filched bio of Johann Wilhelm Hey, who wrote "Weißt du, wieviel Sternlein stehen an dem blauen Himmelszelt?"

Filched bio of Johann Wilhelm Hey, who wrote the children's lullaby

Weißt du, wieviel Sternlein stehen an dem blauen Himmelszelt?

(Do you know how many little stars twinkle in the blue heavens?)

Johann Wilhelm Hey

Born: 26 March 1789, Leina (near Gotha), Germany.
Died: May 19, 1854, Ichtershausen, Germany.

Son of H. A. Hey, pastor at Leina, Wilhelm studied at the University of Jena and Göttingen. In 1811, he became a licentiate in theology, and after varied work as a tutor, became in 1818 pastor at Töttelstadt, near Gotha. In 1827, he became court preacher at Gotha, where his preaching attracted large audiences. In 1832, he was appointed superintendent of Ichtershausen.

Hey wrote his poetry mostly for children. His works include:

* Fabeln für Kinder (Tales for Children, 1833)

Hymns

1. Alle Jahre wieder, kommt das Christus Kind
2. Aus dem Himmel ferne
3. Glöcklein klingt, Vöglein singt
4. Weißt du, wie viel Sternlein stehen
5. Wenn auch vor deiner Thür einmal
6. Wenn je du wieder zagst
7. Wenn Jesus liebt Der kann allein