Daniel Webster Whittle

Daniel Webster Whittle (1840–1901) was an American evangelist, Bible teacher, and gospel-song writer whose career joined Civil War service, business leadership, and the expanding revival movement of the late nineteenth century. Born at Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, on November 22, 1840, he moved to Chicago as a young man and worked for Wells, Fargo & Co. During the Civil War he served with the 72nd Illinois Infantry, was wounded at Vicksburg, and later served in staff and judge-advocate duties. He ended the war with the brevet rank of major, a title that remained closely associated with him.

After the war Whittle worked for the Elgin Watch Company. His growing involvement in evangelical work brought him into the circle of Dwight L. Moody, who encouraged him toward full-time ministry. Philip P. Bliss became his first prominent song leader; after Bliss and his wife died in the Ashtabula railroad disaster of 1876, James McGranahan became Whittle’s principal musical partner. Whittle and McGranahan subsequently conducted evangelistic campaigns in the United States and Britain.

Whittle wrote a large body of gospel texts, sometimes using the pseudonym El Nathan. Representative hymns include “I Know Whom I Have Believed,” “The Banner of the Cross,” and “There Shall Be Showers of Blessing.” His writing typically combines direct biblical language, testimony, invitation, and assurance, making him an important figure in the American gospel-song tradition that developed around evangelistic meetings, Sunday schools, and revival hymnals.