Civil War Band Albumen / SOLD

Civil War Band Albumen - Inventory Number: ALB 271 / SOLD

The First Brass Band in Richmond Ind. Organized in 1857 by Isaac Gaston.  Left to right: 1. S.S. Stratton, 2. Jos. Githens. 3. Sam Todd, 4. Fred Rost Sr., 5. Theo. Newman, 6. Sam Thomas, 7. Isaac Gaston, 8. Len McCollough, 9, Oliver Pumphrey, 10. Fred Rost, Jr. 11. James Mitchell.

Ink inscription on the back of the frame reads Theodore Newman Born Sept. 1835 last survivor of the Mitchell band Richmond, Indiana. Died aged 86. A detailed account of the band, together with is picture, and learned by me comprised in the Richmond Palladium State collection 22nd April 1930.  See A. Ogborn Large Wayne Co. Scrapbook 15 page 52.  The first brass band in Richmond was organized by Isaac Gaston in 1857.  In Newman’s death write-up it is referred to as the Mitchell band.  Observers L to R in the picture (1) S.S. Stratton, Sr. Tuba and B flat coronet Born April 1830Wayne Co. (?) Terms: (2) Joseph (Ive) Givens Baritone, Bass.  (3) Sam Todd, 1st Tenor, (4) Fred Rost Sr. Coronet, (5) Theodore Newman – Tenor and Snare Drummer, (6) Sam Thomas, bass drummer and cymbals, (7) Isaac Gaston, 1st Alto (Bkpr. & salesman for Grubbs & Howard Wholesale Groc. Bandmaster, not only taught the players, but wrote and arranged most of the music.  He taught and played in a number of later organizations and orchestras and was father of Miss Laura Gaston, Richmond music teacher.  

(8) Lew McCollough 2nd B flat cornet who later became one of Richmond’s first electricians’, (9) Oliver Pumphrey, Railroader, 1st B flat cornet. (10) Fred Rost, Jr. (owned cigar stores and factory.  (11) James Mitchell of New Madison, O. Cornet Acted as teacher & leader:

John Mausey, solo alto and Albert Rost 3rd Alto.  These two mentioned in Theo Newman’s obituary.  The band played for the recruiting of the 8th and 69th Ind. Regt.’s. As other regiments were mustered into service in the Civil War the band played their farewell for them.  When the 69th went to Indianapolis, just as it was called to the front in KY., the band accompanied it.

Inventory Number: ALB 271 / SOLD