San Francisco County

Biographies

MRS. LIZZIE PARKER HOWELL

MRS. LIZZIE PARKER HOWELL, one of the best-known musicians on the Pacific coast, is a native of Hubbardston, Massachusetts, and the youngest daughter of Dana R. Parker. Her ancestors were among the earliest settlers of New England; her father was a cousin of Rev. Theodore Parker, and also of Judge James Parker, who framed the laws of Massachusetts. Her mother’s family name was Williams, and they were all noted for their musical ability, both vocal and instrumental. Mrs. Howell’s sister, Sophia, was a noted vocalist and prima donna, and sang through the United States at musical concerts for Dr. Lowell Mason and George James Webb. Her brother, Amos, a fine baritone, was formerly Mayor of Worcestor, Massachusetts.

Mrs. Howell, our subject, first began taking lessons of J. Q. Wetherby, of Boston, a noted English baritone, with whom she studied recitation and oratorio. She also studied under Bendelari, the famous Italian teacher of Boston. During the time she was studying she sang for Rev. T. Starr King’s church, then for Rev. Dr. Cushman’s, a brother of Charlotte Cushman, next for Rev. Dr. Putman’s church in Roxbury two years ago. She then went to New York and studied under P. A. Revarde, a teacher of great reputation, and remained under his instructions three years. Mrs. Howell at that time was singing in St. Peter’s church nearly a year, and then accepted the flattering offer from the Broadway Tabernacle, and sang there until she came to California in January, 1861, to sing in concerts. She was, however, induced to become connected with Bianchi’s opera troop, and sang with him about a year and a half. She afterward returned East and engaged with Strakosch to sing with him, and after sang at the Winter Gardens, remaining East two years and a half. In 1865 she returned to this city and sang in concerts, and also began her career as teacher. In July, 1866, Mrs. Howell engaged as soprano at the Synagogue Immanuel, and retained that position eleven years; also occupying the position as soprano at the Grace Episcopal church nine years. After one year’s rest she engaged as soprano in Dr. Stone’s First Congregational church, where she sang twelve years. For the past thirty years she has been engaged in teaching and voice culture, always having full classes. She has sent more pupils to finish with La Grange than any other teacher. Miss Lilian Reed, one of her scholars, sang at St. Thomas’ church, New York, at a salary of $2,500. On account of a severe cold, resulting in severe throat trouble, Mrs. Howell gave up singing, and now devotes all her time to teaching.

She has one son and daughter, who inherit their mother’s talent, both fine musicians; and the former, Theodore H. Northrop, is a composer of note: has composed several operas which have received favorable mention. Her daughter, Mrs. Grace Howell, inherits the magnificent voice of her mother, and at her debut, at the age of sixteen, she more than fulfilled her mother’s expectations, and received very favorable mention from the press of this city. Mrs. Howell has sung the solos in every oratorio that has been produced in the United States, and at the time she was signing in opera she sang twenty-seven different operas. She sang with Signors Stegeller, Brignoli, Susini, Mesdames Vestrale, Guerabelli, Medori, Gazzanigi, Adelaide Phillips, M. Sulzer, Biscaciante Bianch, Frezzolini and others, receiving high praise. Her voice was phenomenal, extending to F. in alt, reaching low G easily, and showing no effort in the most difficult music.

Transcribed by Donna L. Becker

Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 2, pages 458-459, Lewis Publishing Co, 1892.

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