The Portland daily press., 1885-06-10
Names Wizard Bugler.
A Famous Man of NOrway-Ned Kendall
aud His Pumpkin Vine How He Twist
ed the Tail of the British Lion.


ed the Tail of Ihe British Lion.
Ned Kendall. the famous buglist, was born
in Norway, Maine. A Norway Advertiser
correspondent says when very small boy
he made him bugle Of a pumpkin vine on
which he could perform several airs, among
which was the famous Tecumseh Quickstep.
This feat so delighted and astonished the
neighbors that the little fellow sooD became
quite hero and the people came for miles
around to listen to and admire his perform
ances. This instrument was Of course short
lived though he managed to keep it in
brook when not in use. He then from
piece of reed given him made flute on
which he soon became a skillful performer.
Some claim that he was born in Windham
Maine, but this is mistake. as we had 1t
from his own lips. The place Of his nativity
has since been annexed to Norway.
Some of the older inhabitants now living
in Otis6eld tell us they distinctly remember
his playing the fife at the old Naples muster
ground, ragged and almost barefooted, for
the paltry fee of fifty cents per day.
His father died and the little family being
left in destitute circumstances moved to
Windham where our hero and his brother
James became companions OF the celebrated
Wm. Harmon.
His first instructions on the bugle were
received from DR.. Abram Anderson, after
wards an eminent physician, who lived and
practiced medicine for many years at Gray
Corner. Soon after their removal to Wind
ham the mother married second time.
Her last husband lived in Baldwin. think
his name was. .Weeman. Ned and Jim went
to Boston and soon established a reputation
second to none in America. They joined
with some of the most noted musicians In
Boston and organized the celebrated Brigade
Band.
Ned, like most men of ambition and en-
terprise, DOW began to have a desire TO see
other parts of the world, so he concluded to
make a trip to England. He sailed for the
great metropolis, and taking lodgings at a
small but respectable inn, waited patiently,
like Micawber, for something 10 turn up.
At last he noticed an advertisement In one
of the dailies for bugle player In one Of the
bands attached to the Royal Guards. Think
ing this good opportunity he immediately
applied for the situation. The band master
being one of those men whose greatness con-
SlSJHu luOStly III HIS ClOb406 duu DOmpOollyg
gave him look of the utmost contempt, at
the same time asking him il he had any idea
that he could fill the place.
Ned replied that she didn't know, but he
would like to try"
'Why man alive,' said the band master,
"you must be first-class player to fill that
| position"
Ned replied that "people at home thought
he could play pretty middline we'll"
L ffETao,a - aafd Of1aiol Nuhara
| that bep''
america" replied Ned. 81 was born
| and bred amid the wilds of Maine"
| Thinking this is rare opportunity to have
| some sport at the expense of the tall Yam
kee, he informed him that the band wosld
meet for rehearsal the next morning at
o'clock, and he could come and try his
skill.
Next morning he appeared at the band
rooms with his Eb buge under his arm,
took the place assigned him and the rehear
sal began. Several pieces were played, In
| which Ned carried his part in a rather COM
| monplace style, till at last the celebrated
| Woodup Quickstep was presented. This
| piece, as manv of our readers will recollect,
was one of Ned's choice productions, con-
tanning solo very difficult to perform, but
| when rendered in tasty manner was lis
| tened to with rapture by every musical ear.
This solo was assigned to the first clarionet,
| as it was considered too difficult for any bu-
| gler in England. The clarionet player began
| the solo several times, but as often broke
down and with an oath exclaimed that "he
didn't believe any man in London could
play the cursed thing"
"Please let me try it," said Ned in his
| usual quiet manner.
"You try itP' said the band master. Sin
deed, what do you imagine you can do with
that? Don't you know that is one of the
| most difficult passages ever writtenP'
"Well," said Ned, 81 think eau play it.
l would like to try any way"
"Then try 1t if you choose to make fool
of YOURSELF" said the master.
| Ned observed the sly glances passed be-
tween the several members of the band, but
i he took no notice at ALL Drawing his tall
manly form to its full height as one fully
conscious of his superiority and wishing to
punish the coxcomb who had treated him
| with so much contempt, he calmly waited
the signal and the playing commenced.
| The shrill, silvery tones from Eed's bugie
now pealed forth with all his accustomed
/ power and skill, the members all as one
stopped, staring at the performer complete
| ly spellbound.
"Who are you, sir" exclaimed the mas
ter as soon as the solo was ended.
Ned.
| 'sWhat, Ned Kendall of Bostonr'
"Yes, sir" replied Ned, ''that is my name"
Sand why didn't you tell me beforer
Because you didn't ask me-" replied
Ned.
The disco mfted band master removing
his hat now extended his hand at the same
time begging thousand pardons for his
rudeness, for, said he "you are not only the
greatest player in America but in the known
| world"
The rehearsal was Immediately adjourned
aud London rang with the praises of the
Wizard Bugler, as he was from that day
| called.
A few days after this inc dent celebrated
band master from Liverpool, not relishing
the idea of raw boned Yankee beating old
England, sent him achallengc to play before
the Queen, the prize being an elegant silver
bugle of exquisite workmanship aud highly
ornamented, manufactured expressly for
that occasion. The challenge was promptly
accepted, and the meeting took place in the
presence of the Queen, Prince Albert, al d a
large collection of the lords and nobles OF
the realm. 1t is needless to say the En-
glishman was vanquished and completely put
to shame. KendalPs death occurred about the
year 1860. All the bands in the vicinity OF
Boston attended his funeral following him
10 his last resting place, playing mournful
u