Eliza Hewitt, who wrote the words to this hymn, began teaching school in Philadelphia soon after she graduated from high school. Her teaching career was cut short after a student hit her with a piece of slate, causing a painful spinal injury. Though she partially recovered, she had periodic relapses which resulted in her being an invalid for life. Unable to continue teaching school, she turned to hymn writing. One of her goals in hymn writing was to help children understand the gospel message.
Hewitt became superintendent of Sunday school for the Northern Home for Friendless Children. She enjoyed attending the Methodist camp meetings in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, and there met Emily D. Wilson who wrote the music to "When We All Get To Heaven" and other of her hymns. Other hymns written by Hewitt include "Give Me Thy Heart, Says the Father Above," "When We All Get to Heaven," "Sunshine in My Soul," "Will there be any Stars in My Crown?" and "More About Jesus Would I Know."