Jimbo's Jots

She had written over 8000 songs and hymns, 1000+ poems during her 95 years of living on this earth. All but the first 6 weeks of her life, she was blind.

Her pen pal and friend from England, Frances Havergal, who also wrote many hymns and songs we sing, said this about her friend:

Sweet, blind singer over the sea, / Tuneful and jubilant! / How can it be, /

That the songs of gladness, which float so far, / As if they fell from the evening star /

Are the notes of one who many never see, / ‘Visible music’ of flower and tree . . .

Oh, her heart can see, her heart can see! / And its sight is strong and swift and free . . .

We are introducing you to Frances (Fanny) Jane Crosby. She was born in Putnam County, New York, on March 24, 1820. After being a student at the New York Institute for the Blind, she stayed on and became a teacher, teaching for 11 years.

Another of her dearest friends was Phoebe Knapp. On a visit with the Knapp’s in their home in Brooklyn, Phoebe said she wanted Fanny to listen to a tune. Going into the music room, Phoebe sat down at the piano and began to play. When finished Fanny was asked what her first thoughts were. Fanny immediately clapped her hands and exclaimed, “Why, that says, ‘Blessed Assurance!'” Then, quickly penned the words we sing today.

Years later, D. L. Moody was preaching in New York. Moody’s meetings had popularized many of Crosby’s hymns. One day, as Crosby was attending, there was not a place to sit. Seeing her coming in, Moody’s son offered her a seat . . . on the platform. It just so happened they were singing Blessed Assurance. Moody, then, interrupted the singing to proclaim, “Praise the Lord! Here comes the authoress!” Crosby took her seat to thunderous applause.

She died on February 12, 1915. She is buried near her family at a cemetery in Bridgeport, CT.