Dan Emmett Violin   Save
Ohio History Connection
Description: Musician and composer Daniel Decatur Emmett used this violin during the Civil War. It was given to him by a pupil in New York who left for the Civil War. Emmett later had the lion head decoration put on the violin. The violin measures 31.49 by 9.84 by 4.33 inches (80 by 25 by 11 cm). Daniel Decatur Emmett (1815-1904) was born in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. He wrote many songs that gained popularity in minstrel shows, including "Dixie," "Old Dan Tucker," and "Turkey in the Straw." He showed a talent for music at a young age, and ran away from home at the age of 17 to join the army, serving as a drummer. After a two-year stint in the army, he helped to form a minstrel troop. He began composing songs in African-American dialect for these performances. In 1888, Emmett returned to Mt. Vernon, where he lived until his death. He became known as "Uncle Dan" and was something of a local character going about town in theatrical-styled clothing and occasionally performing his songs. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: Om1431_1160574_001
Subjects: Arts and Entertainment; Military Ohio; Musicians; Violins; Musical instruments; Emmett, Daniel Decatur, 1815-1904
Places: Mount Vernon (Ohio); Knox County (Ohio)