William A. Ogden

William Augustine Ogden was born in Franklin County, Ohio, October 10, 1841. At the age of six years he moved with his parents to Indiana, where his early education was obtained in the district schools. He began the study of music in the singing schools of the community at the age of eight, and at ten could read church music fairly well at sight. A little later he could write a melody by hearing it sung or played. When he was eighteen years of age he began as chorister in his home church. The young man was a close student in both his music and literary work.

At the outbreak of the Civil War Mr. Ogden exchanged the soft and alluring music of peace for that of the martial notes of war. He enlisted in the Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served in a number of the historic battles of the war. During the war he organized a male choir, which became pretty well known throughout the Army of the Cumberland.

After the war Mr. Ogden returned to his home in Indiana, and resumed his musical studies under some of the greatest musicians of that day. Among his teachers were Dr. Lowell Mason, Dr. Thomas Hastings, E. E. Bailey and B. F. Baker, president of the old Boston Music School. With Professor Baker he studied voice, counterpoint, fugue and higher harmony. Professor Baker was one of the most prominent teachers of his time, and Mr. Ogden made good use of the time he spent under him, and held him in grateful remembrance for the fine instruction received. He soon developed a great talent as a composer of music, and in 1870 issued his first song book, ” Silver Song,” which became immensely popular. This book was also published in England, and reached the enormous sale of 500,000 copies.

Professor Ogden also won distinction as a teacher and convention conductor. He taught in many of the states of the Union, and also in Canada. At the close of a normal, of which he was principal, at Greensburg, Pa., he was presented with a gold watch, which he prized very highly„ For six years Professor Ogden held the position of director of music at the Iowa Normal School.

In 1881 he moved with his family to Toledo, Ohio, where he did the greatest musical work of his life. In 1887 he was appointed superintendent of music in the public schools of Toledo, which position he held until the time of his death. He enjoyed teaching the children more than any other work. Professor Ogden was, very popular with the children, and his training of three thousand children in 1894 was the distinct triumph of the great Saengerfest, held in his home city.

Professor Ogden was a prolific composer of both words and music, and his Avriting was always characterized with beautiful thoughts. He was an educated musician and possessed most excellent taste, so that all his compositions are models of beauty and correctness. As a writer of Sunday-school and anthem music he excelled. He was particularly happy in his melodies. and this, with the fact that his harmony was pleasing, accounts for the iinmediate popularity which his music always attained. He was a musical genius, and his love and devotion to his art won for him distinction among musicians.

Among his many publications w^e mention the following : ” Crown of Life,” ” Way of Life,” ” Joy Bells,” ” Notes of Victory ” ; in connection with Mr. E. S. Lorenz, ” Gathered Jewels, Nos. 1 and 2 ” ; associated with Mr. W. T. Giffe, ” Spirit of Song” and ” Happy Day,” and “Best Endeavor,” with Mr. Chas. Edw. Prior as associate. He also issued ” Anthem Choir,” ” Royal Anthems ” and ” Bright Anthems,” ” Silver Carols,” *’Song Leader,” “Drill Master,” “Song Chief,” ” Convention Choruses ” ; the oratorio, “Josiah,” and the oratorio “Birth of Christ.” He was also author of two cantatas, and two comic operas.

Professor Ogden composed scores of popular and exceedingly useful gospel songs, a few of which are : ” Gathering Home,” ” Where He Leads I’ll Follow,” ” Seeking the Lost,” ” AVhat Shall It Profit Thee ? “” Look and Live,” ” Bring Them In,” ” Go and Inquire,” ” Toiling for Jesus,” and many others.

Professor Ogden was a very genial and companionable man, and had the highest regard for the rights of other people ; in short, he was a Christian and citizen of honor. He was very enthusiastic in his work, yet very gentlemanly and considerate.

Prof. W. A. Ogden died October U, 1897. The funeral was said to be one of the largest ever seen in Toledo. He is gone, but his music and musical work will live and go on doing good. Though the singer be forgotten his songs will not die.