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Closer to Jesus

Author: R. G. Staples Appears in 3 hymnals First Line: Closer to my precious Saviour Refrain First Line: Closer, Jesus! draw me closer Used With Tune: [Closer to my precious Saviour]

[Closer to my precious Savior]

Appears in 3 hymnals Composer and/or Arranger: W. A. Ogden Incipit: 53213 16122 23453 Used With Text: Closer to Jesus

Instances

Published text-tune combinations (hymns) from specific hymnals

Author: R. G. Staples Hymnal: Gospel Echoes #23 (1877) First Line: Closer to my precious Savior Refrain First Line: Closer, Jesus! draw me closer Languages: English Tune Title: [Closer to my precious Savior]

Closer to Jesus

Author: R. G. Staples Hymnal: Loving Voices #31 (1887) First Line: Closer to my precious Saviour Refrain First Line: Closer, Jesus! draw me closer Languages: English Tune Title: [Closer to my precious Saviour]

Closer to Jesus

Author: R. G. Staples Hymnal: Joy and Gladness #43 (1880) First Line: Closer to my precious Saviour Refrain First Line: Closer, Jesus! draw me closer Languages: English Tune Title: [Closer to my precious Saviour]

People

Authors, composers, editors, etc.

W. A. Ogden

1841 - 1897 Composer of "[Closer to my precious Savior]" in Gospel Echoes 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

R. G. Staples

b. 1833 Author of "Closer to Jesus" in Gospel Echoes Robert Griffin Staples. He was born Robert Griffin on January 24, 1833 in Washington DC. Both of his parents died in a carriage accident when he was an infant; he was then adopted by his mother's sister, Mary Ann King, and her husband, Samuel Johnson Staples and he was given the name Robert Griffin Staples. He was a captain in the Union Army during the Civil War and after the war was promoted to Major. He then worked as chief clerk in the Portsmouth United States Navy Yard. Religion was an important part of his life, as well as music. He died June 20, 1891 in Portsmouth, VA. Dianne Shapiro, from Jean Brickey (great-granddaughter)