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Ethel Hyde

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Ethel Hyde

Birth
Death
27 Aug 1899 (aged 27)
Burial
Bath, Sagadahoc County, Maine, USA GPS-Latitude: 43.9237759, Longitude: -69.8276184
Memorial ID
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ETHEL HYDE.— The earthly sojourn of Miss Ethel Hyde, comprised within the brief period of twenty-eight years, was a healthy, contented, happy life, that reflected the sunny radiance of a pure soul, and, measured by quality, may be said to have been rounded out and complete. Miss Hyde was born in Bath, Me., on the thirtieth day of August, 1871. Her father was General Thomas Worcester Hyde, and her paternal grandparents were Zina and Eleanor (Davis) Hyde.

Miss Ethel Hyde went through the usual routine of the schools in Bath, the instruction there received being supplemented by private tuition. At the age of eighteen, with her aunt, Mrs. Eames, mother of the famous vocalist, Emma Eames, she went to Europe to "finish her education," as the expression is, although, as a fact, her education never was complete. She was always learning, not satisfied with that which she had already acquired, but eager to gain knowledge in all directions. The result was the possession of a well-balanced, resourceful mind, which appreciated the higher impulses of life while not disdaining its lighter claims. Blessed with a fine physique and graceful in form, she united in her person the classic requirements of the healthy mind in the healthy body. She was fond of outdoor life, and excelled in all athletic exercises. Her artistic sense was highly developed. This was characteristically displayed in her love of flowers, of which the beautiful beds at Elmhurst were her especial care. Her fine perception and good judgment as an amateur of art were attested by her fine collection of pictures from European galleries.

But, of all the gifts with which nature had endowed her, none was more marked than that of music. It was born in her, inherited to a large extent from her mother, who is a finished and artistic musician. Early promise of a musical voice was detected by the mother, who fostered and cared for it until the time came for higher cultivation. Miss Clara Munger, of Boston, was her first teacher. She subsequently studied under Olivieri in Boston and Madam Picciotto, Van den Heuvel, and Manouri in Paris. The promise of early days was more than fulfilled. A voice of exquisite beauty and purity of tone had been trained in the highest and most artistic method, and a brilliant singer appeared. Had her ambitions tended in that direction, Miss Hyde would have won laurels on the operatic stage; and, indeed, she was often urged to devote herself to this career. Eminent critics who had heard her were unanimously of the opinion that she would adorn the lyric profession. Anton Seidl declared she had "a voice of velvet," while Jean de Reszke pronounced it the best amateur voice he had ever heard. But her own tastes did not lie in that way, and she voluntarily gave up an opportunity that many might covet.

The gift, however, was not hidden; and Miss Hyde was ranked among the highest of amateur singers. Not only in her own home, but in social circles of New York, Boston, Newport, and Lenox, as well as in Paris, Venice, and other places abroad, she delighted all who heard her. In Washington she was a guest of the British and German Ambassadors, and on more than one occasion was specially invited to sing at the White House. In accordance with her habitual desire of making good use of her accomplishments and acting up to the beneficent instincts of her nature, she devoted her talents largely to the cause of benevolence and charity. To this end she frequently organized concerts or gave recitals, in order to be able to minister to the wants of needy and deserving people, and there are many to-day who owe education and all that they are to her thoughtful consideration.

Confirmed in Grace Church, Bath, Miss Hyde was sincere and unostentatious in her religious life. The Christian virtues and graces beautified her character. She took an active part in church work, and her own parish gratefully recalls the practical and financial assistance she rendered. Thus, adorning her station in society, pursuing a life of unselfish goodness, she was respected and loved by all.

It was in the midst of such a life, so bright and useful, that Miss Hyde was suddenly stricken down with incurable disease. Tenderly ministered to with all that loving hearts could supply, for three months she bore her sufferings with beautiful patience and Christian fortitude. Then God called her to higher service on Sunday, August 27, 1899. On the twenty-eighth anniversary of her birth all that was mortal of Ethel Hyde was laid to rest amidst a sorrow that was universal. Many glowing tributes have been paid to her memory. The regard in which she was held by those among whom she lived may be gathered from the words of her rector at the funeral service, when, speaking of the wonderful voice, he said, "It seemed as if it were the very expression of her life, tuned to a higher key—as all her life was—sweet, true, pure, inspiring," and from the opening and closing sentences of an editorial in the local paper: "The entire city mourns to-day for the sad death of Miss Ethel Hyde. . . . She will be held in long and grateful remembrance for her many deeds of charity and loving kindness."

