Copyright © 2000, 2001 by Richard I. Schwartz

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CHAPTER 3

Malone, William (The Freeman, 7 January 1899)

He was a cornetist with P. G. Lowery’s Concert Band.

Mann, H. A. (C. G. Conn n.d., 15)

He was a cornet soloist and bandmaster of the Phillipsburg (Kansas) Cornet Band. In 1899, he endorsed the CONN Wonder Cornet.

Maupin, C. H. (The Freeman, 12 March 1892)

This cornetist played with the Gallatin Colored Cornet Band.

Maury, Henry (Carse 1965, 246; Edward H. Tarr, "Arban, (Joseph) Jean-Baptiste (Laurent)," in The New Grove Dictionary of Music & Musicians)

Originally a horn player, he was an early cornet soloist as well. He taught at the Paris Conservatory from 1874 to 1880, replacing Arban. After Maury’s death in 1880, Arban returned to the Conservatory, devoting the rest of his life to teaching.

May, Thomas (The Freeman, 20 August 1906; 25 December 1909, Supplement)

He was a cornetist with P. G. Lowery’s Progressive Musical Enterprise and Solo Cornet with Lowery and Morgan’s Minstrel Company. In 1909, he was a cornetist with the Forepaugh and Sells Circus Band.

Mayfield, William (The Freeman, 13 July 1907; 28 December 1907)

He was a cornetist with the Parker Amusement Company Band and Solo Cornet with the Lunford Davis Band.

McCammon, Henry (The Freeman, 14 May 1898; 19 January 1901; 3 August 1901)

In 1898, he was Solo Cornet with Brown’s Band for the Old Sunny South Company and later, cornetist for Allen, Quain & Oakes’ New Orleans Minstrels.

McDade, George (The Freeman, 10 October 1903)

He was born in Knoxville on 23 January 1890 and was considered a virtuoso on the instrument at this early age. He began studying at the age of ten and the cornet was his first instrument. P. G. Lowery considered him to have exceptional ability.

McDonald, Eugene (The Freeman, 13 January 1900)

Hailing from St. Louis, he was praised by P. G. Lowery as one of the finest cornetists in the business.

McEleney, A. (Rose [1995], 187)

He was one of the finest cornet players in London at the end of the nineteenth century. He was Professor [of cornet] at Kneller Hall.

McKanlass, W. H. (The Freeman, 30 December 1899; 29 June 1901; 22 November 1902; 24 April 1909)

Known as "The Great McKanlass" or "Captain W. H. McKanlass", he was described as "the greatest living colored violinist" He was born in 1858, graduated from the Cincinnati College of Music in 1883 and continued his musical education Leipzig, Germany. He was the first African American instructor of music in the Cincinnati public school system and the first African American to be offered the position of Chief Musician of the U. S. Army in the Ninth Cavalry under General Hatch.

His connection with the cornet is that he played two cornets, two banjos, two harmonicas, and a total of twelve instruments at one time on stage. His main instrument, of course was the violin, but he did study and teach voice as well. He was paid $1,000.00 dollars a week to play his violin at McDaniel’s Theater in Seattle, the highest sum ever paid to an African American to that date. He was a manager of his own group, "The McKanlass Alabama Warblers," and often gave concerts with Lizzie Perry, soprano and impersonator. He was the first violinist to own his own private car and his salaries were incredible. He received $500 a week at the Fountain Theatre, California, $1,000 week at McDaniel’s Theatre in Seattle in 1889, and $500 week at the Masonic Temple in Chicago. He was paid $500 day at Yellowstone Park, as well.

McKinney, S. S. (Simond 1974, 23)

[He] was a cornetist and violinist in the late nineteenth century.

McLain, Billy (The Freeman, 20 November 1897)

He was the Second Cornet with George Bailey’s Band for John W. Vogel’s Darkest America.

McNeil, Mary (Bridges [1972], 48c; C. G. Conn n.d., 13; C. G. Conn 1902, 23)

She toured with the celebrated individually and with the cornet duo of Knoll and McNeil. In early 1899, she toured sixteen weeks with the Elks Carnival Company and on 29 August 1899, she and Knoll were made Honorary Members of the Detroit Local Musicians Protective Union No. 5. Knoll had won a cornet solo competition in the city in 18883. They performed with the Grand Army Band of Canton, Ohio at the Spokane, Washington Exposition opening in October 1899, and continued with the Elks in the winter of 1899-1900. In 1902, she played with the Fenberg Dramatic Stock Company. She played on a CONN "Wonder Cornet." See Anton H. Knoll in Chapter 2.

Meaux, Leora (Southern 1997, 349)

Female cornetist in New York theaters in the early twentieth century.

Melvin, Carrie (Handy 1981, 122; (Mrs. Lucas) Simond 1974, 24; The Freeman, 14 November 1896)

Originally from Providence, Rhode Island, she played violin, cornet, and mandolin. She was married to the famous minstrel, Sam Lucas. She was "a splendid musician" and played difficult compositions on both the cornet and the violin (The Freeman, 14 November 1896). She performed with Professor Henderson Smith’s Military Band and Sam Lucas’ Concert Company of Boston, Massachusetts.

