The song was wrote in 1822 by James Lord Pierpont. He both composed the music and wrote the lyrics for this traditional song. Pierpont also happened to be related to the millionaire J.P. Morgan. This sign commemorates the well known song and the writer. It is located in Savannah Georgia
Pierpont's father was an abolitionist Unitarian minister. The father and son duo would would travel away on adventures. Pierpont the composer ran off from boarding school at the age of 14 and joined a whaling ship crew. For the next 10 years he would stay at sea. Eventually it would be the gold rush in California that would lead him off in another grand adventure.
Having no more richer than when he left he would not be done with adventures. In 1853 Pierpont became the organist at the Unitarian church in Savannah Georgia. His brother was the pastor of the church However, he did not share the same views as his father or brother.
Pierpont was a supporter of the Confederacy. In 1859 the church he was at was forced to close due to abolitionist preaching. His brother would head north but Pierpont would stay in Savannah enlisting in the 1st Georgia Cavalry. He would serve as company clerk while his father served on the Union side as chaplain with the 22nd Massachusetts Infantry. Following the war he would stay in the south retiring and living out his remaining years in Florida
The song was first printed under the title "One Horse Open Sleigh" Later the song's title changed to "Jingle Bells"
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Didn't realize the song dated back to the 1800's . Interesting info- thanks
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