my work was upon
different lines, I got out of touch. My music was confined to the
churches and concert halls and teaching in music and art and other
branches of industrial development for the young of our growing city.
I am indebted to my good musical friends of earlier days for much of
this knowledge.

When my earlier co-workers in music heard that I was to write about
our early days they were all interested and entered into the
proposition with unabated enthusiasm and not one has refused to give
me information to make this volume a souvenir of the days when we
began as factors in the development of music from the small beginnings
of 1850 to the solid foundations of today.

CHAPTER TEN

AS A CHURCH CHOIR SINGER. BARNABEE, ZERRAHN, PATTI, JENNY LIND, JOE
MAGUIRE, SAM MAYER, HARRY GATES

My career as a church singer dates as far back as my childhood. As
children our father pressed us into the service of the Sabbath school
and church services. There were seven girls and three boys. As soon as
we were old enough to do the work, our parts were assigned to us,
consequently singing the church service was part of my young life.
Before I could read the notes I was able to make an alto part to
almost any hymn. That is one reason why I do not read notes as readily
as others, for it was easier for me to make my own part than take the
trouble to read the music. But later on I was obliged to read my part,
if I sang in concert with others.

We moved from Illinois and settled in Cincinnati in 1845. My father
was the founder of the Betts Street First German Reformed Church and
was its pastor for seven years. During that time I sang each Sabbath.
When father came to California and another pastor occupied the pulpit,
we were obliged to give up the parsonage. Other arrangements were made
for the music and my sister Mary became the organist of the old Sixth
Street Presbyterian Church and Mr. Charles Aiken, director of the
music. By accident I went with my sister Mary and sat in the choir
loft. Mr. Aiken noticed my presence and recognized me as one of his
pupils in the public school where he taught the singing during the
week. Surprised at seeing me he asked how I happened to come into the
choir. I told him I was with my sister, Miss Kroh, "Ah," he replied,
and smiled and left me. I saw him in conversation after she had
finished her voluntary. When she was seated beside me she said,
"Maggie, when the choir arises to sing go