FOR THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD - Jean June Myall

 

Jean June Williamson Myall

I have mentioned in the past that I check ebay periodically for items from Evanston, Illinois.  A while back I came upon this beautiful drawing:

It is the interior of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Evanston.  St. Luke's is one of the most magnificent churches I have ever been in.  If you look in the lower right corner, the artist has indicated her name: Jean June Myall. 

This is an artist I knew nothing about.  Was she an Evanstonian?  A St. Luke's parishioner?  Was this her only work or had she done other drawings?  I did some preliminary research and found that she would be a good subject for this blog, so here is her story:

Jean June Williamson was born June 1, 1883 in Hinsdale, Illinois to Joseph Gilben Williamson (1839-1913) and Christina Ann "Christy" Norman Williamson (1840-1918).  Joseph and Christina had married April 5, 1865 in Caldwell, New York.  They were blessed with ten children:  Katherine Thurman "Katy" Williamson/Mrs. George E. Parker  (1866-1941), Ida Rollo Williamson (1868-1916), Mary "May" Williamson (1870-1942), Minnie Williamson (1870-1889), Jessie Williamson/Mrs. John J. Parker (1872-1945), Douw Ditmars Williamson (1873-1874), Norman E. Williamson (1875-1965), Joseph G. Williamson, Jr. (1877-1889), Bertha B. Williamson (1880-1929) and Jeannie June Williamson/Mrs. Percival Myall (1883-1962).  Joseph Williamson was a renowned physician.

Jean makes her first appearance in the 1900 US Census.  She was living with her mother in Montague Village, Muskegon, Michigan.  The family consisted of:  Christine (60 years old), and daughters Catherine (33), May (30), Jessie (27) and Jean (16).  Christine said she had been married for thirty-five years and had given birth to ten children, seven of which were still living in 1900.  None of the Williamsons listed an occupation.  

Jean's father Dr. Williamson was living in LaGrange Village, Illinois with daughters Ida and Bertha.  His wife is listed on both census forms, living in both Michigan and Illinois.  (Does that mean she has to pay Income Tax twice???)

On January 21, 1905 Jean June Williamson married Percival James Myall (1879-1943) in Chicago.  The bride was twenty-one years old; the groom was twenty-five.  Percy Myall was a chemist by trade,

Percival James Myall was born June 17, 1879 in Lowestoft, Suffolk, England to Charles Edward Myall (1843-1910) and Amelia Scales (1842-1913).  In  England, Charles Myall was a "Drapery Assistant" by trade.  In America he gave his occupation as "Merchant." Charles and Amelia were blessed with four children:  Sarah Amelia "Millie" Myall/Mrs. John F. Graham (1871-1948), Charles Arthur Myall (1874-1930), Percival James Myall (1879-1943), and Arthur Leonard Myall (1888-1966).  The Myall family emigrated to the United States in 1883.

Jean and Percy Myall were blessed with three children:  Alice Myall (1905-????), Mary L.  Myall (1909-????), and an adopted son, Albert Roer Myall (1913-1989).  Sometimes Albert's middle name was reported as "Russell."  There is a mystery surrounding both of Percy and Jean's daughters.  Even though both were born before 1910, neither is listed on the 1910 census form.  They are however both listed on the 1920 census form.  After that they disappear.  There is a record in the 1930 Census for a Mary Louise Myall as a Inmate at the Dixon State Mental Hospital but she listed her mother as born in Indiana and her father in Ohio.  Jean was born in Illinois and Percy in England, so that does not line up.  Other than that, there are no records for Alice or Mary - no marriage records, no death records, no nothing.  Neither daughter is mentioned in Percy's Death Notice, nor Jean's.  Very frustrating indeed.

The 1910 US Census finds the Myall family living at 3814 Gladys Avenue in Chicago.  A parking lot occupies that space today.  The family consists of:  Percy Myall (30 years old) and Jean J. (26).  Also living with them was Louis C. Davis (20), a Boarder.  Jean says she has given birth to 0 children, and 0 children are alive in 1910.  The 1930 Census lists Albert as an "adopted son."  If Alice and Mary were also adopted that would explain how Jean could say she had given birth to "0" children but since neither daughter is listed, they were not living with Percy and Jean in 1910.

