Representative women of New England/Katherine M. Ricker

by Mary H. Graves

KATHERINE MAY RICKER, one of the most popular of the younger contralto singers of New England, is a member of one of the oldest and best known families of Maine, the Rickers of Poland Springs. They are of "ancient lineage, descending from the feudal and knightly family of Riccar in Saxony in the fourteenth century." The motto of the Riccar arms (now in the possession of the Poland Springs branch and said to be well attested) was "Sapientia domun Dei," "Wisdom the gift of God." Members of this Saxon family settled in later times on the Island of Jersey, whence came George and Maturin Riccar, brothers, the ancestors of most, if not all, of the name in America, a numerous and widely scattered progeny. George, the elder brother, was the first to come, advised, it is believed, by Parson Reyner. He settled at Cocheco, now Dover, N.H., about the year 1670. Maturin, from whom is descended the subject of this sketch, followed a few years later. Both married here, and reared families, George being the father of nine children and Maturin of at least four. They lived near together in garrison houses on Dover Point.

Tradition has it that they were greatly attached to each other, each frequently declaring that he did not want to know of the other's death. The Indians, so the story runs, planned to kill them both, and accordingly lay in wait for them one morning, one at each house. Hearing the shot that killed his brother, the other ran to the door and was himself instantly shot, so that they died within five minutes of each other. The "Journal of Rev. John Pike," minister in Dover at that time, relates the incident somewhat differently, recording under date of June 4, 1706: "George Riccar and Maturin Riccar of Cocheco were slain by Indians. George was killed while running up the lane near the garrison; Maturin was killed in his field, and his little son Noah carried away." The first narrative, however, is that passed down the line by Jabez Ricker, the grandson of Maturin. Noah, the child captured, was taken to Canada, where he became a Catholic priest. After the massacre of the brothers their families left Dover P«int, and went to Garrison House Hill in Somersworth, N.H., there being seven garrison houses near together.

Miss Ricker's line of descent from Maturin¹ is through Joseph,² Jabez,³ Wentworth,⁴ Albert G.⁵ (born in 1812, married Charlotte Schillinger, of Poland), and Wentworth Pottle" Ricker, her father (a cousin of the Rickers of Poland Spring House), who married Dorcas Ann Merrill, daughter of Leonard Merrill, one of the influential men of Falmouth and a descendant of Captain James Merrill, who settled there early in the eighteenth century. The old homestead, erected in 1727, was Miss Ricker's birthplace, and is at present occupied by her family. The stanch patriotism and liberality of James Merrill and his neighbors at New Casco, as the part of the town where they lived was called, is shown by the following letter, which, accompanied b- fourteen cords of wood, was sent to Samuel Adams, Esq., chairman of the committee for the poor of Boston in the troubled times preceding the outbreak of the Revolution:—

"March 11, 1775. Gentlemen: We herewith transmit to you by Captain Wormwell and Captain Lock some wood, which we cheerfully give to our suffering brethren that are now standing in the gap between us and slavery. We are but few in numbers and of small ability, and, as we earn our bread by the sweat of our brow, shall ever hold in utter detestation both men and measures that would rob us of the fruits of our toils, and are ready with our labors, with our lives, and with our estates to stand or fall in the common cause of liberty. And if we fall we shall die like men and Chris- tians and enjoy the glorious privileges of the sons of Cod.

"This from your humble servants of said Parish, New Casco: Sanmel Cobb, Nathaniel Carl, James Merrill."

The sterling qualities exhibited by Captain Merrill have been transmitted to his descendants, who have been leaders in all matters of progress and occupied positions of trust.

Miss Ricker received her early education in the public schools of Falmouth and at Westbrook Seminary. Her musical ability, inherited from both parents, who were singers of local reputation and possessed voices of more than ordinary merit, evinced itself in childhood. At the age of seventeen she began vocal culture under Charles R. Adams, of Boston, remaining one season. Returning home, she continued her study with William H. Dennett, of Portland, to whom she feels that she owes a great deal of her success. By his advice she next studied with the great maestro, Olivieri. During her studies with Mr. Dennett she was engaged as contralto of the Williston choir, remaining until her departure for Europe in May, 1894. She was also a member of the afternoon choir at the Second Parish Church, under Mr. Kotzschmar. Her first public appearance was in the "Pirates of Penzance," given by the society people of Portland. Her wonderful voice and dramatic power came as a surprise to the large audience, and, although her part was a minor one, repeated demands were made for her little solo. The success of that night was the beginning of her rapidly brightening career. She was now in demand at all amateur operas, one of her most popular roles being Katisha in "The Mikado." While in Portland she was a member of several musical clubs and other organizations, among them being the Haydn Quartette, which became quite famous throughout New England, the Rossini Club, the Haydn Association, and the Portland Singers' Club. Later she became a member of the McDowell Club of Boston.

With Mrs. John Rand, Miss Alice Linwood Philbrook, and Miss Florence G. Knight, she was sent to re|)resent the Portland Rossini Club at the Columbian Exposition. They won for their club a diploma of special honor for meritorious work; and, in addition. Miss Rieker and her cousin. Miss Knight, were awarded individual diplomas for the most artistic performance of the whole convention, the only individual diplomas given to singers. The awards were made by twelve of the leading musical critics of the world.

In 1894 she went abroad, beginning her European study with Signor Vannuccini in London, continuing under the same master in Florence and again in London the second season, when by his advice she studied also with Signor Randegger in oratorio and English. While in Europe she received much social attention, both in London and in Italy. Ever since her return to Boston she has tilled the position which she now holds, that of contralto in the choir of Central Congregational Church, one of the best church positions in Boston. She has also devoted herself to concert and oratorio work. At the Maine Musical Festivals of 1898 and 1900 she sang with D. Ffrangcon Davies in the oratorio of "Elijah," her success being only second to his. Her voice is peculiarly suited to the contralto score of that work. Another great success was achieved by her in February, 1899, when at a few hours' notice she sang in Mendelssohn's "St. Paul," given by the Handel and Haydn Society. She has also sung in Liza Lelunann's " Persian Garden" several times. As a concert singer she is in constant demand, appearing chiefly in New England.

Gifted with a charming personality, Miss Kicker has a host of warm friends, social and musical. She is a true Maine girl, fond of the place of her birth. Her summers are spent at the old homestead, so full of her childhood's memories.