Joseph Scriven was born on September 10, 1819, in Banbridge, Ireland. He was raised in a wealthy family, but tragedy struck early in his life when his father passed away when Joseph was just nine years old. Despite this loss, Joseph excelled in his studies and eventually went on to attend Trinity College in Dublin. He showed an interest in poetry from a young age, and his talent for writing would eventually become his legacy.
After completing his education, Joseph decided to leave Ireland and start a new life in Canada. It was during his time in Canada that he truly found his calling as a poet. He was inspired by the natural beauty of the Canadian landscape, and his poetry often reflected his deep connection to the land.
Despite his success as a poet, Joseph's personal life was marked by tragedy. His first fiancee drowned on the eve of their wedding, leaving Joseph devastated. He eventually found love again, but his second wife-to-be also met a tragic end, succumbing to pneumonia before they could be married. These losses weighed heavily on Joseph, but he found solace in his faith and in his poetry.
Joseph Scriven is best remembered for his poem "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," which was later set to music and became a popular hymn. The hymn has been sung by countless people around the world and continues to inspire and uplift to this day. His poetry, though tinged with sadness, often expressed themes of faith, love, and resilience. His work has endured through the years and continues to touch the hearts of those who read it.
One of Joseph Scriven's most famous works, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," was covered by musician John Tesh. Tesh's rendition of the hymn brought Scriven's words to a new audience and introduced his poetry to a whole new generation. The collaboration between Tesh and Scriven serves as a testament to the enduring power of Scriven's words and their ability to resonate with people from all walks of life.
Joseph Scriven passed away on August 10, 1886, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry that continues to touch the hearts of those who read it. His words have lived on long after his death, a testament to the enduring power of his talent and the profound impact he had on the world of poetry. Joseph Scriven will always be remembered as a poet who found beauty in the midst of tragedy and whose words continue to inspire and comfort those in need.