Whiter Than Snow Lyrics James L. Nicholson, 1872

James L. Nicholson

1828 to 1876

James Nicholson was born in Ireland and emigrated to the United States at about age 25. He lived in Philadelphia for about twenty years and worked as a postal clerk. At Wharton Street Methodist Episcopal Church he taught Sunday school, led congregational singing and helped in evangelistic work. Around 1871 he moved to Washington, D.C., and again worked as a postal clerk. He also wrote books on the care of birds and on forensic medicine. Hymnary.org gives his dates as 1828 to 1876, though two hymnals print 1896 as the year of his death. He is buried in Philadelphia, and his best known hymn is Whiter Than Snow.

William G. Fischer

1835 to 1912

William Gustavus Fischer was born in Baltimore in 1835 and developed an interest in music at singing schools. He worked in the bindery of a Philadelphia publisher, taught music at Girard College, and co-owned a piano business and music store in Philadelphia. He became a popular director at revival meetings and choral festivals. In 1876 he led a choir of a thousand voices at a revival meeting with Dwight L. Moody and Ira Sankey. He composed about two hundred tunes for Sunday school hymns and gospel songs. His tune FISCHER goes with Whiter Than Snow. He died in Philadelphia in 1912.