Lyricist: Frances Jane van Alstyne
From HymnsWithoutWords
Biography
Frances Jane van Alstyne (1820 - 1915) also known as Fanny Jane Crosby, her maiden name and pen-name, was born at South East, Putnam County, New York. At six weeks of age, she lost her sight, but in spite of this severe affliction has always been noted for her cheerful and happy disposition.
She was educated in the New York City Institution for the Blind, which she entered in 1835, and completed the course of instruction in 1842. In 1847 she was appointed teacher of English grammar, rhetoric, Roman and Greek history, in this institution, filling the position acceptably until 1858. In 1851 she joined the Methodist Episcopal church.
Her first volume of verse appeared in 1844, under the title A Blind Girl and Other Poems. In 1849 came Monterey and Other Poems, and in 1858 A Wreath of Columbia's Flowers. From 1853 to 1858 she wrote a number of songs, which were set to music by George F. Root, some of them becoming exceedingly popular, such as Rosalie the Prairie Flower, Hazel Dell, There's Music in the Air, etc.
In 1858 Miss Crosby was married to Prof. Alexander Van Alstyne, a talented teacher of music in New York, and, like herself, totally blind. She has, however, continued to write under her maiden name.
She died in Brooklyn, New York, USA in 1915.
