NAME Fanny Crosby (Frances Jane Crosby)
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Prolific hymn-writer and poet who authored over 8,000 hymns and gospel songs.
BIRTH Born on March 24, 1820, in Brewster, New York, USA.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Born to John Crosby and Mercy Crosby, she was the only child of her father's second marriage.
Fanny Crosby had three step-siblings: A half-sister from her father's first marriage: John Crosby, Fanny's father, was a widower who had a daughter from his first marriage before marrying Fanny's mother, Mercy.
Two half-sisters from her mother's second marriage: Fanny's mother, Mercy, married Thomas Morris in 1838 and had three daughters with him. While the first daughter died, two survived: Julia (Jule) and Carolyn (Carrie).
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| (l to r) Mercy, Julia, and Caroline Morris and Fanny Crosby |
Fanny's family boasted a rich heritage. She traced her lineage back to the Mayflower, taking pride in her Puritan ancestry. Additionally, she was related to Revolutionary War spy Enoch Crosby, Presbyterian minister Howard Crosby, and even the famous crooner Bing Crosby.
CHILDHOOD Tragedy struck when she lost her sight at just six weeks old due to a medical condition. Soon after, in November of the same year, her father passed away, leaving a young Fanny to be raised by her devoted mother, Mercy, and her strong-willed grandmother, Eunice Paddock Crosby.
Despite her blindness, Fanny grew up active and happy and with a deep resolve to overcome her disability. Her grandmother played a vital role in her upbringing, nurturing her faith and intellect.
Fanny's composed a poem at age 8 that humorously addressed her blindness:
"Oh what a happy soul I am!
Although I cannot see,
I am resolved that in this world
Contented I will be.
How many blessings I enjoy
That other people don't!
To weep and sigh because I'm blind
I cannot nor I won't."
Fanny's formal education began in 1835, just before her 15th birthday, at the New York Institution for the Blind (NYIB). Here, she thrived for eight years as a student, excelling in literature and music. She even extended her stay for two additional years as a graduate pupil. During this time, Fanny honed her musical skills on the piano, organ, harp, and guitar, while also developing her talent as a soprano singer.
CAREER RECORD Fanny began as a teacher at the New York Institution for the Blind before dedicating her life to hymn-writing and missionary work. She supported herself through writing hymns, earning a modest fee of two dollars per hymn.
APPEARANCE Fanny had a serene and kindly appearance, often described as having an inner radiance.
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| Crosby in 1872 |
FASHION She preferred simple, modest clothing that reflected her humble and devout lifestyle.
CHARACTER Fanny was resolute, humble, and deeply compassionate. She dedicated her life to serving others, particularly the poor and disadvantaged.
SENSE OF HUMOUR Known for her cheerful disposition, Fanny often joked about her blindness, considering it a gift that allowed her to focus on her faith.
Fanny was described as being "full of fun" and likely to be involved in any mischief that was going on, even as a child.
RELATIONSHIPS Fanny Crosby married Alexander Van Alstyne, a fellow teacher at the New York Institution for the Blind, on March 5, 1858. The couple, who had met at the institution, settled in a small country town on Long Island after their wedding.
Initially, their marriage seemed promising. Alexander was supportive of Fanny's work as a hymn writer, even insisting she retain her maiden name. However, as the years passed, their relationship began to strain. Around 1885, they chose to live separately, though they remained legally married. It seems their differing priorities in life contributed to this decision.
Despite the distance, there's no evidence of bitterness or animosity between them. They maintained a complex relationship, each pursuing their individual paths while still bound by the legal ties of marriage.
Tragedy struck the couple with the loss of their infant daughter around 1859. Fanny, deeply affected by this loss, rarely spoke of it. In one of her rare mentions, she expressed a poignant sentiment: "God gave us a tender babe and soon the angels came down and took our infant up to God and His throne."
