Grew up in San Francisco. Joined the U.S. Navy but deserted when ship was docked in Panama. There he enlisted in the Panama Army as a drummer boy. He worked his way back to San Francisco, where he was arrested for desertion. However, a sweetheart who was the daughter of a member of Congress helped him avoid punishment. He recalled two airs he heard in Panama, one a long instrumental part and another he put to lyrics, which would form The Spanish Cavalier.
