The story of "Say, Bummers...?" seems not to have been in print before 1883 in the Harrisburg (Pa.) Telegraph (Apr. 17). The column was widely reprinted in papers afterward.

I've found no earlier reference to it. The story, as related by Maj. O. C. Bosbyshell, a Civil War veteran and Coiner United States Mint, seems plausible. He notes, however, that Steffe was responsible only for the tune.

If true, the hymn should have been written, if not by Steffe, by someone closely connected to the Charleston, S.C., fire company.

I admit, though, that I'm a little skeptical of the story. Why would a well-known composer of Christian hymns be so ready to write an air to "a series of verses, the chorus of which ran, 'Say, bummers, will you meet us?'"

I'm not sure if any of the verses have ever appeared.

Otherwise, the following hymn appears anonymously in H. D. Allen's "Harp of Eden" (1850), regrettably without a tune:

                      MARCH AROUND JERUSALEM

My brother, will you meet me
On that delightful shore?
My brother, will you meet me,
Where parting is no more?

[Cho.]:

Then we'll march around Jerusalem,
Then we'll march around Jerusalem,
Then we'll march round Jerusalem,
When we arrive at home.


The following verses are identical except for the substitution of
"O, Sister," "O, Leader," "O, Preacher," "O, Classmate," "Young Convert," "O, Mourner," "Backslider," "O, Sinner." The final stanza has, "Yes, bless the Lord, I'll meet you."