Daniel B. Towner

Daniel Brink Towner (March 5, 1850 – October 3, 1919) was an American church music director, college professor, and composer of over 2,000 hymns and gospel songs , many of which are still popular today, the most notable being “Trust and Obey”. He was also associated with other great evangelicals of the late 19th century, including evangelist Dwight L. Moody and songwriter Philip P. Bliss. Younger Years Born in Rome, Pennsylvania, Towner was the second child and oldest son of “Professor” J. G. Towner, a teacher and director of singing schools in the Rome area; two younger brothers came along later. When he was seven years old, he had his first introduction to Philip P. Bliss, when Bliss came to teach at the school he attended, Rome Academy. His musical talents were recognized by his father early in life; in fact, when J. G. realized how well his son could sing, he was moved to tears, calling him “The Prince of Singers”. When “Professor” Towner taught at various singing schools, he would often take Daniel along with him; by the age of 17, he became known as the “Wonderful Boy Bass”. He went on to study at the Susquehanna Collegiate Institute in Towanda, Pennsylvania, where Philip P.