Charles Fenno Hoffman

Charles Fenno Hoffman (1806–1884) was an American poet, novelist and editor, born in New York City. He edited several magazines, including the Knickerbocker, and wrote travel sketches of the American frontier as well as songs and ballads.

He suffered a mental breakdown in 1849 and spent his last decades in a hospital for the insane. His song “Sparkling and Bright” was widely sung.