This article provides a biographical overview of William Northcott, an accomplished English-born cornetist. Born in Devonshire, England, in 1811.He began studying music at age nine under the renowned cornetist Norton. He demonstrated rapid progress, leading to early opportunities in military bands. He joined the British Navy as a young teenager, initially aiming to serve on the St.Jean d'Acre during the Crimean War. He played the cornet aboard the Princess Royal and later the St. Jean d'Acre, becoming popular among officers and crew. William participated in significant events such as the Crimean War and the fall of Sebastopol before returning to England in 1856. He Continued naval service on the "Conqueror" (Mediterranean cruise, 1856–1859) and then the "Nile," where he served as leading cornet player and soloist. Accompanied the Prince of Wales on a tour of Canada, earning high praise for his performances.International Musical Caree. rAfter ten years in the British Navy, traveled to Australia to join his family and founded the Northcott Sandhurst Brass Band, introducing popular "sacred concerts." Moved to New Zealand, briefly led a band in Christchurch, and attempted gold mining before returning to music with a successful concert tour. On route to America, organized a concert in Honolulu and was hired by the local government to form and lead a band, which he developed into a respected ensemble. William arrived in San Francisco in 1871, performed as a soloist in a major benefit concert for Chicago fire victims, and gained popularity on the West Coast. Later he moved to New York City, performing with prominent groups and artists, including Henry Tissington and Mme. Parepa Rosa, and joined Carneross' Minstrels. Early Engagements (1873–1875):Solo cornetist at Congress Hall, Cape May, under Simon Hassler (summers of 1873, 1874, 1875). Performed with the San Francisco Minstrels (fall/winter 1873–74) and at the Chestnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia (fall/winter 1874). Centennial Exhibition (1876):Specially engaged to perform for several exhibitors, attracting large crowds (20,000–30,000 people daily).Played for major companies (Hook & Hastings Organ Co., Knabe Piano Co., Stieff Piano, etc.) and with the Centennial Band. Demonstrated remarkable endurance by performing multiple daily sets throughout the event.Subsequent Engagements (1877–1879): Soloist for the Permanent Exhibition (1877–79). Performed with renowned violinist Ole Bull in 1879 and impressed critics with technical feats, such as playing "America" in four octaves on the cornet.Concert Company Leadership (1891–1893): Managed and performed with his own Concert Company, recognized as one of the finest musical organizations in the country. The company featured top vocalists and instrumentalists, giving over fifty concerts in Philadelphia alone. Introduced an original comic opera, "Henrietta; or, the Power of Music," to diversify the repertoire. Northcott's career is marked by international travel, military service, musical leadership, and a reputation for both performance excellence and band organization. Williams and his brother James Northcott served in the military together. James settled in Bendigo and worked for George Lansell as his general manager for 26 years. James lived in Lily St Golden Square; he continued with the Northcott Band until his death in 1904Fortuna Articles - The J.W. Pepper's Philadelphia Musical Times Band Journal - Sketch of William Northcott April 1884 This item contains two copies of the following documents from Wendy Ellis, a descendant of the Northcotts. James (George Lansell's General Manager) Northcott's name was famous for his involvement with his band. William was his brother who joind him in Bendigo for four years. 11217.68a Black and white etching of William Northcott, Cornet Virtuosu, from the article (sketch) on him - the Musical Times Journal. 11217.68b, c, and d Part of the article on William Northcott 11217.68e This document is a personal letter focused on family history and genealogical research. The writer's great-grandfather was Richard Williams.The writer's grandfather, Albert James, married Annie Edith Northcott, who was George Lansell's niece. Annie's father was not William Northcott, but his brother. The writer enclosed photocopies related to the family history, as promised. An additional photocopy from a magazine was included, with the original held by the writer's sister. The writer asks for the names, address, or phone number of the Lansell sisters to obtain a copy of the family tree. The book "Bendigo and Vicinity" is mentioned as a resource, with copies available at the State Library in Melbourne.non-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, william northcott, james northcott band, wnedy ellis

