Notable South Australians/George Oughton
George Oughton,
BORN February 20, 1842, at Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies, and is the youngest son of the late Rev. Samuel Oughton of the same place. He early evinced a talent for music, being able to play psalmody on the fine organ in his father's church. He went' to England and received his education at tho collegiate establishment at Oundle, Northamptonshire,then conducted by the late Professor Kewth; here, in addition to his classical and other studies, he devoted his attention to music, having as his tutor the organist of the parish church. Before leaving England for Australia he resided for some time in London, where he was closely associated with Mr. Ebenezer Prout, the eminent Professor and Composer. Mr. Oughton arrived in Melbourne during 1859, and whilst there studied harmony and instrumentation under Mr. Bandmaster Johnson, of the 40th Regiment, whilst he still continued his studies at the organ. Upon the breaking out of the Kew Zealand war at Taranaki in 1860, Mr. Oughton was ordered with his regiment into active service, and served till the conclusion of the Waikato contest in 1864. He was present in the principal engagements, for which he received the war medal. After leaving the army he engaged in business in Auckland with considerable success, identifying himself with all the leading musical organizations and occupying various responsible positions. Mr. Oughton arrived in Adelaide in August 1870, when he immediately received an important position as organist, and also an appointment in the Civil Service. He conducted the Musical Union for several years, and also formed the fine Military Band, which he still directs. Of this band much might be written, for it has done good service in the community; suffice it to say, that on every occasion when it has performed it has been listened to with much pleasure and satisfaction. Besides arranging for this band, Mr. Oughton has scored several entire works for orchestra. He also occupied the honorary position of city organist to the Adelaide Corporation for a lengthened period.