Copyright © 2000, 2001 by Richard I. Schwartz

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CHAPTER 3

Fiore, Niccolo (C. G. Conn 1902, 7)

He was a cornet soloist who had used a gold [plated] CONN-Queror Cornet in 1902, after having played on a CONN Wonder Cornet for several years.

Fletcher, W. T. (The Freeman, 18 August 1900; 9 February 1901; 27 April 1901; 15 June 1901)

In 1900, he was Eb cornetist with Georgia Up-to-Date Minstrels. In 1901, he was Solo Cornet with George & Hart’s Minstrel Extravaganza, Eb cornetist and trap drummer with the Mobile Colored Minstrels, and cornetist with F. B. Wood’s band for the Johnson & Stratter’s Colored Carnival.

Foster, S. B. (The Freeman, 18 December 1897; 6 August 1898; 17 November 1906; 12 September 1908; 13 August 1910)

In 1897, this cornetist played with Richards and Pringle’s and Rusco and Holland’s Georgia Minstrels, in 1906 with William Dorsey’s Band (and violin), in 1908 with S. T. Dunmore’s Minstrels, and in 1910 with Russel-Owens-Brooks Stock Company at the Globe Theatre in Norfolk, Virginia.

Forestier, Joseph (Carse 1965, 246; Baines 1976, 226; Tarr 1993, 237)

Originally a horn player, he switched easily to the cornet. Dauprat wrote the introduction to Forestier’s Method pour le Cornet à pistons (1834). It mentions Halary as the person who applied the Meifred valve system to the German Posthorn, known also as the petit cornet. He studied the hand-horn at the Paris Conservatory under Dauprat and graduated in 1834.

Frazier, D. O. (C. G. Conn n.d., 19)

A cornet soloist who, in 1899, played on and endorsed the CONN Wonder Cornet.

Frizell, E. J. (C. G. Conn n.d., 15)

He was the Solo Cornet of Neele’s Famous Band of Sacramento, California and performed on a CONN "Wonder Cornet."

Frohberg, George (C. G. Conn n.d., 19)

He was a solo cornetist and bandleader of the Sunnyside Suburban Band in Cuhady, Wisconsin. He endorsed the CONN Wonder Cornet in 1899.

Gardner, Burley (Bridges [1972], 37)

He was a cornetist and bandmaster. He was a student and friend of Ernst Albert Couturier, as well.

Gay, A. (Rose [1995], 188)

He was one of the finest cornetists in London at the end of the nineteenth century. He was solo cornet with the London County Council Bands.

Gibson, Pearl (Southern 1997, 349)

She was a female cornetist in New York theaters in the early twentieth century.

Gideon, Lash E. (The Freeman, 2 July 1898; 1 October 1898; 2 December 1898)

He was a cornetist who replaced P. G. Lowery during his absence from the Nashville Students in 1898, and was the Solo Cornet wit Harry Prampin’s band for P. T. Wright’s Nashville Students and later for P. G. Lowery’s band for the same organization. He later became the manager of his own Mastodon Minstrels.

Gilbert, Bessie (C. G. Conn n.d., 13; IWBC 1993, 13)

She was billed as the "Celebrated Lady Cornetist," performed on the CONN "Wonder Cornet," and made recordings.

Gilliam, George (The Freeman, 14 May 1898)

He was Solo Cornet with Harry Watkins’ Band for the Old Sunny South Company.

Gilmore, Charles (C. G. Conn n.d., 7)

A British Army cornetist, he was a graduate of Kneller Hall and endorsed the CONN cornet.

Godfrey, Herbert (Rose [1995], 188)

He was one of the finest cornet players in London at the end of the nineteenth century.

Graham, James (C. G. Conn n.d., 11)

He was an Eb cornetist with the 93^rd Highland Regiment Band of the British Army. He once played on BESSON cornets, but in 1899, endorsed the CONN Wonder Cornet. In 1899, he conducted the Morville (Iowa) Band and taught music.

Grambs, Fred L. (Hazen and Hazen 1987, 27)

He was a cornetist and leader of a band based in Birmingham, Alabama.

Gray, Charles (Rose [1995], 188)

He was one of the finest cornet players in London at the end of the nineteenth century. He performed at the German Opera.

Greaton, Brownie (Bridges [1972], 48c)

(b New Richmond, WI 1876; d Ocala, FL 26 Aug 1956)

She was Cornet Soloist with the Clara Schumann Orchestra in 1892. She moved to Park Ridge, Illinois and married Mr. Cole in 1898 when she retired from playing. In 1920 her family moved to Ocala, Florida where in 1922 she organized the first school band in the state. She retired from teaching in 1944.

Hall, Henry J. (C. G. Conn n.d., [i])

He was Solo Cornet and Musical Director of Sing, Sing in New York and in 1899, played on a CONN Wonder Cornet.

Hardy, L.W. (Rose [1995], 187)

He was one of the finest cornet players in London at the end of the nineteenth century. He performed at the Crystal Palace.

