Rare Copy of LINCOLN'S FUNERAL MARCH Sheet Music by Charles Hess ©1865

This antique copy of LINCOLN'S FUNERAL MARCH As Played by Menter's Band composed by Charles Hess, was published by A.C. Peters & Brothers Cincinnati and St. Louis in 1865.

The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on April 15, 1865 led to widespread grief and sorrow across America. To help cope with the tragedy, funeral marches were composed and played during the public mourning ceremonies held as the Lincoln Funeral Train made its 1,700-mile journey through 400 cities and towns, from Washington, D.C. to the President's final resting place in Springfield, Illinois.

When the train passed through Indianapolis, Lincoln's coffin was removed and escorted along the crowded streets lined with soldiers to the State House, where more than 50,000 people viewed Lincoln's open casket in the rotunda. During the Indianapolis mourning service and stop, the funeral march composed by Charles Hess was played.

This original copy of the sheet music is in fair condition with two torn areas on the lower left corner of the first sheet (as seen in the photos), and the outer cover is not present. The missing cover featured  a lithograph print from Donaldson & Elmes of Lincoln's portrait on the front, and the 7th page of music printed inside the back cover. Age-related paper deterioration such as foxing and browning. Priced accordingly due to condition.

Ideal for collectors, it is packaged with a protective sleeve for preservation.