Herringshaw's Encyclopedia of American Biography of the Nineteenth Century. Addenda page xxxiii (fair use of copyrighted material) EMMETT, DANIEL DECATUR, soldier, musician, composer, was born in 1815 in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. He was a negro minstrel and song writer. In his youth he joined the regular army; in 1835 became a member of Oscar Brown's Circus company; and in 1842, with Frank Brown, William Whitlock and Richard Phelam, formed what was the first negro minstrel company. In 1859 he wrote the famous song of Dixie. In 1865 he became independent manager and in 1878 he returned to Mt. Vernon, Ohio. He is the author of hundreds of songs, including Old Dan Tucker, Boatman's Dance, The Road to Richmond, and many old-time favorites.