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Lost history
1 Lusk family
Margaret Hobbs photo Researcher Linda Henry verifies information about John Martin Lusk from some of his family members. The Massachusetts resident is archiving facts about the historical black musician who was born in Warren County in 1886. Family members are, from left, Frances McKinley, Sylvia Lusk, Kurt Lusk, Katrina Lusk, Louise Lusk and Harold Lusk. Seated beside Henry is Charlie Lusk.
When John Martin Lusk was born in 1886 in the Campaign area known as Turkey Scratch, it was never imagined he would become a virtuosic fiddle player. No one could possibly predict the grandson of a slave would have an impact on old-time music. His story starts with his grandfather Jeff Lusk, who was sent to New Orleans by his owner to learn to play the fiddle.