The British Musical Biography

[E] Taylor, Samuel Priestley, organist.
born in London in 1779. Son of Rev. James
Taylor, Rector of Cumberland Street Chapel.
When seven the boy played the organ for the
choir of that Chapel, having previously sung
in the choir of Surrey Chapel. He was taught
music by John Whittaker, and Dr. Russell of
Oxford. Went to New York in 1806, and was
organist of Christ Church, when he introduced
chanting. Played the clarinet and kettle-
drums in the band of the American garrison,
New York, in the war of 1812, and received a
pension up to his death. Was president, 1812,
of a musical organisation, now become the
New York Philharmonic Society. His last
public appearance was at Holy Trinity, Brook-
lyn, in 1865, when he played Luther's " Judge-
ment Hymn " for a chorus of 100. In 1874
the Handel and Haydn Society of Brooklyn
gave him a testimonial concert. Known as
the oldest organist in the world, he died at
New York, in the summer of 1875, at the age
of 96.

entry id: 406-R-63