Vanderburgh County, Indiana - Chapter 15, 1897

Chapter 15

History of Music in Evansville - Names of Members and Dates of Organization of Bands - George W. Warren, Prominently Connected Therewith All Along - M. Z. Tinker's Life - His Connection with the City Schools for Many Years - Vocalists and Pianists - Noted Soprano Singers.

The soft cadences of music have soothed and reformed the world. All nature is one grand symphony. The farmer boy whistles in unison with his surroundings. The grand anthems of the churches all over the land, in one mighty holy strain, roll up to the throne of Him who filled all nature with soft musical notes. The storm that terrifies the soul is but God's bass. The tuneful April shower, tha^ calls forth the green grass, laughs in sweet accord while the music of the gentle rainfall is but the cantata of Him who keyed all nature on a minor major strain.

Evansville has had its history as to the introduction of musical instruments in the churches. There were those who said that such innovations, mingled in the musical offerings to the throne of heaven, were of the arch-enemy of man. In all the churches here, as in all pioneer places, the common arguments were marshaled in solid phalanx for and against instrumental music in the house of the Lord. As was natural, when the organ entered some of the religiously opposed went out and allied themselves elsewhere. When the flute entered the choir for the first time, a whole storm of criticism was aroused. They seemed to forget that God made music, and that Heaven is a place of harmonious concord and tuneful sweetness. What would they do when they reached heaven where the harps are taken off the willows. It was not that they had no music in their souls, or did not love and enjoy the melody and poesy of soothing song, but they discriminated as to when and where they should hear it and as to the quality and character of it.

Bands And Band Music

One of the most iuterestiug affairs in the history of Evansville was the formation of the first band in the city. It will also be worth our while to note the changes as they have occurred from 1837 up to the present time. John Greek was the first slide trombone player.

The Evansville band was organized in 1837 with the following membership: Boyd Bullock, B-flat bugle; Hiram Macklin, B clarionet; George W. Amory, B clarionet; Mr, Bolick, French horn; William Tileston, triangle; Emanuel Gumberts, trombone; Charles Hinsen, opheclide; T. W. Stiuson, bass drum; Charles Tileston, Baritone; Thomas Scantlin was a member for a short time; H. Heimann, bass trombone.

The above list includes those who came in from 1837 to about 1846, some changes having of course taken place; and in 1850, or about that time, William R. Baker came iu and he was tl>e first man who led the baud on an E-flat cornet, in the city. And he was the first locomotive engineer on the E. & T. H., and from that time, 1853 up to about 1857, he used to come off the train and meet with the band at the round house near the bulls head hotel, now the E. & T. H. depot. He has been known to come off his engine and meet with the boys at eleven o'clock, not going home till after band meeting. At that time George W. Warren lived iu New Harmony, l^ut was here frequently and always met with the boys. W. R. Baker was the most indefatigable worker for the band, always getting new music, (and in those days the music was all pen-written ) Changes were taking place constantly in the membership. In June, 1861, George W. Warren organized the 15th regiment band of 24 members, and Charles Tileston and George M. Gates, members of the Evansville band, joined the 15th regiment band. In September, 1862, all bands were mustered out of service. They then oi'ganized "Warren's Crescent City Band," - incorporated under that name - and from that time until 1883, few changes occurred. However, since 1883-84 the old charter members have gradually retired. They had a bass drummer, James Fan-ow, who was succeeded wheu he left the city by John Heeger, and then Louis Sihler. All three of these "drum "mashers" were most efficient. The following list, which should be found in their "Record of Contracts," from December 13, 1869, to February 17, 1874, gives the names of the members of this organization, whom it is believed, were never equalled as to their power of endurance, good habits, great power, and gentlemauly conduct. The books proper of the baud were not kept together, (each contract being separate,) they were allowed to be thrown away or destroyed after the old members became separated. It is therefore difficult to give the list of the memb^i's who have been in the band at ditfereut times. Among them were: Mr Nick Elles, a most useful member, 2nd alto; Mr Heeger, a thorough musiciau, and an excellent and powerful tuba player, who became a member of the band at the time that splendid tuba player and faithful charter member, George M Gates, left the city; Mr Heeger continued with this organization until his death; Mr. Philip Voelker, E-flat cornet; John Geil, baritone; John Reimer, (who has been working constantly to keep things going since 1887, and perhaps without him the band would have been a thing of the past); John Karsch, temporary member, faithful and conscientious, snare drummer; Theodore Pfafllin, temporary member; James T. Cox, who died early in the summer of 1896, from sun stroke, was a regular but not a charter member, played 2nd E-flat cornet. The charter members were as follows from 1867: G.jW. Warren, leader, E-flat cornet; Otto Pfafflin, 2nd E-flat cornet; Ed Gordon, 1st B cornet; T. W. Venneman, 2nd B cornet; Philip Klein, 1st alto; John Weil 2nd alto; W. W. Tileston, 1st tenor; Jake Bauer, 2nd tenor,; Charles Tileston, baritone; John Scantlin, B bass; George M. Gates, 1st tuba; W. A. Rhue, 2nd tuba; Charles E. Warren, snare drum; James Farrow, (auxiliary member,) liass drummer, and one of the best.

