246 - HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO
CHAPTER XXII.
MUSIC.
THE EARLIEST "MESS" JOHNSON AND HIS VIOL- THE FIRST REED AND STRING BAND-THE ZANESVILLE HARMONIC BAND-THE MECHANICS' BAND —A.Tw000's BRASS BAND -BAUER'S BAND- HECK'S BAND - HECK'S ORCHESTRA-ORGANS AND PIANOS-VOCAL MUSIC-H. D. MUNSONMUSIC IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS-THE HARMONIC SOCIETY-MUSIC STORE-PROFESSORS WM. LIL1ENTHAL, MACHOLD, MILLER, STRACHAUERPR OF. CHARLES MEISING-PROF. GEORGE ROWE
-PROFESSOR J. D. LUSE-"CONCORDIA"--THE "MANNERCHOR" - THE “FROHSINN" - HARMONIE"-" THE MANNERCHOR" REORGANIZED- GERMAN SINGING SOCIETY-THE HARMONIC SOCIETY-THE MENDELSSOHN GLEE CLUB.
A love of music seems common to mankind, although the discordant sounds that satisfy the barbaric ear would painfully agitate the tympanum accustomed to what we call melody, and, while the ancient swain, blowing through a hollow bone, may have produced a tender feeling in the heart of an enamored maiden, the same "music" to-day would be regarded with dismay. The making of musical instruments began almost with the human race. We have relics of antiquity that show us how instruments were made to produce musical sounds, at a period prior to the existence of any language, of which we have any record. The forms of many of the most ancient instruments are preserved to us in the sculptures and paintings of antiquity, and the tombs and temples of Egypt tell unerringly of the musical practices, as well as other details of the domestic life, of the builders of the pyramids. One of the tombs in the pyramid of Jeezeh bears a representation of a flute concert, and, according to Lepsius, it dates as early as 000 B. C. The eight musicians are arranged in a peculiar manner. Three .of them, one behind another, are kneeling and holding their flutes in exactly the same position, and facing them are three others, also kneeling, and holding their pipes like the others, A seventh sits with his back turned toward them. but, like the rest, he is also blowing his flute, while the eighth, who may be the leader of this primitive orchestra, holds his instrument in his hands, as if in the act of raising it to his lips, and he is standing. An ancient Egyptian painting, of about the same period as this quaint illustration of an antique band of flute players, represents a lyre, performed upon by a man, who walks in procession with others, and with some animals unknown to the fauna of to-day. This interesting picture was discovered in a tomb, on the eastern bank of the Nile. [See Sir Gardner Wilkinson in "Manners and Customs of the Ancient Egyptians."] He says : "That this event took place about the period when the inmate of the tomb lived, is highly probable—i.e., considering Osirtasen I. to be Pharaoh, the patron of Joseph."
So it was in the beginning, and travelers inform us, that music and musical instruments are still decidedly primitive in the supposed cradle of humanity. And, notwithstanding the high degrees of perfection attained in this age, it is highly probable that the music of a hundred years ago, in the New World, was as primitive —in fact, little more than an .accompanirrent to other means of enjoyment. This is, indeed,
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clearly shown in the account of "Hiawatha's. Wedding Feast," by the poet Longfellow :
"You shall hear how Paw-Puk-Keewes.
How the handsome Yenadizze
Danced at Hiawatha's wedding;
How the gentle Chibiabos,
He the sweetest of musicians,
Sang the songs of love and longing;
How Iagoo, the great boaster,
He the marvellous—story teller,
Told the tales of strange adventure,
That the feast might be more joyous,
That the times might pass more gaily,
And the guests be more contented."
Bordering on such traditions—in 1799, the sounds of "Mess" Johnson's "sweet viol" were heard, ere the red man of the famed "blue Muskingum" had resolved to "go west." "Mess" Johnson, or "Black Mess," was John McIntire's servant, and in addition to his duties of maitre de cuisine and valet, he lent himself to the goddess Shelxinoe (mind soother), and, at her bidding brought forth his violin, the first in Zanestown, to "drive dull care away." Whether he imitated the old masters, or played his own "longings," we are not informed, but, it is certain, he was sure of an audience, and the fullest appreciation. It has been said that "Cxsar was ambitious," and it may have been so with "Mess." At any rate, we are informed, soon after, of the arrival of Thomas Dowden, with his violin, and that these two worthies played together, and furnished the music for the Terpsichoreans ; for, time out of mind, this fair daughter of Jupiter and Mnemosyne had lent poetry to motion ; she was the inventress of dancing, and with such grace did she glide through the figures, that it became a delightful pastime.