MONEY AND FAME Fanny Crosby, while a celebrated figure in the world of hymnody, did not accumulate significant wealth from her prolific writing. In an era where poets were typically paid modest sums, Crosby often received only $1 or $2 per hymn. She was not entitled to royalties or a share of the profits from her songs. This, coupled with her generous nature, led to a life of modest means. She frequently donated her earnings to those in need, reflecting her deep-rooted faith and compassionate spirit.
Despite her financial limitations, Crosby achieved immense fame and recognition. By the late 19th century, she was a household name, revered as the "Queen of Gospel Song Writers" and the "Mother of modern congregational singing in America." Her hymns were widely included in American hymnals and played a crucial role in the successful evangelical campaigns of Moody and Sankey.
FOOD AND DRINK There is little documentation about Fanny’s specific tastes in food, but she lived a simple life and likely favored practical, unpretentious meals.
MUSIC AND ARTS Fanny was a skilled musician, proficient in playing the piano, organ, harp, and guitar. Her beautiful soprano voice was honed through years of singing lessons, beginning at the age of 12. She often collaborated with musicians like George Root to produce songs and cantatas.
Public speaking was another skill that Crosby cultivated. She delivered numerous poetical addresses, including one before the U.S. Congress in 1844.
Fanny Crosby was an extraordinarily prolific hymn writer, leaving an enduring legacy on American Protestant hymnody. Her remarkable career, which spanned over five decades, began in earnest around 1864.
Crosby was an incredibly prolific writer, composing over 8,000 hymns. Her creative process was unique: she composed entirely in her mind and dictated her completed hymns to others for transcription. Despite her blindness, she often produced six or seven hymns a day, a testament to her unwavering dedication. Over 100 million copies of her hymns were printed, reaching a vast audience.
Among Crosby's most famous hymns are "Blessed Assurance," "Safe in the Arms of Jesus," "To God Be the Glory," "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior," and "Rescue the Perishing." Her hymns often explored themes of personal faith experiences, salvation, grace, God's providence, and the assurance of eternal life.
Crosby's hymns were renowned for their simplicity and emotional depth. She wrote for the "average folks," aiming to draw them closer to Christ and help them experience God's grace. Her work significantly shaped the canon and aesthetics of sacred song, particularly evangelical music, from the 19th century to the present day.
Her impact on American church music is undeniable. She was hailed as the "Queen of Gospel Song Writers" and the "Mother of modern congregational singing in America." Her hymns were instrumental to the success of the Moody and Sankey revival campaigns, and many of her compositions continue to be sung in churches worldwide.
LITERATURE She also wrote poetry in addition to her hymns. From a young age, Fanny began crafting verses, with her first published poem appearing in the New York Herald in 1841. Throughout her life, she published several volumes of poetry, including The Blind Girl and Other Poems (1844) and Monterey and Other Poems (1851).
Though unable to read print, Crosby's love for literature was profound. She memorized vast portions of the Bible, including the four gospels, the Pentateuch, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and numerous Psalms. Her mother introduced her to the works of renowned poets like Milton, whose poems she committed to memory. This deep immersion in literature, coupled with her keen listening skills, allowed her to appreciate the works of other blind poets such as Homer.
Numerous works have been written about Crosby's life, such as Fanny J. Crosby: An Autobiography and later biographies exploring her faith and contributions to hymnody.
NATURE Despite her physical limitations, Crosby embraced the natural world. She delighted in the songs of birds, recognizing different species by their unique calls. Her grandmother's vivid descriptions of nature further enriched her understanding of the world around her. She often weaved references to nature in her hymns and poetry.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Fanny’s primary leisure activities revolved around her writing, faith, and missionary work.
SCIENCE AND MATHS Her education included foundational studies in these subjects during her time at the New York Institution for the Blind.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Fanny dedicated her life and work to God. Her theology was centered on faith, hope, and the redemptive power of Christ. Her hymns and writings reflect a consistent theological framework, shaped by evangelical and Wesleyan beliefs.
Crosby's hymns often revealed a profound personal relationship with Christ. She employed intimate and spousal language to describe her union with Him, expressing themes of surrender, dependence, and affective piety. Christ was portrayed as her friend, savior, and source of comfort. She once said "If I had a choice, I would still choose to remain blind...for when I die, the first face I will ever see will be the face of my blessed Saviour."
