The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1905-03-05

be sung when Mr.. Bradbury died In
1868.
After this she wrote hymns for Rob-
ert Lowry, w. II. Doane and for Bige-
low & Main. her present publishers.
She also wrote a number of cantatas
that were immensely popular years ago.
including The Flower Queen" and
The Pilgrim Fathers"
Miss Crosby is still interested in the
popular songs of the day. and finds
constant source Of regret in the fact
that so many pretty airs are wasted
on verses totally unworthy of them.
Have | ever thought of writing
songs?" she repeated. when the ques-
ton was asked. why, we were talk
ing about ii the other day. and l said
j would never consent to have my name
attached to some of the verses that
are now being sung, although / think
some OF the airs are beautiful. 1 think
the piece called Blue Bell is one of the
prettiest 1 have ever heard.
Sometimes these popular airs get
running through my head and 1 cam
not get rid of them. | remember when
the song A Hot Time in the Old Town
was being sung. One night 1 was sit
ting up in my room until long after
| midnight trying to compose a hymn.
and that tune was ringing through my
head so that l could not do anything.
Il Was IL the llIlic.
Il am not sure that a great work
could not be done in writing verses for
popular songs that would elevate them
above the present standard. and per-
haps l may try 10 do something on this
line"
Known by Americas Great Men
1t was while she was a young woman
in the '30s that Miss Crosby became
known as a song writer. She was
spending a vacation in Reading when
she became acquainted with Prof.
George +. Root. who i'm after years be-
came the composer of so many songs.
Prof. Root became impressed with Miss
Crosby's talent, and they formed a
combination i'm which she wrote the
verses for the songs that he composed.
During the war Miss Crosby wrote a
number of patriotic songs.
She has enjoyed the friendship of a
number of prominent men, including
Presidents Tyler and Van Buren,. Henry
Clay, William II. Seward and Gen.
Winfield Scott. and she has met many
Of the most conspicuous figures in
American history since those days.
One of the most pathetic incidents OF
her life is told in connection with the
| friendship that existed between herself
and Henry Clay. The great statesman
had lost a son in the Mexican battle OF
Monterey, and Miss Crosby wrote a
few appropriate stanZas and sent them
TO the father. These touched him deep
ly. A few months later, while visit
ing New York, he was received at the
institution where Miss Crosby was
| teaching. She had been delegated to
give him a poetical welcome. and after
IL was over Mr.. Clay drew the blind
girls arm in his and wept as he said:
This is not the first poem for which
1 am Indebted to this lady. She sent
me some beautiful lines on the death of
my dear son.
Mr.. Clay soon recovered himself by
| a splendid effort" said Miss Crosby,
when recalling this incident, but /
could not control my tears"
Miss Crosby also had the distinction
of being the first woman whose voice
was ever publicly heard in the senate
chamber in Washington. This was way
back in the sos when she read a poem
there:
Some of Miss Crosby's hymns that
continue popular in addition to safe
In the Arms OF Jesus" Rescue the
Perishing" and Pass Me Not, o Gentle
Savior" are Jesus Is Calling Bless
ed Assurance" "All the Way Ny Savior
Leads Me-" Saved by Grace" There's
Cry From Macedonia" Jesus the
Water of Life Will Give" Keep Me
Near the Cross" Let the Good Angels
Come In" Strike the Harp of Zion"
Blessed Homeland" Twill Not Be