Frances Jane Crosby (March 24, 1820 - February 12, 1915) more commonly known as Fanny Crosby, lost her sight as a child because of an infection and subsequent poor medical treatments.
Fanny did not let this disability stop her from being a very prolific hymn writer, having authored more than 8,000 songs, generally set to popular tunes of the time.
Crosby was the mind behind many hymns that are still in use, including "Blessed Assurance," "To God be the Glory," "Near the Cross," and "Pass me not, O Gentle Savior."
In addition to being a hymnist, Fanny was also an author of poetry, with her first published work, titled "A Blind Girl and Other Poems," released in 1844.