John Davidson has been an auxiliary member for many years and still holds up his end of the work on the E-flat alto 2nd. Jake Bauer of the band of 1862, is still an active veteran on 2nd tenor, and John Geil, now on the tuba, is one of the '70's, although perhaps not a charter member. John Kauffer was a temporary member for some time in the '80's, and a good snare drummer. Prof W. Buck, although not appearing in the "charter membership," was a fine E-flat cornet player and a very genial and industrious member, and was with the band from 1863 to 1868, when he organized a new band, called the "Helican Band," so called because they used the "Helican" instruments; but it was short-lived. Prof. Buck was always a great worker in copying fine music, a most splendid fellow, and at his death he was greatly and generally lamented by all who knew him.

Other Musical .Associations

city at the present time are summed up briefly in what follows : The Maennerchor society was organized in August, 1872, with a splendid corps of musicians! Prof Ernst Buddemeyer, a man of fine musical talent, is the leader. The officers of the society are : Conrad Klingelhoefer, president; George Kuebler, recording secretary; Philip Sommers, financial secretary ; and Paul Schatz, treasurer.

The Arion Singing society is the successor of the Liederkranz, and was organized in November, 1892. Its musical director is Prof Paul A. Walz. Its official organization consists of the following persons : Charles P. AVack, president ; Herman Schaum, vice-president ; Robt. Lohse, secretary; Louis A. Geupel, financial seci-etary.

What is called Haynie's Cornet baud was organized October 1, 1895. It is composed of young amateurs who promise to make skilled musicians in a short time. Its leader is August H. Miller. The officers are: Marshal A. Cook, president; Clay Smith, secretary; Albert McGill, treasurer.

F. W. Cook Military band was organized August 24, 1896, with August Bohrer as leader. The officers are: William Schrader, president ; Edward Alexander, secretary ; George Kastner, treasurer.

The Strouse High Art Band, organized February 8, 1896, has delighted multitudes by its free concerts rendered from the balcony of Strouse Bros.' store, corner Main and Second streets. Its leader is Louis Heeger. The officers are : August. Pfafflin, president ; Otto E. Neumann, secretary and treasurer.

One of the most interesting musical organizations in the city is the Concordia Singing society. Its musical director is Prof. Joseph Cintura. The officers are : Henry Waibel, president ; Emil C. Langele, secretary ; Thaddeus Koewler, treasurer.

One of the old musical societies - founded in 1857 - forty years ago - is the Schiller Gesang Section Singing Society. It grew out of Schiller Oddfellow lodge, and its object is to profit its members financially. They sing at sociables as well as at funerals and on other occasions. Prof C. Mathias has long been its musical director. The officers are : Henry C. Ploeger, president ; Frank Peters, secretary.

Vanderburgh Cornet band (colored) was formed January 6, 1894, and its treasurer and leader is Robert Green. Of this organization William Harris is president and James Wiggins secretary.

The Evansville Musicial Association, No. 53, was established February, 1891. Its object is the improvement of its members. The officers are : Jacob Bauer, president; Gus Gueutzel, secretary; William Adis, treasurer.

Of Forster's orchestra Hugo Forster is the leader. The orchestra is promising and prosperous. Of Miller's orchestra Peter C. Miller is the leader. Green's orchestra is led by Robert C. Green. Green's Mandolin club is conducted by Harry B. Green. There are other small societies that perform on special occasions and render parlor music.

