The lyrics to “I Will Look For You Up Yonder” were written by William C. Poole (1875-1949). Poole was born and raised on a farm in Maryland. His parents belonged to the Methodist church. He graduated from Washington College and became a Methodist minister in Wilmington, Delaware area. He was pastor of McCabe Memorial, Richardson Park and other churches. In 1913 he was superintendent of the Anti-Saloon League of Delaware. He wrote about five hundred hymns. The writing was done as recreation and a diversion from his pastoral work. His goal in writing as well as in being a minister was to help people.

The music was composed by Bentley DeForrest Ackley. Ackley was born in 1872 in Spring Hill, Pennsylvania. He was the oldest son of Stanley Frank Ackley and the brother of A. H. Ackley. In his early years, he traveled with his father and his father's band. He learned to play several musical instruments. By the age of 16, after the family had moved to New York, he began to play the organ for churches. He married Bessie Hill Morley on December 20, 1893. In 1907 he joined the Billy Sunday and Homer Rodeheaver evangelist team as secretary/pianist. He worked for and traveled with the Billy Sunday organization for 8 years. He also worked as an editor for the Homer Rodeheaver publishing company. He composed more than 3000 tunes. He died September 3, 1958 in Winona Hills, Indiana at the age of 85.

Refrain:
At the roll call I will look for you,
At the roll call up above the blue,
When the roll is called in glory,
Will you be there?

I will look for you up yonder,
On that wonderful great day,
When we wake at call of Jesus,
And the earth shall pass away.

Refrain

Refrain

I will look for you up yonder,
Will you meet me there that day?
Will we meet with Christ the Savior,
Forevermore there to stay?

Refrain