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Francis Scott Key

1779 - 1843 Hymnal Number: 366 Composer of "[Oh, say can you see, by the dawn's early light]" in Inspiring Hymns Frances Scott Key USA 1779-1843. Born in Frederick County, MD, and educated at St. John’s College, Annapolis, MD, a devout Episcopalian, he practiced law in Washington, DC for four decades. He was U.S. District Attorney for the District of Columbia until his death. He argued some of his cases at the Supreme Court. Key served briefly in a Georgetown militia unit. He married Mary Tayloe Lloyd in 1802, and they had eleven children: Elizabeth, Maria, Francis, John, Anna. Edward, Daniel, Philip, Ellen, Maria, and Charles. He also wrote a few hymn lyrics. During the War of 1812, which Key was against, the British invaded the U.S. and burned the White House, Capitol Building, and Library of Congress. One of Key’s friends, Dr. William Beanes, accused of helping in the arrest of British soldiers, was taken prisoner by the British. With the permission of President James Madison, Keys went to Baltimore to try to secure his release with a prisoner exchange. Sailing on a sloup flying a flag of truce for several miles at sea, they found the Tonnant, the ship Beanes was held on, and finally negotiated the release, After showing the British letters from grateful wounded British troups that had been treated by Dr. Beanes. They tried to leave the area, but were temporarily prevented, as the British were bombarding Fort McHenry. Major George Armistead, Commander of Ft. McHenry, had asked that a large flag be made so British vessels could see it over the fort from a great distance. The flag made of cotton bunting was 24 x30 feet in size. When hoisted, it looked huge. Detained, and watching from a ship about eight miles away, Key saw the British fail to destroy the Fort, or even the flag flying over it. The British could not move in cfloser with their ships, as close-range bombardment from Americans had already sunk 22 vessels. After firing 1500 bomb shells, each weighing as much as 220 lbs. from a distance of several miles out the British gave up trying. Key penned his famous lines about the incident, then finished the poem in a hotel room later. The poem was printed in newspapers, and soon a popular drinking tune, “Anacreon in Heaven”, by John Stafford Smith, was chosen to accompany it, and people began referring to the song as “the star-spangled banner”. Four stanzas were written, but usually only one verse, the first, is sung. Key’s brother-in-law, Joseph Nicholson, noted that Key’s words fit the song, so he took the poem to a printer in Baltimore and had it printed. Two known copies of the printing have survived. His famous song was sung in 1897 at baseball opening day ceremonies in Philadelphia. In 1899 the U.S. Navy adopted the song. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson announced that it should be played at all official events. In 1918 it was sung during the 7th inning of the World Series . It was adopted as the National Anthem in March 1931. During WWII it was sung at every baseball game. Key was a slave owner for years, but an opponent of slave trafficking. He eventually became a leader of the American Colonization Society which sent freed slaves to Africa, and he freed his slaves, even giving free legal representation to some seeking their freedom. He also represented owners of run-away slaves. In 1841 Key became a member of President Andrew Jackson’s “kitchen cabinet” a group of informal close advisors that did not hold public office but met with the president from time to time. In 1823 Key helped found the Virginia Theological Seminary. He supported the Episcopal Church for decades, taking an active roll in Christ Church and St. John’s Church in Georgetown, and Trinity Church in Washington, DC. He served as a lay rector for many years, leading services and visiting the sick. Of his many poems, religious themes were frequent, and most of his works were printed, collected and published in New York as “Poems” in 1857. Key died in Baltimore, MD, of pleurisy. Honors include: two bridges names after him (in Arlington, VA & Baltimore, MD), St. John’s College auditorium, Inducted in Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, Key Hall at University of MD, a residence hall at George Washington U, a high school in rural MD, a middle school in Houston, TX, elementary schools in several states, a mall in MD, a Baltimore minor league baseball team, A San Francisco monument (torn down in 2020 by a radical group after a $140,000 renovation), a WWII Liberty ship, and a U.S. Navy submarine. Special note: In 2001, after the 9/11 catastrophe in New York, Queen Elizabeth II allowed her guards at Buckingham Palace to play the song, and the next day, at St. Paul’s Cathedral, she joined in the singing of it at a memorial service. John Perry ================= Key, Francis Scott, was born in Frederick County, Maryland, 1779, and educated at St. John's College, Annapolis. He practised as a lawyer in Washington, District of Columbia, and was the United States District Attorney there till his death on Jan. 11, 1843. His poetical pieces, which were printed in various works, were collected and published in New York as Poems in 1857. His hymns in common use include:— 1. Before the lord we bow. National Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving hymn for the 4th July was published in 1832, and was probably written for the celebration of that year. It is in use in Great Britain and America. 2. If life's pleasures charm [cheer] thee. The heart for God only. Appeared in The Christian Lyre, 1830. 3. Faith is the Christian's evidence. Faith. 4. Lord, with glowing heart I'll praise Thee. Praise for Pardon and Peace. Published in Dr. Mühlenberg's Church Poetry, 1823, the Prayer Book Collection, 1826, &c.; and altered as "Lord, with fervor I would praise Thee," in the Unitarian Hymns for the Church of Christ, Boston, 1853. In the Oberlin, Ohio, Manual of Praise, 1880, it begins with st. ii., "Praise, my soul, the God that sought thee." Of these hymns Nos. 1, 2, and 4 are in the Lyra Sacra Americana, 1868, together with the following:— 5. Behold the grant the King of kings. All things in Christ. 6. My God, my Father, may I dare. God, the Father. 7. When troubles, wave on wave, assail'd. Efficacy of Prayer. F. S. Key was also the author of "The Star Spangled Banner" (1814). For original text of his pieces see the Poems, 1857. [Rev. F. M. Bird, M.A.] -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Francis Pott

