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John R. Sweney
1837 - 1899 Person Name: Jno. R. Sweney Composer of "[When the mists have rolled in splendor]" in Songs of Love and Praise No. 4 John R. Sweney (1837-1899) was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and exhibited musical abilities at an early age. At nineteen he was studying with a German music teacher, leading a choir and glee club, and performing at children’s entertainments. By twenty-two he was teaching at a school in Dover, Delaware. Soon thereafter, he was put in charge of the band of the Third Delaware Regiment of the Union Army for the duration of the Civil War. After the war, he became Professor of Music at the Pennsylvania Military Academy, and director of Sweney’s Cornet Band. He eventually earned Bachelor and Doctor of Music degrees at the Academy.
Sweney began composing church music in 1871 and became well-known as a leader of large congregations. His appreciators stated “Sweney knows how to make a congregation sing” and “He had great power in arousing multitudes.” He also became director of music for a large Sunday school at the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia of which John Wanamaker was superintendent (Wanamaker was the founder of the first major department store in Philadelphia). In addition to his prolific output of hymn melodies and other compositions, Sweney edited or co-edited about sixty song collections, many in collaboration with William J. Kirkpatrick. Sweney died on April 10, 1899, and his memorial was widely attended and included a eulogy by Wanamaker.
Joe Hickerson from "Joe's Jottings #9" used by permission
John R. Sweney
Annie Herbert
1844 - 1932 Author of "When the Mists" in Songs of Love and Praise No. 4 Annie Elvira Hubbart (Herbert) Barker USA 1844-1932. Born in Leon, NY, she received some education at Randolph Academy in her home county. She later taught there herself. Gospel songs were becoming popular in evangelistic services in the 19th century. She became a successful public recitalist, studying at the Buffalo School of Oratory and with Anna Randall Diehl of New York and Professor Leonard of Boston. After marrying in 1879, she moved to Montana with her husband, from that area. Along with other pioneers. She claimed those years as the best of her life. In 1888 they moved again to San Rafael, CA, he being an invalid at that time. She lived there the rest of her life.
John Perry
Annie Herbert
