In a late change of plan, he sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business. His business interests were further hit by the economic downturn of 1873, at which time he had planned to travel to Europe with his family. The first two were the death of his four-year-old son and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which ruined him financially. “This hymn was written after traumatic events in Spafford’s life. Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
