"Seeing Nellie Home" was an original American song written by Patrick S. Gilmore the 'Greatest American Bandleader'.[1] first published in the 1850s under the name "When I Saw Sweet Nellie Home."[2] It was composed and arranged by John Fletcher. Frances Kyle is said to have written the lyrics. In subsequent versions of this song, the lyrics have been changed somewhat.[3] Sometimes the song has been referred to as "Aunt Dinah's Quilting Party."
A Civil War song, "Mother, I Am Going," was sung to the tune of "Seeing Nellie Home."