Source: Representative Women of New England (1904)
ETHEL HYDE.— The earthly sojourn of Miss Ethel Hyde, comprised within the brief period of twenty-eight years, was a healthy, contented, happy life, that reflected the sunny radiance of a pure soul, and, measured by quality, may be said to have been rounded out and complete. Miss Hyde was born in Bath, Me., on the thirtieth day of August, 1871. Her father was General Thomas Worcester Hyde, and her paternal grandparents were Zina and Eleanor (Davis) Hyde.

Miss Ethel Hyde went through the usual routine of the schools in Bath, the instruction there received being supplemented by private tuition. At the age of eighteen, with her aunt, Mrs. Eames, mother of the famous vocalist, Emma Eames, she went to Europe to "finish her education," as the expression is, although, as a fact, her education never was complete. She was always learning, not satisfied with that which she had already acquired, but eager to gain knowledge in all directions. The result was the possession of a well-balanced, resourceful mind, which appreciated the higher impulses of life while not disdaining its lighter claims. Blessed with a fine physique and graceful in form, she united in her person the classic requirements of the healthy mind in the healthy body. She was fond of outdoor life, and excelled in all athletic exercises. Her artistic sense was highly developed. This was characteristically displayed in her love of flowers, of which the beautiful beds at Elmhurst were her especial care. Her fine perception and good judgment as an amateur of art were attested by her fine collection of pictures from European galleries.

But, of all the gifts with which nature had endowed her, none was more marked than that of music. It was born in her, inherited to a large extent from her mother, who is a finished and artistic musician. Early promise of a musical voice was detected by the mother, who fostered and cared for it until the time came for higher cultivation. Miss Clara Munger, of Boston, was her first teacher. She subsequently studied under Olivieri in Boston and Madam Picciotto, Van den Heuvel, and Manouri in Paris. The promise of early days was more than fulfilled. A voice of exquisite beauty and purity of tone had been trained in the highest and most artistic method, and a brilliant singer appeared. Had her ambitions tended in that direction, Miss Hyde would have won laurels on the operatic stage; and, indeed, she was often urged to devote herself to this career. Eminent critics who had heard her were unanimously of the opinion that she would adorn the lyric profession. Anton Seidl declared she had "a voice of velvet," while Jean de Reszke pronounced it the best amateur voice he had ever heard. But her own tastes did not lie in that way, and she voluntarily gave up an opportunity that many might covet.

The gift, however, was not hidden; and Miss Hyde was ranked among the highest of amateur singers. Not only in her own home, but in social circles of New York, Boston, Newport, and Lenox, as well as in Paris, Venice, and other places abroad, she delighted all who heard her. In Washington she was a guest of the British and German Ambassadors, and on more than one occasion was specially invited to sing at the White House. In accordance with her habitual desire of making good use of her accomplishments and acting up to the beneficent instincts of her nature, she devoted her talents largely to the cause of benevolence and charity. To this end she frequently organized concerts or gave recitals, in order to be able to minister to the wants of needy and deserving people, and there are many to-day who owe education and all that they are to her thoughtful consideration.

Confirmed in Grace Church, Bath, Miss Hyde was sincere and unostentatious in her religious life. The Christian virtues and graces beautified her character. She took an active part in church work, and her own parish gratefully recalls the practical and financial assistance she rendered. Thus, adorning her station in society, pursuing a life of unselfish goodness, she was respected and loved by all.

It was in the midst of such a life, so bright and useful, that Miss Hyde was suddenly stricken down with incurable disease. Tenderly ministered to with all that loving hearts could supply, for three months she bore her sufferings with beautiful patience and Christian fortitude. Then God called her to higher service on Sunday, August 27, 1899. On the twenty-eighth anniversary of her birth all that was mortal of Ethel Hyde was laid to rest amidst a sorrow that was universal. Many glowing tributes have been paid to her memory. The regard in which she was held by those among whom she lived may be gathered from the words of her rector at the funeral service, when, speaking of the wonderful voice, he said, "It seemed as if it were the very expression of her life, tuned to a higher key—as all her life was—sweet, true, pure, inspiring," and from the opening and closing sentences of an editorial in the local paper: "The entire city mourns to-day for the sad death of Miss Ethel Hyde. . . . She will be held in long and grateful remembrance for her many deeds of charity and loving kindness."

Source: Representative Women of New England (1904)


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  • Created by: Maine 101
  • Added: Jan 16, 2020
  • Find a Grave Memorial ID:
  • Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/206285560/ethel-hyde: accessed ), memorial page for Ethel Hyde (30 Aug 1871–27 Aug 1899), Find a Grave Memorial ID 206285560, citing Oak Grove Cemetery, Bath, Sagadahoc County, Maine, USA; Maintained by Maine 101 (contributor 47130320).