Fountain Lewis, jun., was diligently prepared during his boyhood for an organist, and in that direction is proving quite worthy of his father's care.
By reference to a programme of a combined dramatic and musical entertainment given in Cincinnati in May, 1876, under the direction of the popular elocutionist, Powhatan Beaty, I find the names of the following musical people not previously mentioned:—
Mr. Charles Hawkins performed "Streamlets" and "A Summer's Reverie" on the piano; Mrs. Emma E. Clark sang the solo, "Brightest Eyes;" Mr. Charles Singer sang a baritone solo; Mr. Edwin de Leon sang "Poor Old Joe;" and Mr. William H. Jones sang "My Soul is Dark."
I am not informed as to the extent of proficiency displayed on this occasion by these performers; but relying, as I ought, upon the good judgment of Mr. Beaty, presume that he called none to his aid except those at least fairly skilled in the rendering of music. The above names are, therefore, recorded here.
The city of Chicago contains quite a large number of very excellent musicians belonging to the race whose acquirements are here recorded. Besides several very fine church-choirs, there is a large organization of well-trained vocalists, the performances of which have been highly spoken of by the journals of Chicago and those of other cities in the State of Illinois.
Mrs. Frances A. Powell, the founder and directress of this society, is also the leading soprano of the Olivet Baptist Church choir. She was educated at Buffalo, N.Y.; and her superior powers as a vocalist have been made the occasion of very flattering testimonials by the press of Chicago and of the States of Illinois and Wisconsin.
Mrs. Harriett E. Freeman, an excellent mezzo-soprano, leading the singing of Quinn-Chapel choir, has been complimented by the press. She was educated at New Bedford, Mass.
Mrs. Charlotte M. Alexander, leading soprano of Bethel-Church choir, was educated at Cincinnati.
Mrs. Bessie Warwick, soprano and brilliant pianist, was formerly a pupil of Professor Baumback of Chicago.
Mrs. Hettie Reed possesses a contralto-voice of remarkable purity and sweetness. She is one of the principal singers of the society first mentioned, and has been highly complimented by the critics of Illinois and Wisconsin.