1832 - 1909 Person Name: F. Pott Hymnal Number: 244 Author of "Angel Voices, Ever Singing" in Inspiring Hymns Francis Pott studied at Brasenose College, Oxford, where he graduated B.A. in 1854, and M.A. in 1857. He was ordained Deacon in 1856, and Priest in 1857. He was Curate of Bishopsworth, Bristol, 1856; of Ardingley, Sussex, 1858; was appointed to Ticehurst in 1861; and is now incumbent of Northill, Bedfordshire. Mr. Pott has made many acceptable translations, and has edited "Hymns Fitted to the Order of Common Prayer, etc.;" a compilation of real merit. --Annotations of the Hymnal, Charles Hutchins, M.A., 1872 ============ Pott, Francis, M.A., was born Dec. 29, 1832, and educated at Brasenose, College, Oxford, B.A. 1854; M.A. 1857. Taking Holy Orders in 1856 he was curate of Bishopsworth, Gloucestershire, 1856-8; Ardingly, Berks, 1858-61; Ticehurst, Sussex, 1861-66; and Rector of Norhill, Ely, 1866. His Hymns fitted to the Order of Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, According to the Use of the Church of England, To which are added Hymns for Certain Local Festivals, was published in 1861, and reprinted from time to time with a few additions. Mr. Pott contributed translations from the Latin and Syriac, and original hymns, including “Angel voices ever singing" (p. 68, ii.), and "Lift up your heads, eternal gates" (Ascension). These original hymns, together with his translations, have been received with much favour and are widely used. In several.…works, several translations from the Latin, and other hymnological work, are attributed to Archdeacon Alfred Pott. We are authorized to state that this ascription of authorship is an error. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

C. G. Gläser

1784 - 1829 Person Name: Carl Glasser Hymnal Number: 266 Composer of "[O for a thousand tongues to sing]" in Inspiring Hymns Carl Gotthelf Gläser Germany 1781-1829. Born at Weissenfels, Burgenlandkreis, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany, he received musical training from his father, after which he attended St. Thomas school in Leipzig. He became an author and composer. At Barmen he taught voice, piano, and violin. He also wrote and conducted chorale music. He died at Barmen. John Perry