Vocalists And Directors

Milton Z. Tinker was born in Kingsville, Ashtabula county, Ohio, June 25, 1834. His youth was spent in the ordinary routine of a farm laborer. He assisted with the farm work during the summer and attended school during the winter. In the former capacity he laid well the foundation for a sound physical constitution, such as only agricultural pursuits can give. He spent most of his leisure moments in the study of music, applying himself diligently to all of the .several departments, especially that of voice culture. He was a regular attendant at the exercises of the old-fashioned singing school, musical institute and the musical convention, thereby securing every advantage to be gained which these gathei'ings afforded. In the fall of 1854 he commenced teaching his first day school, at a salary of $12 per month, for a term of five months, and as the custom was then, he "boarded around" the district. He gave instructions to singing classes at night in the communities where he was teaching, a practice which he continued for four successive years. On the first of May, 1858, he went to Chicago, 111., and entered the Normal Musical Institute of Messrs. Bradbury & Cody. He took a thorough five months course in the practical teachings of music, including the subjects of harmony and voice training. He at once began the work of conducting singing classes, musical institutes and musical conventions. Success crowned his effiDrts at all places where lie visited. In the fall of 1863 he was employed by the board of education of the city of Tcrre Haute, Ind., to introduce and supervise the instruction of vocal music in the public schools of that city. After continuing the work in Terre Haute until ISi;?, he then resigned and accepted a like position from the board of education of the city of Evansville, Ind. He commeaced the work in Evansville the first of September, 1867, and has held the position continuously during a period of twenty-nine years. In the tall of 1870 he succeeded Mr. Theo. Russell as leader of the choir of Walnut street Pi-esbyterian church, a position which he still holds. He has been leader of the Philharmonic society, the Lyric society, the Ideal Opera club, and the Metropolitan orchestra. He has, at all times, been identified with every movement which had for its object the musical advancement of the people of Evansville. No one has more largely contributed to the entertainment and advancement of the community, in music, than Mr. Tinker. His connection with the public schools, as well as the several musical organizations, of which he has been leader, has accomplished the elevation of the entire city to a higher state of musical culture. He is the oldest supervisor of music in the public schools, and he has served the longest term of years of any one within the state. He also enjoys a distinction that very few of his profession have been able to attain. On the 1st of October, 1895, he completed twenty-five years of continuous leadership of the Walnut street Presbyterian church choir, at which time the ladies of the church and congregation celebrated the event by giving him a reception in the parlors of the church. As a result of the introduction of music into our public schools, all of the churches are able to maintain large chorus choirs which, during their regular weekly rehearsals, practice the best class of sacred music, including many of the standard choruses from all of the various oratories. Also the many singing societies throughout the city are recruited from year to year by the addition of well-trained voices. Many of our best singers have received their voice culture in our public schools.

Musical Expression

The following remarks on music in a general way are from the pen of Mr. J. C. Boden, whom many will remember. It presents the musician's side of music in a very sympathetic and zealous manner, and is as near the core of musical truth as it is possible to I'each :

" I commenced my musical career at a very early age. About the first event that I can now recall was being led by the hand by my very indulgent father to the village church (in sight of the romantic town and castle of Dudley). Standing there on a kind of stool or box so that the congregation could see me I sang the sacred songs and anthems selected for me by my father, who was the leader of the choir. I also had two elder brothers who were members of the choir, one playing the violin, the other the cello. Hence the very atmosphere in which I lived seemed to vibrate with music At twenty years of age I was duly appointed by a board of trustees as leader of a choir of fifty members, mostly artisans and mechanics. Every member seemed to take great interest in music. We gave selections from the standard composers, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and all the sacred oratorios. I love music and musicians, and have but little regard for the man who has no music in his soul, for of sucli a one the great poet says, ' the man that hath no music in his soul is fit for treason, stratagem, spoils,' etc.

" The early history of music, unfortunately, seems to be wrapped in much obscurity, but there is no doubt of its ancient origin. One of the Greek traditions reads: 'Grasshoppers were human beings - themselves before the . muses, and when the muses came, being ravished with delight, they sang, and sang, and forgot to cat, until they died of hunger for the love of song.'

" It is said of Pythagoras, that early philosopher, that in his research for a rule to guide the ear, analogous to what had been used to help the other senses, he chanced to pass by a blacksmith's shop one day, and listening to the hammers, which were four in number, he thought they sounded very harmoniously. He had them weighed and found them to be in the proportion of six, eight, nine and twelve pounds, and from experiments he found the fourth and fifth octave, founded on numbers analogous to his other theories. There is no doubt but that music, like all other universally elevating factors in the development of humanity, has been of inestimable benefit and blessing to mankind.

