_{A Unknown Vermilion Person}

A VERMILION GIRL: I was organizing a work desk during the week and several film negatives that I’d set aside (for reasons I was unable to recall) were just lying there waiting for me to develop. So I quickly set them on the light table and snapped a pic of them that went to my cloud for further dispensation.

When I finally got around to bring them to my computer and developing them this Madonna-like pic – of an unknown (to me) Vermilion girl – appeared. I say “Madonna-like” because of the almost smile on her face.

This pic was taken just south of the railroad tracks on Grand Street looking northeast. In the background the Englebry and Baumhart stores are visible, along with the old railroad guard tower and the Englebry-Hull builder supply building.

The photo was taken in the 1930s when the railroad still had three sets of rails running through town.

VHS CLASS REUNION: Will be held August 26 and 27, 2016, for the VHS Class of 66....they need addresses,email, etc. Folks can email Carolyn Hill or call her @ 440.967.2821.

LET’S GET REAL / OKAGI’S: I guess if you’d not been around Vermilion for a number of years you’d never know the building pictured is the same. The change from the way it appeared when it was Okagi’s Restaurant and the way it now appears is not dramatic – but it is different.

Currently (2016) the building is split in two. The left side houses an organization dedicated to helping families and persons suffering with substance addictions – and the right side is a little curiosities type shop. The signs on the facades have been turned so that with the naked eye they’re almost invisible. At least they’re backward and difficult to read.

The building on the left used to be the home of the Erie County Bank. It now houses several Vermilion City municipal offices including that of the Mayor.

The building on the right was (at the time of the older photo) the local Kroger store. Today Vermilionite Jon Clark operates his Vermilion Insurance Agency therein.

The older photo was taken around 1935. The new one was taken just this week (03/10/16). As ye can see a good deal of water has passed under the proverbial bridge over the last 8 decades.

What will it look like 80 years from now?

EAT YOUR HEART OUT NORMAL ROCKWELL: I suppose by now most readers understand that I am fond of old photographs. When I was very young I recall spending a great deal of time going through what then seemed to be ancient [actually they were only 19th century] hard bound photo albums that our parents kept on the bottom shelf of a beautiful bookcase that sat in the hallway of our home on Perry Street. Most, if not all, of those photographs were professional portraits inserted into elegantly matted pages of fine paper. I had no idea as to who these people were. I just liked to look into their eyes trying to imagine what their days were like. Most looked happy. But every once in awhile I’d see some guy with a flurry of whiskers on his cheeks and a cane in his hand, or a lady wearing a dress buttoned to her neck like it was choking her, who appeared both ready and capable of biting the heads off rattlesnakes. Nonetheless, I really liked all the pictures. And though these formal portraits were anonymous they were nonetheless “storied” – at least they were in a young person’s mind.

After years of looking through thousands of photographs I do have my favorites - some local, some not. One of my favorites is a press photo of 1952 Presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson reviewing his speech for a Labor Day crowd in Michigan. With Stevenson seated and his right leg crossed over his left the bottom of his right shoe was visible. It had a big hole in the sole. It was a great photo – a classic. But it didn’t help the aristocratic candidate much. He lost the ensuing election to Eisenhower by a landslide.

Another one of my favorites is the one accompanying this week’s column. Like the portraits in the aforementioned family albums I’ve not a clue as to the absolute identity of this little guy. What I do know about the photo is that it was captured in the summer of 1937 during Vermilion’s Centennial celebration. I believe, however, that I do recognize several of the little girls in the background. One is Carol Trinter-Bechtel-Clutter. She is directly behind the boy soldier with the baby-buggy. And (oddly enough) I believe I can just see the rather blurry head of my sister, Nancy Alice Emery, in the background just over the top of the buggy. Both Carol and my sister won prizes in that parade for their carriages.

But setting that aside – the boy soldier is really the subject of this great portrait. I do believe that his helmet is genuine. It is a WW1 standard issue combat helmet. Perhaps it, along with the medal hanging from his shirt, belonged to his father. Both the boy and his dog appear as though they’d rather be somewhere – anywhere – else. This is a classic “Hurry up and wait” photograph which is, militarily speaking, very appropriate.

I am also amused by the look on the face of the dog just to the left of the little soldier. That dog is wearing a cowboy hat and some striped leggings. Methinks that were the poor pooch not on a leash he or she would be long gone. And who could argue?

