Franklin H. Lenzner (1859 - 1940)

Born 30 May 1859 in Lancaster, Erie County, New York, USA

Ancestors

Died 5 Nov 1940 at age 81 in Cass City, Tuscola County, Michigan, USA

Biography

Cass City Chronicle Vol. 35, Number 33 Cass City, Mich., Friday, November 8, 1940 Page One Franklin Lenzner, Widely Known Musician, Dies For Many Years an Instructor of Piano, Band, String Instruments Here

Following an illness of six years, Frankline Lenzner, 81, passed away about 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, in his home, corner of Oak and Pine Streets.

Funeral services will be held this afternoon (Friday) in the Angus McPHAIL residence, Rev. Paul J. Allured of Kinde, a former pastor of the Cass City Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment will be in Elkland Cemetery.

Franklin Lenzner was born in Lancaster, New York, May 30, 1859, and came to Cass City with his parents when a small boy. He attended the School of Music at Friendship, New York, and for seven years was a member of Gorton's Gold Band, in which he played the bass tuba, and was billed on posters in all the principal cities as a bass tuba soloist, and received much praise newspaper write-ups. While with the band, he often composed his own music, and especially enjoyed playing the "Blue Bells of Scotland" with variations. With this band he travelled through 42 states and territories, Mexico and many of the principal cities of Canada. For a number of years Mr. Lenzner was instructor of the Cass City Band and for many years, or as long as his health permitted, he gave lessons on piano, band and string instruments. He was united in marriage with Miss Anne Belle HAMILL of Geneseo, New York, on December 31, 1891 at St. Thomas, Ontario. She died January 23, 1902.

He is survived by a son, Dr. Grey F. LENZNER, of Bad Axe; a daughter, Miss Gladys, at home; and a sister, Miss Emma LENZNER. Three brothers, Oscar, John and Samuel, preceded him in death.

Mr. Lenzner gained much ov his education by reading and observation. He was deeply interested in all music and found much pleasure and satisfaction in encouraging others to fight for knowledge along that line.

He was also a carpenter and helped build many homes in his home town.

Guitar and guitarinas made by his father, C.O. Lenzner, Sr., were finished by Frank Lenzner with fine inlaid work and some instruments contained 3,200 or more pieces. He also made a table containing a fancy section of 17 colored strips of inlaying with a space of less than 3/8 inch.

Although he had been ill for six years and sometimes almost at death's door, he has been very patient, never admitting his great pain to others. Throughout his sickness, he was exceedingly kind and considerate to those who cared for him.

Pallbearers will be W.H. SIMMONS of Gagetown, Eber KREGER of Deford, James HUSTON of Sover, Rollo DARBEE of Caro, E.G. BRAUN of Detroit, and Clare STAFFORD of Cass City.

Sources

• 1865 New York state census, Lancaster, Erie, New York, District 01
• 1900 Census Michigan, Tuscola County, Cass City Village
• 1910 Census Michigan, Tuscola, Elkland Twp