Description
BAPTIST MINISTER WHO WROTE THE PATRIOTIC SONG AMERICA (MY COUNTRY, ‘TIS OF THEE) IN 1831
SAMUEL FRANCIS
SMITH (1808-95) HANDWRITTEN LYRICS TO FIRST STANZA OF “AMERICA” SIGNED, “S. F. Smith”,
4.5 x 7, by the Baptist Minister, journalist, and author who wrote over 150
other hymns. In full: “America/My country, -‘tis of thee,/Sweet land of
liberty,/Of thee I sing,/Land where my fathers died,/Land of the pilgrims’
pride,/From every mountain side/Let freedom ring./S. F. Smith./Written in
1832/Dec.11, 1888.” He actually wrote the lyrics to “America” in 1931, while still a
student at Andover Theological Seminary and it was first published in 1832. Smith
later became editor of the Christian Review and other publications of
the Baptist Missionary Union. “America”
was sung at his funeral. Comes with the
original mailing envelope addressed by him to Miss Annie Citory, Harrisburg, PA,
postmarked Newton Center, Mass., Dec 12, 1888. Also included are a
wonderful article “How ‘America’
Was Written” and several original newspaper clippings about his death. All five items are in fine condition,
with minor age toning, and would make an attractive ensemble display.
$2300 #12420ZIIRR
