By Faith Macomber
The composer is William Augustine Ogden was born October 10, 1841, in Ohio, and died October 14, 1897, in Ohio. When Ogden was six, his family moved to Indiana. He started studying music at the age eight in the local singing schools. At the age ten he could read the church music fairly well, and a little later he was able to write a melody by hearing it sung or played. At the age eighteen he became the choir leader in his home church.
When the American Civil War broke out Ogden enlisted in the 30th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. During the war he organized a male choir, and was well known throughout the Army of the Cumberland. After the war Ogden returned home and continued his musical studies. In 1870, as his musical skills developed he made his first song book, “The Silver Song,” it became very popular and he sold 500,000 copies. He continued publishing numerous other song books.
Besides composing Ogden taught at many schools in Canada and the United States. He became superintendent music in the public schools of Toledo Ohio in 1887.
The author is Alexcenah Thomas was born in the 19th century, we don’t know when he was born or died.
“Bring Then In” was published in 1885 by the composer William Ogden, who was known for his work with children’s music.
Sources:
Information on Heber: K.W. Osbeck. Amazing Grace (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications, 1990), p. 72.
Pictures and information on Ogden can be found at: Dave Hoist. The Cyber Hymnal (1996) William Ogden. www.cyberhymnal.com