The Muskegon Chronicle newspaper reported on November 4, 1913 that Jean's father, Dr. Joseph Gilben Williamson was seriously ill and not expected to recover:

Dr. Williamson died November 5, 1913 in Montague, Michigan.  He was seventy-four years old.  He was buried in the Bronswood Cemetery in Oakbrook, Illinois.  

In their edition of May 15, 1916 the Evanston News-Index reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Percival Myall have moved from Oak Park to 726 Seward avenue." 

726 Seward Street, Evanston

Jean's mother Christina Ann Norman Williamson died July 7, 1918 in La Grange, Illinois, five years after the death of her husband.  She was seventy-eight years old.  Here is her Death Notice from the Chicago Tribune of July 8, 1918:

She is buried next to her husband:

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It would not be possible to tell the story of Jean June Myall and her legacy without also talking about her mentor, client and friend, the great George Craig Stewart.  Here is a short synopsis of Stewart and his career:

George Craig Stewart (1879–1940) was one of the most influential religious figures in Evanston’s history, serving as the Rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for 26 years before becoming the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago.

The Rt. Rev. George Craig Stewart

He was the quintessential "High Church" leader of the early 20th century, blending a sophisticated aesthetic sense with a relentless drive for institutional growth.

When Stewart arrived at St. Luke’s in 1904, it was a modest parish. By the time he left in 1930, he had transformed it into a "Cathedral of the North Shore."  He worked closely with architects Tallmadge & Watson to create the grand Gothic Revival structure on Hinman Avenue.

He was the primary patron of Jean June Myall.  Stewart believed that "beauty was a bridge to the divine," and he oversaw every detail of the church's iconography, from the stained glass to the polychromed beams.

Stewart was not just a priest; he was a master communicator and fundraiser who fit perfectly into the "Booster" culture of Evanston.  He was widely considered one of the finest preachers in the Anglican world. His sermons were frequently reprinted in newspapers, and he was a sought-after speaker for civic events.

During World War I, he served as a chaplain with the Evacuation Hospital No. 6 in France. This experience deepened his national profile and added a "soldier-priest" aura to his leadership when he returned to Evanston.

In 1930, Stewart was elected Bishop of Chicago. His tenure was defined by the struggle to keep the Diocese afloat during the Great Depression. He was known for his "Radio Sermons" and his effort to modernize the church’s administration, mirroring the professionalization of city government.

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Numerous times in 1918 and 1919 Evanston newspapers pointed out the success of Jean Myall selling War Savings Stamps in the Oakton School District.  

History does not record when Jean first met then-Father Stewart, but we do know that the Myalls were members of St. Luke's as far back as 1919.  No matter when they met, it did not take long before Jean and Stewart realized they were kindred spirits - especially in their taste with regard to liturgical art.  Once Stewart realized that he had a talented artist in his midst he decided to make the most of it.  

In February of 1920 it was reported that Mrs. Percival Myall was one of the hosts of the Suffrage Card Party to be held at the Woman's Club of Evanston.  

The 1920 US Census shows the Myalls living at 720 Seward Street in Evanston:

720 Seward Street, Evanston

The family consisted of:  James Myall (40), wife Jean (36), daughters Alice (15), and Mary L. (11) and son Albert (6).  They were renting their home.  James said he immigrated in 1883 and became a Naturalized Citizen in 1890.  James reported his occupation as "Salesman for a Steel Company."

The Evanston News Index of November 11, 1920 reported that Mrs. Percival Myall was meeting with the Dorcas Auxiliary.  The Dorcas Auxiliary was a philanthropic organization, primarily active during the early-to-mid 20th century.  In Evanston, they were primarily responsible for the funding of the Community Hospital, which served Evanston’s African American community.

In their edition of September 1, 1922 the Evanston News Index published a drawing of St. Luke's Church as it was at that time.  The lower right corner shows the artist as "J. J. Myall."

Jean June Myall studied at the Art Institute of Chicago in 1926 but does not seem to have had any other formal artistic training. 

In 1927 Jean was asked by Chicago architect Thomas Tallmadge to provide art for the sanctuary of the new First Presbyterian Church that was being built at 64th and Kimbark in Chicago.  Tallmadge was one of the architects of St. Luke's and was very familiar with Jean's work.  She produced a piece entitled "Three Archangels" which was part of the reredos of the church.

