KUSSNER, Albert J. - Putnam

Source: St. Petersburg, Florida Tampa Bay Times Fri 13 June 1930 p2

Albert J. Kussner, 69 died at a local hospital at 8:30 o’clock Thursday night, following a brief illness. Mr. Kussner, who was a composer and musician of note had been a resident here for the past 5 years, having his residence at 240 26th avenue north. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mary P. Kussner of this city. Funeral services will be held at 7:30 o’clock Saturday evening at the Endicott Funeral Home conducted by Rev. GW Benn.  Interment will be in Terre Haute, Ind.

Source: St. Petersburg, Florida Tampa Bay Times Fri 20 June 1930 p 4

Albert J. Kussner who died recently in this city was a man beloved by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He was a man of unimpeachable character, of gentle spirit, and a lover of all nature and mankind – intensely patriotic and proud of his St. Petersburg affiliations, for it was here that he decided to make his home despite the fact of many years’ residence abroad. He was a musical composer of international fame, and a wonderful musician, equally at home at the piano, on the harp and violin and many other music instruments. His knowledge of mechanics and his wonderful interpretation of art and its allied subjects was profound. His demise was a great loss to his beloved charming wife, to his relatives in England and to his many friends here in St. Petersburg, a city which he loved so much because of its sunshine, its friendliness, its trees, its palms, its flowers and its birds. Walter Brooks Brounder, MD 748 28th Ave North, St. Petersburg 17 June

Source: Indianapolis Star Sun 16 Nov 1930 p 35

The memory of Albert J. Kussner, famous Hoosier composer will be honored at 5:30 o’clock tonight when the WGN Symphony orchestra will play his compositions. In the studio at the time of the broadcast will be his widow, Mrs. Kussler who makes her home in Chicago and St. Petersburg Fla. Kussner was born at Greencastle, In in 1861 and died at St. Petersburg, Fla June 12, 1930. When a small boy his family moved to Terre Haute and Mrs. Kussner worked there with his father until he went to Chicago in 1893 where he had his musical triumphs. His most famous composition is Moon Moths which was dedicated to his sister, Amalia.

Source: St. Petersburg, Florida Tampa Bay Times Tue 17 June 1930 p 4

There passed away in our city this past week one whose loss should call forth some special mention.  I refer to Mr. Albert J. Kussner. Mr. Kussner was a musical composer of great ability, his compositions being produced by Lyon & Healy of Chicago and by Bosworth & Co of London for the past 30 years. He was also a fine judge of art; and a man whose culture made him a lover of the beautiful in nature. Many years of travel and sojourn in Europe had given him familiarity with the best in music and art. It is significant that he chose St. Petersburg above the Riviera and the noted culture of Europe as the place to spend his declining years. Our beautiful city is poorer for his loss. I say “our city” for though I am going elsewhere my congregation has been good enough to make me “Pastor Emiritus,” and I shall always regard St. Petersburg as home … George W. Benn

NOTE: He was born in Greencastle, lived there for awhile while his father ran a music store then the family moved to Terre Haute where he grew-up and worked for his father in the same business there.  Still later they all lived in Chicago and he eventually lived overseas and finally passing away in Florida