Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Arts & Culture, People

Location

31 Main St, Newfield, NY 14867, USA

Lat/Long

42.36891, -76.580046

Grant Recipient

Newfield Historical Society

Kate Dean was born in 1836 in the town of Newfield in Tompkins County, New York. She was a gifted singer, eventually becoming a professional vocalist known as Miss Kate Dean, a name used for the rest of her life. Starting around 1855, she began training with composer and music teacher Antonio Bagioli and performed throughout the state. At the outset of the U.S. Civil War, Dean sang at what were referred to as war meetings, held throughout New York state to recruit Union Army volunteers. In early 1862, Dean traveled to Washington, D.C. and performed patriotic songs at camps and hospitals for soldiers of the Union Army of the Potomac. While in Washington, Dean also sang at a reception given by the wife of Union General George B. McClellan. It is believed that Dean may have sung for President Abraham Lincoln by special invitation, as well.

The March 6, 1862 Yates County Chronicle reported on Dean’s performance for the 104th Pennsylvania Regiment, then serving as part of the defense of Washington and attached to Casey’s Division of the Army of the Potomac:

“Prior to the appearance of Miss Dean at the quarters of the Colonel, the men were drawn up in fine order, accompanied by the band of the regiment, and presented a splendid appearance. The fascinating vocalist, attired in a beautiful costume, adapted to the occasion, appeared upon a stage neatly carpeted, and was received with the most enthusiastic applause. She sang several patriotic songs, at the close of each, officers and men joined in the cheers, and compliments were tendered her on all sides.”

In his 1866 History of the 104th Pennsylvania Regiment, Colonel William Watts Hart Davis recalled Dean’s 1862 visit, noting that her performances brought a “pleasant change to the dulness [sic] of winter quarters.”

While in Washington, Dean also sang to soldiers confined in military hospitals. The April 12, 1862 issue of the Washington paper the National Republican included notice of one of Dean’s hospital visits, during which she was accompanied by fellow performer Libby Yohe:

“An unexpected and highly interesting episode occurred in the daily routine of affairs at the military hospital in the Patent Office yesterday afternoon, which was no less than of those delightful concerts which the celebrated Miss Kate Dean and Miss Libby Yohe, of New York, have been giving in the various camps of the army. The affair was quite impromptu and entirely unexpected to the brave fellows confined there.”

Dean’s performances provided not only entertainment but also helped to boost the morale of the soldiers. The April 9, 1926 issue of the Ithaca Journal-News included a letter to the editor from Lyman B. Welton, an 86-year-old Civil War veteran who recalled hearing Dean sing while he was encamped in Washington:

“I was much interested and gratified when I read your fine tribute to Miss Kate Dean. Early in May, 1862, we were encamped on the ground where now stands the Washington Monument. … Drilling was steadily kept up and frankly, we were getting a bit weary. … We were marched nearly to the Capitol and had the enjoyment of listening to Miss Dean’s singing. … That singing heartened us and I feel sure that her singing turned the scale with us, giving us fresh courage and hope.”

During her career, newspapers frequently called Dean “the American Jenny Lind,” comparing her to the Swedish opera singer in both appearance and sound. After her career as a vocalist, Dean worked as a music teacher and lived in Tompkins County until passing away in 1918. She is buried in the Dean family plot in Woodlawn Cemetery in Newfield.