Johann Baptist [Johann] Benz (17/06/1807 - 22/07/1880), a German composer of church music, especially masses. A student of Benz was the later Speyer cathedral music director and organist Josef Niedhammer (1851-1908).
1807 Born on June 17th in Lauchheim (Ostalb district).
Visit to the high school in Ellwangen. First music lessons there with choir regent Johann Melchior Dreyer.
Studied philosophy and theology at the University of Tübingen.
1831 German teacher at the college in Chalons sur Marne, France.
1836 Studies early church music with Giuseppe Baini in Rome.
1838 teacher of new languages and music in Oscott, England.
1841 choir director and organist at Birmingham Cathedral.
1843 return to Germany. Stays in Munich and Vienna.
1848 music teacher at the Catholic school teachers' seminar and cathedral organist in Speyer.
1869 Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Tübingen.
1871 cathedral music director in Speyer.
1880 Died on July 22nd in Speyer.