Harper, Thomas Jr. and Sr. (Herbert and Wallace 1997, 244; Sorenson and Webb 1986, 35-57; Waterhouse 1993, 161)

Both were well-known as English trumpet players. Thomas, Sr., however, wrote a trumpet method (see Chapter 5) containing information and instructions about the cornet. They were some of the first "period performers" on brass instruments and taught "every manifestation of Victorian brass technology, including cornet" (Herbert and Wallace 1997, 244).

Thomas Harper Sr. (b Worcester 3 May 1786; d 22 January 1853) had three sons; Thomas Harper Jr. (b 1816; d 27 August 1898), Charles Abraham Harper (b 24 April 1818; d 1 May 1893), and Edmond Bryan Harper (b London 4 Sept 1826). Charles played the horn, piano, and cello. Edmond played the piano and horn. He also composed "typically Victorian-sounding ballads" for the voice (Sorenson and Webb 1986, 35-57).

Although no patents can be traced to the Harpers, Thomas Harper, Sr. was also responsible for improvements to the keyed bugle and the slide trumpet. "T. Harper Improved" instruments were made under license by Clementi & Co., Collard & Collard, and by J. KÖHLER. In c1840, Thomas, Sr. invented the "Patent Walking Stick Trumpet." Thomas, Jr. was trumpeter to the Queen of England between 1884 and 1898. He improved the slide trumpet also, devising the elastic cord model. Both Sr. and Jr. received royalties from J. KÖHLER for the use of their innovations, and for the use of the "Harper" name on their instruments (Waterhouse 1993, 161).

Harris, Estella (Handy 1981, 123; Woodbury 1995, 20; IWBC 1993, 15)

She was bandleader, cornetist, and singer between 1916 and 1919 with her own Estella Harris’ Ladies Jass Band in the Chicago area.

Harsha, Morah (C. G. Conn n.d., 11)

The photograph indicates a very young lady cornetist who played on a CONN Wonder Cornet.

Harter, William (C. G. Conn n.d., 11)

He was a cornet soloist who, in 1899, endorsed the CONN Wonder Cornet.

Henderson, Leora Meoux (Handy 1981, 123)

She performed cornet in 1919 with Hallie Anderson’s Lafayette Theater "Lady Band".

Henry, Fred. T. (C. G. Conn 1902, 9, 23)

(b c1878)

A cornet soloist from Des Moines, Iowa, he began playing the cornet in c1890. He played on a gold [plated?] CONN-Queror Cornet in 1902. He composed the Jolly Plowboy and the Hero of the Gridiron, each for piano. A famous piece for cornet was his Goddess of Liberty: Patriotic Cornet Solo. The above citation (on page 23) describes the piece as "one of the most successful solos that has been published during this century." It opens with a trumpet chorale and continues with an elaborate cadenza. It then explores America; Red, White, and Blue; triple-tongue variations on Yankee Doodle; and a small part of Dixie. The piece was available for band for $1.50, orchestra and piano for 75 cents, solo with piano for 50 cents, and only as a solo part for 15 cents. Henry had played cornet with the Iowa State Military Band, Burchard’s Orchestra, and Heft’s Symphony Orchestra.

Henry, Hi (Schwartz 1957, 110-112; Banks 1994, 13; C. G. Conn 1902, [1])

A student of Matthew Arbuckle, Henry was a cornetist with Harry Robinson’s Minstrels. A CONN-Dupont "four-in-one cornet" was presented to him at an Elkhart Silver Cornet Band concert in April 1876. After the concert, Hi traveled to Philadelphia to represent CONN-Dupont at the Centennial Exposition of 1876. In 1902, he visited the CONN factory before embarking on his annual minstrel tour and played on a CONN Wonder Cornet.

Hewitt, Eva (IWBC 1993, 16)

She received high praises even from Levy [one who often did not do so], and received an offer from New Orleans.

Hill, Miss Scotia (The Freeman, 20 December 1890)

She played cornet at Ninth Presbyterian Church for a concert given by White’s Star Concert Company. Admission was fifteen cents for adults and ten cents for children.

Hoch, A. (Historical Records Survey Projects 1956, 182)

[He] was a violinist and cornetist active at the end of the nineteenth century.

Holland, E. Minor (Trotter 1968, 311)

Living in Cleveland, [he] was a talented performer on cornet, violin, and double-bass in the late nineteenth century.

Holloway, Charles (The Freeman, 4 August 1900; 1 September 1900; 1 May 1910)

He was second cornet with the Sells and Gray Circus Band and cornet and band master for the Obrien’s Minstrels in Horton, Kansas.

Howard, Gertrude (IWBC 1993, 17)

She performed in the Chicago Colored Women’s Band and in N. Clark Smith’s (twenty-four piece) Ladies Orchestra. She graduated from the Chicago Musical College.

