Books › the history of the violin, 1864 › scan 314
Scan 314
the history of the violin, 1864
8 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 292. See the scan on archive.org.
1that this must be the record of his death; consequently he would have been born in or about 1688.
3Only vague accounts could be learned of the vocation he followed, but it was generally asserted that, latterly, he made spinning-wheels, or was a wheelwright, and at one period of his life he was a gun-maker, and considered by all of them to be "a very ingenious man, and occasionally made fiddles." A violin was seen in 1850, said to be his make, and with some degree of truth could be traced back. The work was rude and unfinished, the model very high, resembling the Steiner, but the outline approached nearer to the pattern of the Amati. It was much decayed and worm-eaten, and if strings had been to the instrument, it is doubtful if it would have borne tuning to try the tone. This violin was possessed by Joseph Rook, a violin maker and performer, who lived in Rickergate, Carlisle. He had been intimate with Joseph Forster, grandson (if we are correct with the identity) of this said John, from the first year of the present century.
5Not only were many of the facts just enumerated known to the family, but it can be added that John Forster was of stature more than six feet, also of athletic frame of body, with great muscular development.
7Presuming the identity of John Foster or Forster is established, then William Forster was the son of the previous named John; but as there are four in this family of the same Christian name connected with violin making, a number will be attached to each for the advantage of any required reference. It cannot be positively asserted whether William Forster (1) was born in Brampton; it is believed to be so, but there is no proof; however he must soon have located there. He was born about 1713-14, and by the books of the old
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