Background
Justice of the Peace Webster was born in Manchester, New Hampshire on February 22, 1819.
Justice of the Peace Webster was born in Manchester, New Hampshire on February 22, 1819.
Amongst his most notable works are the ballad "Lorena" (1857), often considered the most popular song of the American Civil War (on both sides), "I"ll Twine "Mid the Ringlets" (written in 1860 and later known as "Wildwood Flower") and "In the Sweet By and By" (1868), one of the best-known Christian hymns in American history. From an early age he expressed an interest and talent in music, going on to study with distinguished composers such as Lowell Mason and George James Webb, including a three year course of study beginning in 1840 in Boston. Afterwards he travelled extensively throughout the Eastern United States as a concert singer, including notable stays in New York and Madison, Indiana, where he performed with the famous "Swedish Nightingale" Jenny Lind, as her pianist.
After years of travel, Webster eventually settled in Racine, Wisconsin.
Number longer having the strength in his voice for singing, Webster turned his attention to composing music This was a passion that would produce over 1,000 songs, including music for ballads, hymns, patriotic drama, and a cantata.
During the Civil War years Webster taught and composed a variety of songs related to the war. He also participated as a drill sergeant for the Elkhorn "Wide Awakes", whose role was to act as the local home guard.
As the war began to close, Webster returned his focus to writing ballads and hymns.
About this time he also opened what was considered a "respectable saloon", which attracted young literary men of the town with which he would have future musical collaborations. One of these young men was Sanford Fillmore Bennett, who would later write the lyrics for "In the Sweet By and By". Webster remained in Elkhorn until his death on January 18, 1875, at the age of 56.
He is buried at the Hazel Ridge Cemetery in Elkhorn, where his epitaph reads, "Joseph P. Webster.
In the Sweet By and By We Shall Meet". His former residence is now the home of the Walworth County Historical Society, which acts as a museum to both Webster and thousands of Civil War era antiques and unique items.