Notman, John

Notman, John a noted architect, deserves a place here for his distinguished labors on ecclesiastic structures. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, July 22, 1810. In 1831 he came to the United States, and settled at Philadelphia, where he died, March 3, 1865. In ecclesiastical architecture he stands among the best representatives of modern times. In the United States he ranked first in this department. Says a contemporary: "Notman possessed great enthusiasm for his art, as well as poetic sensibility; and in his works he seemed to address himself not as much to the senses as to the soul." One of his chief works is St. Mark's Church, in Philadelphia. It is one of the very best specimens of Gothic architecture in the United States. — Indeed, Mr. Notman may well be spoken of as the American student of medieval architecture. Other noted specimens of his work are the fagade of the Roman Catholic Cathedral on Logan Square, Philadelphia, and the Church of the Holy Trinity, of which the doorway is especially admired. Laurel Hill Cemetery of Philadelphia — one of the handsomest burial-grounds of the United States — owes its beauty to the good taste of Mr. Notman.