Francis Bottome

1823 - 1894 Person Name: Frank Bottome Hymnal Number: 329 Author of "O Sing of His Mighty Love" in Inspiring Hymns Bottome, F., S.T.D., was born in Derbyshire, England, May 26, 1823. In 1850, having removed to America, he entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopalian Church; and in 1872 he received the degree of S.T.D. from Dickinson's College, Carlisle, Penn. In addition to assisting in the compilation of B. P. Smith's Gospel Hymns, London, 1872: Centenary Singer, 1869; Hound Lake, 1872, he has written:— 1. Come, Holy Ghost, all sacred fire. Invocation of the Holy Spirit. Appeared in R. P. Smith's Gospel Hymns, 1872. It is in several collections, including the Ohio Hymn Book of the Evangelical Association, 1881, No. 364. 2. Full salvation, full salvation. Joy of full Salvation. Written in 1871, and published in a collection by Dr. Cullis of Boston, 1873. Also in the Ohio Hymn Book, 1881, No. 384. 3. Love of Jesus, all divine. Love of Jesus. Written in 1872, and published in his Hound Lake, 1872. It is in several collections. 4. O bliss of the purified, bliss of the free. Sanctification. Written in 1869, and published in the Revivalist, and numerous hymn-books in America, including the Ohio Hymn Book as above, 1881, No. 477, &c. His hymns, "Sweet rest in Jesus"; and "Oneness in Jesus," are also found in several collections for evangelistic services. -- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)

Adoniram J. Gordon

1836 - 1895 Person Name: A. J. Gordon Hymnal Number: 338 Composer of "[My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine]" in Inspiring Hymns Gordon, Adoniram Judson, D.D., born at New Hampton, N.H., Apr. 19, 1836. Graduated at Brown University, 1860; entered the Baptist ministry; Pastor of Clarendon Street Baptist Church, Boston, 1869; and died in 1895. He published The Vestry Hymn and Tune Book, 1872; and was one of the editors of the Service of Song for Baptist Churches, 1871. His hymns in common use include:— 1. O blessed Paraclete. [Holy Spirit .] Given in Sursum Corda, 1898, as having been written in 1890. 2. O Spirit's anointing, for service appointing . [Foreign Missions.] This hymn was "written in the summer of 1886, at Northfield School for Bible Study, organised by Mr. Moody. More than one hundred college students connected with this school gave themselves to the work of foreign missions during their stay at Northfield. Four of their number were chosen to visit the colleges in different parts of the country, and endeavour to awaken a deeper interest in missions during the succeeding academic year. At their request Dr. Gordon” wrote this hymn. Baptist Hymns and Hymn Writers. 3. Where art thou, soul! I hear God say. [Divine Chiding.] Published in social meeting edition of The Service of Song, 1881. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)

M. M. Wells

1815 - 1895 Person Name: M. M. W. Hymnal Number: 337 Author of "Holy Spirit, Faithful Guide" in Inspiring Hymns Converted to Christianity as a youth at a mission in Buffalo, New York, Marcus Morris Wells (b. Cooperstown, NY, 1815; d. Hartwick, NY, 1895) spent most of his life near Hartwick as a farmer and maker of farm implements. He is remembered in hymnody for writing both the text and tune of "Holy Spirit, Faithful Guide." "On a Saturday afternoon, October 1858, while at work in my cornfield, the sentiment of the hymn came to me," writes Wells. "The next day, Sunday, being a very stormy day, I finished the hymn and wrote the tune for it and sent it to Prof. I. B. Woodbury." Isaac Woodbury was the editor of the New York Musical Pioneer, and the original text and tune were first published in that periodical's November 1858 issue. Bert Polman ================= Wells, Marcus M. Concerning this author and his hymn we have no information beyond the following facts:— Holy Spirit, faithful Guide. [Whitsuntide.] Appeared in The Sacred Lute, by T. E. Perkins, N.Y., undated [1864], p. 373, with music. Both words and music are attributed therein to M. M. Wells. The hymn has since been repeated in several English and American collections, including I. D. Sankey's Sacred Songs and Solos, 1878. It is dated 1858. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907)

