Fanny J. Crosby

Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915) was an American poet and one of the most prolific hymnwriters in history. Blinded in infancy, she pursued education at the New York Institution for the Blind, later teaching there and advocating for people with disabilities. Crosby wrote thousands of hymn texts, often collaborating with leading gospel composers of the nineteenth century. Her best-known hymns include “Blessed Assurance” and “To God Be the Glory,” celebrated for their direct language and confident faith. She also published secular verse and wrote lyrics under multiple pseudonyms. Crosby spent much of her life in New York and remained active in religious and charitable work.