James Northcott In 1867 married Miss Lansell sister of George Lansell. A prominent bandsman in Bendigo, recognized for his musical contributions and honored with a silver cornet in 1871. His grave in the Bendigo Cemetery features musical notes. William Francis and Richard Francis were founders of the Beehive store during the gold rush era. Peter Hoey Finn arrived during the goldfields, owned a store that burned down, and later carved the granite bowl of the Alexandra Fountain as a mason. Elizabeth Watson was he only woman known to have died in a mining accident in Bendigo, tragically killed in 1863 due to her dress getting caught in mining machinery. The monumental section of Bendigo Cemetery has had about 60,000 interments since 1854, with some graves containing up to six people.The cemetery is denominational, with burial locations historically determined by religion.Community and Historical Significance:Cemetery tours are offered at Bendigo, White Hills, Eaglehawk, and Kangaroo Flat as part of the Summer in the Parks program. Many Australians have a family connection to Bendigo, with an estimated one in seven families linked to the area.Prominent Graves in the Bendigo Cemetery Article - "Melody Maker" - The Bendigo Miner Thursday Jan 07 2008 This item contains the following: 11217.11a Colour Photo of The Grave of Bandsman James Northcott 11217.11b Colour Photo of The Grave of Sir John Quick, the federal member for Bendigo 1901-1913, died 1932 11217.11c Colour Photo of The Grave of Anne Caudle in whose honour the Ann Caudle Centre is named, died in 1865 11217.11d Colour Photo of a Father and Mother - Some graves contain up to six people 11217.11e Part of page 5 - Melody Makernon-fictionbendigo, fortuna, george lansell, james northcott, anne caudle, john quick, northcott band

James Northcott (1836-1904) was born in Devonshire, England. He joined the British Navy as a youth and served in the Crimean War. He came to Australia for the gold rush, and then briefly went to the New Zealand rush before returning to Australia in 1858. In 1867 he married Annie Lansell, sister of George Lansell. James became general manager of George's mines. Northcott's Quadrille Band was playing for dances in 1865 and there are reports of Northcott's Brass Band performing in 1867. James Northcott was also leader of the Volunteer Band and the 4th Battalion Band in Castlemaine during the late 1880's.Bendigo Advertiser ''The way we were'' from Wednesday, February 11, 2014. Brass attack: Northcott's city band is the caption of this early photograph from the LaTrobe Library. The problem is, no-one knows who Mr. Northcott was. The clip is in a folder.newspaper, bendigo advertiser, the way we were

Meetings were held in St. Kilian's New Hall in April 1889 to organise the public welcome of the Irish envoys. 'All citizens in sympathy with the movement are cordially invited to attend' (Bendigo Advertiser, 22nd April 1889, Meetings ). The envoys arrived in Sandhurst by train on the 7th May 1889. 'There was a large gathering at the railway station, many of them wearing green and yellow ribbons being entwined in their buttonholes ..... one half of the crowd were at least fair daughters of Erin. The party proceeded in their carriages with at least one hundred members of the Hibernian Society wearing green sashes, leading the procession, while these were led by Northcott's Band, under Drum Major Byrne....Mr. J. Deasy, in a speech at the following dinner at the Shamrock said: ' at home and abroad Irishmen were one people and knew how to conduct themselves property. When they did not do so it was because they were driven to act otherwise by the oppression of the Government' (Bendigo Advertiser, 8th. May, 1889, page 3: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/88586349?searchTerm=the%20irish%20envoys)Group of 24 men in dark suits, some sitting and some standing. On front -- The Irish Envoys and Sandhurst Committee. 1889. Markings on back: Back row - 3rd from left - Colgan. Father - 3rd from left - back row. Gilt edging on frame. Northcott's Band preceded the procession from the railway station following the Irish Envoys arrival. Hibernian Society members present. See Bendigo Advertiser article 8th May, 1889, page 3 ' The Irish Envoys, Their Arrival in Sandhurst' : https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/88586344?searchTerm=irish%20envoysirish envoys, irish envoys committee, 1889, hibernian society, erin, northcott's band, major byrne,

