Carrie B. Wilson Adams

Carrie Belle (Wilson) Adams (1859–1940) was the first American woman to conduct a public performance of Handel’s oratorio, “Messiah.” An Ohio native and musical child prodigy who performed in concert for the first time at age seven, she spent much of her life in Indiana, where she was a choral conductor and organist. By the time of her death in Portland, Oregon, she had also become one of the most prolific American composers, completing 4,000 anthems, 12 cantatas, and 28 operettas during her lifetime. Formative years Born in Oxford, Ohio on July 28, 1858 (alternate birth date June 29, 1859), Carrie Belle Wilson was the oldest child of Allie (Myers) Wilson and David Wilson, a songwriter and music educator. Among the works completed in later life was the cantata, “The Easter Triumph.” Completed in 1940, it was published posthumously. * “Easter Praise” (cantata). New York, New York: Lorenz Publishing Co., 1908. * “Jesus, Thou Source of Calm Repose.” Dayton, Ohio: Lorenz Publishing Co., 1906. * “How Beautiful Jesus’ Love!” in International Praise: for the Sunday school and church. Chicago, Illinois: E. O. Excell, 1902. * “Redeemer and King” (cantata). New York, New York: Lorenz Publish