Benjamin R. Hanby

Benjamin Russell Hanby (1833–1867) was an American songwriter, minister, and educator born near Rushville, Ohio, son of a United Brethren minister. He composed around 80 songs, including the anti-slavery hit 'Darling Nelly Gray' (1856) and the Christmas song 'Up on the Housetop' (1864), attending Otterbein College and working as a teacher and pastor.[1][2][3]