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Anonymous

Person Name: Unknown Author of "Open the Door for the Children" in Revival Praises In some hymnals, the editors noted that a hymn's author is unknown to them, and so this artificial "person" entry is used to reflect that fact. Obviously, the hymns attributed to "Author Unknown" "Unknown" or "Anonymous" could have been written by many people over a span of many centuries.

M. A. Kidder

1820 - 1905 Person Name: Mary E. Kidder Author of "Open the Door for the Children" in The New Praiseworthy Used pseudonym: Minnie Waters ========== Mary Ann Pepper Kidder USA 1820-1905. Born at Boston, MA, she was a poet, writing from an early age. She went blind at age 16, but miraculously recovered her sight the following year. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1844 she married Ellis Usher Kidder, a music publisher, working for the firm founded by his brother, Andrew, and they had three children: Mary Frances, Edward, and Walter. That year they moved to Charlestown, MA, and in 1857 to New York City. When the American Civil War broke out, Ellis enlisted in the 4th Regiment as a private. Mustered in for two years of service, he died of disease in 1862, six days after participating in the Battle of Antietam. Left alone, with three children to care for, her writing hobby became a much needed source of income. She began writing short stories, poems, and articles and submitting them to various magazines and newspapers. For over 25 years she wrote a poem each week to the New York Ledger and others to the Waverly Magazine and New York Fireside Companion. She also frequently contributed to the New York Weekly, Demorest’s Monthly, and Packard’s Monthly. It was estimated that she earned over $80,000 from her verse. She lost two of her children when Walter drowned while swimming, and 18 years later, her daughter, Mary Frances, a talented sketch artist, died of heart disease. Mary Ann was active in the temperance movement and one of the first members of the Sorosis club, a women’s club. She loved children and animals. Her daughter-in-law described her as gentle, patient, always serene, and a good listener. She was fiercely independent and refused to lean on others for support, mentally or materially. Mary Ann lived for 46 years in New York City. She is said to have written 1000+ hymn lyrics. She died at Chelsea, MA, at the home of her brother, Daniel, having lived there two years. It is said that her jet-black hair never turned gray, which was a real grief to her, as she longed for that in advancing age. John Perry =========== Kidder, Mary Ann, née Pepper, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts, March 16, 1820, is the author of "Lord, I care not for riches" (Name in the Book of Life desired), and "We shall sleep, but not for ever" (Hope of the Resurrection), both of which are in I. D. Sankey's Sacred Songs & Solos, 1878. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, Appendix, Part II (1907) ===================== Kidder, Mary Ann, née Pepper, p. 1576, i. Mrs. Kidder died at Chelsea, Mass., Nov. 25, 1905. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and resided for 46 years in New York City. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)

E. O. Excell

1851 - 1921 Composer of "[Open the door for the children] " in The New Praiseworthy Edwin Othello Excel USA 1851-1921. Born at Uniontown, OH, he started working as a bricklayer and plasterer. He loved music and went to Chicago to study it under George Root. He married Eliza Jane “Jennie” Bell in 1871. They had a son, William, in 1874. A member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he became a prominent publisher, composer, song leader, and singer of music for church, Sunday school, and evangelistic meetings. He founded singing schools at various locations in the country and worked with evangelist, Sam Jones, as his song leader for two decades. He established a music publishing house in Chicago and authored or composed over 2,000 gospel songs. While assisting Gypsy Smith in an evangelistic campaign in Louisville, KY, he became ill, and died in Chicago, IL. He published 15 gospel music books between 1882-1925. He left an estate valued at $300,000. John Perry

W. A. Ogden

1841 - 1897 Person Name: William Augustine Ogden Composer of "[Open the door for the children]" in The Cyber Hymnal William Augustine Ogden USA 1841-1897. Born at Franklin County, OH, his family moved to IN when he was age six. He studied music in local singing schools at age 8, and by age 10 could read church music fairly well. Later, he could write out a melody by hearing it sung or played. He enlisted in the American Civil War in the 30th IN Volunteer Infantry. During the war he organized a male choir which became well known throughout the Army of the Cumberland. After the war, he returned home, resumed music study, and taught school. He married Jennie V Headington, and they had two children: Lowell and Marian. He worked for the Iowa Normal School, Toledo Public School System. Among his teachers: Lowell Mason, Thomas Hastings, E E Baily and B F Baker, president of the Boston Music School. He wrote many hymns, both lyrics and/or music. He later issued his first song book, “The silver song” (1870). It became quite popular, selling 500,000 copies. He went on to publish other song books. Ogden also taught music at many schools in the U S and Canada. In 1887 he became superintendent of music in the public schools of Toledo, OH. His works include: “New silver songs for Sunday school” (1872), “Crown of life” (1875), “Notes of victory” (1885), “The way of life” (1886), “Gathering jewels” (1886). He was known as a very enthusiastic person in his work and a very congenial one as well. He died at Toledo, OH. John Perry

