Supply Belcher

BELCHER, Supply. b. Stoughton, Massachusetts, 29 March 1751; died Farmington, Maine, 9 June 1836. Belcher’s grandfather, Jonathan (1681-1757), a graduate of Harvard (1699) was governor of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and later New Jersey. Little is known of Supply Belcher’s education, but it is likely he received a good education at home. His musical training has been judged as meager. His name Supply likely comes from the biblical reference ‘he will supply my needs’ in similar fashion to Grace or Charity. Although some sources claim he attended William Billings*’ singing school, that school was not founded until a year after Belcher left Stoughton. Belcher’s chief contribution to hymnody...