FREDERICK BACON OF NEWFANE DIES Banjo Player Formerly in Vaudeville and Medicine Shows NEWFANE Frederick James Bacon, 77. well-known banjoist and music instructor, formerly a trouper on vaudeville circuits and In old-time medicine shows, died Thursday evening at his home. In failing health for a long period, he had been seriously ill the past week. Funeral services will be held Sunday morning at 10 oclock at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, West Townshend. Burial will take place In Grove Hill Cemetery, Rockville, Conn. He was born in Holyoke, Jan. 17, 1871 and spent his childhood in the home of a great-aunt, Mrs. Della Aldrich, in Rockville. He began the study of the violin and drums at the age of seven and at 12 received instruction in banjo playing which became his life work. Mr. Bacon traveled extensively on vaudeville circuits and with medicine shows and at one time appeared In Bostons original stage show, Hornsbys Oats and with Broncho John's Wild West Show as Nebraska Fred. Bostons old museum exhibited the figure of a cowboy in full regalia, representing Mr. Bacon as Tbe Banjo Kid. Mr. Bacon was twice married. His first marriage to Cassie N. Bacon took place in New York City April 3, 1890. The couple traveled for many years and at one time made their home in Hartford. where he taught music. They located in New London, in 1914, Mr. Bacon teaching music and operating a banjo factory in Groton. Mr. and Mrs. Bacon spent many summers in Newfane and in 1929 built a bungalow on Brattleboro Road as their permanent home. Mrs. Bacon died in November, 1936. On Aug. 29, he married Frances Westphal of Wardsboro, who survives. Mr. Bacon and his second wife conducted music classes throughout the West River Valley until 1940 when they established at their home a small business for the assembling and repair of musical Instruments. As an amateur artist Mr. Bacon spent much time producing oils and pastels. or in an
