Leonard, Silas W.; Fillmore, A. D. The Christian Psalmist; A Collection of Tunes and Hymns, for the use of Worshipping Assemblies, Singing and Sunday Schools. Numeral Edition. Louisville, Ky: S. W. Leonard | Printed by Morton and Griswold, 1849. Seventh Edition. [9974]
Red leather stamped in blind & gilt, worn with front board nearly detached, 14.3 x 11.5 cm (5 5/8 x 4 1/2 inches). Dark green end papers, all edges gilt. [1] publisher's adverts, [i]-vi, [9]-382 pp., complete. End papers foxed, rest generally clean, pencil notations on the first several leaves. Good.
The tunes are made out according to the "Numeral System of Notation," as invented by Mr. T. Harrison of Cincinnati. "To Mr. T. Harrison, of the M. E. Church North, the public is indebted for the invention of the numeral system of musical notation. To Mr. A. D. Fillmore, of the Christian Church, we are indebted for the introduction of the numeral system into the first editions of the Christian Psalmist; and the Rev. Mr. Harrison has kindly permitted me to make some slight alterations in his system, in the manner of presenting the minor or plaintive mode." - Preface to the Sixth Edition.
Silas White Leonard (1814-1870), b. Louisville, KY; d. near Centralia, IL. Silas was orphaned, adopted by a Captain White of Ohio, who was a Baptist. He became associated with the Disciples of Christ. "Taught vocal music and preached primitive gospel. Published The Christian Psalmist with A. D. Fillmore, 1848, first hymnal having music in use among Churches of Christ, figure faced notes. Moved from Jeffersonville, Indiana to farm in Centralia, Illinois, 1856." - Jean E. Garriott, DNAH Archives.
With a signed provenance card from the music collection of A. Merril Smoak, Jr., DWS.