Samuel Holyoke

HOLYOKE, Samuel. b. Boxford, Massachusetts, 15 October 1762; d. East Concord, New Hampshire, 7 February 1820. Descended from two old, notable New England families, the Holyokes and Peabodys, Samuel Holyoke grew up in an environment of privilege. He attended Harvard College (BA 1789, MA 1792), where he was instrumental in organizing a ‘singing society’ among the students. His musical training probably came in singing schools (class lessons in musical rudiments and choral singing) common in New England at the time, and from association with professional musicians in the Boston area, such as Hans Gram (1754-1804). Following graduation, Holyoke taught in schools in Groton and Boxford,...