George F. Root

1820 - 1895 Person Name: Geo. F. Root Composer of "[Open the door for the children]" in The Carol Root, George F., MUS. DOC, born in Sheffield, Berkshire County, Mass., Aug. 30, 1820. He is much more widely known as a composer of popular music than as a hymn writer. Four of his hymns are in I. D. Sankey's Sacred Songs & Solos, 1878. Nos. 16, 100, 293, and 297. A sympathetic biographical sketch, with portrait, is in The Tonic Sol-Fa Reporter, Sep. 1886. He died Aug. 6, 1895. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, Appendix, Part II (1907) ===================== George Frederick Root was born in Sheffield, Mass., August 30, 1820. His father moved to North Reading, near Boston, when the boy was six years old, and there his youth was spent. He was always fond of music— not singing at all as a boy, but played upon every kind of instrument that came in his way. At thirteen it was his pride that he could "play a tune" on as many instruments as he was years old. His dream of life was to be a musician, although such an ambition was looked down upon by all his relatives and friends, excepting a fond mother. In the fall of 1838 he went to Boston and made an engagement to work for Mr. A. N. Johnson and take lessons on the piano. His father and one of the brothers were at the time in South America, and the mother, with six younger children, was at home on the farm. When he secured the engagement with Mr. Johnson to receive three dollars a week and board and lessons, the neighbors became interested and encouraged him to go ahead, they promising to help look after the farm and see that the family got along. The young man's happiness over these events can better be imagined than described. On the second day of October, 1838, he entered upon his duties in his new heaven on earth located at Harmony Hall, Mr. Johnson's music-room, in Boston. His duties were to see to the fires, care for the room, answer callers, give information about Mr. Johnson when he was out, and practice his lessons when not otherwise engaged. He worked industriously and made steady progress. It was but a few weeks till Mr. Johnson had him playing for the prayer-meeting, and but a few more till he began turning over pupils to him. In about seven weeks' time Mr. Johnson encouraged him by a considerable increase of salary. A most important event to him was meeting Dr. Lowell Mason and being accepted as a bass singer in the celebrated Bowdoin Street choir. Also, on Mr. Johnson's recommendation, he began taking private voice lessons of Mr. Geo. Jas. Webb, the then celebrated voice teacher of Boston. He continued at least a year with Mr. Webb. His first real singing class was taught the following fall, 1839, at the North End. It lasted nearly through the winter, and on the closing night his class made him a present of a silver goblet, suitably engraved, which he kept among his treasures. Before the first year was up Mr. Johnson proposed a five year partnership, by which Mr. Root was to receive one-third of their earnings, and the former was to have the privilege of visiting Germany part of the time if he chose. They then changed their quarters to three rooms in the basement of Park Street Church. The annual rental was six hundred dollars. They were kept quite busy. At this time Dr. Mason's music teaching in the public schools was a growing success, and Messrs. Johnson and Root were employed to assist him. Drs. Mason and Webb had introduced what is now called Musical Conventions a year or two previous to this. They called them "The Teachers' Class." Teachers and singers were called to Boston from surrounding territory to study and practice pretty much as they do now at normals. In 1841 Mr. Root became one of the teachers in this class. He taught vocal training and continued this work for years afterward in Dr. Mason's teachers' classes, and later incorporated the same method in his own normals. During this year Mr. Johnson went to Germany, and left the two large church choirs (Winter Street and Park Street) in charge of Mr. Root. One of the organs was played by a pupil — Mr. S. A. Bancroft. Everything went smoothly during Mr. Johnson's absence as it did also after his return. During the last year of the five-year partnership, Mr. Root was called to take the organ at Bowdoin Street, Mr. Mason changing to Winter Street. An amicable settlement was made between Messrs. Johnson and Root, and the partnership dissolved. In 1811, Mr. Jacob Abbott (father of Lyman Abbott)and his three brothers had established a young ladies' school in New York City. They wanted a music teacher, and offered the position to Mr. Root. They also secured him the organ and choir of the Mercer Street Church, with prospects for other good work. It required pretty strong persuasive arguments to tempt Mr. Root to leave Boston, he was doing well there, and as the sequel shows, there was an attraction in Boston that held him in too tight a grasp to be relinquished by the mere offer of greater power and place. He made up his mind, however, only after getting the consent of the powders of Boston to take with him this [to him] the greatest