More Information:

About Franklin Lycurgus Eiland:

Jan 1909 birth cert of son shows occupation as Musician

died of pneumonia

FRANKLIN LYCURGUS EILAND
Myrtle Springs, Tx
Information transcribed from The Southland Vol. XII. No 1
Waco, Tx; Established March, 1892

Prof. Eiland is of Scotch-Irish descent. The family came to America, however, in an early day and settled in Georgia. They were farmers and extensive slave holders. Enoch Eiland was the grand father. He was the father to James Eiland, who in turn was the father of our subject. He was born in Georgia and reared to the age of 12 when the family moved to Alabama. Here he was reared to manhood, was educated in the Alabama schools and became a teacher. In due time he married Miss Sarah Ann Savage. Ten children were born unto them. Franklin is the youngest but one and was born in Noxubee county, Miss., March 25, 1860. He was reared on the farm and attended the old field school. The school house on the hill and the old Oaken Bucket, etc., etc., were objects of interest in his curriculum. He had traveled some before finally leaving home including a trip to Tx, but in 1882 he came to Tx to remain. November 13, 1884 he married Miss Mary E. Nisbett of Robertson county. She lived nine years. In 1894 he married Miss Ella May Kennedy of Van Zandt county. She lived only 10 days. October 21, 1896 he married Miss Minnie Jarushia Valentine of McLennan county. She still survives. They have one sweet little daughter, Mary Ella Oree. She is quite bright and is already starting music at the age of three. Little Elva Lynn came Sept. 16, 1901 and God took her Aug. 9, 1902. The Eilands have been farmers and professional men along many lines, but Prof. Eiland was the only one that ever embarked in the music business. He was inclined to music from a child and appropriated all the advantages in this line that came his way many things of minor importance happened along his life but in 1884 he fell into a meeting conducted by Maj. W. E. Penn, and the superior music rendered there awaked all his latent talent and set him on fire with a desire to make a musician. He at once began a musical career that has attained an abundant success. He soon began teaching and continuing to study became a composer. He sought the association of those who could teach him and in this and other ways has enjoyed advantages of the best talent to be found. In 1893 he began publishing and brought out "The Promised Crown." From this, came in due time The Trio Music Co. now operated in Waco and The Musical Trio. A Music Journal published by them. Prof. E. is president of the company and editor in chief of the Journal. They have published 12 different books of song and theory and their sales are increasing abundantly with each passing year. The books published by them are The Promised Crown, The Dawning Light, The Church Harvest, The vineyard Chorus, Nos. One and Two, The Song Feast, Happy News, The Gospel Gleaner, The Bank Note, The Gospel Garner, The Normal Voice, Eiland's Theory of Musical Composition of these books, Prof. E. is principal editor and they are now being sold in 25 different states and territories. The Musical Trio is a popular Journal and growing in circulation and indluence all the while. He is a man of great decision and is a born commander. He decides a business proposition quickly and acts at once and the volume of his work is growing rapidly. He now lives in Myrtle Springs whether he moved two years since to secure the benefit of the wonderful waters of those springs. He has an elegant home and three farms near by besides. He is a member of the Christian church and is given great credit for good influence wielded for his church and community. He is public spirited and stands for progress in all lines. He says Van Zandt county has as bright prospects for growth and development as any section of any country.`

About Ella May Kennedy:

aka Ella Tolen