Musician. He gained fame as the "Father of Band Music in America." He played the cornet and French Horn along with conducting bands and composing. In 1824, he was a member of the band that accompanied French General Marquis de Lafayette during his return visit to the United States. He then became a member of the famous Dodsworth Band. His fame increased when he became the leader at Barnum's Hippodrome Circus, and later the leader of Dodsworth's Second Band. Later, he assumed the leadership of the Easton Band. "The Pike County Chronological Record of 1895" listed him as "the leader of the first circus band in America." During the American Civil War in 1862, he was commissioned as the first conductor of the regimental band of the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment. His "Twelfth Funeral March" was played during the funeral of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant." In 1864, the Easton Band, under Thomas Coates, played at the Peace Jubilee in Boston. He died of heart disease.
Musician. He gained fame as the "Father of Band Music in America." He played the cornet and French Horn along with conducting bands and composing. In 1824, he was a member of the band that accompanied French General Marquis de Lafayette during his return visit to the United States. He then became a member of the famous Dodsworth Band. His fame increased when he became the leader at Barnum's Hippodrome Circus, and later the leader of Dodsworth's Second Band. Later, he assumed the leadership of the Easton Band. "The Pike County Chronological Record of 1895" listed him as "the leader of the first circus band in America." During the American Civil War in 1862, he was commissioned as the first conductor of the regimental band of the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment. His "Twelfth Funeral March" was played during the funeral of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant." In 1864, the Easton Band, under Thomas Coates, played at the Peace Jubilee in Boston. He died of heart disease.
Bio by: Rich H.
Inscription
"Father of Band Music in America"
erected by friends
"Bandmaster 47 Regt. PA. Vet. Vol."
Gravesite Details
The grave monument's dedication was May 20, 1911.
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