Huish, Orson Pratt, 1851-1932

Orson Pratt Huish was a photographer, writer, and musician in Utah. He was born 5 September 1851 in Blaenavon, Wales. His family came to the United States in 1860 and settled in Payson, Utah. Huish married Ann Pickering in 1872. In 1880 Huish formed the Huish Band with siblings Edward, Joseph, Frank, James Jr., Frederick and Florette, and traveled around Utah Territory performing. He played the cornet with the band, but was also self-taught on the french horn, piano, guitar, and bass viola. He is most well-known for composing three hymns included in the 1948 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hymnal. He was a prolific writer, composing hundreds of poems and musical compositions over his lifetime, many of which were never published. He also wrote ballets, anthems, and the accompanying music for others' poems. As well as being a celebrated composer, Orson Pratt Huish took many photographs over his lifetime. Trained in commercial photography, he formed the Huish and Hinshaw firm with T.E. Hinshaw, and photographed the Payson community and surrounding areas. He continued to compose and photograph up to his death 4 December 1932.