Susan McFarland Parkhurst facts for kids
Susan McFarland Parkhurst (born June 5, 1836 – died May 4, 1918) was an American writer and composer. She created popular songs and piano music during the 1860s. Her work often focused on important social and religious topics of her time.
Early Life and Career
Susan McFarland was born in Leicester, Massachusetts. She started her music career as an accompanist and soloist. Her first recorded public performance was at a Methodist concert in New York City in 1860.
She later married E.A. Parkhurst and they had a daughter named Effie. Sadly, her husband died in 1864 while serving in the American Civil War. After this, Susan took a job at Waters's Music Store. There, she met the famous composer Stephen Foster. This meeting inspired her to begin writing her own songs.
Susan Parkhurst wrote many songs about current events and religious beliefs. She and her daughter Effie sometimes performed her songs in public. Her music became well-known, especially at meetings for social causes in New York.
Published Works and Legacy
In 1864, Stephen Foster's publisher, Horace Waters, released a special catalog of Mrs. E.A. Parkhurst's musical pieces. She also contributed songs to Horace Waters' hymnals, which are books of religious songs.
Susan Parkhurst was recognized for her songs that addressed important social issues. These included songs supporting the temperance movement and the abolitionist movement. She also composed many sacred songs.
Some of her notable works include:
- "New Emancipation Song" (1864)
- "There Are Voices" (1864)
- "Spirit Voices" (1864)
- "Weep No More for Lilly" (1864)
- "The Athenaeum" (1863)
- "The Golden Harp" (1863)
- "Zion's Refreshing Showers" (1867)
In September 1916, Susan Parkhurst shared her memories of Stephen Foster's final days. She published an article titled "Personal Recollections of the Last Days of Stephen Foster" in The Etude magazine.
Original copies of her songs are kept in the Music Division of the New York Public Library. Her instrumental music is preserved at the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, Massachusetts. Susan Parkhurst passed away in Brooklyn, New York.