Merrill. J. W. (C. G. Conn 1902, 13)

He was a cornet soloist with Frederick Phinney’s United States Band of Chicago. According to the entry, he was introduced to Phinney in 1900 after having already established a reputation as one of "the greatest of the great cornet soloists playing today."

Meyers, J. W. (The Freeman, 19 September 1909; 29 January 1910)

This cornetist played with Striplin’s Municipal Orchestra of Pittsburgh and the First Brigade Band of the Knights of Pythias.

Mitchell, I. A. D. (Trotter 1968, 313)

This cornetist was a performer on the Eb cornet and bandleader in the late-nineteenth century.

Mitchell, Wm. L. (C. G. Conn 1902, 11)

He was a cornet soloist who performed on a CONN Wonder Vocal Cornet in C since December 1895.

Mongomery, A. H. (The Freeman, 13 January 1900)

Hailing from New York, he was praised by P. G. Lowery as one of the finest cornetists in the business.

Moore, Elmer (The Freeman, 28 May 1904; 13 August 1904)

He was Solo Cornet with the Old Plantation Show for the Patterson and Brainard Carnival Company, and cornetist in the fifteen piece band at the Temple Theatre in Colorado Springs under the management of J. E. Burton and his wife.

Morgan, Myrtle (C. G. Conn n.d., 13)

Called "The Dainty Little Maid of the Cornet," Myrtle received a CONN "Wonder Cornet" from her mother when she was age fourteen on 28 March 1897. She studied with Mr. A. DeCaprio and had improved so much in two years that she was performing with the Seattle First Regiment Band in 1899. The band performed many times at the Seattle Opera House.

Morgan, William (The Freeman, 5 August 1899)

He was an Eb cornetist with Dr. Cooper’s New Discovery Company which visited Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mygrants, William S. (C. G. Conn n.d. [i], The Freeman 17 June 1893)

According to the Conn reference and photograph, he appears to be a white cornetist who was the bandmaster of the famous Thirteenth Regiment Band of New York in 1899. The Freeman mentions him at a concert with Madame Sissieretta Jones (the "Black Patti") at The Brooklyn Academy of Music. The band listed at the performance was The Fourteenth Regiment Band not the Thirteenth.

Nickerson, Cammille Lucy (The Freeman, 15 April 1899)

She was a cornetist with the [Nashville] Students Orchestra.

Nickerson, Ed (The Freeman, 2 July 1898)

He was mentioned as a well-known cornetist who met P. G. Lowery.

Noss, Bertha "Petite" (Hazen and Hazen 1987, 33-34)

The headliner of the eight member The Noss Family Band of New Brighton, Pennsylvania in the 1880’s, she was billed as "The Child Wonder." A multitalented young lady, she performed in just about all media. Instruments were the cornet, the violin, snare drum, bass drum and cymbals at the same time, bellaphone [?], metalaphone [sic], Zylophone [sic], and piano. She also performed character sketches, baton twirling, and arms and bayonet drills.

Noss, Mr. Ferd. (Hazen and Hazen 1987, 33-34)

He was a cornetist and the General Manager of the eight member The Noss Family Band of New Brighton, Pennsylvania in the 1880’s. He also played violin, sang, and performed character sketches.

Noss, Mr. H. (Hazen and Hazen 1987, 33-34)

He was a cornetist and the Musical Director of the eight member The Noss Family Band of New Brighton, Pennsylvania in the 1880’s. The band provided a multitalented show. He also sang, and performed recitations and character sketches.

Noss, May (Hazen and Hazen 1987, 33-34)

She played cornet, violin, alto horn, banjo, and sang in The Noss Family Band of New Brighton, Pennsylvania in the 1880’s.

Ostes, Sidney (The Freeman, 4 November 1899)

He was Solo Cornet with R. J. Anderson’s Band at the Solo Theater in Houston, Texas.

Patrick, Frank (The Freeman, 20 November 1897)

He was an Eb cornetist with George Bailey’s Band for John Vogel’s Darkest America.

Pease, Zuella (C. G. Conn 1902, 9)

She played on a CONN Wonder Cornet for years and was inspired by the playing of Anna Bundy Thomas.

Perez, Manuel (1879-1946) (Southern 1997, 344)

He was a cornetist and pioneer of the Dance Orchestra.

Pettitt, Beatrice (Rose [1995], 188)

She was one of the finest cornet players in London at the end of the nineteenth century. She played at the Sheldonian Theatre at Oxford. One of her performances at the Theatre on cornet was Gützmacher’s Romance for trumpet and orchestra.

Polson, Charles (C. G. Conn 1902, 21)

(b c1872)

He began playing the cornet at age eleven. He had performed on many other cornets including those of BESSON, HIGHAM, COURTOIS, BOSTON MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MANUFACTORY, the Missenharter, and others. The CONN-Queror cornet was the best and freest blowing instrument upon which he ever played. He had used CONN cornets since c1893. Polson was the cornet soloist and bandmaster of the twenty-four piece Buffalo City Troop Band, whose members played on and endorsed the CONN Wonder Band Instruments. Before Buffalo City, he played with the Hotchkiss Family, the Alabama Minstrels, and Virginia Minstrels.