attraction of the city — Miss Mary Olive Woodman — an accomplished lady, a sweet singer, and a member of a prominent family of musicians. He went to New York first to prepare a home, and in August, 1845, returned for his bride, who took her place in his New York choir as leading soprano, and through his long and eventful career she was ever at his side, a true helpmeet. He was soon employed at Rutger's Female Institute, Miss Haines' School for Young Ladies, Union Theological Seminary and the New York State Institution for the Blind. Within six weeks after he arrived in New York his time was fully occupied. He continued with Mr. Abbott's young ladies' school ten years. While teaching in New York he continued his summer work with Messrs. Mason and Webb in Teachers' Classes. Up to the year 1849 he had written but little music; only a few hymn tunes while in Boston. He needed more music for the young ladies of his schools, so he made his first book, The Young Ladies' Choir, of which he had enough copies made for his own use, as he had no thought of offering it to the public. Then in connection with Mr. J. E. Sweetser, they compiled the Root and Sweetser's Collection. Mr. Root did work enough for two men, hence broke down in health. Mr. Abbott suggested that he take a trip to Paris. After weighing the matter carefully, in December, 1853, he sailed, and in due time arrived at Paris, where he began studying French, voice culture and piano under celebrated teachers. After spending nearly a year abroad, he returned home in improved health and ready for active work. He began to feel the need of new music for his classes, and after some thought decided upon a musical play ; the subject and title, The Flower Queen. At the Institution for the Blind was a young lady, a former pupil, but now a teacher who had shown some poetical talent. He asked her to help him with the words. He would suggest in prose what the flowers might say and she would put it into rhyme. She did it so well that it seldom needed any alteration. This lady was the now famous Fanny Crosby. The cantata became very popular. About this time Mr. Root wrote a half dozen simple songs for the people. They all sold pretty well, but Hazel Dell and Rosalie, the Prairie Flower, became the most popular, and had a large sale. It was in the summer of 1853 that the first real normal was held. Mr. Root originated it, and held it in New York. The principal teachers were Messrs. Mason, Root, Hastings, and Bradbury. This school became famous. Sessions were also held at North Reading, Mass., a village near Mr. Root's "Willow Farm Home," with Dr. Mason, Mr. Webb, Mr. Bradbury and himself as principal teachers. About this time Mr. Root decided to give up his work in New York, and devote himself entirely to conventions, normal work and authorship. He was eminently successful. Among the most eminent teachers and composers of our country have been students in Dr. Geo. F. Root's Normal Musical Institute. In 1860 Dr. Root settled in Chicago and entered the music publishing business with his brother E. T. Root, and C. M. Cady, as "Root & Cady," Mr. Root's reputation being the most important capital of the firm. His books and popular songs soon made the new firm prosperous. Then came the war with its horror. Dr. Root wielded his musical sword in the way of writing war songs, which made him famous. The Battle Cry of Freedom, Just Before the Battle, Mother, and others, made thousands of dollars for the music house. In the great Chicago fire of 1871 the interests of the firm of Root & Cady became engulfed in the general ruin. Their loss was upward of a quarter of a million dollars. They then sold their book catalogue, plates and copyrights to John Church & Co., of Cincinnati, and the sheet music plates and copyrights to S. Brainard's Sons, Cleveland. These sales realized about §130,000. The final result was that Dr. Root, his talented son F. W., and others became connected with John Church & Co. Under this new business relationship Mr. Root went right on with his normal and convention work; also issued a great many new books and cantatas. In 1872 the Chicago University very worthily conferred upon him the degree Doctor of Music. In 1886 he made a trip to Scotland and England, and arranged with publishers to issue some of his cantatas. He was royally received. Dr. Root was the author of about seventy-five books, nearly two hundred songs in sheet form, and many popular gospel songs. Dr. Root occupies a prominent place in the musical history of this country. It was Dr. Mason who lifted music from almost nothing and gave it an impetus, but he left no better follower than Dr. Root to carry on his work. He was a man of spotless integrity and high Christian character, and to know him was to love him. At the time of Dr. Root's death he was at Bailey Island, Maine, a summer resort, where he and other relatives had cottages. On August 6, 1895, he was seized with neuralgia of the heart — and died within one hour. He was buried at North Reading, Mass., his old home. --Hall, J. H. (c1914). Biographies of Gospel Song and Hymn Writers. New York: Fleming H. Revell Company.

