John Henry Rheem (1835-1918) was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was musical from his youth and started singing in the church choir at age eight. At age 21, he went to Boston to study with Lowell Mason and the other leading teachers in that city. He returned to Pennsylvania and taught school music in Carlisle and Reading. In 1871, he moved to Iowa and taught briefly in Chariton then settled in Ottumwa. There, he taught music for a decade then began a music business, selling musical instruments. He invented and patented the “Rheem Accompanist,” a device designed to assist a beginner to play any instrument. He organized a company to manufacture the device, employing many in the area. He was a respected member of the community and active in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He wrote hymns, many songs for school use, and issued music collections for singing schools. He died in Ottumwa.

All are mixed chorus unless noted; some contain divisi.