James Lord Pierpont

James Lord Pierpont (1822-1893) is an American songwriter and composer. He is best known for writing and composing Christmas carols, many of which are considered secular.

Early life

James Pierpont was born in 1822, while his father served as the Unitarian pastor of the Hollis Street Church in Boston. His father, the Rev. John Pierpont (1785-1866) was an strong abolitionist and noted poet. His mother was Mary Sheldon Lord, the daughter of Lynde Lord, Jr. (1762-1813), and Mary Lyman. Together, they had six children. The Pierpont name has been traced back as far as Charlemagne and the invasion of England by William the Conqueror.

In 1832, at the age of 10, James was sent to a boarding school in New Hampshire. Four years later, in 1836, 14-year-old James ran away to sea.

In 1845, he returned to the East Coast, where his father was the minister at a Unitarian congregation in Troy, New York. In 1846, James married Millicent Cowee. They have two children by the time, Mary and John. Mary was later a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1849, Rev. Pierpont accepted a position in Medford, Massachusetts.

That same year, James left his wife and children with his father in Massachusetts to open a business in San Francisco during the gold rush of 1849. It is reported that he also worked as a photographer. The business failed after his goods burned in a fire. After the fire, Pierpont returned to Medford.

In 1853, James’ brother, the Rev. John Pierpont, Jr. (1819-1879), accepted a post with the Savannah, Georgia, Unitarian congregation. James followed, taking a post as the organist and music director of the church. To support himself, he also gave organ and singing lessons (the organ is presently in the possession of Florida State University). His wife and children remained in Massachusetts with his father, Rev. John Pierpont. That same year, James had his first songs published in Boston, among them "Kitty Crowe" and "The Colored Coquette." Nothing further is known about either of these songs. Several other songs, however, are known and have been recorded by Mr. Jamie Keena, a noted balladeer and authority on 19th century music. Songs performed by Mr. Keena include "Ring the Bell, Fanny," "Quitman Town March" and "Wait, Lady, Wait" as well as the three Confederacy songs mentioned below. Pierpont is said to have published a number of ballads, polkas and minstrel songs.

Compositions

• Jingle Bells
• O Christmas Tree
• Slient Night
• We Wish You a Merry Christmas

See also

J.P. Morgan- the most sucessful member of the Pierpont family

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