J. B. Herbert

1852 - 1927 Person Name: Dr. J. B. Herbert Composer of "[Open the door for the children]" in Garlands of Praise

L. O. Emerson

1820 - 1915 Person Name: L. O. E. Composer of "[Open the door for the children]" in Song Worship for Sunday Schools Luther Orlando Emerson was born at Parsonsfield, Maine, August 3, 1820. He descended from distinguished English ancestry. His parents were quite musical, and while the family circle were together, they had a choir and orchestra of their own. The father played the violoncello, the mother was an excellent singer, the flute and violin added their sweet tones, till the quiet homestead rang with melody. Mr. Emerson's education was obtained at the district school, Parsonsfield Seminary and Effingham Academy. He was full of energy, quick and versatile, an apt scholar, and with a view to entering the profession of medicine he entered Dracut Academy, Mass. But his great love for music swerved him from that course, and now, having far better opportunities for cultivating and enjoying this taste and ability, he soon determined upon music as the profession of his choice. He accordingly commenced a course of musical instruction under the late I. B. Woodbury, then a popular teacher of music. After several years of study on the voice, piano, organ and in harmony, Mr. Emerson went to Salem, Mass., began teaching, and took charge of his first choir at a salary of one hundred dollars per year. Here he commenced the composition of music for his own choir, whiich was so popular with its members and the congregation, that Mr. Emerson was encouraged to seek a larger hearing by publishing a collection of church music. Among the tunes was that of Sessions, named after his pastor, which was destined to have a perennial popularity, and is often used in worship in the place of Old Hundred, for the Doxology. At the great Peace Jubilee it was received with applause when sung by a chorus of ten thousand voices, accompanied by an orchestra of two hundred instruments and a great pipe organ. The effect was sublime beyond expression. In 1847 occurred the marriage of Mr. Emerson to Miss Mary Gore, daughter of a prominent Boston merchant. She was a lady of much musical taste and ability. In 1853 he decided to make an effort to put his music before the public, and accordingly went to Boston in search of a publisher. Like most young and unknown authors, he met with but little encouragement, but finally found a publisher in the person of Mr. B. B. Muzzy. Thus was the Romberg Collection published. The book was not pushed — hence it found no market. After a residence of eight years in Salem, Mr. Emerson removed to Boston, accepting the position of organist and musical director at the Bulfinch Street Church, then under the pastoral care of Rev. Wm. R. Alger, which he filled for four years. He eagerly improved the rare means of culture which were once more enjoyed, meanwhile teaching and composing music. In 1857 he formed the connection with Oliver Ditson Company, of Boston, of author and publisher, which has continued to the present time with but one interruption (a single volume brought out by another firm), the Golden Wreath, which at once became popular, and sold forty thousand during the first year, this being the initial volume in the long series since brought out by these publishers. In 1858 came the Golden Harp, which was also a success. These successes gave him not only encouragement, but reputation. Mr. Emerson now entered upon a career of usefulness and popularity for which he had been preparing during the years of self-denying struggle and discipline. He was called to take charge of the music in the Second Congregational Church, Greenfield, Mass., and also of the musical department of Power's Institute, at Bernardston. Amid nature's most beautiful surroundings, he had a quiet retreat for the pursuit of his true vocation, the composition of church music. The first fruit of his genius here was the Sabbath Harmony, in 1860. This book was also a success. In 1863 followed the Harp of Judah, which had the remarkable sale of nearly fifty thousand copies in the first three months. This book probably gave Mr. Emerson his preeminence as a composer of church music, containing as it did his anthem, Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, and many of his finest compositions. Having declined the solicitations of Dr. Lowell Mason to become his associate in music, Mr. Emerson started forth on his own plans, and attained the highest rank among those who loved the pure and beautiful in song. Mr. W. S. B. Mathews, a musical critic, pronounces him the best melodist of all the psalmodic writers. In 1866 the equally successful Jubilate appeared, followed by the Choral Tribute, the Standard and the Leader. In the last two Dr. I. R. Pahner was associated with him. Later on came the Salutation, Voice of Worship, Herald of Praise, etc. The diligence with which Mr. Emerson plied his pen can be estimated when one recalls the fact that he has made seventy-two collections of music, embracing music for churches, singing schools, public schools, choral societies and conventions, instruction books for voice, organ, etc. He has also composed and published scores of songs, quartets and instrumental pieces. The great amount of work this represents can only be appreciated by those who have undertaken similar labors. Some years ago the degree of Doctor of Music was conferred upon Professor Emerson by the Faculty of Findlay College, Findlay, Ohio. For many years past. Dr. Emerson has devoted his energies to the grand purpose of elevating the general character of music in our churches, and thus largely advancing the interests of true worship. He places great stress upon the mission of church music. He regards sacred music as the best expression of devotional feeling that exists. He looks upon sacred song as prayer, and believes that it inspires and intensifies prayer. With this view he has taken an active and prominent part in musical festivals and conventions, of which he has conducted over three hundred throughout the United States and Canada. As a conductor, he stands in the front rank. As a teacher. Dr. Emerson has an exceedingly happy faculty of imparting in a concise manner to his classes. His very pleasing address enables him to command the undivided attention of his pupils. As a singer, he has always held high rank, and has sung much in public. His voice is a baritone of great compass, and quite powerful. As a lecturer upon music, Dr. Emerson has attracted much attention. His most popular lecture is entitled The World of Music, in which he traces its origin and progress, and gives some excellent traits of the lives of the great composers. In this lecture he also shows the design of music, and how it has been prized in every age of the world, among all nations — its power in the Church and State, and the need of its influence in the family — in joy and sorrow — for this life and the life to come. -Biography of Gospel Song and Hymn Writers