The sanctuary of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Chicago

Three Archangels

 

George Craig Stewart traveled to Spain in the Summer of 1927.  By 1927, Stewart had been the rector of St. Luke’s for over 20 years and had just completed the intense decade of building the new Gothic sanctuary. The trip was a sabbatical of sorts, allowing him to immerse himself in the art, architecture, and religious atmosphere of Spain.  Upon his return to Evanston, he compiled his travel essays into a book titled Spanish Summer. The book wasn't just a travelogue; it was a poetic reflection on faith and history.

He asked Jean June Myall to produce the illustrations for the book.  She produced twelve original etchings that were printed in Intaglio from the original copper plates, steel faced on imported Japanese vellum.  Here are Myall's illustrations for Spanish Summer:

Here is a review of the book from the October 1, 1928 edition of the Dixon (IL) Evening Telegraph:

In the October 11, 1928 issue of the Evanston Review, Lord's Department Store featured a large ad for 'Spanish Summer':

 

In 1929 Jean created a triptych for the St. Mary's Chapel of St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Berwyn, Illinois.  Here is the story from the Chicago Tribune of  December 1, 1929:

Here is a photo of the triptych, still in use today:

At about this time, Fr. Stewart had Jean design his personal bookplate:

You have to look very closely but it does have Jean June Myall's name on it:

The three panels on the bookplate represent the three phases of Stewart's life.  The first is Northwestern University:

The second panel represents the completed St. Luke's - bell tower and all:

I am not exactly sure what the third panel is supposed to represent:

Perhaps Chicago - a cabin on the Chicago River or the shores of Lake Michigan?

Jean often exhibited her works, individually or with other artists, as indicated by this article from the January 24, 1929 issue of the Evanston Review:

In 1929, Stewart had Jean design his personal Christmas card, which also had the 1929 Holiday Schedule for St. Luke's inside:

Again, you really have to look for it, but Jean's name is on the card:

Father Stewart's Christmas Card for 1929 was mentioned in an article from the December 26, 1929 edition of the Evanston Review:

In late 1929 George Craig Stewart wrote another book:  Six Altars - Studies in Sacrifice.  Unlike Spanish Summer, Stewart only used one of June's illustrations for the book - the High Altar at St. Luke's - first covered with a tissue:

Then uncovered:

The 1930 US Census shows the Myalls still living at  720 Seward Street in Evanston.  The family consisted of:  Percival J. Myall (50 years old), wife Jean Mayall (46) and "adopted son" Albert Russell Myall (16).  They now reported that they owned their home, and it was worth $15,000 ($300,000 in today's funds).  Percival said he was twenty-five when he married Jean, she said she had been twenty-one.  Refreshingly, these ages were correct.  Percival listed his occupation as "Salesman of Industrial Furnaces."  Neither Jean nor Albert reported an occupation.

In May of 1931 June was elected Vice President of the Evanston Art Center.  In those days the Evanston Art Center had dedicated rooms on the lower level of the Evanston Public Library.

Evanston Public Library

Even though in the 1930s Jean's talent spread beyond Evanston's borders, she did not give up producing art for St. Luke's.  In late 1931 the Evanston Review reported that Jean would be producing murals for the Bethlehem Chamber, the working sacristy of the church.

She often exhibited copies of her work at the Evanston Art Center.  In 1932 she exhibited a copy of "Three Archangels," which she had produced for the reredos of the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago.  Along with this she exhibited a copy of the mural she had produced for the Jerusalem Chamber of St. Luke's as well as the panel of Queen Bertha of Kent that hung on the west wall of St. Luke's.

In 1933 Jean became President of the Art Center.  What, exactly did the Art Center do?  Jean answered with an article in the March 2, 1933 edition of the Evanston Review:

In April of 1933 both Jean and her husband allowed their names to be added to the eight page ad of Evanston citizens (including George Craig Stewart) who endorsed Mayor Charles H. Bartlett for reelection - (five columns of names and addresses on each page - literally hundreds of supporters).

Charles Bartlett defeated challenger Henry Penfield by a margin of approx. 2,300 votes.

In 1933 Jean was involved in the Hall of Religions exhibit at the Century of Progress world's fair in Chicago.  The Evanston Review described what she would be doing in their edition of August 3, 1933:

Here is a February, 1936 announcement of a talk to be given by Jean called "The Allegory Tree" that also featured a photo of her by noted Evanston photographer J.D. Toloff:

The Evanston Review - February 13, 1936

In 1938 Jean was director of a project to redecorate the interior of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Evanston.