The next accession to the musicians was Perry Wells, who came in 1820, and attracted no little attention. His was a magic bow
The first reed and string band, was organized during this year, with the following membership : Charles Hill, leader ; John Lattimore, clarionet ; William Lattimore, Robert Hazlett and James V. Cushing, violinists ; William Hadley, violin- cellist ; David Spangler, bassoonist ; Isaac Spangler, triangler ; Benjamin Reed, drummer. William Hadley was a cultivated musical artist, and did much for church music in Zanesville, during his stay.
THE ZANESVILLE HARMONIC BAND was organized in 1829, and continued to discourse melodious music until 1835. It furnished the music at the laying of the corner-stone of the Atheneum. The membership was as follows : Jackson Hough, leader ; A. C. Ross, clarionetist ; Hamilton Hough, violinist ; John Parker, flutist ; D. J. Culbertson, piccoloist ; Henry W. Kent, bugler ; James Fortune, drummer.
THE MECHANICS' BAND.—This band was organized in 1836, and continued to play together ten years, when it disbanded. The membership was as follows : Thomas Launder, leader ;
C. Purcell. Captain ; Monroe Ayers, Brush Eggerman, John Alter, J. B. H. Bratshaw, Daniel Hatton, John Printz, Jesse Fox, Cass Alter, Alva Rivers, Daniel Baldwin, L. Page, Jackson Printz, and Fred Drone. This band made, no charge for its services, and the only gift it ever received was twenty-five dollars for furnishing the music at the commencement exercises of Muskingum College, New Concord, in 1841.
ATWOOD's BRASS BAND.—This band was the first one organized in Zanesville; in 1847. The following constituted the membership : A. D. Atwood, leader ; David Kahn, John Bauer, Casper Bauer, Philip Kassell, Charles Roper, Thomas Launder, David Hahn, Timothy Webb, Emerson Howe, and Charles Dulty. This band was reorganized in 1855, under the name of "Bauer's Band," and has continued to grow in favor, having a deservedly high reputation. The membership, in 1880, was as follows : John Bauer, leader ; Theobald Bauer, Joseph Beardsley, Charles Schlafman, Fred Ditmar, Matthias Ditmar, Casper Ditmar, Albert Schmidt, David Hahn, Isaac Campbell, Jr., and John Goetz.
HECK'S BAND.—This, band was organized in the autumn of 1856, with the following membership : A. D. Atwood, Joseph Beardsley, Henry Heck, Jacob Schwartz, Peter Heck, John Heck, Louis Heck, Barney Heck, Henry Mechling, and William Goetz.
HECK'S ORCHESTRA.—This orchestra was organized by Louis Heck in the fall of 1875, adding a full string and reed band ; total membership, seventeen. This band was reorganized in 1879 ; membership, thirteen.
ORGANS AND PIANOS.—Mr. Leonard P. Bailey came from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Zanesville, in 180. A cabinet maker by trade, and seeing the need of organs and pianos,he turned his attention to their manufacture. He made his first organ in John Anthony's cabinet shop, on the northwest corner of Main and Fourth streets, in the summer of 1822. It was a parlor pipe organ, with two stops—the diapason and principal—and was sold to James Taylor for $300, and given as part payment for the lot on which Mr. Bailey's house stands. As nothing of the kind had been made here, there was much curiosity about it ; indeed it was conjectured to be of various strange pieces of machinery, until one day, when the 'diapason' stop was adjusted, Mr. Charles Hill, (the jeweler,) sat down and played "Old Hundred ;" then the secret was out.
In 1824, Mr. Bailey removed to a shop. that stood in the rear of Werner's present boot and shoe store: Here he made his second organ, without a case. It was purchased by Mr. Chas. Hill, for $200. He afterwards made a case for it, and it was sold to the St. James' Episcopal Church for $300.00. Mr. Bailey remained at this location until the spring of 1831, when he removed to Main street, opposite the Second Street M. E. Church. Here he made his first piano, about 1833, which he sold to John T. Fracker, for $250,-
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He remained at this place until about 1852, when he removed to the "Stacy Hall" building, in Potter's alley, just south of the Watch House, having purchased that property. Here he made furniture and pianos, employing eight men. He retired from the business in 1861.
The total number of pianos made by Mr. B. was 162, mostly sold in Ohio. He has a seven octave piano, made in 1854, on which he plays favorite airs with a power and pathos very rare, notwithstanding his age.