C. C. Case

1843 - 1918 Composer of "[Open the door for the children]" in Minnetonka Songs Charles Clinton Case USA 1843-1918. Born in Linesville, PA, his family moved to Gustavus, OH, when he was four. His father was an accomplished violinist, but a neighbor gave him a small violin when he was nine, and he mastered it before he could read music. At age 16 he went to singing school (without parental consent), borrowing the money from a neighbor. C. A. Bentley, a prominent conductor, was his first vocal music instructor, and William Bradbury's “Jubilee” was the school textbook. For three winters in a row, he attended Bentley's singing school, working his father's farm in the summer. He married Annie Williams. In 1866 he studied music in Boston with B. F. Baker. He also studied under George Root, Horatio Palmer, Philip Bliss, George Webb, and others, hymnwriters in their own right. Soon after, Case began teaching music, and when James McGranahan moved two miles from his home, they became friends. Case wrote and edited a number of Gospel song books in his life. 6 works. John Perry

W. E. M. Hackleman

1868 - 1927 Composer of "[Open the door for the children]" in The King of Kings William Edward Michael Hackleman USA 1868-1927. Born at Orange, IN, he grew up on a farm. At age 17 he was teaching singing classes and leading singing in meetings. He later taught public school for four years and studied music in Toronto, Canada, at the Conservatory of Music, under Italian composer, Francesco d'Auria, and also with other private teachers in New York City. He married Pearl C MNU, and they had four children: Edwin, Florence, Grace, and Gladys. He edited songbooks, composed music and lead music at state and national conventions of the Christian Church. He was an evangelist and served as president of the National Association of Church Musicians, and for five years was secretary to the Indiana Missionary Society. He led singing at the Centennial Convention in 1909 at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, PA, for an estimated crowd of 30,000. He also ran the Hackleman Music Company in Indianapolis, IN. He published 15 religious songbooks, some lyrics and many tunes. He died in an auto accident in St. Elmo, IL, enroute to a church convention. John Perry