Henry N. Hempsted

American composer and music publisher (b. December 29, 1829 in Albany, New York – d. December 21, 1898 in Kasson, Mantorville Township, Dodge, Minnesota) Originally from Albany, New York, Hempsted moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in October 1848. There he began as a music teacher. In 1851, he opened up a music store and music publishing business. By 1856, he expanded his store to offer pianos and melodeons, growing the store until it was the largest musical instrument store in the American west. In 1864 he moved to Chicago, but continued to run his shop in Milwaukee. In November 1893, he settled in Kasson, Minnesota, where he taught music until his death. Hempsted's most popular composition was the "Light Guard's Quickstep", a.k.a. "Milwaukee Light Guard" (1859). Other compositions include "Viola Schottisch" (1852), "Five Step Waltz" (1856); , "Garibaldi's Sicilian March" (1860), "Union Volunteer's Quickstep" (1861); "Iron Brigade Quickstep" (1863), "Violetta" (marche romantique, 1877); "Grand Reunion March" (1880).