Mr. Bailey informs us that at an exhibition at 'Castle Garden, N. Y.' he showed Robert Nun, the great piano maker, a diagram for an improvement in pianos, known as "over strung," and that while he intended to patent this improvement, it was appropriated and patented by Mr. Nun, whereas Mr. B. deserves the credit for the invention.
VOCAL MUSIC.
" God sent his singers upon earth,
With songs of sadness and of mirth.
He gave a various gift to each,
To charm, to strengthen and to teach."
It is probable that John Metcalf, of hallowed memory, made the first notable efforts in Zanesville to awaken a taste for music, by introducing musical books suited to the capacity of the child- ren. Whereas, they had only had such tunes as "hear," Dundee," "Martyn," and "Orville." He introduced the pleasing melodies of "Bradbury's. Young Choir," The Oriole," etc, and
made commendable progress in teaching music in the "Putnam Union Sunday School."
Professor H. D. Munson is believed to have been the first to make a business of teaching, and organizing juvenile classes. He is a native of Connecticut ; was a pupil of Lowell Mason, in the then celebrated Boston Academy of Music. After teaching vocal and instrumental music in the cities off Hartford, Connecticut ; Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Springfield, Ohio ; Galena, Ohio, and Alton, Illinois, during a period of ten years. He came to Zanesville in 1846, and engaged as teacher of music in the Putnam Ladies' Seminary, with which he was connected four years, and engaged also in teaching juvenile and adult classes. He inaugurated juvenile concerts, and thus convinced the skeptical that children could sing, and then public sentiment demanded that they should be taught systematically, The first of these entertainments was given in the hall of the "Putnam Female Seminary, in 1848, on which occasion, "The Child's Wish," a ballad composed by Prof. Munson, was first rendered, by an eight year old miss, and became at once popular. He next gave a children's concert in Stacy's Hall, (afterwards used by L. P. Bailey, and now by the Garey Bro's., as a cabinet shop,) the same year. This was followed by similar performances in the old city hall, (now the Signal office,) Nevitt's Hall, Odd Fellows' Hall, and finally Black's Hall. The erection of these halls successively, by increasing the facili ties, added to the zest in musical culture, and afford, at this distant period, a measurably correct idea of the progress of music, during the intervening years.
The beginning of a new era was ushered in by the introduction of the melodeon into class training, and into several choirs. Several pipe organs were purchased between the years of 1848 and 1852. These were at once recognized as valuable aids to teachers and leaders, in harmonizing voices, and gave a new impulse to the cultivation of church and Sunday School music.
Music was taught in the Public Schools, prior to 1846, by Captain Hatch, and, January 3d, 1849, by L. P. Marsh, (afterwards Judge.) Mr. Marsh resigned in October, 1850, and Mr. Hatch became teacher again, and then Prof. Munson. At this time, there were very few well organized choirs in the city, and on all special occasions it was customary to borrow from one choir to strengthen another. While in some of the churches the most determined opposition to any choir organization was manifested, and the use of d musical instrument in public service would have driven many a good old saint from the house of God ! In one instance, even the presence of a black board, on which some notes had been written, was so offensive that the good old pastor would not proceed with the service until the stumbling block had been removed. In another church, the pastor had secured the services of Professor Munson in training a choir, which the pastor, (a cultivated singer,) intended to lead, and proposed that on a given Sabbath, the singers should sit in certain seats, and designated them for the choir. To the surprise of the pastor and the choir, on assembling, they found those seats were occupied by the opponents of this "new fangled singin'," determined to "hold the fort," in spite of all the pastors and young folks in creation ! And before the choir could get the "pitch," off started old Brother B,, in the 'amen corner,' with his own tune, and the choir could only follow at a respectful distance. The full force of this difficulty will be realized, when it is remembered that at this time it was customary for men to take the leading part in singing. Ladies had not been convinced that they could carry the "air," or soprano part, and this also explains the difficulty experienced in organizing choirs. The result being that the first part was over-burdened by a class of singers who made more noise than music, and great effort was required to convince the gentlemen that their assistance was not needed, and the ladies that it could be dispensed with. Another difficulty was experienced in many choirs, as may be inferred by what has been said, namely, the want of a certain guide in musical sounds, such as the organ affords. The chromatic changes were therefore but little thought of, or apprehended. An amusing illustration of this occurred at the McIntire Academy. Prof. W., a prominent school teacher and leader, was endeavoring to train a class in one of Thomas Hasting's Anthems, in which that distinguished composer
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had introduced a stanza in B flat, but which the Professor was unable to render, whereupon he inquired of Professor Munson, who was present, by invitation, if it would not do just as well to dispense with the B flat, by changing from G minor to G major, throughout an entire stanza. Of course Professor Munson thought not, but replied that he supposed he could do as he pleased.