Crosby's blindness, rather than hindering her faith, deepened her spiritual understanding. She believed that God sometimes withholds physical blessings to awaken spiritual insight. She saw her disability as an opportunity to serve God more fully and expressed gratitude for the doors it opened for ministry.
Crosby's faith motivated her to engage in both evangelism and social work. She set a goal of winning a million souls to Christ through her hymns and actively volunteered in homeless shelters and among the destitute. She believed that faith should be expressed not only in words but also in deeds.
Fanny Crosby's hymns continue to inspire and comfort people around the world. Her simple, honest faith and her unwavering trust in God serve as a powerful example for believers today. Her legacy is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can live a life of faith, hope, and love.
POLITICS She did not engage directly in politics but was an advocate for social reform and compassion for the poor.
SCANDAL There were no notable scandals associated with Fanny Crosby’s life, which was marked by humility and integrity.
MILITARY RECORD Fanny wrote patriotic songs during the American Civil War to boost morale.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Fanny remained active and resilient despite her blindness, maintaining her health well into old age.
HOMES Fanny Crosby's life was marked by frequent moves, reflecting the changing circumstances of her life and career. She was born in Brewster, New York, and her family relocated to North Salem, New York hen she as 3.In the late 1820s they moved to Ridgefield, Connecticut, where they lived in a boarding house.
A significant portion of Crosby's adult life was spent in New York City. She attended and later taught at the New York Institution for the Blind from 1835 to 1858. Her residence during this time was in Manhattan.
After her marriage to Alexander Van Alstyne in 1858, the couple settled in a small country town on Long Island. They lived in rented rooms, leading a simple life.
Later, the couple returned to New York City, residing in Manhattan. They often lived in modest apartments, particularly in the Lower East Side. This choice reflected their commitment to helping the poor and needy, as they chose to give more of their income to charitable causes.
In her later years, around the age of 80, Crosby moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut. Initially, she lived with her widowed sister, Carolyn (Carrie) Ryder. After Carrie's passing in 1907, she resided with her niece, Florence Booth. Her final years were spent at 226 Wells Street in Bridgeport.
Throughout her life, Fanny Crosby chose to live simply, often on the edge of poverty. Despite her immense popularity as a hymn writer, the meager payments received from publishers contributed to her modest financial situation. Her dedication to her faith and her compassion for others guided her choices, leading her to prioritize helping those in need over personal wealth.
TRAVEL Fanny traveled extensively within the United States, giving talks and participating in missions.
DEATH Fanny Crosby passed away on February 12, 1915, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, at the age of 94. Her death was attributed to arteriosclerosis and a cerebral hemorrhage. She died in the early hours of the morning at her home on Wells Street, where she had been living with her sister and niece since 1906.
The funeral for Fanny Crosby was held at the First Methodist Episcopal Church (now known as Golden Hill Methodist) in Bridgeport. The funeral was reportedly the largest ever held in Bridgeport, even surpassing that of P.T. Barnum.
After the funeral, Fanny Crosby was laid to rest in Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Her grave is marked with a simple tombstone, as she had requested.
The tombstone bears the words "Aunt Fanny" and the first line of her famous hymn, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine".
Forty years after her death, the townspeople erected a monument beside her basic grave marker to honor her memory.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Her life has been commemorated in books, articles, films and documentaries that celebrate her contributions to Christian music and social work.
"To God Be the Glory" experienced a resurgence when it became a key hymn during Billy Graham's 1954 London crusade. Media coverage of the crusade helped reintroduce her work to a global audience.
Crosby’s hymns remain part of contemporary worship and are frequently referenced in podcasts, blogs, and religious discussions about hymnology.
ACHIEVEMENTS Authored over 8,000 hymns, many of which remain popular today.
Memorized entire books of the Bible, demonstrating a remarkable memory.
Inspired generations with her resilience and dedication to serving others despite her blindness.
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