overman has already been spoken of as a composer of orchestra selections. Mr. S. Hamilton Nussbaum is a composer of songs and instrumental selections, among them "'Te Deum." For voices and accompaniment ; a group of songs including : "The Moon. " "The Fir Tree, " "Love's Request," "Mazurka."? "Valse Arabesque." "Bereuese" for violin. The compositions of Mr. Kent Gage are men- tioned elsewhere. Mr. Charles Schoefield composed songs and sang them at the theaters while a resident of Marion.
Man Spurr, although handicapped by defective eyesight, is a mms- ical genius. Some one said to me. "Alan Spurr can do anything, musically." Many of his compositions are published. One song just ready for publication is: "I Miss You." Among his instrumental compositions, "Contentment, " is a favorite of the composer. " Eileen," a song, has brought him much praise. Jerry Ward Cammack, now living in St. Louis and making musie a profession, is a Grant county boy. He is a composer of popular music. "Tom and Jerry" is an instrumental selection. "When I Graduate" and "I've Got an Air- ship Now," are songs. Hle and Mr. Thomas Pickerill traveled with different amusement companies for about two years, Mr. Cammack as a pianist and Mr. Pickerill as a trap drummer. "Eyes of Fortune" is a song of Mr. C'ammaek's, the words written by Mr. Pickerill.
Now that I am at the end of my chapter, I feel that those to whom I have paid least tribute, perhaps deserved most ; many who never made music a profession or professed to be very musical those who have sung for the departing, and who would not have refused to sing a song of rejoicing for a soul coming into this old world if asked to do so, through their kindness of heart, giving willing service. Choir mem- bers who lingered on while others would come and go. The old church organists who gave years of unpaid service. Their reward is of heaven's giving. They should be allowed to enjoy the music of the celestial
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choir without once lifting a hand. Like picking a bouquet from a garden where the old and the new stood close together - the phlox, the marigold and sweet columbine-alongside the pansy and the lily of the valley has been this gathering of the memories of others. Old Grant county you have been weighed in the balance and not found wanting musically.
LXIV. GRANT COUNTY BOOKS AND WRITERS
The outside world has long since recognized Indiana as the author's belt of the United States, and while attention has thus been focused on the state as a whole, how about Grant county-what rank does it holdt in the firmament of Indiana writers? is it not a "bright particular star" in this literary constellation? Leaving merit out of the ques- tion, what other Indiana county has produced more books and writers? If Indiana is the author's belt of the United States -- then Grant county must be the buckle-the necessary ornament. "Be sure you write, then go ahead," applies to Grant county as well as the rest of Indiana. Solomon said : "To the making of books there is no end," and he must have anticipated the deluge-the Hood of local writers.
While some have contributed chapters who would blush to be called historians, the Centennial History and its contributors may now be classi tied under the caption : "Grant County Books and Writers, " and all have rendered valuable service to the community and to posterity. Some have written extensively- have distinguished themselves-but since their contributions are signed, the reader is left to form his own conclusions relative to them. While these Centennial History writers would not call themselves historians, many of them have had excellent conception of the requirements. Kingman Brothers' Atlas of 1877 was the first Grant county publication, and among its contributors were: John Ratliff, William Neal, John F. Swan, Dr. William Lomax, T. D. Tharp and J. Q. Brownlee, and the Atlas is a highly prized publication. In 1886 came the William Neal Ilistory with signed articles by John Ratliff and E. L. Goldthwait, and it has served an excellent purpose in the com- munity. In 1901 there was a volume: "Biographical Memoirs of Grant County, Indiana, " published without locat editorial representation.
In point of seniority-the age of the writer at least-" Winslow's Pocius, or Poems for Everybody," by Milton Winslow, is given recog nition-position of honor. The book made its appearance in 1591, and Mr. Winslow says: "At the seventieth year of my life Hoffer this little work with no apology except that in doing so I have followed the bent of my mind. Never until recently have I had opportunity to gratify my inclinations," and it seems that he had spent fifty years in maturing his thought in this book of verse. "The Girl in Her Calico Dress," stands out among other rhymes, and the lines: "If I had a daughter to train and adorn, What then would she wear, do you guess?" suggests the denouement, and the "Simple Life" is reflected in all of his writ- ings. On the subject of war, Mr. Winslow says :
"Had others done as Quakers did, The war had been averted. We saw the breakers on ahead, Where shoals of danger skirted."
On the subject of "Trials," Mr. Winslow writes:
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"God vindicates some children here, Some in the world to come ; But all who learn his name to fear. Shall find a better home."
George Addison Henry, of the Grant County Bar, has distinguished himself in the way of practical literature, "Henry's Probate Law" having made its initial appearance in 1891, and it is now in the third edition, and has been enlarged into two volumes, the 1912 revision being considered complete. The publication bas had fine sale in Indiana and in contiguous territory where outside lawyers need to understand Indiana statutes, while in the third edition the name remains unchanged, and Mr. Henry is receiving some revenue from the sale of it. Mr. Henry is a Frequent contributor to law periodicals.
