Opera Singer. She and her older sister Belle, before they were twelve years of age, were noted as vocalists throughout their neighborhood. They appeared frequently in Morris, Illinois and surrounding villages and cities in concert work. They soon attracted the attention of traveling managers, one of whom succeeded in securing them for a tour of the western cities to sing in character duets. The older sister was of delicate constitution and died soon after the engagement was made. Jessie then went to Chicago, and was engaged by Caroline Richings, with whom she traveled one season. She returned to Chicago and devoted herself to the study of music, and at the same time held a good position in a church choir. During the "Pinafore" craze Manager Haverly persuaded her to become a member of his original Chicago Church Choir Company, and she assumed the role of Buttercup. That was the beginning of her career as an opera singer. She was also one of the best actors among the singers on the American stage. She made her debut in grand opera in New York City with Adelina Patti and the Mapleson Opera Company. Other grand operas in which she won distinction are "The Huguenots," "Martha," "The Merry Wives of Windsor," "Il Trovatore," "Dinorah" and others. In comic opera she had a large repertoire. She was a leading contralto of the Bostonians. She is the author of "Only a Chorus Girl" and other stories and a number of poems. She is known for "O, Promise Me," part of which is on her tombstone.
Opera Singer. She and her older sister Belle, before they were twelve years of age, were noted as vocalists throughout their neighborhood. They appeared frequently in Morris, Illinois and surrounding villages and cities in concert work. They soon attracted the attention of traveling managers, one of whom succeeded in securing them for a tour of the western cities to sing in character duets. The older sister was of delicate constitution and died soon after the engagement was made. Jessie then went to Chicago, and was engaged by Caroline Richings, with whom she traveled one season. She returned to Chicago and devoted herself to the study of music, and at the same time held a good position in a church choir. During the "Pinafore" craze Manager Haverly persuaded her to become a member of his original Chicago Church Choir Company, and she assumed the role of Buttercup. That was the beginning of her career as an opera singer. She was also one of the best actors among the singers on the American stage. She made her debut in grand opera in New York City with Adelina Patti and the Mapleson Opera Company. Other grand operas in which she won distinction are "The Huguenots," "Martha," "The Merry Wives of Windsor," "Il Trovatore," "Dinorah" and others. In comic opera she had a large repertoire. She was a leading contralto of the Bostonians. She is the author of "Only a Chorus Girl" and other stories and a number of poems. She is known for "O, Promise Me," part of which is on her tombstone.
Bio by: Ginny M
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