Biographical Sketch of E. Durand, St. Joseph, Buchanan County, MO

>From "History of Buchanan County, Missouri, Published 1881, St. Joseph
Steam Printing Company, Printers, Binders, Etc., St. Joseph, Missouri.
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E. Durand, President of the Durand Organ Company, and manager of
sales in the Chicago Temple of Music, was born in the state of New
York, March 8, 1833.  At an early age he removed from that state,
locating in Boston, a city famous for producing the finest musical
talent in this land.  Mr. Durand was designed to figure conspicuously
in the musical world, and at an early age manifested a strong interest
in that direction.  In Boston, he learned the piano building trade and
became proficient in the art of tuning, and all the essential features
connected with the business.  After operating successfully in Boston,
Worcester and other eastern cities for a number of years he traveled
through the western states, engaged in piano tuning and selling music-
al instruments, eventually locating in St. Joseph, in 1874.  He embark-
ed in the musical merchandise business, which has been steadily on the
increase.  An estimate of his business may be inferred from the fact
that in six years time his sales in organs amounted to over fourteen
hundred.  In 1880, his live business qualifications came to the view
of Mr. W.W. Kimball, of Chicago, who saw in Mr. Durand the right man
to manage successfully a branch of his extensive industry, and as a
result, in 1880, he entered the employ of W. W. Kimball, of Chicago,
as manager of sales and placed in St. Joseph a stock of pianos and
organs.  Mr. J. L. Reeder presides as business manager, and Prof. Frank
Glazier, who, as a manipulator of the ivories, is a success in showing
the merits of the instruments to the visitors and patrons.  Miss Hattie
Thorp, a lady of culture, and an accomplished pianist and teacher, is
a member of the corps of ushers in the Chicago Temple.  The Durand
Organ Co. was organized and incorporated under the State Laws of 
Missouri, in 1879, with E. Durand as President; John A. Read, Secretary
and John F. Tyler, Treasurer and Attorney.  The Western Cottage Organ
Co., of Mendota, Illinois, manufacture their organs, and although in
existence by a short time, it has attained a wide reputation and prom-
ises a bright future.  The salesroom of the Temple of Music is the
first floor, where a large supply of the Durand organs, Chickering,
Emerson & Hale and Kimball pianos, and all the standard makes of inst-
ruments and also a full line of the latest popular sheet music of the
day is kept.  The third floor is used as the store room, where is kept
a large surplus stock.  The second floor, or music hall, is where the
refined St. Josephites delights to linger and hear discoursed instru-
mental and vocal music.  Mr. Durand has attained considerable celebrity
as a vocalist, and to meet a long felt want in St. Joseph had the music
hall fitted up appropriately and seated, where the lovers of select
music can enjoy a pleasureable feast.  Regular levees are held here by
the best musical talent in the city.  In conclusion we would say, re-
vising the immortal Shakespeare somewhat, he that hath no music in his
soul had better attend one of them, and if his adamantine heart is not
softened he is a fit subject for any office his enemies see fit to
inflict.

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