In 1850, H. D. Munson, in connection with Prof. O. L. Castle, (Superintendent of Public Schools) started the first music store, at number 98, Main street. This venture, however, owing to the general want of musical culture in the city and surrounding country, proved a loss, financially.
In the fall of 1857, Prof. V. C. Taylor, of New York, held a musical convention in Odd Fellows' Hall, which was very largely attended by the singers, young and old. They closed with a grand concert, having a chorus of more than a hundred voices. This event, besides increasing the interest in vocal music, brought into prominence many fine voices, before unknown, and marked an important epoch in the history of vocal music ; this was followed by important accessions to several choirs of the city, and soon after,. largely through the efforts of Charles Ross and James E. Cox, by the formation of the Harmonic Society, (about 1858) which was well sustained for several years, and did much to keep active the interest awakened, especially in chorus singing.
Professor Munson also taught classes in the neighboring cities and villages, Cambridge, Newark, McConnelsville, and Athens, until peace was disturbed by the war of the rebellion, when he went to the war, an account of which will be found in the history of Muskingum in the War, in this work.
MUSIC STORE—After the cruel war was over," Col. Munson obtained the consent of the book and jewelry storekeepers, of Zanesville, who were dealing in music and musical instruments, to concentrate musical merchandise in one substantial effort, by relinquishing their hold on that trade, and ceasing to deal in music and musical instruments, which was easily done, for, divided as the trade was, no one felt a special temptation to keep a stock that had comparatively little demand. Mr. A. C. Ross, jeweler, had kept a small assortment of music and musical instruments, and sold several pianos, but also relinquished his trade in these articles, and Prof. Munson re-embarked in a music store, notwithstanding his former unprofitable experience in this line in 1850. In 1865, he opened up with a small stock of pianos and cabinet organs, in the back part of room 91, Main street, then occupied by the late A. Fletcher, as a book store, and now by Hollingsworth & Dennis.
In 1867, Prof. Munson felt the need of more room, ann removed to a small room in Maginnis' Block, Fifth street, with an increased stock of pianos, organs, sheet music, etc. January 1, 1869, he removed to 108, Main street, with a still larger stock, and now felt the tidal wave of ap preciation of these efforts, in his greatly increased business.
In 1872, H. D. Munson, Jr., and Charles E. Munson, his sons, who had aided him for sometime, were admitted to partnership, with the firm name of H. D. Munson & Sons, and are still conducting the business, on a magnificent scale, in Opera Building.
Prof. William Lilienthal, from Baden, Germany, came to Zanesville, in 1851, and in 1852 began his first professional services ; the class of instruction was greatly abridged, compared with the musical instruction in the old country ; his patrons seemed disposed to gallop into the performance of pieces, consisting of ballads and national airs of simple harmony. The value placed on musical tuition was not very high, lessons being given at twenty-five cents each, and no regular course taken. In illustration of the musical appreciation of the time, Prof. Lilienthal relates the following incident : A gentleman informed him that he had heard of his reputation, and wished him to give his daughter some instruction in singing, remarking that she was a good performer on the piano. He accompanied the gentleman home, and the daughter was invited to play a good piece, "Old Lang Syne," which she did, without regard to time, and in a manner that rendered it difficult of recognition, while the father was in ecstacy over it, saying it was splendid!
Mr. Lilienthal's first organ service was for the Universalist congregation, worshiping in City Hall, for which he received the munificent sum of fifty dollars per annum, playing morning and evening, on Sundays ; he continued to fill that position several years.
Prof. Lilienthal is of the opinion that the first great awakening in the musical world, in Zanesville, was produced by the renowned pianist, Thalberg, who came there under the management of Strakosch, assisted by some distinguished vocalists.
We are indebted to Prof. Lilienthal for the names of some others who came here to teach music, which are as follows :
Machhold came in 1856, and remained several years, and had considerable ability as a teacher. Francis Miller, teacher of violin and piano, did not remain long enough to get a living. Strachauer, a fine musician, had but little success as a teacher, although pupils, desiring instruction, were numerous after the war.
Prof. Lilienthal was in the hundred days service in the rebellion, and, returning, soon found his former pupils, and others, and has continued to have as much as he can do. Many of his pupils have become successful teachers. The selection of instruction books, in Professor Lilienthal's experience during the last fifteen years, has been advancing retrogressively towards classic music ; this is also evidenced by his advanced pupils playing in concerts, compositions of the great Masters, in a very satisfactory manner. At his last concert, given in June, 1879, music from Beethoven, Mendelssohn. Thalberg,
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and Bach, the rendition of-which always requires a high order of talent and skill, was performed very satisfactorily, both to the audience and the Professor.
