Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 53, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 September 1916 — OWNER OF AN ANCIENT VIOLIN [ARTICLE]

OWNER OF AN ANCIENT VIOLIN

“Uncle” Charley Pullin Has Valuable French Instrument. "Uncle” Charley Pullin of Rensselaer ig the possessor of what is perhaps the oldest violin in Indiana, at least the oldest in this section of the state. Mr. Pullin has had the violin in his possession for more than fifty-five years, and its age is not less years. This ancient instrument no doubt has a most Interesting history connected with it, if the same could only be traced completely, and is very valuably. Mr. Pullin bought the violin in the early sixties, of a soldier who came, here from Boone county to play for a dance. This dance was at the home of Sol McCurtain in Barkley township, and was given for Captain E. P. Hammond and his company of Rensselaer soldiers, 'about fifty of whom were present, prior to their departure for the front. Mr. Pullin realized at the time that he had a very old instrument in his possession and noticing an inscription In French on the inside he took It t© a professor at St.

Joseph’s college and had it interpreted. This inscription read: “Vincent Panorneo, Maple St., Paris. Made in 1700.” Mr. Pullin has resided in Jasper county since 1856, and was 77 years old September 22. He was born in Champaign county, Ohio, and left there when sixteen years old. He has been back there but once since, seven years ago. Mr. Pullin states that he n ever took a drink, never smoked, and took but one chew of tobacco, which made him so sick he had to be carried into the house.