" Plato, an eminent philosopher, said, ' Music is a moral law. It gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything. It is the essence of order and leads to all that is good, just and beautiful.' And those who fail to cultivate an appreciation of music in the household and family are more to be pitied than censured. All of my family arc in the musical profession. My brothers were all piano tuners, I am the youngest and have been in the business about forty years. I arrived in the United States in the year 1862, and came direct to Louisville, Ky., and having my British passport with me was enabled to travel anywhere within the federal lines. I took several trips down the L. & N. road, and made hosts of friends whose hospitality and kindness' towards mvself I shall alwavs remember with the greatest pleasure. I have had a long experience in tuning, and do all my work according to correct rules and principles, and never fail to give satisfaction to those who understand the foundation of music - the scale - but I find that 'those who know the least of music rules, always prate like self-conceited fools.' "

Vocalists And Pianists

Dr. Charles S. Archer, organizer of the Ideals, also of the orchestra " 11. C. H. R.," gave musical entertainments, now in Portland, Oregon, at a high salary as music teacher.

Pianists And Organists George W. Warren

One of the greatest musicians and weilders of the baton in Evansvillc is Mr. George W. Warren. His father before liim was a musician of ability and possessed an artistic sense of harmony. 80 tiiat it may almost be said that the son George has been a musician trom his infancy. His native town is New Harmony, Indiana, where he was born October 23, 1826. Po.ssessing a natural love for "sweet concord of sounds," he at the early age of twelve years began the delightful study of science and art of music. He soon became so proficient in the study he loved that two years later he was appointed leader of the New Harmony band, consisting of seventeen membei's. His remarkable aptitude for playing upon musical instruments soon enabled him to perform skillfully upon almost every known kind of instrument in use and without instructions. He now determined upon his pursuit in life - the professorship of band music. Seeing the need of an instrument with which to perfect himself in harmony and thorough bass, he unaided,, built the first melodeon ever made in Indiana. He made the cabinet for it, tanned the leather for the bellows, shaped the reeds and keys, and fashioned everything about it. Afteward he sold this instrument to Judge Hall, of Princeton, Indiana. From 1842 until just prior to the war he was leader of his home band. In 1860 he came to Evansville and began business as a dealer in musical merchandise with Mr, John Hcaly, who was the senior partner of the concern. Before the close of the month in which Fort Sumpter was first bombarded, he with his entire band were persuaded to join the army. Captain Lamb, of the'15th Indiana regiment, was the first to request this. Mr. Warren consulted about it with General Lew Wallace, of the 11th Indiana regiment, whose headquarters were then at the Sherwood House, and he counseled in favor of the movement. So Mr. Warren disposed of his interest in the music store to Mr. Healy, took his household effects to New Harmony, his old home, provided for the comfort of his wife during his absence, and in forty-eight hours after Captain Lamb had first mentioned the matter to him, he and his band were on their way to Fort Wayne to be mustered into the service of the 15th regiment as regimental band. They were soon moved to east to Parkersburg, Virginia, and then hurried about from .state to state, through the torn and unhappy southern states They participated in every battle of the regiment ; Gauley Bridge. Pittsburgh Landing, and many others. As the war progressed and men became inured to its hardships and perils, the great expense of regimental bands was dispensed with by the general government, and after a .service of seventeen months in the field, all army bands were mustered out in October, 1862. So Mr. Warren returned home. In November, 1862, he again engaged in the music business with Thomas Conyngton as junior partner. They included in their business fancy goods and notions. In 1873 the junior partner retired from the business. Then Mr. Warren confined his stock exclusively to musical instruments and music. After the close of the civil Mar he became leader of the famous Cre.scent City Silver band. In every musical contest in which they engaged, far or near they victoriously captured the prize.

For twenty-nine years he was connected with the choir of St. Paul's, as its leader. On Easter Sunday, 1889, after the singing of the Te Deuiu at the close of the elaborate musical service of the occasion, on laying down his baton, he observed a peculiar sensation come over him and he realized that he was paralyzed. He had been a man of too great and constant mental activity, and the stroke came. Since then Mr. Warren has to a great degree surrendered his former engrossing attention to business affairs and the vexing cares of life, and he is now living peacefully in the quiet and retirement of his home.