Pryor, Walter (Bridges [1972], 8)

He was a cornetist and assistant to Bert Brown in Arthur Pryor’s Band in 1906. He was Arthur Pryor’s brother.

Quinn, John (Historical Records Survey Projects 1956, 305)

He was a cornetist and teacher active at the end of the nineteenth century.

Radcliff, J. X. (The Freeman, 21 October 1899)

This cornetist played with the Great Southern Minstrels.

Raymond, Alice (Bridges [1972], 48c; C. G. Conn n.d. 13, 19; Schwartz 1957 226)

She toured Music halls and played with many prominent bands in the 1890’s and early 1900’s. She played at the San Francisco Mechanics Fair in September 1899 and at the Chronicle in the same city. In October 1899, she played at the Portland, Oregon Exposition and in November 1899 at Oberon Music Hall in Seattle. She had the position of Solo Cornet with Brook’s Chicago Marine Band, replacing Kryl for two years (1901-1902). Raymond was advertised as the " ‘World’s Greatest Lady Cornetist’…[and] won approval and respect by her stage presence and artistry"(Schwartz 1957, 226). She played on a CONN Wonder Cornet for at least ten years beginning in c1889.

Reed, Ruth (Handy 1981, 123)

She performed in Marie Lucas’ Training Orchestra for the Lafayette Theater in Harlem.

Rice, Fanny (IWBC 1993, 29)

She was an early cornet soloist in the 1880’s. She ran adds in Lowell, Massachusetts.

Rickman, Eddie (The Freeman, 18 December 1897)

He was a cornetist with the People’s Orchestra of Columbus, Ohio.

Riggleman, J. W. (C. G. Conn n.d., 21)

A cornet soloist who hailed from Davis, West Virginia and in 1899, endorsed the CONN Wonder Cornet.

Roberts, Cora (Bridges [1972], 48c)

She was an early prominent lady cornetist.

Robinson, Buddie (The Freeman, 18 December 1897; 1 July 1899; 13 January 1900; 27 April 1901; 15 June 1901)

He was Solo Cornet with Rusco and Holland’s Georgia Minstrels, A. G. Allen’s Minstrels, cornet with the Mobile Colored Minstrels, and F. B. Wood’s Band for Johnson & Stratter’s Colored Carnival. William Robinson is listed on 3 November 1906 and 7 August 1909 as cornetist with Rusco and Holland’s Georgia Minstrels. He may be the same performer as Buddie Robinson. Hailing from Chicago, he was praised by P. G. Lowery as one of the finest cornetists in the business (The Freeman, 13 January 1900).

Rodenkirchen, Chris. (C. G. Conn n.d., [i])

In 1899, he was a cornet soloist with the Theodore Thomas Orchestra and played on a CONN Wonder Cornet.

Saunders, Eleanor Piper (Bridges [1972], 48c)

She studied with Henry C. Brown, Annie C. White, and Milo Burke. She toured with the Fadettes, the Musicgals, and played on the Keith Circuit and on the Chautauqua Circuit. She taught also at the Arthur Jordan Conservatory in Indianapolis.

Schaffner, C. H. (C. G. Conn n.d., 7)

A cornetist and former bandmaster of the Twenty-fourth U. S. Infantry Band, in 1899, he endorsed the CONN Wonder Cornet.

Schaul, Felix J. (C. G. Conn n.d., 19)

A cornet soloist based in LeMars, Iowa, he stopped playing the Lyon & Healy cornet in 1898 in favor of the CONN Wonder Cornet.

Schlotmann, Joseph (Carse 1965, 246)

Originally a horn player, he was also an early cornet soloist.

Sheral, J. (C. G. Conn n.d., 19)

This performer was Solo Cornet with the Mt. Pleasant (Pennsylvania) City Band. In 1899, he endorsed the CONN Wonder Cornet.

Shrader, Fred (C. G. Conn n.d., 11)

A cornet soloist who, in 1899, endorsed the CONN [Wonder] Cornet.

Secondena (The Freeman, 11 November 1899)

This cornetist from Mexico played with Lacy’s Concert Band, replacing Dobbins on cornet during his absence.

Shaffer, Louise (Hazen and Hazen 1987, 116)

She was a cornetist publicized as the "Musical Artiste" of the cornet.

Shannon, William (The Freeman, 21 May 1892)

He was listed as one of three blind students to play at the Floral Fair at Simpson Chapel, 23 Monday 1892. That night, music was provided entirely by white performers.

Sharper, George W. (Cuney-Hare 1974, 212)

He directed the Excelsior Brass band, which later became known as the Boston Brass Band.

Shelton, Maude (Handy 1981, 123)

She performed with Marie Lucas’ Orchestra at the Lafayette Theater in Harlem, New York City between 1914 and 1915.

Shepard (and Daughter), Mrs. (Hazen and Hazen 1987, 35)

They were lady cornetists with the Shepard Family Band, based in Massachusetts.

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