The subject of my sketch, A.W. Klose, was one of our pioneer singers.
In 1852, when I was a girl of sixteen, he sang the bass in the choir
of the Presbyterian Church of Stockton. He was there for three years.
He was born January 25, 1831, in Verden, kingdom of Hanover, Germany
and educated there. He came to California in 1849, to Stockton in the
early part of 1854. Business called him to San Francisco in 1862.
After he left Stockton we never met again until September 26, 1896,
in Oakland, after forty-two years. He belonged to the Handel & Haydn
society from 1860 to 1867. At that time I was in Santa Cruz. He was
one of the organizers of the Harmonic society, Prof. Dohrmann,
director. Later John P. Morgan was leader. He was also one of the
charter members of the Orpheus society of male singers, conductor,
Prof. McDougal. Connected with the Orpheus was also a choral of
women's and men's voices. They gave some fine concerts in Oakland at
that time. At the death of Prof. McDougal this society went out of
existence, but afterward reorganized with men's voices only, as it now
exists. Mr. Klose was one of the members of its musical committee for
years. While in San Francisco he was director of the Methodist choir
until he came to Oakland to reside. He sang in the First Presbyterian
church choir for over thirty-five years. He retired about three years
ago. He went to his final rest August 19, 1912, at the age of
eighty-one years. The death of my friend records the last of the
galaxy of fine men singers who came here in the earlier days to seek
wealth. He was always ready to assist in the advancement of the best
music. He sang in the days when we were judged by the knowledge of how
to sing correctly and with intelligent understanding of the work. He
was always a devout Christian, an efficient worker in the Sabbath
school and endeared himself to all by his quiet, dignified manner. I
think this testimony will stand for him in every community where he
sojourned. I, as one of his earliest friends, gladly pay him my last
tribute of respect and place his name in affectionate remembrance in
my record of old singers. Old-time friend, "rest in Peace."