Professor Christian Mathias

The man whose life is summed up briefly in what follows, was born in Prussia, April 29, 1823. His father was born March 6, 1787, and died March 11, 1871. He was a school teacher, and as Christian was an only child, his father gave him all possible advantages to be derived from schools. He was put into the seminary at the age ot eight, and began lessons on the violin at nine. When sixteen he was admitted to college at Gortenlegen, and at once presided at the largest organ in the city. He began the profession of his father when eighteen years old, and followed it for thirteen years, until 1854, when he came to Evansville. He engaged in business for a time, and later established a country store near or at Morris Lock on the canal twenty-two miles from the city. This was an unhealthy place, and when he failed in business he returned to the city; which was in 1858. Then he began giving lessons in music, and played the organ iu different churches - first in the Trinity Lutheran church, on Illinois street; then in St. John's church; then in Locust street Methodist Episcopal church; then at Trinity Methodist church, wTiere he has been the organist ever since its erection at the corner of Third and Chestnut streets, iu the days of Rev. Gillette- During this time he has been connected with different singing societies. For about thirty years he played in the Jewish Temple, since his playing there did not interfere with his other work. He was leader for about thirty years of the Liederkanz, also of other societies, as follows: Maennerchor, St. Cecelia, the Turner singing section, the Schiller chorus of Schiller lodge, and Concordia society. About thirty years ago he or- ganized a large orchestra here iu the city, which was composed mainly of professional musicians. He has given local opei'as, and as leader opened the Peoples' Theatre with an opera. He has also for many years taught vocal and instrumental music. It is a great satisfaction to him to record that he in early life had a personal acquaintance with Bismarck, and often walked arm-in-arm with him; he also knew old King William and his brother. Professor Mathias is a genial man and naturally a leader in musical organizations, he has a noble sense of harmony, and has been wonderfully educated in the technique and mechanical parts of music.

Professor J. Cintura

The year 1889 is marked by the arrival in our fair city of a gentleman whose penetrating energy and high standing in musical circles entitles him to a place in this book. Prof. Cintura, who has won a wide-spread reputation as an uncommonly talented and proficient instrumental and vocal teacher, came here in compliance with the request of the first German singing society, the "Liederkranz," in the fall of 1889, and accordingly took charge of the society as their leader. His talent was unanimously acknowledged and appreciated, and he received the highest praise and encomiums from the press. The society had, before his arrival, decreased in numbers until there were but thirteen gentlemen and thirteen ladies. But under his efficient leadership they soon accomplished an undreamed of growth both in the number of their members and in their enthusiastic interest. After he had been there only a short time the club numbered forty gentlemen and thirty-five ladies, and very soon they had acquired so high a degree of musical culture that they were able to render creditably some of the most difficult music. Prof. Cintura, assisted by his trained singers could, under these circumstances, execute difficult classical performances, <?uch as Haydn's unsurpassed "oratorio," "The Creation," "Conradin Kreutzer's" romantic opera "The Nightcamp in Granada," "Franz Suppe's" charming and greatly admired operettas, such as: "Galathea," and "Merry Students; " also "Schenk's" "The Village Barber." One of the instrumental successes which he has attained with this society is the production of "Haydn's Indian Symphony" in C Major, in which the violin passages are grand. It is a particularly noteworthy fact that Mr. Cintura has concentrated all his efforts upon the development of local talent, in which h(! has been very successful.

The achievements of his private scholars ou the piano and violin are admirable; and he has been especially successful in their vocal culture. He had the intention of making Evansville a veritable center of music. Unfortunately his reformatory efforts have secured him ill-will and many enemies who frustrated his ambitious jjlans, like the French revolutionists of old who in their vandalism, destroyed the beautiful statues and monuments of art. Mr. Cintura is the author of several musical literary works. His male, female, and mixed choruses are universally admired. He has also composed piano pieces, quartettes for stringed instruments, songs and opei-etta; also a music drama entitled, "Columbus' landing at Guanahani, " which has received the highest praise from musical critics. May a rich patron of art be found who will support his plans and thereby erect to himself and to the city an immortal memorial. The information that the author has received fully warrants him in saying that Mr. Cintura's talents and his farsighted views and scientific researches should be encouraged by demonstrations of patronage. In the opinion of the author very few professors have ever attained a higher place, the truth of which is demonstrated by his productions and accomplishments.

Ferd D. Goslee

Ferd D. Goslee, a native of Evansville, whose mother, and a number of relatives and friends, still reside here, was a young man of rare musical abilities, and a composer of no little merit. Even before arriving at manhood he composed and set to music several compositions which evidenced his ability. Among his specimens was one in particular, to-wit : " Sweet Sixteen," which had a large sale and circulation His sweet tenor voice was a valuable auxiliary in effecting success in local concerts and choirs, and he was in demand on all occasions where musical talent was a feature. He was popular among those who knew him for his social qualities, and was always ready and willing to assist when asked. He died at the age of thirty-six, beloved and mourned.