(ENTERTAINMENT--MUSIC.) Thomas J. Martin. Emancipation March. 4 pages, 13 1/2 x 9 3/4 inches, on 2 detached sheets; minor wear; inked stamp of London, ON music dealer on title page. [Toronto, ON]: Canadian Music Library [Strange & Co.], circa 1884-1889
Thomas J. Martin was a free Black composer and music teacher active in New Orleans from 1854 to 1860 who published several songs. He was arrested on charges of seducing some of his students in 1860, and nearly lynched. The instrumental piece "Emancipation March" was first published with a dedication to Abraham Lincoln, and went through several printings; we are aware of none others at auction.
