Frances Jane [Fanny] Crosby van Alstyne (24 Mar 1820 – 12 Feb 1915 | Brewster NY – Bridgeport CT) poet, lyricist, composer, blind activist, mission worker, autobiographical author.

The blind girl’s home was near an ancient wood, where many an oak gigantic stood. She sat

dejected and alone: no mother’s accents dear came softly on that blind girl’s ear. No longer

friendless shalt thou roam, I’ll take thee to a happier home – erected for the Blind. Go, gentle

reader, back with me a few short years, and thou shalt see the blind, in mental darkness, left

their way to grope, many reft of all that rendered life most dear. A philanthropic few arose,

resolved the blind to educate, thus their lot to ameliorate. This noble edifice complete, the

friendless, deserted blind a home and friends do find. Ah! who could not be happy here? The

blind from every State may in its joy participate! Protect, oh Lord! the dwelling of the blind.

Blind superstition wields its sceptre here and there. But now behold, instruction hath a ray to

cheer the blind. Do not refuse them aid! For with illumined education, the blind can also do.

Crosby, Fanny. The Blind Girl, and Other Poems. New York: Wiley & Putnam, 1844. https://archive.org/details/blindgirlandoth00crosgoog/page/n172/mode/1up?q=blind