John A. Kersey's " Ethics of Literature." places him in the front rank as an essayist. The book was first published locally in 1995, and in 1904 it was brought out by a New York publisher, and his dedication stamps the book as slightly exclusive. for Mr. Kersey writes: "To the candid and energetic thinker." In his preface he says: "He who intelligently and conscientiously writes for the betterment of mankind deserves the abiding respect and gratitude of the race." and in the way of criticism, he adds: "H' merit were a requisite then thousands of groaning shelves would be relieved of their burdens, " but since prosent company is always excepted why not clear Grant county writers of this sweeping charge, novelists and historians alike, although it is evident that Mr. Kersey reads and thinks for himself. He spent seventeen years in preparation and four years in writing " Ethies of Literature. " and it was love of the art rather than thought of remuneration that spurred him into activity. Since publishing his book, Mr. Kersey spends his leisure in writing blank verse, and he will sometime be heard from again.
Judge Marshall Williams admits that his "Civil Government of Indiana," published in 1905, is not exactly the result of a literary inclina- tion, but it was written "by request." When Prof. A. Jones, editor of The Teachers' Journal, was casting about for a suitable premium to be given with his magazine as a special inducement to subscribers, he asked Judge Williams to write this treatise which is most valuable as a reference hand book and which should be in every household in Indiana on account of information Found in it. Some of the lectures given by Judge Williams refleet the same scholarly attainment shown in his pub- lication, and " Skylights and Baywindows" has been pronounced a classic, although not a published lecture.
"One Way Round the World." by Miss Delight Sweetser, illustrated with engravings from photographs, begins with a happy quotation: " East or west, home's best. so they say and so it is. and I find a little rust of regret on the line edge of my enthusiasm to think that my path back to Hoosierdom lies over some forty thousand odd miles and around the globe," and one who becomes an "arm chair traveler" will be glad the author made the journey. "Letters from Over the Sea" is a small bound collection written by Mrs. Einma Harter Sweetser, who aecom- panied her Family "One Way Round the World." issued in souvenir edition, and both volumes are excellent hand books of travel. "One Way Round South America" is a posthumous volume by Mrs. Delight Sweetser Prentiss, from manuscript, notes and letters, and it certainly supple- ments her previous book, although in it she calls herself a "honey mooner." From wide experience in travel, she writes: "There is prob- ably no place in the world where people associate in quite the same rela- tion as they do on shipboard." The JJ. V. Sweetser family traveled
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extensively, and these travel books are their legacy to their friends. The Sweetser Memorial organ and parlor in the First Presbyterian church are in memory of this talented writer, whose body lies buried at Winona, Minnesota.
When John Matter wrote "Once, " he raised the question : "What of those whose written words have been signposts on the way to rreol lection ?" and he says: " We lived those days before yesterday on a plane of sense perception, as scientists have it," and "Once" is the way many stories are toll. While some have tried fitting the stories to local characters, in winding up one of them the writer says: "Years later we learned that the enchantment was at least as real as the terror, " and "Once" must be read to understand it. "Three Farms," characterized as an "adventure in contentment," by the same writer deals with an imaginary place in France, realistic experiences in Saskatchewan and finally the "home farm" in Pleasant township. Every young man who has a desire to establish himself in a new country should read Mr. Matter's story of life in the Canadian Northwest, and then the chances are he will content himself with a visit to the moving pictures. One is lonesome with him who reads about homesteading in Saskatchewan.
When " The New Harmony Movement, " which is a study in sociology, was written by George Browning Lockwood he was a resident of Grant county, and in its preparation he spent much time in Posey county libraries. Its introduction is written by W. T. Harris, United States commissioner of education, and it was a local publication later brought out in New York city. The book received the indorsement of educators and was included in a list prepared for the Indiana Teachers' Reading Circle study. Me. Lockwood adhered to original style in his special research, and "The New Harmony Movement" reflects credit on one whose literary genius otherwise manifests itself in political newspaper editorials.
" The Hand of God," by Mrs. Cora Bennett Stephenson, is dedicated "To every woman who has borne a child," and it is a life mystery story written around Bible characters. The writer says: "Among those who are studying the history of very ancient peoples, a theory is rapidly gaining ground that the principles of sex-worship anderlie all modern religions." Mrs. Stephenson is a purist, knowing language derivatives thoroughly, and she is a miscellaneous writer whose contributions find their way into magazine and educational journals. She was a Latin teacher, and is a student of sociology. Miss Mary 1. Stephenson has made excellent translations of both German and French literature, and her work is published in magazines as well as shown in drama.
Under the nom de plume of Forest Blake, Miss Helen Weston has written much in the way of Sunday school literature, and "St. Jose- phine, " published in 1909, is a charming story dealing with love, morality and religion. "Forest Blake" is a trademark eagerly watched for by Miss Weston's friends, who enjoy her stories.
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