Benjamin Hanby facts for kids
Benjamin Russell Hanby (born July 22, 1833 – died March 16, 1867) was an American composer, teacher, pastor, and abolitionist. He wrote about 80 songs during his life. His most famous songs include "Darling Nelly Gray" and the Christmas songs "Up on the House Top" and "Who Is He In Yonder Stall?".
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Benjamin Hanby's Early Life
Benjamin Hanby was born in Rushville, Ohio. When he was sixteen, in 1849, he moved to Westerville, Ohio. There, he started studying at Otterbein University.
Helping the Underground Railroad
Benjamin and his father, Bishop William Hanby, were involved in the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom.
Hanby's Famous Songs
Benjamin Hanby wrote many songs, and some became very well-known.
"Darling Nelly Gray"
In 1856, Hanby wrote the popular song "Darling Nelly Gray." This song was against slavery. He wrote it at the Hanby House in Westerville, Ohio. Today, this house is a national historical site and museum.
The song was inspired by a real story. Hanby's family met Joseph Selby, who was an enslaved person who had escaped from Kentucky. Joseph sadly passed away at the Hanby home in Rushville. Before he died, he shared his moving story of escaping to freedom and having to leave behind someone he loved.
Hanby also wrote other important anti-slavery songs during this time. These included Ole Shady, The Song of the Contraband and Little Tillie's Grave.
"Up On The Housetop"
In 1864, Hanby wrote the famous Christmas song "Up On The Housetop". He first called it Santa Claus. He wrote it as a sing-along song for Christmas. The next year, a publisher from Chicago named George Frederick Root published the song. He also invited Hanby to Chicago to work on more music.
Hanby's Career and Later Life
After finishing college in 1858, Hanby worked as a teacher for a short time. Then, he became a minister in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.
Teaching and Ministry
In 1860, he became the principal of Seven Mile Academy in Seven Mile, Ohio. By 1864, Hanby was a minister at a church in New Paris, Ohio. However, by Christmas of that year, he had stopped working as a pastor. Instead, he was teaching singing classes in New Paris.
Hanby's Passing
Benjamin Hanby passed away in Chicago on March 16, 1867, when he was 33 years old. He died from tuberculosis. He is buried in Otterbein Cemetery in Westerville, Ohio.
Hanby House Today
Today, the Hanby House is a museum. The Westerville Historical Society manages it. Visitors can learn about Benjamin Hanby's life and his important contributions there.