Eben E. Rexford

1848 - 1916 Hymnal Number: 102 Author of "O Where Are the Reapers?" in Inspiring Hymns Rexford, Eben Eugene.M (Johnsburg, New York, July 16, 1848--October 16, 1916, Shiocton, Wisconsin). Horticulturalist and editor of a Wisconsin farm journal. Many of his verses were used to fill empty corners of the journal. He also wrote many books on gardening. Lawrence University (Appleton, Wisc.), Litt.D. Twenty-five years, organist at First Congregational Church, Shiocton. See: Smith, Mary L.P. (1930). Eben E. Rexford; a biographical sketch. Menasha, Wis., George Banta Pub. Co. --Leonard Ellinwood, DNAH Archives and Gabriel, Charles H. (1916). Singers and Their Songs. Chicago: The Rodeheaver Company. =============== Rexford, Eben Eugene , an American writer, born July 16, 1848, is the author of Nos. 199, 246, 263, 353, in I. D. Sankey's Sacred Songs and Solos), 1878, No. 5, and 456 in the Methodist Sunday School Hymnbook, 1879. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, Appendix, Part II (1907) ================ Rexford, E. E. , p. 1587, ii. Additional hymns by this author in common use include:— 1. He saw the wheat fields waiting. Harvest of the World. 2. O where are the reapers. Missions. 3. Rouse up to work that waits for us. Duty. 4. We are sailing o'er an ocean. Life's Vicissitudes. --John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, New Supplement (1907) ================

W. S. Pitts

1830 - 1918 Person Name: W. S. P. Hymnal Number: 144 Author of "The Church in the Wildwood" in Inspiring Hymns William Savage Pitts MD USA 1830-1918. Born at Yates, NY, the son of Puritans, he was the 8th of nine children. He had musical ability from an early age, taking formal music lessons from a graduate of the Boston Handel & Hadyn Society. At age 19, he traveled with his family to Rock County, WI, where he worked as a rural music schoolteacher in Union, WI. He taught for several years, there and at singing schools, and for brass bands, composing much of their music. In 1857 he traveled to Fredericksburg, IA, to visit his fiancee, Ann Eliza Warren, a teacher. Along the way he stopped his horse-drawn wagon at Bradford, IA, to rest. He walked across a field and saw a picturesque wooded valley formed by the Cedar River. Viewing the spot, he envisioned a church building there. He couldn’’t get the image out of his mind. Returning home to WI, he wrote out the words to a poem about the envisioned scene, calling it “Church in the wildwood”, for his own sake. He was then at rest about it. In 1862, he was married in Union, WI, and he and his wife moved to Fredericksburg to be near her elderly parents. Upon returning to Iowa, Pitts stopped along the route at the same location he had five years before to see it again. He was surprised to see a little church being built, and being painted brown. He met with the builders and asked why it was being painted brown, finding out that it was the cheapest paint they could find.. money being tight. The church builders, learning about his poem written several years earlier, asked him to bring his church choir to the dedication and sing a dedicatory song. In 1863 he did so. This was the first time the song was sung in public. The Pitts remained at Fredersicksburg, IA, for 44 years and had five children: Nellie, Grace, Alice, William, and Kate. Pitts served as mayor of Fredericksburg for seven years, as school treasurer for 26 years, wrote a biographical local history, and was a Master Freemason. In 1865 Pitts moved to Chicago to enroll at Rush Medical College. While there, to pay expenses, he offered several songs he had written to a music publisher, who chose his song “Little brown church in the vale”, and he sold the rights to his song for $25. He completed medical school, graduating in 1868, but the song was largely forgotten for several decades. Pitts practiced medicine in Fredericksburg until 1906. His wife died in 1886, and he remarried to Martha Amelia Pierce Grannis in 1887. They moved to Clarion, IA, in 1906. She died in 1909. Pitts then moved to Brooklyn, NY, to be with his son, William, who was working for the U. S. War Department. Pitts joined Fredericksburg’s Baptist Church in 1871, then the Congregational Church in Clarion, IA, in 1906, and later the Dyker Heights Congregational Church in Brooklyn, NY, in 1909. He occasionally performed his most famous song. He died at Brooklyn, NY, but was buried in Fredericksburg, IA. John Perry

Joseph P. Holbrook

1822 - 1888 Person Name: J. P. Holbrook Hymnal Number: 332 Composer of "[Jesus, Lover of my soul]" in Inspiring Hymns Joseph P. Holbrook was a tune writer in the parlor music style, and used the popular melodies of Mason and Hastings, Bradbury and Root, Greatorex and Kingsley in his collections. He furnished settings for the choir hymns in Songs for the Sanctuary in his Quartet and chorus Choir (New York, 1871, and sought more recogniation than had been given him in a hymnal of his own, Worship in Song (New York, 1880); a book that found no welcome. from The English hymn: its development and use in worship By Louis FitzGerald Benson