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Show WEALTHIEST ORGAN GRINDER IS DEAD NEW YORK, Aug. 18. After having ground out his favorite hymns, "Rock of Ages" and "Jesus, Lover of Mr Soul." more than a million times, Melcher Wideman, believed to be the richest organ or-gan grinder In the United States, is dead. For twenty years Wideman played at the entrance to Glen Island, the big summer sum-mer resort at New Rochelle. It is estimated esti-mated that during that time he saved $50,000. He was blind. Tbe music was so doleful that several times the millionaire owner of Glen Island tried to fores the old man to change his location, but he had a license from the city, and as he was on city property, he refused to budge. On many occasions people who grew, tired of hearing the old tunes pleaded with Wideman to put on a few rolls of ragtime, but he refused to listen to them, as he said he found religious music mu-sic more effective In arousing sympathy than popular airs. Five years ago he yielded slightly to persuasion and bought the roll, "Onward, Christian Soldiers." which he added to his repertoire and continued to play until his death. Wideman was 78 years old. Two weeks ago ha became seriously 111 and was removed re-moved to St. Joseph's hospital. In this city, where he died yesterday. The old man bad no relatives, and It Is believed that he has willed his hoard to the Roman Catholic church. A priest took charge of the body, and it will be buried In New Rochelle. |