William J Grapes
 

Kentucky Post, Friday, 27 October 1905, page 5

William Grapes, 77, of 821 Park av. Newport, died yesterday after an illness of several months, caused by a complication of ailments. Grapes was said to be a descendant of the Prussian nobility and came to this country when quite a young man. He had resided in Newport for 50 years. His wife died about five years ago and he is survived by four sons and one daughter. He was for 23 years a bandmaster in the United States Army.

For many years he was stationed at the Newport Barracks before the post at Ft Thomas was established. Later he organized his own band in Newport, which during its day, was a notable organization. He was president of the Kenton and Campbell County Musicians Union, first president of the Cincinnati Musicians Protective Association, Past Grand Master, IOOF Encampment, Daughters of America, GAR, Lincoln Lodge KofP, German Pioneers, Regular Army and Navy Union, Newport Turners and Patriarchs Militant.

The funeral will take place tomorrow morning, with services at 10 am at the family residence. The remains will be interred at Evergreen Cemetery.

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Kentucky Post, Saturday, 28 October 1905, page 5

The funeral of William Grapes, Newport's oldest musician and bandmaster, took place this morning from the home, 821 Park av. Grapes was 77 years of age and was one of the best know band musicians in this locality. He was for 23 years a bandmaster in the United States Army and was honorably discharged from service four times. He was a member of many societies and lodges and President of the Kenton and Campbell Musicians Union.

The music at his obsequies today was furnished by the Musicians Protective Association of which Grapes was a member. The following orders, lodges and societies were represented at the funeral: Cincinnati Musicians Protective Association, I O O F Knights of Pythias, German Pioneers, Regular Army and Navy Union, Newport Turners, GAR and Patriarchs Militant. The remains were taken to Evergreen Cemetery for interment.

 

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