Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1851-02-08
WILLIAM HENRY MARSH,
THE INFANT DRUMMER.

TIE INFANT
The infant prodigy, whose extraordinary
performances on H., drum have elected so
many encomums from the press, and excited
the establishment of all who have Witnessed
them, is now in the third year of his age'
having been born at No. 10, Clarkson street.
on the 10Th OF FEBRUARY, 1913. Even at the
early age of eight months, he exhibited the
developments of musical talent, and showed
an appreciation of time or rythm, BY regular
motions Of the hands, during the performance
Of music. When one year old, he would
drum on the table with the knives and forks
whenever he heard music, and the correct
ness of his time induced his father 10 pnr-
chase drum for him, watch cost twenty five
cents when il was first sounded he was in
perfect ecsiacy. He Immediately commen-
ced using it without any instruction, and in
few weeks prodnced a very pleasing effect,
the establishment of all who heard him. Just
before he was two years old, while recover
ing from the measles, and before he could
sit up, he would cry for his drum, and lie in
his cradle, and play upon it, although so weak
that he could scarcely hold the sticks. AT
the age of two, having worn out the first
drum, his father purchased new one, cost
ling fifty cents, which he was permitted to
play upon in the front yard, 10 the great
amusement of the crowds who gathered in
the street to listen.
Shortly after receiving the second drum,
military funeral took place, and as it passed
the house, the band was playing dead
march. The motions of the drummer en-
crossed his whole attention, and when the
procession was gone, he ran to his drum, and
played the same tune, with an eXactuess that
asloujshed every one present.
After his recovery from the measles, he
was taken by his father to a military parade
| in Washington parade ground. The glitter
| ing uniforms, and the noddng plumes. had
no attraction whatever for him ; but when
the music began his face lighted up with an
expression of the utmost delight and when,
subsequently,, an opportunity was afforded
him TO beat one of the drums, his pleasure
was unbounded, and did not fail TO attract
the attention of the crowd. His first Tap, and
all was silent but soon there was hum oi
wonder and asionishment audible above the
music. When the music ceased, the murmur-
ing of the crowd had increased 10 loud cheers
for the little drummer who performed Ills
part 50 maniully.
A few months since, his father was solici-
ted by a member of the Lafayette Fusieers
to which ne is attached, 10 have him presen.
led, and he was accordingly taken to COM
pany drill. He listened 10 the drummers q
moment, when he commenced on his own
with regular measured tap, then ratified
away, following the music with wonderful
animation and precision. This he continued
for three quarters of an hour, with as mucE
accuracy as a drummer of forty. The corp
voted him full uniform like their own, ii
which he appeared at their annual ball a
Niblo's, 1t was highly amusing 10 see St
small child dressed in military costume
,oddIng about the room, and beating th'
most intricate airs with such exquisite tas''
and correctness, as TO excite the wonder AM
astonshment of the company. Several pri
yate exhibitions have been recently give
before the members of the Press, and gentle
men of music celebrity of this city, who a
pronounce the littlo fellow wonderful in
stance of precocious developemen, of mus
cal genius. We understand that the publ
will, ere long have an opportunity of wi
Messing his performances, as his father cor
templates getting up Concert for the pal
pose.-N. T. Mirror.