William H. Pontius (1857-1937) was born in Circleville, Ohio, and graduated from the Ohio Normal University of Ada (later Ohio Northern). He became a voice teacher and choir director; and was music superintendent for schools of Mansfield, Ohio. In Mansfield, he helped organize the Philharmonic Society, the Gounod Club, and other music organizations. He moved to Dubuque, Iowa, where he set up his own music business, teaching voice and directing choirs. He later moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he was Director of the Department of Music at the Minneapolis School of Music, Oratory, and Dramatic Art. He also served as one of the directors of the Prosser Foundation and Home for Musicians in Philadelphia. He died in Minneapolis. His compositions include church music, piano pieces, songs, and part songs.

All are mixed chorus unless noted; some contain divisi.