Fontana, Julian
Composer and pianist. Close friend of Frederick Chopin; born 1810 in Warsaw, Poland. Lived with Chopin in Warsaw from 1824 to 1827; in London from 1834 to 1837; from 1837 to 1838 helped transcribe Chopin's writings and wrote his improvisations during Chopin's illness. In 1848 came to U.S. and gave concerts in different cities; wrote several compositions. In 1849 went to Cuba and married a Creole woman with whom he had a son. His wife died six years after the marriage. Died Dec. 24, 1860 in Cuba.From: "Who's Who in Polish America" by Rev. Francis Bolek, Editor-in-Chief; Harbinger House, New York, 1943