I guess it’s easy to understand the reason I favor this photo. I don’t believe Norman Rockwell could’ve put together a more serious – or more amusing composition for a Post Magazine cover. And considering the fact that this was simply a candid snapshot among many that were taken in that yesteryear it is all the more wonderful.

Vermilion resident Rich Tarrant has agreed to share many of the photos and stories he has acquired from the former Vermilion News and other local sources with the readers of the Photojournal. Rich is the youngest son and a grandson of the late proprietors of The Vermilion News (1897-1964). Readers may email him at: richtarrant@vermilionohio.org

_{Published in the Vermilion Photojournal 02/18/16.}

Vol. XI, No. 40. - VERMILION, OHIO, THURSDAY, March 12, 1908 - PHONE 19

WILL TAKE NO CHANCES

_{Precautions Taken By The Village Board Of Education To Provide Fire Protection And Escapes}

At a meeting of the village Board of Education Monday evening every measure possible was taken to place the public school building in first-class condition. The ceiling of the furnace room, which is plastered will be covered with asbestos and steel to prevent any possible chance for a spark from the furnace igniting the woodwork. Two or three doors in the building will be re-hung on double hinges and the storm doorway immediately removed.

It is been found that the fire gong cannot be heard in all the rooms especially while there is singing. A larger gong will be purchased and so arranged as to be sounded from any room or the basement.

One or more fire escapes will be provided so as to have two exits from each room.

While there may be very little danger from fire as the building now stands, the changes will be made as soon as possible. Fire drills are being held, as is the custom, and it has been found that the children can be taken from the building in surprisingly short time. The time will be probably given in the School Notes.

The board has decided to ask for bids from the Vermilion banks for the deposit of the School funds and the clerk was requested to notify the banks of the action of the board.

The board adjourned after ordering payment of the bills.

COURT NOTES

The L.S.E. Co., have filed answer to the damage suit brought by the village of Vermilion alleging that if the water pipes were damaged by electrolysis it is the fault of the village.

During the trial of the Hartley case Wednesday W.B. Starbird, attorney, for the defense was notified of his wife's death. Court was immediately adjourned until Monday.

The startling declaration that perjury had been committed and that the entire method of conducting the case was irregular, was made yesterday by attorney Ritter, a Vermilion, in probate court while opposing the application for guardianship for Betsy Miller.

It was alleged that Betsy Miller, who is more than 70 years old and lives in Birmingham, is an imbecile. The affidavit was filed before Justice H. N. Sturtivant by her granddaughter. Jesse Miller testified that she did not recognize the signature.

Mr. Ritter claimed that ulterior motives were back of the application. During the course of his argument he was frequently interrupted by John Sloan, who instructed him upon certain features of procedure in imbecility cases.

The case was continued until this morning. (Thursday) –Sandusky Reg.

J.W. Boss, administrator of the estate of Ermina A. Boss, has filed his final account.

Emma J Dellefield has filed action against Daniel Chandler at all. to quit title to certain premises in Florence Township.

_{Returned From Hospital}

Mrs. A.P. Becker has returned from the German Reformed Hospital at Cleveland and is getting along nicely. She was very much pleased with the treatment and good care accorded her there. The nurses are kind and cheerful. The hospital, while comparatively small one is one of the best in the city.

_{Janitor Resigns}

G.E. Whitmore janitor of the school building has resigned. The school board decided at the last meeting to require the janitor to remain at the school building during the school sessions. Under the present arrangement Mr. Whitmore decided he could not do this. So the position is open for applications.

_{A FRIENDLY WARNING}

The attention of parents is called to the fact that several young boys have been guilty of meddling with the telephone wires of this company and causing serious trouble with the service of subscribers in the eastern part of the village. Several of these children are known to us. They and possibly their parents probably do not realize that this is a serious matter and liable to severe punishment under the law. This company hopes this in interference will be stopped at once so it will not be obliged to take action against those causing the trouble.

THE VERMILION TELEPHONE COMPANY

R.B. SOYEZ, Manager.

_{REPORTED BETTER}

We are very glad to report that Frank Hatch is decidedly better, and we think our hopes for his recovery are well founded. He was fortunate on Sunday in having his friend, Miss Witzlaben of Lorain, visit him, also his sister, Mrs. I.W. Nicholas of Elyria and Mrs. Mr. Frank Lynn of Cleveland and today he received a box of beautiful violets and while Jasmines from Mrs. L. U. Todd who is basking in the beautiful sunshine of Florida with a thermometer registering 76 in the shade.