Prof. Charles Meising, a native of Wisel, on the Rhine, received his musical education at Kempen, under the special training of his father, a distinguished pianist, and Oscar Rieman, "first violinist to the King of Hanover." He came to the United States of America, and first taught in the city of Pittsburgh, Pa., and came to Zanesville, Ohio, in 1875 ; his patronage has been among the best families, Mr. Meising confines himself almost exclusively to teaching the piano, although teaching the violin.
Prof. George Rowe, an accomplished musician, came to Zanesville in 1879, remained about a year and a half, and removed to Mansfield, 0.
Professor J. D. Luse, a native of Cuyahoga county. Ohio, received hjs musical education chiefly in Cleveland, Ohio ; taught in Norwalk and Tiffin, Ohio, in 1875 to 1878, when he came to Zanesville, to engage in teaching vocal music in the public schools, which he has continued to do to this time. He was the first to inaugurate a thorough course in the schools, and, whereas, there were but few wh0 could read music of the simplest class, when he began teaching, now there are hundreds who read readily, and sing with good expression. The instruction is given in sixty-two schools, ranging through every grade, from the Primary A's, through the High School, and nine-tenths of the pupils read music readily. Professor Luse is a well known leader in the music clubs, and is a choir leader. He teaches the piano, and has had a valuable experience in leading choruses.
Mr. W. G. Starke, the artist, has kindly furnished the following fragmentary outline :
CONCORDIA, the first German singing society, was organized in the spring of 1854, and continued for several years.
THE MANNERCHOR was organized in 1859, and practiced until the war of the rebellion broke out.
THE FROHSINN.—This society was organized in September, 1865, and, after a struggle for two years, disbanded for want of some essential voices. In 1868. this society reorganized, and continued to practice until May, 1871.
HARMONIE..This society was organized in November, 1872, with members from most of the old societies, but disbanded in December, 1874.
THE MANNERCHOR .—This society reorganized during the winter of 1879-80. This effort brought together some of the "old reliables," but ultimately failed, on account of their inability to maintain a competent leader, notwithstanding the aid derived from concerts during winter seasons.
The active members of these societies were all of German birth.
GERMAN SINGING SOCIETY .—This organization was effected, December 5th, 1879, at Adolph Horn's band room, when Colonel Fred. Geiger was called to the chair, Judge H. L. Korte was chosen Secretary, and W. G. Starke, Adolph Schneider, and Hon. Herman F. Achauer were
appointed a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws. This organization flourished until the demands of business and social cares rendered it inexpedient to continue their exercises.
THE CHORAL ASSOCIATION.—This association was organized, January 1st, 1879, the membership reaching nearly two hundred ; the average attendance was one hundred. The music selected had a wide range, and some selections were from the master musicians. Professor J. D. Luse led it gratuitously. The organization, however, could not meet at private houses, for want of room. Hall rent and Music cost money, and, as in all such organizations, an incentive must lead, and a support sustain, so in this, and for want of patronage, notwithstanding their meritorious performances, the association suspended. Among the leading singers were Mrs. Stanbery, Mrs. Drone, Mrs. Bagley, and Miss Roper ; Messrs. Cox, Ingalls, Waller, Edgar, and Albert Allen— talent enough to sustain any organization, under favorable auspices. This will be more apparent when the Mendelssohn Glee Club is spoken of. This is a male quartette, and, of course, lacking in the inspiration derived from the association, to say nothing of the loss of ,angelic power, of the cultivated female voices. This is no mere sentiment, as every one acquainted with music will readily admit. Yet the charms of music held this quartette together, under many disparaging circumstances, during the three years that have elapsed since their organization. The club is composed of Professor J. D. Luse, leader and first tenor ; Hiram Waller, second tenor ; J. J. Ingalls, first bass, and James A. Cox, second bass. These gentlemen were also members of the Choral Association. As a male quartette, they combine the rare qualification of reading difficult music readily, with the crowning triumph of the singer —sympathy. It was the good fortune of the historian to hear this club render some selections found in Amphion, such as "The Gay Pilgrim," "Soldier's Departure," "Naught on Earth," and "The Artillerist's Oath ;" "Image of the Rose," "0, Wert Thou in the Cauld Blast," from the Anion ; pieces well calculated to test the singer's power, and, in the opinion of the writer, they triumpbed gloriously.