Howard, Irene (The Freeman, 20 July 1912)

Although this single entry occurs in the early-twentieth century, it is significant for it is one of only two photographic entries of African American women cornetists in The Freeman during this time period (the other being Laura Prampin [see above]). She was a cornet virtuoso and sang with a "deep, rich baritone voice." Playing a gold [plated] cornet at the New Crown Garden in Indianapolis, Indiana, she entertained the audience with a bit of comedy as well. She was a favorite of the crowd, playing a triple tongue cornet solo, singing a ballad, and playing a ragtime piece again on her cornet. She had appeared before, but this time with new selections and new costumes.

Humphrey, James (1867-1937) (Southern 1997, 344)

He was a cornetist and pioneer of the Dance Orchestra.

Hutchins, Herbert (C. G. Conn n.d., [i]; Historical Records Survey Projects 1956, 192)

He was a cornetist and teacher active at the end of the nineteenth century. He was a cornet soloist and Principal of the Cornet Department of the Chicago Musical College. In 1899, he played on and endorsed the CONN Wonder Cornet.

Irwin, Miss "Kitten" (The Freeman, 27 July 1901)

She was a cornetist in the band at Ninaweb Park in Louisville.

Jäger, Messr. (Rose [1995], 187)

He was one of the finest cornetists in London at the end of the nineteenth century. He transposed trumpet parts on the cornet at a "recent State-Ball" conducted by Herr Gottlieb.

James, F. G. (Rose [1995], 188)

He was one of the finest cornetists in London at the end of the nineteenth century. He was solo cornet with the London County Council Bands.

Johnson, Elwood (The Freeman, 13 April 1901; 4 July 1908; 3 April 1909; 24 April 1909)

In 1901, he was Solo Cornet and violinist with the orchestra for Harrison Brothers’ Minstrels and in 1908 and 1909, he was Solo and First Cornet with A. G. Allen’s United Minstrels Band. He played on a gold [plated] New Proportion Model Holton Cornet.

Johnson, John W. "Jack" (Eileen Southern, "Johnson, John W. ‘Jack’," in BDAAM)

(b Chatham, Ontario 15 Feb 1865; d Detroit, Michigan )

His family moved to Ontario a year after he was born. He began studying cornet at an early age, and moved to Detroit to play in the Seventh Fusileers Band and later the Detroit City Band. He played with the Richards and Pringle’s Minstrels from 1885 to 1890 , after which he went back to Detroit to form the new Detroit City Band. He played for years also with Theodore Finney’s Famous Orchestra.

Johnson, Mrs. Lourie (Woodbury 1995, 10, 108)

Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, she performed with Mahara’s Minstrels in the 1880’s.

Johnson, Mrs. Roper (Handy 1981, 122)

She performed with George Bailey’s Female Brass Band of Indianapolis, begun in 1910.

Johnson, Samuel (The Freeman, 11 December 1897; 14 May 1898)

He was the Solo Cornetist with H. G. Brown’s Band for Washburn’s Double Minstrels and Solo Cornetist in the same band for the Old Sunny South Company.

Jones, C. W. (The Freeman, 20 May 1899)

This Solo Cornet player was also the leader of the Kirksville Colored Orchestra.

Jones, Frank (C. G. Conn n.d., 11)

He was First Eb Cornet with the California (Missouri) Silver Cornet Band. In 1899, he endorsed the CONN Wonder Cornet.

Keaton, Myra (Woodbury 1995, 102)

She was Buster Keaton’s mother and played cornet, piano, saxophone, and bass on the vaudeville circuit. It is possible that she was the first white woman to play saxophone professionally in America.

Kelly, Mr. (Trotter 1968, 348)

He was a band director and very efficient performer on the cornet.

Kettlewell, Fred (Rose [1995], 187)

He was one of London’s finest cornetists at the end of the nineteenth century. At the Promenade Concerts he nightly performed Waldteufel’s Les Folies, a piece which "displays many of the best qualities of the cornet." He was also solo cornet with the London County Council Bands.

Klinck, Mel (Historical Records Survey Projects 1956, 210)

(b 1866)

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

Knight, Charles (Rose [1995], 188)

He was one of the finest cornet players in London at the end of the nineteenth century. He was the "Band-Seargent" and cornetist with the Grenadier Guards.

Lange, Eddie (Handy 1981, 123-4)

She was featured cornet soloist with Marian Panky’s Chicago Female Orchestra between 1916 and 1919.

Lawlor, W. J. (C. G. Conn n.d., 19)

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

Lee, W. (The Freeman, 19 January 1901; 3 August 1901)

The cornetist played with Allen, Quain & Oakes’ New Orleans Minstrels.

Lewis, J. T. (The Freeman, 7 January 1899)

This cornetist played with P. G. Lowery’s Concert Band.

Lewis, Nettie (Handy 1981, 122; The Freeman, 24 November 1900)

She performed duos with P. G. Lowery and/or George Henderson for P. G. Lowery’s Minstrels, and later in George Bailey’s Female Brass Band of Indianapolis, begun in 1910.

Lewis, Mrs. T. J. (The Freeman, 1 April 1899)

She was a cornetist with the Georgia Up-to-Date Minstrels, who finished her first set of lessons with P. G. Lowery. She had a thorough understanding of tone production and [embouchure?] position. He was very pleased with her progress and had high hopes for her future.