J.  S.  Bergen

THE  SHELBY  DEMOCRAT
February 13, 1879
VOL. 1; No. 37
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from the article, SMILING  SHELBYVILLE!

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Prof.  J. S. Bergen

Although a young citizen of this place, the Professor is well known in musical circles.  He is affable and courteous, and the public is justly proud of his efforts for the advancement of the musical art in this city.  He was born in the year 1851, near Franklin, Indiana.  He farmed until 1871, when he attended a musical school for two years.  Carl Thorbahn, of Danna's Musical Institute, who was a graduate of one of the best schools in Germany, being his principal teacher.  After that he taught music about his home until 1875, when he accepted the position of teacher in the Central Conservatory at Columbus, Indiana.  In 1878 he came to this city to give the Red Riding Hood concert, which was rendered on the nights of August 29 and 30, 1878.  The affair was a complete success; and he was so well pleased with the musical portion of our citizens, and the people generally, that he located here in September, 1878.  He has been prominently identified with all of the principal musical events in this city since he came here.  The Pythagorean Society was organized by him, of which he is now the Director.  The society has already given two very successful concerts this winter, one on Christmas, and the other on New Year's night, and have in active preparation another, which will take place in a few weeks.  He teaches, theoretically --- reading music, thorough base and harmony; practically --- piano, voice, organ and church music, violin, flute, cornet and guitar; conductor of singing schools, conventions and choirs and orchestras.  His method of teaching is the same as that followed in the musical institutes and conservatories.  His music and instructions are of German composition, and graded so as to advance the students in the most successful manner.  Professor Bergen is a thorough musician, and the success he has met with in Shelbyville is the best proof of her culture and progress in the arts which refine and elevate.

     Next biography in the "Smiling Shelbyville" newspaper article, Andrew Raymond.

Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

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