Ebenezer Beesley

Ebenezer Beesley, ancestor of many Mormons, came across the plains with the early pioneers from Britain to Salt Lake City. He was a musician by trade, who now found himself in perhaps the least hospitable place to build a music career ever. He was innovative and creative and eventually became the conductor of the Tabernacle Choir, as well as making a living in music. His example inspired many, a century or so later, to create a places for themselves in professional music. He is best known for the hymns he composed in the new hymnbook, a favorite being High on the Mountain Top.