ON THIS DATE
Edwin Othello Excell died 6/10/1921 at Wesley Hospital, Chicago, IL. E O was born 12/13/1851 to J J & Emily (Hess) Excell (German Reformed pastor/wife) in Uniontown, Stark Co., OH. He was educated in state schools (OH, PA). He was a bricklayer & plasterer (12 yrs) & also a singing instructor. His voice was described as “full, round baritone, of great volume…mellow & sweet” ranging up to tenor.
Excell met & married Miss Eliza Jane “Jennie” Bell, daughter of Hon A W Bell, East Brady, PA, a sometime political candidate. This marriage, which took place in 1871, was blessed with a son, William Alonzo. In the same year the local M E Church began a revival & Excell was invited to sing; better yet he became one of the converts. This was the turning point – he went to Chicago, studied under well known George Root (& his son, Frederick). Building trades were exchanged for music to build the Kingdom.
He sang with evangelist Sam P Jones (H Robb French would at times quote or refer to Jones) for two decades. He also sang with Gypsy Smith as well as conducting music in the State Sunday-school Conventions (nearly every state). Excell wrote over 2,000 Gospel songs including “Since I Have Been Redeemed.”
I have a song I love to sing, Since I have been redeemed, Of my Redeemer, Savior king, Since I have been redeemed.
Refrain
Since I have been redeemed, Since I have been redeemed, I will glory in His name, Since I have been redeemed, I will glory in the Savior’s name.
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