Walter Kittredge

Over his career he wrote over 500 songs, many of them dealing with themes of abolitionism and the American Civil War, the most famous of which was Tenting on the Old Camp Ground.

[1] Kittredge was a talented self-taught musician who played the seraphine, the melodeon (types of reed-like organs), and the violin.

He aspired originally to be a singer and actor; upon turning 21 he set out on a solo tour of neighboring counties with his melodeon, interspersing songs with recitations.

Kittredge had been drafted into the American Civil War in 1862 but failed his physical; his family paid for a substitute.

Ten thousand copies were sold within the first three months, and its success was so long-lasting that it was reported its royalties in 1897 surpassed all prior years.