Correspondence

AMHERST

Born – to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gerber Saturday, March 7, a daughter.

John Zimmerman had the misfortune to break the bones of his right hand Wednesday of last week while moving a building.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kane returned home last week from their wedding trip. They are at home in Brownhelm.

Roy Brown who died at the Elyria Hospital from typhoid fever Wednesday night was buried at S. Amherst Friday. He was the son of George Brown of Henrietta.

The heavy rainfall Thursday night did considerable damage here. The sewers proved inadequate and the basements in both business houses and dwellings were flooded and some foundations will have to be re-laid.

Dr. Hall was called the Brownhelm to the home of Albert Knierim one day last week to dress a wound which he received while chopping wood, the ax slipped and completely severed his little toe.

Mr. Hanchett was severely kicked by a cow Monday evening while doing chores.

The repairs on the village lockup are in progress this week. Mr. Wesbecher has the job.

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Harmon have agreed to separate. Mr. Harmon moved his furniture to the home of his mother.

The following from cor. to Lorain News will, no doubt be of interest to our readers: The work of completing the schoolhouse is being rushed now. Contractor Kratt has a force of 12 carpenters at work and the second story was finished Saturday night with the exception of placing the Blackboards in position. These are of slate and come all ready to be placed on the walls. All of the floors are of red beach [sic], and yellow Pine is used in the finishing work. Several of the floors in the first story have been laid in in two weeks the carpenter work will be completed. Joseph Wesbecher hung the bell Saturday. It is the largest school bell made and is 4 inches under across the base than the old bell.[sic] It weighs nearly 400 pounds. The protection of the children in case of fire has always been the first thought of the Board of Education. Every room in it second-floor has three means of egress. While the building is not wholly fireproof, is much superior to the old building. Each room is separated, there being no word partitions. The boiler fire room is entirely enclosed in a brick wall. The floor is cement in the ceiling has iron joints and metal lath covered with asbestos and over that heavy sheet steel.

A good feature of the building is the wide stairway and hall in the front of the building, it being 14 feet wide leading to three sets of larger doors all of them easy access.

HURON

The fishermen are busy preparing for their spring fishing.

Henry Ritzenhaller is having a new passenger launch built. It will seat about 50.

Ash Wednesday was fittingly observed in both Episcopal and Catholic churches here.

The Sweet Sixteen Club is making preparations for a play to be given that the town hall soon after Easter.

An order was received here last week for the first shipment of iron ore and the or bridge was put into working order.

Capt. H Pearl and Henry Holzhauer attended the funeral of Mr. Shellenburger in Birmingham Thursday.

The high wind of Friday cleared the river and harbor of ice.

H.A. Cook has sold his stock of dry goods groceries and china to E.E. Cook and David Simpson.

Geo. E. Rhinemiller has rented the Smith block and will occupy it about April 1 with an up-to-date line a farm implements.

Lute Harris, age 21, son of the late George Harris of this place died Saturday at the home of his sister, Mrs. Bales at Monroeville. The remains were brought here and buried in Scott Cemetery.

The boarding house boat owned by Mr. Stakeks broke from her mooring and drifted down the river Friday and turned over on her side. The boat is now tied on [the] west bank of the river and is nearly full of water. Several hundred dollars worth of furniture is ruined.

EAST SHORE

Mr. Geo. Risden attended the trustee meeting at Brownhelm Monday.

A new family have [sic] moved on Mr. Dixon's farm at Sunnyside last week.

Mr. Martin who formally rented at the Dixon farm last year moved his family and to Mr. Burrell's house.

The roads are very bad now. Our mail carrier has to drive two horses over his route.

Strong's Corners

For sale – A new milch cow Mr. V. Leimbach.

Died – The son of George Brown who died in Elyria was brought here for burial last Friday. The funeral was held Saturday at the Henrietta church. Elder Master officiating and buried at Evergreen Cemetery.

_{Old Charlie Is Dead}

A familiar site for many years to the people of Vermilion and vicinity has been the old sorrel horse owned by Charles Phelps. When the young colt he was owned and broken to drive by Russell Rumsey who then lived on the farm now owned by Mr. Phelps. His daughter, Mrs. Alice Todd, when a young girl on her father's home often rode behind him. When he was five years old Mr. Rumsey sold him to Mr. Phelps who has owned him for 30 years. He was always gentle and kind and willing to do his best. His faithfulness will long be remembered by those whom he served so many years.

