![]() In 1874, Crosby was reported to be "living in a destitute condition".J.W. The Van Alstynes collaborated on the production of a hymnal featuring only hymns written by them, but it was rejected by Biglow and Main, ostensibly because the directors believed the public would not buy a hymnal featuring only two composers, but probably due to the complexity of the melodies.Ruffin (1995), pp. Doane and Robert Lowry, ed., Pure Gold (New York, NY: Biglow and Main, 1871):44, Crosby indicated that "his taste was mostly for the wordless melodies of the classics". While Van Alstyne provided the music for some of her poetry,For example, see three songs in Knapp (1869) and "Stay Thee, Weary Child", in W. Crosby and Van also organized concerts, with half the proceeds given to aid the poor, in which Crosby gave recitations of her poems and sang and Van Alstyne played various instruments.Neptune (2001), pp. Although Crosby and Van could have lived comfortably on their combined income, Crosby "had other priorities and gave away anything that was not necessary to their daily survival". In addition to Crosby’s income as a poet and lyricist, Van played the organ at two churches in New York City, and gave private music lessons. God gave us a tender babe but the angels came down and took our infant up to God and to His throne".Īfter the death of their daughter, later in 1859 the Van Alstynes moved frequently, "establishing a pattern that continued for the rest of their lives", and never owned their own home, living in rented accommodation without a lease.Blumhofer (2005), p. I became a mother and knew a mother’s love. and Crosby never spoke publicly about being a mother, only mentioning it in a few interviews toward the end of her life, when she said: "Now I am going to tell you of something that only my closest friends know. 86–87.Īfter the death of their daughter, Van became increasingly reclusive,Neptune (2001), pp. While some believe the cause was typhoid fever,For example, see Eleanor Charles, "Fanny Crosby’s Day", The New York Times (August 30, 1992), Darlene Neptune speculates that it was SIDS, and that Crosby’s hymn, "Safe in the Arms of Jesus" was inspired by her daughter’s death.Neptune (2001), pp. In 1859 the Van Alstynes had one daughter, Frances, who died in her sleep soon after birth.Neptune (2001), p. However, according to Crosby biographer Edith Blumhofer: "Despite her education, her handwriting was barely legible, and on legal documents she signed her name with an X witnessed by friends".Blumhofer (2005), p. but she chose to use her married name on all legal documents.Neptune (2001), p. At Van’s insistence, Crosby continued to use her maiden name as her literary name for her compositions,Crosby (1903), pp. 90.Īfter their wedding, the Van Alstynes lived in a small home in the small rural village of Maspeth, New York, then with a population of about 200 people.Blumhofer (2005), p. During this time Crosby and Van Alstyne, whom his friends called "Van", were engaged to be married, necessitating her resignation from NYIB three days prior to their wedding at Maspeth, New York, on March 5, 1858.Blumhofer (2005), p. From 1855 Van Alstyne was a teacher at NYIB for two years. Alexander was blind and enrolled at the NYIB, where he was a casual acquaintance of Crosby and sometimes a student in her classes.Blumhofer (2005), p. (sometimes Van Alstine or Van Alsteine)Ruffin (1995), p. In the summer of 1843 Crosby met her future husband, Alexander Van Alstyne, Jr. ![]()
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