In 1937 the Myalls left Evanston and moved to 8130 Kenneth Avenue in Skokie:

8130 Kenneth Avenue, Skokie

The 1940 US Census shows the Myalls living at 8130 Kenneth Avenue in Skokie.  The family consisted of  Percival J. Myall (61 years old), wife Jean J. (59), and son Albert (27).  They reported that they were renting their home.  The 1940 US Census asked each person listed the highest grade of school completed.  Percival indicated that he had completed four years of high school, Jean had completed two years and Albert had completed one year of high school.  Percival listed his occupation as "Salesman for a Forge Furnace Manufacturer, Jean did not report an occupation and Albert said he was a "Candy Maker in a Candy Factory."  (Of course right away in your mind you saw Lucy and Ethel at the assembly line in the candy factory.  "Speed it up!")  Actually Albert worked for the Mars Candy Company in Chicago.

In 1941 the Myalls moved again - this time to 603 Elmdale Road in Glenview:

603 Elmdale Road, Glenview - razed in 2024

Jean's husband, Percival J. Myall died at home on April 4, 1943.  He was sixty-three years old.  At the time of his death he had been working for the Fisher Furnace Company in Chicago.  Here is his Death Notice from the Chicago Tribune of April 6, 1943:

He was buried in Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie, Illinois:

Photo courtesy of Find as Grave volunteer Patty G.

In June of 1944, Jean designed and dedicated a clergy choir stall at St. Luke's as a memorial to her husband:

Evanston Review - June 15, 1944

In 1948 Jean accepted a position as Office Secretary at St. Luke's.  She would not be working with her mentor George Craig Stewart - he died suddenly in 1940.  About this time Jean relocated to 424 Lee Street in Evanston - an apartment at St. Luke's.

I was unable to locate Jean in the 1950 US Census.  Her son Albert had moved to Texas and there was no sign of the mysterious "daughters" so Jean was truly on her own.

In 1951 Jean had moved to King-Bruwaert House, a senior living community in Hinsdale/Burr Ridge, Illinois.  King-Bruwaert offered Independent Living, Managed Care and Nursing Home options as needed.  

Jean June Williamson Myall died May 13, 1962 in Hinsdale.  She was seventy-nine years old.  Here is her Death Notice from the Chicago Tribune of May 15, 1962:

Here is her obituary from the Evanston Review of May 17, 1962:

She was buried next to her husband in Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie.  As noted above, Percy Myall's grave is marked.  Unfortunately Jean's is not:

If you want to know more about the life and work of Jean June Myall you can check out a You Tube video produced in March of 2026 by St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Evanston:  

"The Art of Jean June Myall – Art Talk with Curator Juanita Dugdale" 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg_gXMAvb1w&t=862s

I am glad that Jean has not been forgotten at St. Luke's, although she is virtually unknown today.  Luckily for us Jean left us many examples of her tremendous talents.

Jean June Williamson Myall - All for the Greater Glory of God - may she rest in peace.

The Rest of the Story:

As mentioned above, I was never able to find any trace of the two daughters, Alice and Mary living with June and her husband in 1920.

Albert Myall (1913-1989) - In 1940 Albert married Margaret Mary Alexander (1920-2009) in Evanston.  The groom was twenty-seven; the bride was twenty.  The had one daughter, Jeannie June Myall/Mrs. Maurice L. Pittman (1942-1978).  In the late 1940s Albert Myall  moved to Dallas Texas where he worked as a truck driver for the Laughing Water Laundry in Dallas.  When he registered for the draft during World War II he said he was 6 feet tall and weighed 159 lbs with red hair and blue eyes.

Albert Myall married six times to five different women.

In 1940 Albert married Margaret Mary Alexander (1920-2009)

In the mid 1940s Albert married Evaline (Evelyn) Bassham (1919–1948)

Evelyn Basham died August 25, 1948 from leukemia.

One month later, on September 28, 1948, Albert remarried Margaret Mary Alexander Myall (1920-2009).

In 1958 Albert married LaVerne Roper Gray (1916-2005)

In 1966 Albert married Geraldine Roberson (1924–2010)

Albert Myall died September 1, 1989 in Grayson County, Texas.  He was seventy-six years old.  He was buried in the Locust Cemetery in Pottsboro, Texas.  Here is his tombstone:

Photo Courtesy of Find a Grave Volunteers Cathy & Thomas

All photos not labelled otherwise are from the author's collection.