Mr. Northcott served all through the Crimean war, and obtained three service medals. He was most fortunate, as he did not even receive a scratch. While fighting in the trenches one day he happened to glance round, and was surprised to discover that his brother was by his side. They had not seen each other for a long time, and the meeting under such circumstances can be imagined. Two of his brothers, John and William, served throughout the war. At its close he came to Victoria, the gold fever being then at its height. His stay in Bendigo was brief, as the New Zealand rush attracted his attention, but he returned in 1858 to Bendigo, and as the outlook was quiet, he went back to New Zealand in 1859. Finally, in 1860, he settled in the Bendigo district with his father and mother and brother William. They took up some land at Leichardt and remained there for some years. It was about this time that he became prominent in musical circles. He came of a musical family, as his oldest brother, John, was one of the musicians to the Royal Family, and was pensioned by the late Queen Victoria. His younger brother, William, is at the present time one of the leading cornet players in the United States. In 1867 the late Mr. Northcott married Miss Lansell, sister of Mr. Geo. Lansell, her demise having taken place about three months before. When he left Leichardt, Mr. Northcott became Mr. Lansell's general manager, and continued in that capacity for 26 years. While he was manager of the 180 Mine it is estimated that gold to the value of a million sterling was taken from the mine. It is, perhaps, in his capacity as a bandsman, that Mr. Northcott was best known, as he became a familiar figure not only in the chief centres of Victoria but throughout Australia. He first became leader of the old Volunteer Band, and he was subsequently leader of the Battalion Band at Castlemaine. It was when he became leader of the musical combination known as Northcott's Brass Band that his fame and the fame of the band became widespread, as some 25 years ago it was one of the finest bands in Australia, and held that distinction for many years. Although many changes in the personnel of the band have taken place, it still retainsits old name. Mr. Northcott was a cornet player of high ability, and in 1871 he was presented by the citizens of Bendigo with a handsome silver cornet, in recognition of his services as a musician. His home contains a great array of trophies, photographic groups of bandsmen etc., which serve to indicate in a sense the reputation he enjoyed as a bandsman. During his career in Bendigo he invested in mining a good deal, but was not very fortunate in this respect, as he lost a good deal of money on the New Chum line. Naturally he was well known and warmly respected, especially by bandsmen. He was a genial citizen, and made a large circle of sincere friends. He was a member of the Zenith Lodge of Masons, having passed through the chairs twice. He was also a member of the A.O.F., and formerly a member of the School of Mines Administrative Council. It was about this time that he became prominent in musical circles. He came of a musical family, as his oldest brother, John, was one of the musicians to the Royal Family, and was pensioned by the late Queen Victoria. His younger brother, William, was one of the leading cornet players in the United States.Black and white photograph of Northcott's City Band, Bendigo. 3 rows of men in Band Uniform. Drum centre, brass instruments.men laying in grass at front.organisation, band, northcott's city band

Paper advertising the book launch of 'Marching Through Three Centuries with the City of Bendigo Brass Band (1862 - 2001). Book launch took place on Saturday, 2nd November 2002 at the Campbell Theatrette, Bendigo. Mentioned is a short history of the City of Bendigo Brass Band, About the Author - Bob McCaskill, a photo of the band in the 1800's and a photo of the band at the 2002 Nationals in Geelong (Victoria). There is also a photo of the ornate cornet presented to John Northcott by the citizens of Bendigo in 1871. Included is a green flyer titled 'Become a Friend of City of Bendigo Brass'. It lists some advantages of becoming a member. Cost of membership $20.00 per year.city of bendigo brass band - marching through three centuries, campbell theatrette, city of greater bendigo, victorian state government, james northcott, northcott's city band, george lansell's sister, oscar flight, flight's city band, allans, arthur taylor, bendigo municipal band, bob mccaskill snr, arthur swift, bert pierce, gordon regan, alf swift, edward flood, frank taylor, bob mccaskill jnr, len ryan, trevor trewartha, city of bendigo brass band, andrew trewartha, david hague, bob mccaskill, jacinta allan mla, rod fyffe, bendigo historical society, peter darlow

a. Black wooden case, brass handle on top of lid, brass hinges and lock, lined with black ( faded) velvet. B. Cornet, engraved with leaves and flowers. Engraved on top ' F. Besson, Brevetee, 198 Euston Road, London.' On bell ' Presented by the citizens to James Northcott Bandmaster of the Sandhurst Volunteer Band in recognition of his musical abilities. Sandhurst Dec. 8 1871. Cornet box contains 7 additional parts of the Cornet. ( see photo )F. Besson, Brevetee, 198 Euston Road, Londonmusical instruments, wind, cornet ( besson ), james northcott, sandhurst, volunteer band, bendigo, music, presentation

