Augustus Antoine Cornelius Meves (1785-1859) was born in London, England, the natural son of a miniature painter. He studied piano with his mother and, in 1805, gave his first major concert in Edinburgh under the name “Mr. Augustus.” He made his living by giving piano lessons. In 1818, his father died and bequeathed to his son half his property, allowing Augustus to stop giving lessons and live off investments. He continued to compose for piano. At that time, he also learned that he was born out of wedlock. He developed doubts about his origins and claimed to be the lost dauphin, son of Louis XVI, heir to the throne of France. He died in London while he was returning home by cab.