D W Whittle Ed: - "Major Daniel Webster Whittle (November 22, 1840 in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts - March 4, 1901 in Northfield, Massachusetts) was an American gospel song lyricist, evangelist, and Bible teacher of the nineteenth century. Whittle was involved in Dwight Lyman Moody's evangelistic operations. He served in the American Civil War after marrying Abbie Hanson the night before deploying with Company B of the 72d Illinois Infantry in 1861. He was wounded at Vicksburg and marched across Georgia with General William Tecumseh Sherman's soldiers. Whittle was promoted to major at the end of the war and is still recognized as Major Whittle among hymnologists. After settling in Chicago to work for the Elgin Clock Company, he became close to Moody, who encouraged him to pursue evangelistic work. One of Whittle's battle experiences inspired the gospel song "Hold the Fort" by Philip Paul Bliss, whose biography Whittle edited. He was also known to have collaborated with Mary Elizabeth Willson, Bliss' sister. Whittle largely wrote under the pen name "El Nathan," though editors of later hymnals frequently use his full name. "I Know Whom I Have Believed" and "Showers of Blessing" are two of his most well-known songs. The songs for each of these, as well as Whittle's "Banner of the Cross," were written by James McGranahan."