A young man near Niles Ohio died last week the result of lockjaw caused by picking his teeth. He dined in a restaurant and after dinner used a wooden toothpick, a splinter of which broke off and lodged in the jaw. A few days later he felt the soreness consulted a dentist removed the piece of wood and noticed that once that had turned green. He went at once to a physician pronounced it a case of blood poisoning which resulted in lockjaw.

Reports from different sections of the country in regard to the fruit crop seem favorable. We have as yet received no report from Vermilion but expect to in a few days.

_{AN AWFUL DEFORMITY}

A certain young man was recently seen with two heads on his shoulders. Both were fully developed, one with handsome features light hair; the other was manly featured the dark locks. This young man is not a museum freak as might be supposed. The other head belonged to his sweetheart and the deformity probably would never have been noticed except for the fact that the young lady had neglected to pull down the window shades.

Axtel

Little Raymond Wasem is quite ill with pneumonia.

Mrs. Wm Dean is still in the sick list.

Wm Wasem and John Fieszle called it C. Sperry's Friday evening.

Miss Ruby Dean was absent from school Tuesday caring for her mother who was ill.

The funeral of Mr. George Bartholomew, Sr. of Rochester, Ohio was held at the M.E. Church last Saturday afternoon.

Dr. Quigley was called to the home of Edward Farrell two attend Mrs. Farrell who is suffering from a severe attack of rheumatism.

On Friday eve of last week one of our young men of Axtel took his best girl to a dance at Birmingham, and on their way homeward trip their horse became frightened from an object in the rear. While gathering up the reins they became twisted and the horse made five or six complete circles between the fences of the highway. Then taking a straight line north at a rate no less than 97 knots per hour for at least 7 miles it finally came became manageable and was brought to a halt when in sight of our city.

“Shorty" says the horse is none the worse for her fast travel, but the buggy experienced hardship which resulted in a broken spring, bent axel, twisted shafts and a lost dashboard. The occupants however escaped without any serious bruises.

BROWNHELM

George Zilk is moving from Amherst to this place.

James Baumhart is serving on the Jury at Elyria.

Mr. Becker has moved from the quarry farm to the old Cooper house owned by Adam Claus.

Christopher Sprankle found 4 feet of water in his hog pen Friday morning, thirteen of his best hogs were drowned two were saved.

The Colbert on the railroad was blocked in the water could not get away.

Albert Knierim met with an accident Wednesday while working in the woods with Chas Brandon, the ax flew from the hands and striking Knierim’s foot nearly severed the toe next to the big toe. Dr. Hall was called and found it necessary to everything to amputate the toe at the first joint.

LOCALS.

Ellsworth Harris has so far recovered as to be able to return to work.

The school building at Napoleon, O., was destroyed by fire Tuesday morning just before time for opening school.

Contractor Tischer is remodeling the West Vermilion Church.

A Newberry child one of the victims of the Collinwood school disaster was brought to Vermilion and buried Saturday.

Mrs. Peter Hart and Miss Mayme Baumhart spent Monday at Lorain.

The fishermen have good prospects for making lifts the 15th when the season opens. Marine news reports say less ice in the lakes than last year at this time.

Miss Grace Fiske, one of the Collingwood teachers who perished in the fire last week was to have been married to Ellsworth Scott formerly of Vermilion, so report says. Mrs. Scott attended the funeral Saturday.

Mrs. Ed Sherod is reported quite ill.

Mrs. N.A. Foster attended the funeral services last Saturday of Miss Grace Fiske of Cleveland one of the unfortunate teachers who lost her life in the Collinwood disaster.

Mrs. J.S. Krantz of Cleveland is at home of her mother Mrs. K. Whittig who is still very low in her home on Ohio Street.

Two of our Vermilion boys, Jas Nieding and Fred Morse, so tis reported, left for parts unknown some time yesterday.

150th ANNIVERSARY OF THE “BATTLE OF THE HUNDRED SLAIN”: 3 miles from Fort Phil Kearny near Story, Wyoming will be held this year. (See Wikipedia.)

Late Vermilion resident, Matilda Louis Grummond was the sister of 2nd Lt. George Washington Grummond. Grummond and 81 of his fellow soldiers were killed by an overwhelming force of Lakota, Cheyenne and Arapaho Indians in one of the worst military disasters suffered by the US Army on Great Plains.

