A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Meves, Augustus

MEVES, Augustus Antoine Cornelius, son of Augustus Anthony William (known as William) Meves, a miniature painter, was born in London Feb. 16, 1785. He was early taught the pianoforte by his mother, a pupil of Linley and Sacchini, and appeared in Edinburgh in 1805 as Mr. Augustus, with considerable success. He followed his profession in London until the death of his father, Aug. 1, 1818, when he gave up teaching for speculation on the Stock Exchange, continuing however to compose and arrange for his instrument. He died suddenly in a cab, May 9, 1859. In the latter part of his life he assumed to be the Dauphin of France, son of Louis XVI., and alleged that he had been rescued from captivity in the Temple through the instrumentality of William Meves. His story may be read in detail in 'Authentic Historical Memoirs of Louis Charles, Prince Royal, Dauphin of France,' etc., by his sons Augustus and William Meves (London, Ridgway, 1868).

[ W. H. H. ]