About Knowles Shaw
Lived 1834 – 1878 (aged 43). Knowles Shaw was an American composer and writer.
Knowles Shaw (October 13, 1834 – June 7, 1878) was an American writer and composer of gospel hymns.
Biography Shaw was born in Butler County in southwestern Ohio. His family moved to Rushville, Indiana when he was just a few weeks old. He was a member of the churches of Christ, also known as the Christian Church or Disciples of Christ at the time.
His best known work is the popular gospel song "Bringing in the Sheaves" (words). He also wrote "Tarry with Me" and a tune used with "We Saw Thee Not" among many other works.
Shaw was a prolific evangelist, known for his wit, knowledge of the Bible, and ability to generate and maintain rapport with an audience. He baptized over eleven thousand people in his ministry.
Death
Shaw died in a train wreck in McKinney, Texas, and a Methodist minister on board said that Shaw saved his life in the wreck. He was buried in East Hill Cemetery in Rushville, Indiana. His last words were: "It is a grand thing to rally people to the Cross of Christ."
Shaw’s works
Shining Pearls, 1868 The Golden Gate, 1871 Sparkling Jewels, 1871 The Gospel Trumpet, 1878 The Morning Star, 1878
Lyrics
"Bringing in the Sheaves" "The Handwriting on the Wall"
Tunes "We Saw Thee Not" "I am the Vine and Ye are the Branches" "Tarry with Me"
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Important facts
People in Knowles Shaw's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Knowles Shaw's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Knowles Shaw?
American author and composer noted for his gospel hymns (1834-1878)
When was Knowles Shaw born?
Knowles Shaw was born on 31 October 1834 in Butler County.
When did Knowles Shaw die?
Knowles Shaw died on 7 June 1878 in McKinney.
What was Knowles Shaw's occupation?
Knowles Shaw was a composer and writer.
What nationality was Knowles Shaw?
Knowles Shaw was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Knowles Shaw. https://biography.guide/knowles-shaw/
MLA: "Knowles Shaw." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/knowles-shaw/.
Chicago: "Knowles Shaw." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/knowles-shaw/.
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