MIDDLETON, Arthur D. (1880-1929)

MIDDLETON

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 12/9/2018 at 13:14:22

Arthur D. Middleton
(November 28, 1880 – February 16, 1929)

Arthur D. Middleton was born in Logan, Harrison County, Iowa on Nov 28, 1880, the son of Wiley and Julia Ann (Lockling) Middleton. He graduated from Missouri Valley High School in 1899 and studied at Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa for 6 years, specializing in music and literature (from which he later received an honorary music degree). On Sep 10, 1902 in Polk County, Iowa, he married Eva Frances Hill (1881-1919). They had two children: Arthur Middleton Jr. (1904-1968) and Ruth Frances Middleton (1909-2005).
Arthur D. Middleton Sr. became a famous baritone singer, touring the Midwest in concert and oratorio. He became a voice teacher at Des Moines Music College 1905-1906 and Chicago Music College 1906-1911. He joined Metropolitan Opera Company in New York in 1914, appearing 35 times the first season. During his live Arthur sang with Apollo Club, Chicago, Handel and Haydn Society, Boston, Denver Choral Association, St. Paul Orchestra, Syracuse Festival in New York, New York Symphony Orchestra, and Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. He attended the Presbyterian Church in New York. His wife, Eva, died on Feb 14, 1919 in Manhattan, N.Y. Arthur died Feb 16, 1929 in Chicago, Cook County, IL. Both Arthur and Eva are buried in Magnolia Cemetery, Magnolia, Harrison County, Iowa.
Sources:
Who’s Was Who in America; a component volume of Who’s Who in American History, v.1, 1897-1942, Chicago, A. N. Marquis Co., 1943, p.837
Ancestry.com
Familysearch.org
Findagrave.com