A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Walter, William
WALTER, William Henry, born at Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A., July 1, 1825. When quite a lad he played the organ at the first Presbyterian Church, and was afterwards appointed organist at Grace Episcopal Church, Newark. At 17 he came to New York, and in 1842 became organist of Epiphany Church; then of Annunciation; and in 1847 of St. John's Chapel, Trinity parish. In 1848 he was promoted to the organ at St. Paul's Chapel, where he remained until 1856, when he was transferred to Trinity Chapel, Twenty-fifth Street, where he remained until 1869. He was appointed organist at Columbia College, New York, in 1856, and in 1864 received the honorary degree of Doctor in Music from that institution, with which he is still connected (1885). His principal works are 'Common Prayer with Ritual Song,' 'Manual of Church Music,' 'Chorals and Hymns,' 'Hymnal with Tunes, Old and New,' Psalms with Chants,' 'Mass in C,' and 'Mass in F,' besides a number of Anthems and Services for use in the Episcopal Church. His son,
George William, was born at New York Dec. 16, 1851; began to make melodies at the age of 3 years; played the organ at Trinity Chapel, New York, when 5; completed his musical studies under John K. Paine of Boston, and Samuel P. Warren of New York; has resided in Washington, D.C., since 1869, and in 1882 was created Doctor in Music by the Columbian University of that city. His compositions have been written more for the virtue of his profession than for performance or publication. As an organist he is chiefly known for his facility in extemporaneous performance and for his skill in registration. His musical library numbers over 8000 works.