1845-1909, Sheffield, England

Thomas Worsley Staniforth was born on June 7th, 1845 to Thomas Staniforth, a grinder and Cordelia Worsley. Based on census records, Thomas spent his childhood with his family in the Wicker area of Sheffield. Before taking an interest in music, he worked as an accounting clerk. By the time of the 1871 census, he had re-located to Brighton and is described as being an Organist. During his stay in Brighton, he worked at St. Paul's Church as the choirmaster and organist. He would later go onto a position as music master at Highgate School in London.

On February 27th, 1872 'O Thou Our Souls' a hymn that Thomas composed was performed at St. Paul's Cathedral in London during thanksgiving service for the recovery of Edward VII, who at the time held the title Prince of Wales. Thomas was also a regular contributor to the Sheffield Telegraph. By the time of the 1891 Census, Thomas had returned to Sheffield and was living with his widowed mother Cordelia at a home in the Spital Hill area. On October 5th 1898 a wedding record shows 53 year old bachelor Thomas Worsley Staniforth married a 60 year old widow by the name of Sarah Susannah Nicholson. Sarah's father was Benjamin Denton, a deceased grocer. At the time of marriage Thomas lists his occupation as 'Musical Composer'. By the time of the 1901 Census Thomas and his wife Sarah had moved to 'Woodlea' and it appears he had likely retired by this stage as his occupation simply states 'Living on Own Means'. His death was recorded on the 25th March 1909 with his burial occurring at the City Road Cemetery in Sheffield (Then named Intake Road Cemetery).

His obituary along with his profile photo appeared in the Sheffield Evening Telegraph on March 27th, 1909, it reads:

'The Late Mr. Thomas Worsley Staniforth, whose death has occurred at Woodlea, Wellesley Road, Sheffield, was a well-known composer of church hymn tunes. The late Mr. Staniforth who's universal fame by his compositions, was the composer of the favourite tune "Jerusalem, my happy home" which was first sung at the foundation stone laying of St. George's in the East Mission, and St. Peter's London Docks. Mr Staniforth was at one time secretary and organist there."