ISHAM, JOHN

born c. 1680 died June 1726 Isham also spelled Isum English composer and organist. Educated at Merton College, Oxford, he went to London and became an assistant to the organist and composer William Croft, whom he succeeded as organist of St. Anne's, Soho (serving 171118). He accompanied Croft to Oxford in 1713 and there acquired a bachelor of music degree. In 1718 he became organist of St. Andrew's, Holborn (London), and, the following year, organist of St. Margaret's, Westminster, and held both posts until his death. During his career a few of his anthems and songs were published, including the popular Bury delights my roving eye.