In 1862 James Northcott established Northcott's City Band. Following his death in 1904, Oscar Flight took over the band and renamed it Flight's City Band. In 1921 the name was again changed to Bendigo Municipal Band and in 1982 it became the City of Bendigo Brass Band.Marching Through Three Centuries with the City of Bendigo Brass Band. The History of the City of Bendigo Brass Band 1862-2001. Compiled and Written by Robert McCaskill (Jnr).

Program for the Austral Literary and Debating Society's First Grand Annual Competitions in Music, Song and Story held at the Royal Princess Theatre. Program printed in red a creamy, silky material with a satin type finish. F. Aswel Apted, President. Arthur L. Bolton and Jtn. Smalley, Hon. Secs. Those who took part are: Northcott's Band, R Rule, A Bottoms, Flora Hill, Winifred Bishop, Vida Rogers, G Walter, G Fred Walter, A Hosking, Prof Lupton, Josephine Scott, Ralph W Brown, Lady Brassey, A B Flohm, Eathorne Rogers, T Bockelmann, Ch H King, Nellie Jeffrey, Lizzie Trevean, Ethel Osborne, Lillie Sharp and W Tinkler. Hon. Accompanist was Mr. J. H. Bryan and prizes were distributed by Lady Brassey.entertainment, concert, music, song & story, austral literary and debating society's first grand annual competitions, royal princess theatre, j h bryan, northcott's band, r rule, a bottoms, flora hill, winifred bishop, vida rogers, g walter, g fred walter, a hosking, prof lupton, josephine scott, ralph w brown, lady brassey, a b flohm, eathorne rogers, t bockelmann, ch h king, nellie jeffrey, lizzie trevean, ethel osborne, lillie sharp, w tinkler, f aswel apted, arthur l bolton, jtn smalley

Handwritten, detailed account of Hospital Sunday at Sandhurst. It mentions the crowds coming into town, the procession, and the day’s entertainment at the Reserve. Also mentions the donations raised for charity. Also a number of small pages titled Facts & Scraps. Mentions a number of daily happenings and the bells at St. Paul's Church.event, entertainment, sandhurst, the australian sketcher 1873, rev mr croxton, the bendigo advertiser, hallas' band, northcott's regimantal band, captain moorhead, captain boyd, lieutenant sibley, lieutenant henderson, mr morrison, bendigo rifles, major taylor, captain joseph, lieutenant blackham, bendigo hotel, bank of victoria, prince alfred, mr abbott, st paul's church bells, hustlers mine, prince bismarck, james park, bell, william hartlett, mr williamson, mr purcell, connell watson & hogarth, mr j b watson, the engineers engine-drivers and blacksmiths association, melbourne botanical gardens, mr hodgkinson, baron von muellerus, patrick hugo mchugh, golden fleece mine, orpheus c kerr, jones, the victorian racing club, mr walker, spencer, robert chambers's index to heirs-at-law legatees missing friends and persons advertised for during 150 years past, mr higinbotham, mr d r morrison, mr mccosh, mr hicks, carlisle company, james hamilton, samuel rochford, royal hustlers claim, william mycroft, rifle brigade hotel, mr randall, the right rev dr gould, r m s s china, james kennedy

Handwritten notes and typed copy of same, on an overwinding fatality at Lansell's Big 180 Mine on Friday 27/10/1882. William Clemens was killed. Albert Richardson Collection. document, gold, lansell's big 180 mine, lansell's big 180 mine, overwinding fatality at lansell's big 180 mine, bendigo advertiser 27/10/1882 & 7/11/82, william clemens, sterry's hotel, mr northcott, w j ?mens, james ellery, hand and band company ballarat, abraham harkness, mines dept