If you are a descendant of Matilda please email John Horton or call him at 1.586.549.2471.

_MWB

(PART 4)

Mary Wakefield Buxton

RELIGION:

Dogism is a poorly organized religion; however, it is amazingly popular form of faith that boasts of millions upon millions of ardent members. Dogists are also extremely tolerant believers. Except, that is, for one other religion: Catism.

Fortunately I was also exposed to Christianity in my impressionable years in the form of the beloved Reverend Earl T. English of the First Congregational Church. I adored Reverend English. If this gentle, kind and intellectual man were a Christian, well, I guessed I could be one too. I still have the Bible he presented me when I was confirmed into the church at 12 years of age.

If there is such a force as God working in this universe, one thing is certain. When He heard that I had joined the Episcopal Church 53 years ago after my marriage to my husband, Chip, He sat back and laughed.

There’s no fooling God. He knew perfectly well I had not come from a religious background nor was there a drop of religious dogma or creed in my brain. He also knew that I had spent my childhood mainly giggling at anything and everything that moved. What struck me as so funny as I was growing up I will never know. But God also knew something else about me. He knew when I talked with Him there sure weren’t any popes, bishops, or priests doing the translation.

I joined the “Church of Virginia” after my marriage to Chip in 1963 because of a vow I made to my husband on our honeymoon. I felt we should be connected to a church but he would not join my church. “My church is my birthright,” he so famously announced between St Louis and Oklahoma, a quote I have used in many of my early comedies based on my life with my Virginians.

Chip was in the US Navy at the time. Our honeymoon consisted of an argumentative three week journey across the United States from Vermilion Ohio to San Diego to report to his new billet on the USS Mars. It was quite exciting as we had made the mistake that many couples make, not discussing religion or politics before our marriage and, oh boy, did the fur fly on the way California. He swore he was not a Dogist and never would be, (he later converted) and he would not join my Congregational Church. When the subject of politics came up, I would not join his Democrat party.

In 1963, Democrats meant unions. I came from an industrial background where I had personally seen unions shut down the factory in town and I saw the suffering up close and first hand. I had also witnessed my father having to cross a strike line made up of friends and neighbors just to get to his office which left a negative lifelong imprint on me.

But that was nothing compared to what Chip thought of the Republicans. It didn’t look as if our marriage would last even to the West Coast. Finally, at Albuquerque, we struck a bargain. He would join my party and I would join his church. Love makes strange bed fellows but not as strange as I made an Episcopalian.

One of my favorite memories of my early experiences in the Church of Virginia was a conversation with a visiting Bishop. In those days Bishops tended to be terribly dignified, formal, absolute and somewhat formidable. I remember chatting with the Bishop over a cup of tea and a slice of cake when suddenly out of my mouth flew the most amazing words… “How is it the church still promotes all those Biblical myths?”

The good Bishop’s mouth dropped open. But before he could muster an answer, Chip, ever at my side, moved in to take over the conversation which he was well inclined to do in those early years. “Don’t mind my wife, Bishop,” he oiled like a lawyer in front of a jury trying to sell his far-fetched story…. “She’s from Ohio.” Just the mention of Ohio apparently explained everything and the Bishop regained his expression of serenity and was able to return his attention back to the more important issues of his tea and cake.

Well, perhaps I’m not a perfect fit to the Church of Virginia but I have come to enjoy the pomp and circumstance, traditional Anglican hymns, fancy robes, banners, and folderol of what’s left of the traditional British church in America. At the start of every Sunday service one can imagine both the King of England along with the Arch Bishop of Canterbury marching down the aisles. It’s a great show and not to be missed.

But, no matter how many angels reside on the head of a pin, the message of Jesus of love and forgiveness is the most important message the world has ever heard. Civilization, indeed, the very survival of mankind, depends on it. Perhaps even the Catists would agree?

In the meantime, this Dogist is happy in the Episcopal Church mainly because Christians no longer burn people at the stake for non-con conformity. It’s really quite a pleasant time to be a Christian, unless, of course, you are traveling in certain parts of the world and you happen to like having your head securely fastened to your neck. Which I most adamantly do.

