Lot 910: William R. Wheeler (American, 1832-1894),

William R. Wheeler (American, 1832-1894), "Portrait of George Leonard White (1838-1895), Founder of the Fisk Jubilee Singers", oil on canvas, signed and dated "1866" mid-left, 27 in. x 22 in. (oval), in an oval wood frame.

E"150,000 for the school, securing Fisk's existence and allowing for its first permanent structure, Jubilee Hall. White continued to direct the Jubilee Singers throughout their tours of America, Britain, Holland, and Germany, performing for such notable figures as President Ulysses S. Grant and Queen Victoria. Due to George White's perseverance and dedication to the group, both Fisk University and the Jubilee Singers continue their tradition of excellence in education and music today.

Note: After fighting for the Union Army in the Civil War, George Leonard White joined the American Missionary Association group that was opening the Fisk Free Colored School in Nashville, Tennessee. White volunteered as a music teacher at the school and organized a choir; he also became the school's treasurer. With many debts, the small school was struggling to stay alive. White decided to take his choir on tour around the country, earning money to contribute to the school's funds. The group, who called themselves the Jubilee Singers after the Hebrew "year of jubilee" marking the end of slavery, began their tour on October 6, 1871 Over the next seven years, they earned over