His name is also given in the directory of 1805, but nevertheless he died in 1804.
From the above, it is seen that he lived on the same street all the time he was in Philadelphia, with the exception of the year 1795 when he dwelt at 31 Race St., which however, was not far away. We see, too, the different appellations given to him, as “musician,” “teacher of music,” and finally “master of music,” Evidently he was skilled as a musician, and was respected as such.
Little else is known about Philip Roth, but we may presume that he played in the orchestra of the “Old Southwark Theatre”—perhaps was even the leader, since we know that he was well acquainted with the actors.[245] We do know that he composed a piece of music, or rather set to music a “Hunting Song,” which was printed in the “Universal Asylum,” April, 1790. He must indeed, have been a skilful musician to be able to give lessons on all the instruments in his advertisement—nine in all—although he could not have been proficient on all. Still he must have been talented.
The date of his death has been misstated by the only author, who has mentioned it at all. O. G. Sonneck, in his book “Early Secular American Music” (1905) page 190, and in an article “Critical Notes on the Origin of Hail Columbia” printed in the “Sammelbände der Internationalen Musikgesellschaft” (1901) states that Philip Roth died in 1805.
It is true that in the City Directory for 1805 his name is found while in the directory for 1806 the following entry appears:
“Rote, widow of Philip, music master, 94 N. 7th St.”[246]
To offset the above evidence there is the documentary proof as follows:
“On the 24th day of September, 1804, Letters of Administration were granted unto Mary Roth on the Estate of her Husband, Philip Roth deceased.
$200. Henry Lies of Philadelphia, Victualler. Jacob Grace of Nor. Liberties, Carter. Sureties.”[247]
Philip Roth could not have amassed much wealth during his musical career, since his surety was only $200.