William H. Walter and George W. Walter Papers, 1844-1912; 1957-1967
Collection context
- Creator:
- Walter, William H. (William Henry), 1825-1893
- Abstract:
- William H. Walter and his son, George W. Walter were mid to late 19th Century composers of devotional music that was used primarily in the Episcopal or Anglican faith. This collection primarily contains sheet music of hymns, canticles, and other forms of service music.
- Extent:
- 2 linear feet (4 document boxes)
- Language:
- Material is primarily in English with some Latin and Italian.
- Scope and content:
-
The collection primarily contains music manuscripts and music related publications. It also contains a bibliography and genealogical information compiled by David Palmer (grandson of George W. Walter) pertaining to James Cheetham (grandfather of William H. Walter), an early 19th Century author, journalist and political activist.
- Biographical / historical:
-
William H. Walter was a composer, writer and musician born in Newark, NJ 1825 July 1 to James Hahn Walter and Mary Cheetham, the daughter of journalist, author and British radical, James Cheetham. William H. Walter served as organist and music director to St. John's Chapel and St. Paul's Church, in succession, from 1847-1856. In 1856 Walter was hired as the music director and organist for Trinity Church and Trinity Chapel where he remained until his retirement in 1869. Walter received an honorary doctorate in music from Columbia University in 1865. The majority of William H. Walter's work is composed of hymns, canticles and other forms of service music. William H. Walter died in 1893.
George W. Walter was a composer and musician born in New York City, NY 1851 December 16 to William H. Walter and Elizabeth Wooley Ham. George W. Walter moved to Washington D.C. in 1869 and there he received a doctorate in music from Columbian University. He went on to serve as the music director and temple organist for Ascension Church in Washington, D.C. He was also the organist for the Washington Hebrew Congregation from 1890-1911, where he designed the organ for their temple building built in 1898. It was a Kimball Organ, with 4 ranks and 60 odd stops. Walter also organist at a number of other churches. The majority of George W. Walter's work is composed of hymns, canticles and other forms of service music. George W. Walter died in 1911.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Terms of access:
-
Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Preferred citation:
-
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); William H. Walter and George W. Walter Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers interested in viewing materials in the RBML reading room must must book an appointment at least 7 days in advance. To make the most of your visit, be sure to request your desired materials before booking your appointment, as researchers are limited to 5 items per day.
- Contact:
- rbml@library.columbia.edu