Smith, Samuel Francis, 1808-1895

Variant names
Dates:
Birth 1808-10-21
Death 1895-11-16

Biographical notes:

America (My country 'tis of thee) was premiered on 4 July 1831, at a children's celebration in the Park Street Church of Boston. It was written approximately 6 months earlier.

From the description of My country 'tis of thee : manuscript, [1831] (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 612783134

Writer of the words to song America also called My Country Tis of Thee.

From the description of One stanza of America. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library). WorldCat record id: 55492324

Samuel F. Smith, Baptist cleryman, editor and poet, author of "America." In 1832, Smith graduated from Andover Theological Seminary, and soon was ordained as a Baptist minister. From 1834 to 1842, he was professor of modern languages at Waterville College, Waterville, Maine and the pastor the First Waterville Baptist Church. In 1834, he married Mary White Smith. In 1841, Smith accepted a job as the editor of The Christian Review and returned to Boston. He also served as pastor at the Newton Center Baptist Church, just outside of Boston. In 1854, Smith became the secretary of the Baptist Missionary Union.

From the description of Papers of Samuel Francis Smith, 1822-1894 (bulk 1829-1840). (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 228736232

Rev. Samuel F. Smith, D.D., an ordained Baptist minister, was the author of the song "America."

From the description of Ms poem : Missionary Hynn for the Boston Young Men's Social Union, [18]95 March 19. (Boston Public Library). WorldCat record id: 37585592

American Baptist clergyman and poet born in Boston, Mass. He wrote the national hymn "My country 'tis of thee" in 1832 while attending Andover Theological Seminary.

From the description of Samuel F. Smith letter : Newton Centre, Mass., to Franklin W. Smith, 1895 Aug. 15. (Buffalo History Museum). WorldCat record id: 170581850

American Baptist clergyman and poet.

From the description of America : [n.p.] : autograph fair copy of the poem signed, "Written in 1832" but copied out at a later date. (Morgan Library & Museum). WorldCat record id: 78715108

From the description of America : autograph fair copy of the poem signed, [1832 or later]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 270661986

Baptist minister, editor, and poet.

From the description of Papers, 1832-1967. (Andover Newton Theological School). WorldCat record id: 12195678

Samuel Francis Smith (1808-1895) was an American Baptist minister, journalist and author from Boston. He graduated from Harvard and after trying a career in journalism attended Andover Theological Seminary. He is best known for having written the lyrics to "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" (the tune is considerably older) which he originally called "America," and which was first performed on July 4, 1831.

From the guide to the Samuel Francis Smith Manuscripts, 1815-1889, (Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries)

Smith was a Baptist clergyman and poet.

From the description of AMsS, 1892 November 8. : "My Country, 'tis of Thee." (Copley Press, J S Copley Library). WorldCat record id: 17351567

J.J. Nagel was a school principal in Davenport, Iowa. Mr. Smith was in Davenport to visit his son, who introduced him to Mr. Nagel at church the day before Smith presented this to him. Smith had originally written this piece in 1832.

From the description of America : holograph copy of lyrics written by Smith for J. J. Nagel, 1893 May 1. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122546547

Samuel Francis Smith was an American clergyman and writer, best known as the author of the song, America. Born in Boston, he was educated at Harvard University and the Andover Theological Seminary. While at Andover, Smith was asked by Lowell Mason to write or translate lyrics for German songs; he wrote "My Country, 'Tis of Thee," later published as "America," as part of this project, reportedly dashing off the original five verses in thirty minutes to the tune of God Save the King. Smith later held several positions as pastor or teacher, travelled widely as a missionary, and continued to write both poetry and prose throughout his life.

From the description of America, 1893 October 24. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 232360865

Clergyman & poet.

From the description of Papers of Samuel F. Smith [manuscript], 1884-1895. (University of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 647814580

American clergyman, editor, poet; author of "America."

From the description of Poem to his wife, 1895 September 16. (University of Virginia). WorldCat record id: 49321951

Author of the patriotic song, "America."

From the description of Papers, 1831-1936. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 32878788

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Subjects:

  • Authors, American
  • Poets, American
  • Baptists
  • Baptists
  • Baptists
  • Christmas
  • Church and clergy
  • Fourth of July celebrations
  • Fourth of July orations
  • Literature
  • Love-letters
  • Municipal incorporation
  • Music
  • Popular music
  • National songs
  • Patriotic music
  • Poetry
  • Poetry
  • Songs
  • Travelers' writings, American
  • Women

Occupations:

  • Authors

Places:

  • Europe (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)
  • Newton (Mass.) (as recorded)
  • Newton (Mass.) (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)
  • Boston (Mass.) (as recorded)
  • Massachusetts--Newton (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)
  • India (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)
  • Newton (Mass.) (as recorded)
  • Newton (Mass.) (as recorded)
  • New England (as recorded)
  • Massachusetts--Newton (as recorded)
  • New England (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)
  • Massachusetts--Boston (as recorded)
  • United States (as recorded)