James Alvin DINWIDDIE

Notes:

James completed school in Clarksville, Texas, where he learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. He joined other musicians and played gigs all over the county. He thought he wanted to be a professional musician, and entered Hardin-Simmons College at Abilene, Texas, where he became a member of their Cowboy Band. The following summer James went with the band on a vaudeville tour of northeast Europe. They played at the Hippodrome in New York, on the steamship Leviathan, for the crossing and back, at the Palladium in London and other areas of northeast Europe. It was during this trip that James decided he did not want to a professional musician and entered the University of Texas that Fall intending to major in chemistry. He received a PhD in 1941 and was a part time instructor in chemistry from five years. His frequent use of the library led him to meet Helene and eventually the rest of the von Rosenberg family. His first introduction to the family was an invitation to a German style meal prepared by Helene’s mother. As the trips to Helene’s home became more frequent, family and friends would often join in an evening of chamber music. After finishing school, they moved to Baytown, Texas where James had a job as research chemist with Humble (Exxon) Oil & Refining Company, which he had for 33 years. Toward the end of James’ professional career, he became a registered member of the Piano Tuners Guild. He worked as a part-time tuner both before and after his official retirement.

James married Helene Elizabeth WUPPERMAN on 6 Jun 1936 in Austin, Travis, Texas, USA. Helene (daughter of Walter Otto WUPPERMAN and Elisabeth Marie VON ROSENBERG) was born on 2 Mar 1911 in Austin, Travis, Texas, USA; died on 18 Apr 2015 in Boerne, Kendall, Texas, USA; was buried on 25 Apr 2015 in Austin Memorial Park, Austin, Travis, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living
2. Living

Robert married Nellie May DICKSON. Nellie was born on 25 Aug 1887 in Clarksville, Red River, Texas, USA; died on 23 Mar 1967 in Austin, Travis, Texas, USA; was buried on 24 Mar 1967 in Austin Memorial Park, Austin, Travis, Texas, USA. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]