This is a transcription of the Katherine White (Prescott) Crafts 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 221.
Katherine White (Prescott) Crafts
AMONG the musically gifted daughters of New Hampshire, Katherine Prescott Crafts may justly claim a place in the foremost rank. On her father’s side she is a direct descendant of Col. William Prescott of Bunker Hill fame, and on the side of her mother, claims kinship to Mary Scudder, immortalized in the “Minister’s Wooing.” The talent that has been her best heritage, and aided by her great energy has given her an enviable place in the musical world, comes from no remote ancestry. Her father, David Porter Prescott, was long conspicuous in musical circles, possessed a voice of great compass and sweetness, and was recognized as one of the best tenors New Hampshire has known. By the death of her mother, when she was but four years of age, Katherine was left to the care of her father. Singing as naturally as the birds in spring, but one career was suggested for her. She received her early education in the public schools in Bristol, her native town, and studied French and German later with private teachers. She began the study of music in Boston in 1885, receiving the best instruction the city afforded. Obstacles were presented but they were quietly, but firmly overcome. Her voice, a high soprano, became with cultivation one of rare purity and sweetness. She declined flattering opportunities to sing in concert and opera, preferring the excellent church positions offered. Among these may be noted the First church, Maiden; the Unitarian, Concord, N. H.; and the First Congregational, Melrose, while her last engagement was with the Union Congregational, Boston. To study her art abroad has been a dream of her life that she hopes yet to realize. June 17, 1895, in the little home church in Bristol, Katherine White Prescott was married to William Howard Crafts of Boston, and their home is in that city. Mrs. Crafts is one of “New Hampshire’s Daughters,” and takes a very active interest in the Association.