This is a transcription of the Miss Ada M. Aspinwall biography from New Hampshire Women: A Collection of Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Daughters and Residents of the Granite State, Who are Worthy Representatives of their Sex in the Various Walks and Conditions of Life, The New Hampshire Publishing Co., Concord, NH, 1895, page 73.
Ada M. Aspinwall
IF it be true that “poets are born, not made,” the same is true of artists in music or otherwise; yet the highest natural gifts require constant and careful training in order to obtain the best results. In old-world lands, with their history, legends, and myths, children are born breathing the very air of poetry and music. That great artists should there develop is natural, for the influence of centuries is upon them. In our land we are fed upon the stern realities of life, and our history is of no aid to the student in art; yet we have in New Hampshire a source of inspiration in our wonderful mountain and lake scenery, and in our midst there have been, and yet will be, born poets and musicians, whose uplifting words and work will be felt for generations to come. Miss Ada M. Aspinwall, though yet in her youth, has gained distinction as a pianist second to that of no woman now residing in the state. She was born and has ever lived in the city of Concord, and its people take clue pride in her reputation and success. Born of the sturdy New England type, endowed with a musical nature manifesting itself in infancy, ambitious to excel, and blessed with adequate physical powers, she has been a student of the piano from early childhood, her instruction, commencing at eight years of age, being the best in the city for several years, followed by private lessons for five years with the best instructors at the New England Conservatory, while for three years past she has enjoyed the tutelage of the noted Milo Benedict. As accompanist for the Concord Choral Union she has won more than local favor, in festival work in and out of the state has been highly commended, and as a soloist she has developed much ability. She has done good work as a teacher of the piano, nor has her attention been confined to that instrument; for four years past she has been organist at the White Memorial church of Concord.