Alfred Noah Beirly (1848-1929) was born in Madisonburg, Pennsylvania. He was educated at the public schools, received early as the member of a military band, and attended the Conservatory of Music at Boston, Massachusetts. He taught music in Pennsylvania, then lived in Elmira, New York, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and held a church choir position in Jersey City, New Jersey. Moving west, he settled in Chicago and established a music publishing business. In Chicago, he was an active leader in the business community. He published a number of hymnals and song books for use at singing schools and music conventions. His compositions include many hymns and part-songs. His cantata Emmanuel was well-known throughout the mid-west and his nationalistic song Flag of America received widespread praise. In 1903, Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio, awarded him a doctorate of music. He died in Norristown, Pennsylvania. His last name was originally spelled Bierly, but reportedly changed the spelling to ‘Byerly.’ Both spellings appear in records and publications.

All are mixed chorus unless noted; some contain divisi.