W. H. DANIELL 

W. H. Daniell, teacher of vocal music, San Francisco, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1834. His parents were natives of New England, as were his ancestors as far back as 1630. His mother’s grandfather, Colonel Mellen, served in the war of the Revolution, on the staff of General Washington, and was officer of the day at the time of Major Andre’s execution. His father’s grandfather and his brother were in the Lexington fight, the former being a corporal and the latter a sergeant on the patriot side. 

Prof. Daniell was reared and educated in Boston, and even when quite young evinced a taste and talent for music with an excellent voice. After reaching manhood he went to Europe, and after his return, on account of ill health, he came with his brother to California in 1860, and remained until 1865. He took an active part in the Lincoln campaign, being a member of Uncle Abe’s choir, which rendered efficient service in the campaign. He organized the club of gentlemen known as “The Twelve,” with three voices on each part. In 1865 he returned to Boston and began teaching in 1870, at which time he was choir master at the Church of the Advent, and later was choir master of All Saints’ Memorial Church, Providence, from 1874 to 1881. While in Boston he was professor of singing in the New England Conservatory of Music, and was for several years one of the Directors of Martha’s Vineyard Summer Institute. He wrote considerably for musical papers, and attracted much attention by his independence of thought, but he published only a single volume, which is entitled, “How to Sing, or the Voice and How to Use it,” being a dialogue between teacher and pupil, and which received much favorable criticism, but is in now way intended to each the art, though inculcating his ideas. He was connected with the New England Conservatory of Music for ten years, from 1878 to 1888, but on account of ill-health came to California, and since then has been engaged in teaching, and prominently identified with the musical profession. 

Transcribed by Donna L. Becker 

Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 1, page 498, Lewis Publishing Co., 1892.