HASTINGS, Thomas [1784-1872] -- American composer and hymn writer

He removed to Clinton, N.Y., with his father in 1796 and there acquired a district school education. He studied music from textbooks, without instruction, and in 1806 became the head of a singing school. He taught singing in Troy, N.Y., 1822-23, and was editor of the "Western Recorder", a religious journal, at Utica, N.Y., 1823-32, meanwhile lecturing on music in Albany, New York city, Philadelphia, Pa., and Princeton. N.J. He resided in New York city, 1832-72, where he held the position of choir master, first in Dr. Mason's church, afterward in Dr. Hutton's and finally in the West Presbyterian church. He was married in Buffalo, N.Y., Sept. 15, 1822, to Mary, daughter of Norman Seymour, descended from Richard Seymour of Hartford, Conn. He contributed frequently to the musical and religious periodicals, published the "Musical Magazine", 1835-37, and edited many collections of music. He received the degree of Mus. Doc. from the University of the city of New York in 1858. BDNA

His son, Dr. Thomas Samuel Hastings, was a well-known educator.  
 

• Son: ¤HASTINGS, Thomas Samuel [1827-?] American educator