Updated: 1/24/2012
This is the home of Benjamin Russel Hanby, composer of numerous songs, most notably, "Darling Nelly Gray" and "Up On The Housetop." Hanby played many roles in his life: student, abolitionist, father, teacher, and minister. But it was as a composer that we best remember him.
The house was built in 1846 and occupied by the Hanbys from 1853 to 1870. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. From their house and barn, Ben Hanby and his father, Bishop William Hanby, ran a busy station on the Underground Railroad. The home contains furniture and personal items from the family. There is a walnut desk made by Hanby. The original plates for the first edition of Darling Nelly Gray and a large collection of sheet music and books are at the site. The home is listed on the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
The house is maintained and operated by the Westerville Historical Society under agreement with the Ohio Historical Society
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Group and private tours by appointment
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