The Somerset reporter., 1885-06-24

Ned Kendall, the famou. bugler, was
born in Norway, Maine. When a very
small boy he made bugle OF a pumpkin
vine on which he could perform several
airs, among which WAS the amous Tecum-
sch quickstep. This feat so delighted and
astonished the neighbors that people came
for miles around TO listen to his perform
ance. This instruu ent was of course short
lived, though he managed to keep it in or
der for some weeks by keeping it in a
brook. He then from piece of reed made
flute on which he soon became d skillful
performer.
Some of the older inhabitants now jv.
ing in Otisfeld distinctly remember his
playing the fife at the old Naples muster
ground, ragged and almost barefooted, for
fifty cents per day. His father died and
the little family being left in destitute cir
cumsttnces moven TO Windham where our
hero and his brother James became COM
pauions of the celebrated William Harmon.
His first Instructions on the bugle were re-
ceved from DIR. 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 u second time.
Ned ana Jim went to Boston and soon es-
tablshed II reputation second to none in
America. They joined with some OF the
most noted musicians in Boston and organ
lied the celebrated Brigade band.
Ned like most men of ambition and en-
terprise now began to have desire to zee
other parts of the world, so he concluded
to make IA trip to Engliud He saied for
the great metropolis, and taking lodgings
at "A small hut respectable inn, waited pa
ticnlly, like Micawber. for something to
l...t ftZ..t ,I.t..r
ment in one of the dailes for bugle play
er in one OF the bands attached to the Roy
al Guards. Thinking this a good oppor-
tunty he Immediately applied for the sit
uation. The band master being one oi
those men whose greatness consisted most
y in fire clothes and pomposity, gave HIN
Il look Of the utmost contempt, at the same
time asking him ii he had any idea that he
could FIJI that place.
Ned replied that che didn't know but be
would like to try"
"Why, man alive" said the band master,
"you must be Il first class player to fill hat
position"
Ned replied chat people at home thought
he could play pretty midding well"
"Home," said the official, where may
that be pray?"
"Amerca" replied Ned. 81 was bred
ana born amid the wilds of Maine"
Thinking this is rare opportunity to
have some sport ut the expense of the tall
Yankee, he Informed him that the hand
would meet for rehearsal the next morning
at 8 O'Clock and he could come and try hi,
skill.
Next morning he appeared at the band
rooms with his L Nat bugle under his am,
took the place assigned tim and the re-
hearsal commenced. Several pieces were
play ed, in which Ned carried his part in
rather common place style till at last the
celebration Woodup quickstep was pre-
scented. This piece was one of Ned's choice
productions, containiDg solo very diff
cult to perform, but when rendered in
tasty manner, was listened to with rapture
by every musical ear This solo was as
signed TO the first clarionet, as it was con-
sidered too difficult for any bugler In Eng
land The clarionet player commenced
the solo several times, but as often broke
down and with an oath exclaimed that she
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 H." said the band master, Gin
deed what do you imagine you can do
with that? Don't you know that is one of
the most difficult passages ever written2"
w ell, shIil Ntu, i tnlbh Shu piuy I've
| would like t. try anyway"
"Then try it if you choose to make
fool Of yourse,.," said the master.
Ned observed the SLY glances passed be-
tween the several members of the band,
but took no notice at all. Drawing his
tall manly form to its full height as one
fully conscious 0. lis superiority and wish
ing TO punish the 'XcOmb who had treat
ed him with SO mu, contempt, he calmly
awaited the signal and the playing com
menced. The shrill silvery tones from
Ned's bugle now pealed forth with all his
accustomed power and skill, the members
all as one staring at the performer, com
pletely spel-bound.
"Who are you, sir" exclaimed the mas
ter soon rs the solo was ended.
"My name is Kendall" quietly answered
Ned
"What, Ned Kendall of Boston,
eyes, sir" replied Ned, THAT is my
name"
"And why didn't you tell me before'
"Because you didn't ask me- replied
Ned.
The discounted band master removed
his hat now TX ended his baud at the same
time begging thousand pardons FOR his
rudeness, I said he "you are not only
the creates player in America but in the
known MD
The rt..ars Al was Immediately adjourned
and Londt n rang with the praises OF the
Wizard Bugler, ~ he WAS from that DAY
called-Nortcdy Aduertiser.