And finally, it’s nice to have support from a church when life gets really tough. Which is does, even for those of us who spend our days happily writing comedy. Amen and alleluia! Conclusion “Leaving Ohio”. 1006

*For more interesting adventures of Mary’s life in the Commonwealth of Virginia read her latest book, “The Private War of William Styron” which is available on Amazon.com

_{A note about the author: Mary Wakefield Buxton is the author of 12 books about love and life in Virginia including her latest novel, “The Private War of William Styron.” She has written a column for 30 years for her hometown newspaper, the Southside Sentinel in Urbanna, Virginia where she lives with her husband, “Chip” and her two beloved spaniels; “Dandy” and “Dasher.”}

DISCOGRAPHY - SILVER THREADS AMONG THE GOLD: This one-sided (slightly damaged) shellac record in our collection was recorded by Irish tenor John McCormack around 1912. The song was first copyrighted in 1873 and was extremely popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The lyrics are by Eben E. Rexford and the music by Hart Pease Danks.

The singer, John McCormack, was born June 14, 1884 in Athlone, Ireland. He sang both popular and classical works, and was one of the most successful live musical performers of the 1910s, 20s, and 30s regularly selling out concerts in the biggest halls around the world. He was also a top recording artist during those years. It is said that the 600 plus sides he recorded Victor Records between 1904 and 1942 are estimated to have sold upward of 200 million copies.

He died September 16, 1945 in Dublin, Ireland.

Composer Hart Danks, paid the poet / lyricist, Eben Rexford, three dollars for the rights to set his poems to music. Originally the poem was published in a Wisconsin farm magazine. Rexford had written the piece for his wife. Ironically, Danks would divorce his wife a year after this sentimental ballad was published in 1873. Unfortunately for Danks, he sold the song to the publishers and failed to capitalize on his great success.

The song was very popular in the second half of the 1870s and into the 1880s, but found new life at the turn of the century. It may have been the most recorded song from then until the Great Depression, with record companies issuing over a hundred different versions, vocal and instrumental. It seems that when one version became dated it was removed from a company’s catalog, another was recorded to take its place. It very well may be one of the most recorded songs of the pre-rock era.

Hart Pease Danks was born in New Haven, Connecticut on April 6, 1834. His family moved to Saratoga Springs, N.Y. when Hart was 8 years old, and he began to study music with Dr. L. E. Whiting. At age 19, he was earning his living as a carpenter, in Chicago, where his father had a construction business. But he soon gave that up to begin a career as a composer.

His first composition was included in William Bradley’s Jubilee, entitled Lake Street. In 1856, Danks’ The Old Lane was published and he would go on to produce songs for stage shows such as Anna Lee. He returned to New York City in 1864 and his first operetta Pauline was published in 1872. His second operetta, Conquered by Kindness was published in 1881.

As a choirmaster, Danks produced several hymns and secular compositions as well as a full book of hymns. His popular songs were written in collaboration with several different lyricists including W.J.D Rutledge. In his lifetime, over 1300 hymns and popular songs were published but today he i best known s as the composer behind the lasting Standard Silver Threads… written in 1873 using Rexford’s lyrics.

In 1870 Eben E. Rexford who was the Editor of a Wisconsin Farm Journal, had developed a habit of writing verses which he occasionally used as space-fillers - and it was one of these fillers that came to Danks’ attention. As a consequence Danks wrote to Rexford asking for permission to use the poem and offered $3.00 for the rights. Rexford, excited at the prospect of making money from his poems, sent Danks a whole collection of poetry. That collection included the lyrics to Silver Threads…. In 1873, Danks put music to the verses as a loving gift to his wife.

Hart P. Danks died in poverty in Philadelphia, PA on November 20, 1903. His last written words were reportedly and ironically, ”It’s hard to die alone.”

Eben Eugene Rexford was born on July 16, 1848 in Johnsburgh New York.

As a young boy, Rexford showed a great talent for words. and at the age of 14, his first verses were published.

He attended Lawrence College in Appleton, WI. and began writing hymns and secular pieces at the age of 17, his most well known was Silver Thread…, which (as is obvious) was later given music by Hart P. Danks.

In 1890, Rexford married Harriet Bauman Harsh and served as the town clerk of Bovina for many years. During Grover Cleveland’s first administration, Rexford was appointed postmaster of Shiocton, WI.

Rexford composed several hymns and he worked with numerous composers. However it is his collaboration with Danks and their product, “Silver Threads Among the Gold” that remains one of the great compositions in American Popular Music.

Eben E. Rexford died on October 18, 1916 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

It’s just a wonderful piece of music.