(08) The Quiet Edmund Sears: Author of "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"

Edmund Sears was a quiet hero, lost to most histories but not to time. He lived an honest, modest life - kind to others, devoted to his family, avoiding unnecessary drama or attention. His life was simply one of goodness. In 1810, Edmund was born on a Massachusetts farm. He came of age in complex times, at least in his personal life. Edmund didn’t fit in, as he thought he should and as his brothers did in school. As he later recalled, “I went to school in an old loose gown, with the head piece and the body all in one. Because of the way I dressed, my schoolmates wondered to what species I belonged." Though quietly ashamed of his differences, Edmund persevered thanks to his mother's high expectations. Edmund Sears is the author of the famous Christmas hymn 'It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.'" *The cover art is an illustration of his 10 year old daughter Katy Sears who died tragically of scarlet fever