Cecil Duane Crabb

Cecil Duane Crabb (b. Centerville, April 23, 1890 - d. Rice Lake, Wisconsin, April 26, 1953) -- Pianist, composer, and illustrator. Although he worked in Indianapolis at times as a designer, painter, and co-owner of neon sign firm, he had a passion for the music business. "Cece," as he was called by his friends, helped start a circle of ragtime enthusiasts when he met young budding composer May Aufderheide. May's "Dusty Rag" became the only the piece carried by the Duane Crabb Publishing Company; Crabb put his artistic skills to use and also designed the cover the rag. When May's father established J.H. Auferheide & Co., Crabb came on board to do the cover art work. With the help of notating his music -- probably from Paul Pratt -- Crabb wrote at least four piano rags between 1907 and 1911. His friend Will Morrison co-authored and published "Trouble" (see below). Following the demise of the Aufderheide company, Crabb seems to have stopped composing and worked later on in the floral business.