The Newtown bee., 1897-11-12
CIRCULATION:
Town Topics.
Death of Prof Charles H. John
 son.

OF HARTFORD. A NATIVE OF VIEWPOINT. Prof Charles H. Johnson of Hartford, who died last week, was born on Sher- man street in Zoar district. He moved
 with his parents (Burr A. and Jennie
 Rowell Johnson), to New Britain, when quite young, yet he made many visits to
 Newtown and has many friends among the readers of THE BEE, who will be sor
 ry to hear of his early departure. MT Johnson was in his 35th year having been born in Newtown on April 7, 1863 He received his school education in the New Britain High school, where he graduat- ed in 1881. His strong musical taste then led him to go to Boston for two years of special study, chic fly under George W. Chadwick, the well-known composer. Thence he was called West to take charge of the music school con. nected with Olivet college in Michigan. For four years he remained in this posi- tion, successfully extending the scope of his department and raising it's standard of artistic work. The next two years were spent in study at the conservatory of music at Munich, largely under the personal instruction of the great Rhein- berger. By dint of special application Mir Johnson was able to complete his course in one year less than the usual time. His work lay chiefly in organ playing and the theory of composition. On returning to America MT Johnson was called to be organist and choir mas- ter in the Pilgrim Congregational church in St Louis, of which at that time the Rev pr Henry A. Stimson was pastor. This position he held for four years, proving himself to be an accomplished church musician of unusually noble pur- poses and ambitions. In 1893 he was called to take charge of the music in the Fourth church in this city, beginning work here on May IA. His induction in- to office was given the very unusual form of regular installation as an offic- ial of the church, the service being con- ducted by the pastor, MT Kelsey, assist ed by President Hartranft and Professor Perry of the theological seminary. He at once entered heartily into the life and work of the church and has been untir- ipgly active ever since in building up it's music as part of it's general enterprise. He was peculiarly painstaking in devel- oping, in the face of no little difficulty, an efficient chorus choir and an orches- tra. For the latter he did an enormous amount of scholarly work in the way of adapting music for the instruments at his command, and in drilling his players. He was thoroughly identified with the work of the church and had become one of its most respected and most help ful members. His death at this time will be a sore bereavement to many, es- pecially to those who have been musical ly associated with him, and serious loss to the working force of the church. In addition to his church work MT John son was more or less engaged in private instruction, both at the church and in connection with the Hartford School of Music. His speciality was harmony and composition, but he was also proficient as an organ and piano teacher and as 8 choral conductor. For the last two years he spent two days each week in charge of the classes in harmony, coun- terpoint and higher composition in the music school of Smith college at North ampton. Here his peculiar gifts of clear exposition, thorough method ,and invinc- ible patience and industry were highly appreciated. MT Johnson leaves wife and one son, about six years old. His parents and two sisters live in New Brit. ain, where his father, Burr H. Johnson
 is connected with the Stanley Rule & Level Company.