This is a transcription of the Hattie Mae (Balch) Harris 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 159.
Hattie Mae (Balch) Harri
“SINGERS are born not made.” Hattie Mae Balch Harris, when very young, showed remarkable musical talent, inherited from her Balch ancestors, several of whom were public singers. At the age of sixteen she received vocal instruction with Mrs. Annie W. Porter, of the New England Conservatory. Her progress was rapid, and she had a fervent desire to make music a profession. In 1886, in Concord, she began her study in earnest, singing frequently in public, always receiving the warmest applause and most flattering press notices. Desiring the best, in 1888 she went to Boston and studied with Madam Hall, George L. Osgood, and Gertrude Franklin. While there she received a position in the First Baptist church in Concord, where she was very warmly received. During this time she sang in Clinton, Mass., in a ladies’ quartette, of which she was first soprano, and was received so well that a large class was formed for her and an offer of the position as soprano in the First Congregational church, which she successfully filled for two years, when she engaged with the Pilgrim church of Worcester. With many regrets and kind words from the Worcester church, she returned two years later to her former position in Clinton, which was now her home, she having been married to Dr. Edwin L. Harris, of that place. Mrs. Harris is a very successful teacher, combining the best points in the different methods she has studied. As a soloist she ranks very high, sacred music being her specialty. She has an unusual attraction for children and young people. All religious bodies find in her a ready helper. She is a whole-souled, happy woman, busy, yet giving her time, talent, and one tenth of all her income in charity. She was born in Groveton, November 11, 1866, the daughter of Austin A. and Mary (Whipple) Balch. She is a credit alike to the musical profession, the cause of Christ, and the women of the old Granite state.