 West Hill Cemetery Sherman, Texas  Sherman Daily Democrat August 27, 1934 pg.1 VETERAN SHERMAN MUSICIAN DIES Seriously Ill for Three Months; Had Made Home Here Since 1884 Death Monday claimed one of Sherman's pioneer musicians when Prof. J.F. Kohler, 76, died of a throat ailment at 2:20 p.m. at the Wilson N. Jones hospital. He had been seriously ill for the past 3 months, spending the greater part of the time at Hot Springs, Arkansas. He had been a patient at the hospital since last Thursday. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Laura Kohler; one daughter, Mrs. S.B. Burney, of Sherman; and a granddaughter, Natalie Burney. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Dannel-Scott Funeral Home. Mr. Kohler came to Sherman from Hot Springs in 1884 to teach young band members while on his summer vacation, but immediately was engaged to work for the W. Elliott Furniture and Music company. He cancelled his return to Hot Springs and remained to make his home in Sherman. In 1885 Mr. Kohler erected a band stand on vacant lots across from the M. and P. Bank for the Nellie Boyd band, for what he regarded as the first high class band concert ever given in Sherman. During the next 2 years he organized a band and furnished music for surrounding towns. Mr. Kohler in his early days toured North and East Texas with the Mabel Norton troupe, playing a cornet in the band and leading the orchestra for such plays as "East Lynne." Mr. Kohler was born May 4, 1858 at Liberty Pennsylvania. He was leader of the Sherman band and orchestra for 12 years after moving to Sherman and continued in various musical positions and the piano business afterwards. His special hobby was his music shop, where he rebuilt old pianos, seeking to place an instrument in every home at a nominal cost. Baseball was his favorite sport. He was the first violin instructor at Kidd-Key college. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias, Ben Hur and Homesteaderes lodges.  West Hill Cemetery Elaine Nall Bay ©2020 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |