Introduction
Born: October 10, 1841, Franklin County, Ohio.
Died: October 14, 1897, Toledo, Ohio.
Buried: Woodlawn Cemetery, Toledo, Ohio.
Born: October 10, 1841, Franklin County, Ohio.
Died: October 14, 1897, Toledo, Ohio.
Buried: Woodlawn Cemetery, Toledo, Ohio.
William was the son of Aaron Ogden and Mary Magdalene Hawkins, and husband of Jennie V. Headington.
When he was six years old, his family moved to Indiana. He began studying music in local singing schools at age 8, and could read church music fairly well by age 10. A little later, he could write a melody by hearing it sung or played. When he was 18, he became a chorister in his home church.
At the outbreak of the American civil war, Ogden enlisted in the 30th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. During the war, he organized a male choir, which became well known throughout the Army of the Cumberland.
After the war, Ogden returned home and resumed his musical studies. Among his teachers were Lowell Mason, Thomas Hastings, E. E. Baily, and Benjamin F. Baker, president of the Boston Music School.
As his skills developed, Ogden issued his first song book, The Silver Song, in 1870. It was immensely popular, selling 500,000 copies. He went on to publish numerous other song books.
In addition to composing, Ogden taught at many schools in America and Canada. In 1887, he became superintendent of music in the public schools of Toledo, Ohio.