The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
db Conard, Quill Reporter
Seven generations is quite a legacy for one mans creation to have touched.
In 1912, Richard Myers, a blacksmith from La Harpe, made a violin. Little did he know that his craftsmanship would still be recognized as important by members of the La Harpe community some 87 years later.
The violin was originally purchased by James G. Campbell from Richard Myers. Campbell was builder of the stately Campbell building across the street from The Quill.
It was through the kindness of James' granddaughter, Mrs. Isabel Campbell Rossey of Racine Wisconsin, and the efforts of La Harpe's own Ada Hubbard, that the violin has gone on to be a piece of living history. Rossey, now an active 90 years young, thoughtfully brought the violin to the La Harpe Museum to share this fine treasure with others in the community. It was an instrument she had enjoyed playing for many, many, years, and felt it would be a sad waste if it was allowed to just sit.
The other half of the story was Sheryl Legg, of Columbus Ohio, fifth generation granddaughter, of Mr. Myers, who had been searching over the years for one of her great great great great grandfather's instruments. It was through research of Ada who had been assisting her, that her efforts bore fruit.
Saturday morning at the museum, that 87 year old violin, which had just been restored by master craftsman Terry Dillard of Mt. Sterling was a treasured moment for the family. Dillard picked up this fine instrument of treasured history in the heartland, and began to play. It was powerful. He then handed the violin to its owner Isabel Rossey who then passed it on to the buyer Sheryl Legg.
The creation of Mr. Meyers has now returned to his descendants in such a nice way that it will always be a legacy. A legacy that will live today as a seventh generation descendant, when Sheryl's niece will again bring music from its strings.
What a great example of what a few thoughtful people can accomplish carrying history into today.
Mrs. Isabell Rossey hands over a violin (passed down through the Campbell family) to the descendents of Richard Myers, the craftsman who built it for Mr. Campbell in 1922.
Mrs. Rossey displays the Myers violin that Terry Dillard of Mt. Sterling refurbished after he plays the treasure .
The beautiful building in La Harpe constructed by Campbell