Daniel Webster Whittle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel Webster Whittle
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| Born | November 22, 1840 |
| Died | March 4, 1901 (aged 60) |
Daniel Webster Whittle (born November 22, 1840, died March 4, 1901) was an important American writer of gospel songs, a preacher, and a Bible teacher in the 1800s. He is often called "Major Whittle" because of his time serving in the American Civil War.
Life and Career of Major Whittle
Daniel Whittle was born in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. In 1861, he married Abbie Hanson. The very next night, he joined the 72nd Illinois Infantry and went to fight in the American Civil War.
He was injured during the Battle of Vicksburg. He also marched with General William Tecumseh Sherman's army through Georgia. When the war ended, he was given the honorary rank of major. This is why many people still know him as Major Whittle.
After the war, Whittle moved to Chicago. He worked for the Elgin Clock Company. There, he became good friends with Dwight Lyman Moody, a famous preacher. Moody encouraged Whittle to leave his job and become an evangelist, sharing his faith with others.
One of Whittle's experiences during the war inspired a famous gospel song called "Hold the Fort." This song was written by Philip Paul Bliss. Whittle later edited a book about Bliss's life. He also worked with Bliss's sister, Mary Elizabeth Willson.
Whittle wrote about 200 hymns. He often used the pen name "El Nathan." However, today, most hymn books use his real name. Two of his most well-known hymns are "I Know Whom I Have Believed" and "Showers of Blessing." James McGranahan wrote the music for these songs, and also for Whittle's "Banner of the Cross." The music for "I Know Whom I Have Believed" is even named EL NATHAN, after Whittle's pen name.
Whittle's daughter, Mary "May" Whittle Moody, also composed music. She wrote the tune for his hymn "Moment by Moment," which starts with the line "Dying with Jesus."
A Famous Hymn: "I Know Whom I Have Believed"
Here is a part of one of Daniel Whittle's most famous hymns:
I know not why God's wondrous grace
To me He hath made known;
Nor why—unworthy—Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
[REFRAIN]
But I know whom I have believèd
And am persuaded that he is able
To keep that which I've committed
Unto Him against that day.
