Benjamin Hanby

Benjamin Hanby

Benjamin Russell (or Russel)^[1] Hanby (July 22, 1833 – March 16, 1867) was an American composer, educator, pastor, and abolitionist. He is known for composing approximately 80 songs and hymns, most notably "Darling Nelly Gray" and the Christmas songs "Up on the Housetop", and "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas".^{[citation needed]}